Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Work on Ethan Frome presentations.  (See Monday for details.)

When you are finished work on Ethan Frome essay.

Tonight's Homework:

Finish presentation and be prepared to present tomorrow.

Ethan Frome test for Thursday.

Ethan Frome essay draft for Friday.

Boston Globe writing contest entries due this week! 

Monday, November 29, 2010

Word of the Day:  idiosyncratic 

Ethan Frome Technology Lesson

Word of the Day

At some point during class...

• Finish portfolio reflections
• Period 6 - Show me Ethan Frome title and outline homework (from last week)
• Collect Frome text sign-out sheet.

A 19th-century American etiquette book

Marriage and Women from the 19th-century on

A Social History of American Family Life

British Marriage Laws Around the Turn of the Century

Marriage and Divorce in Post-Victorian America

Download web links in document format here. 

Post-research discussion questions.

Monday's Homework:

Work on Ethan Frome PPT (due Wednesday).

Study for Ethan Frome test (Thursday).

Work on draft of Ethan Frome essay (due Friday).

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Portfolio Reflection

• Select your three top pieces of work from the quarter.
• Write a brief reflection on each piece that includes the following:
  • Identification of what curriculum standards are addressed by the assignment
  • What did you learn from the assignment?
  • How did you work on your writing in the assignment?
  • Why does the assignment represent your best work?
• Submit work and reflection to me to be included in your portfolio.

No Homework!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

If you want to get ahead, you may work on your Ethan Frome essay.  The first draft of this essay will be due on Friday, December 3.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Parent-Teacher Night Tonight - Who will be in attendance?

Word of the Day

Pair and Share HW (topic for Ethan Frome paper)

Student-Led Writing Stations

1. Thesis
2. Evidence
3. Primary Source Quotes
4. Secondary Source Quotes
5. Vocabulary and Lit Terms

Ticket Out the Door

1. What did you find useful about today's format?
2. What could be improved about today's format?

    

Download full lesson plan here.

Download handouts for individual stations here.

Long-Term Homework

Work on Ethan Frome essay.

Wednesday's Homework

Read ch. 7 and 8 of Ethan Frome.

Questions:

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 with his personality?

4.) Why does Ethan not consider his obligation to Mattie? What will his decision to remain with Zeea do to Maattie? Is this fair?

5.) How do Wharton's descriptions mmirror Ethan's state of mind and foreshadow the end?

Tuesday's Homework

Read ch. 5 and 6 of Ethan Frome.

Two questions:

What basic difference between Mattie and Ethan is highlighted in this chapter? 

How has the evening without Zeena altered Ethan's perception on life? 

Friday, November 12, 2010

SAT - practice test 1, section 6 - Writing - Complete and Review

Good Reads - read your book and share your reviews 

Friday's Homework

Read chapter 3 in Ethan Frome

Thursday, November 11, 2010

No school - Veterans' Day 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Quarter 1 Exam

Wednesday's Homework

Sign up for a Good Reads account.  Add a book to your shelf.  Write a 1-2 page book review and post it to Good Reads any time before Friday.

Links to Images for First Short Story Assignment

Click to download if you want to put an image in your story.

Man with mud on his face

People on train awaiting something

Couple facing the wall

Dead man

Couple arguing

Old men camping in the woods

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Word of the Day:  equanimity

Ethan Frome, Day 1

Introduction activities for the book's five major themes 

Check out today's lesson plan at my Lesson Plan Library.

Wednesday's Homework

Read Prologue (pp. 1-17).

Answer two of the following questions:

1. What does the name Starkfield suggest about the setting?  How goes Herman Gow corroborate this later?
2. What is the stereotype of an engineer?  How is the narrator/engineer atypical (not typical)?  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 signficant about the missing "L" structure on the farm?
4. What places do Herman Gow and Mrs. Ned Hale occupy in the story?

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

No school!  Election Day!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Word of the Day:  epitome

Writer's Workshop

"Slowing Down the Moment" Lesson

Monday's Homework

Work on two polished versions of your short stories.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Short Story Unit Test

Friday's Homework

Work on polishing two stories.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

"FUBAR" - read and discuss

Thursday's Homework

Study for short story test.

Bring outside reading book to read.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Word of the Day:  dillettante

"Why I Live at the P.O."

Do Now:  4 Questions about HW

Pair and Share HW (share, discuss, and submit)

Discussion Questions(and vocab)

Free Write:  My Crazy Family

Wednesday's Homework:

Write your own absurdist "crazy family" story. 

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Words of the Day:  Vexation, Aesthetic

"Trying to Save Piggy Sneed" 

Literary Term:  Memoir

Opener:  Journal 

Group Literary Analysis

Your Own Memoir Free Write

Download today's lesson plan on "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed."

Tuesday's Homework

Read "Why I Live at the P.O."

Write a one-page letter from one character in the story to Sister.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Word of the Day:  dichotomy

"A Retrieved Reformation" 

Opener:  Journal

Terminology

Discussion (and submit homework) 

"Self-fulfilling Prophecies"

Plot Diagram PowerPoint

Plot Diagram- "A Retrieved Reformation"

Download full lesson plan here.

Monday's Homework

Read "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed"

Complete a plot diagram for the story.

Be prepared for me to check your coming-of-age free write later in the week.

Friday, October 22, 2010 

Word of the Day:  deja vu 

SAT Practice Test 1, Section 2 (Passage-Based Reading)

Complete in 25 minutes and review answers

(While students take test, call attention to time limits and clues.)

Friday's Homework

Read "A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry.

Write one paragraph about what is ironic about the story.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 

Word of the Day:

Do Now:  Brainstorm your own coming-of-age experiences.

Free write on your coming-of-age experiences.

Discussion:  "Awaiting Orders" by Tobias Wolff

• Download discussion questions here.

Thursday's Homework

Complete final draft of Walden essay.

Wednesday, Octobe 20, 2010

Word of the Day:  caustic

A & P, John Updike

Literary Term:  coming-of-age 

Complete four discussion questions independently.

Large group discussion.

• Download discussion questions here.

Wednesday's Homework

Write a draft of your own coming-of-age stories.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Word of the Day:  catch 22 

Everyday Use, Alice Walker = Artifact Exchange

Read "Everday Use (for your Grandma's Bowling Balls)"

Take out your stories for snapshots, Girl, and artifacts

Pee Revision

• Pick the one you like the best 
• Complete Praise-Suggestion-Praise
• Focus on dialogue and verbs

Free Write:  Add to the one that you like the best

Tuesday's Homework

Read "A & P."

Work on Walden essay.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Word of the Day:  diffident 

Everyday Use, Alice Walker = Artifact Exchange

Discuss "Everyday Use" using handouts students completed for today.

• Mirrors and Windows
• Discussion Questions

Share artifacts in large circle

With partners, complete artifact exchange.

Homework

Write a story that involves your artifact.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Final PSAT Review

Review and submit practice test

Homework

Due Monday:  Complete Everyday Use handouts. 

Bring in an "artifact."

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Everyday Use, Alice Walker

• Signficance of quilts in American history
• Alice Walker's biography
• Read aloud and discuss Everyday Use 

Homework

• Due tomorrow:  Complete PSAT packet.  Write a brief explanation for each question you answered incorrectly.
• Due Monday:  Complete the following handouts for Everyday Use:
  • Mirrors and Windows
  • Discussion Questions

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Girl, Jamaica Kincaid

• Watch videos for songs that comment on modern female gender roles.  Then discuss commentary.
  • "Just a Girl"
  • "Stupid Girls" 
  • Download song lyrics here.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Distribute sample response paper by Ambrose for "Old Man at the Bridge."

Do now:  Read silently "Hills Like White Elephants"

Small group or large group discussion:  Use graphic organizer

Tonight's Homework:

Response paper for "Hills Like White Elephants"

Friday, June 10, 2011

Summer Reading List

Do Now:  Pair and Share College Essays

College Presentations

Outside Reading

Tonight's Homework:

Work on curriculum questions for Wednesday, June 22.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Review Basics of Hemingway's style

Wrap up Hamlet videos

Read "Old Man at the Bridge" silently

Small groups:  Hamlet graphic organizer - Download here.

Large group:  Discuss how the elements are present

Download some useful notes on Old Man at the Bridge here.

Tonight's Homework:

College essay.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Hamlet Video Presentation

Return Hamlet books

Homework:  Work on College Essay

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Distribute and review curriculum questions

Read excerpt from Gertrude and Claudius

Discuss Gertrude and Claudius

Homework:  Finish Hamlet video

Monday, June 6, 2011

Period 2 - Don't forget to submit last week's homework (SAT prompt brainstorming)

Work on Hamlet video

Work on college essay - Download essy prompts here.

Tonight's Homework

Work on Hamlet video

Friday, June 3, 2011

Distribute Class Calendar

Do Now:  With a partner, examine and review your SAT prompt thesis statements and bullet points

Last-minute SAT strategies

SAT practice (Grammar and Writing for Standardized Tests)

College presentations

Outside reading

Tonight's Homework

Work on Hamlet video

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Hamlet Test

• 35 multiple choice questions
• 1 short (3-4 paragraph) essay

Tonight's Homework

Write thesis statement and 3 bullet points for each of the 4 SAT prompts.

Internet link

Word document

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Work on Hamlet video

Review format of Hamlet test

HW:  Study for Hamlet Test

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Workshop Day:  Work on Hamlet Essay

Do Now:  5 minutes to work on your essay independently

Groups:  Writing Workshop

(get with other students who are writing about the same character as you)

Goals:

- Select quotes

- Identify talking points

- Workshop essay

HW:  Final draft of Hamlet essay

Friday, May 27, 2011

Do Now:  SAT practice (Vocabulary)

Sample Hamlet Essays:

• Mady Forcier

• Tasha Boos

College presentations

• per. 2:  Kyla, Breanna, Michael
• per. 6:  Neil, JJ, Alex

Outside reading

HW:  Work on Hamlet assignments (essay/video)

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Introduce Hamlet Video Project

Do Now:  Exchange thesis and outline for Hamlet essay with a partner.  Peer edit.  Mr. Ambrose will come around to check HW.  10 point HW grade.

Watch Reduced Shakespeare - Hamlet

Part 1 of 3

Part 2 of 3

Part 3 of 3

Review assignment.

Submit Hamlet 5.2 video sheet if you have not already.

HW:  Bring in outside reading book.  Work on Hamlet assignments.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Hamlet Discussion

Download SRS presentation here.

Answer student questions from last night's log.

Assign Hamlet character essay.

HW:  Work on Hamlet character essay.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Lesson 20:  The Last Gasp

View Act 5 on Video

Download guided viewing handout here.

Discuss the depiction of the Act

HW:  Write in your logs two or three questiosn about the play that haven't been answered for you.  Also, decide on a character that you'd like to write about for an essay.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Lesson 19:  The Gravediggers Scene

Take notes on the role of the clown

• comic relief
• provide insight

Act the Scene

Discuss the Scene

HW:  Read 5.2.  Write in logs.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Submit Hamlet essays

Do Now:  SAT Prep

Outside Reading

3 College Presentations

• Period 2:  Sophie, Daniela, Karissa
• Period 6:  Don, Sam, Steven

HW:  Read 5.1.  Write in logs.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Lesson 17:  Character Committees

Day 2:  Presentations

12-14 minute student-facilitated PowerPoint presentations on the following characters:

• Claudius - Download student work.

• Gertrude - Download student work.

• Ophelia - Download student work.
• Laertes

HW:  Work on essay due Friday, 5.21.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Lesson 17:  Character Committees

Day 1:  Committee Meetings

HW:  Be prepared to present your information to the class.  (Finish PowerPoint or poster.)

Work on essay due Friday 5.21.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Act 4 Guided Viewing

Discussion

Download questions here

Homework:

Finish questions.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Lesson 16:  The Closet Scene

Do Now:  Journal

Previewing 3.4

Viewing 3.4 (3 versions)

Discussion

HW:  Act 4 character committees logs due Tuesday, 5.17

Essay due Friday, 5.21 

Friday, May 13, 2011

Review SAT Packet

College Presentations

Outside Reading

HW:  Act 4 character committees logs due Tuesday, 5.17

Essay due Friday, 5.21

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Lesson 15:  Physicalizing Speech Presentations

Download handout here.

Group Meetings

Presentations

What These Passages Contribute to Character

Explain Character Committees

HW:  SAT Packet.

Bring in outside reading book.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Lesson 14:  "Be Not Too Tame Neither"

Do Now:  Our Mousetrap Production

• Discuss yesterday's classwork/homework - your own vision of a production of the Mousetrap, and submit HW

Comparative Film Analysis

• Choose from three of the following:
  • Mel Gibson
  • David Tennant
  • Kenneth Branaugh
  • Ethan Hawke

Discuss Various Versions of The Mousetrap Scene

Assign Essay (Due next Wednesday)

Tonight's Homework

Read Hamlet 3.3 and 3.4.  Write in your logs.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Lesson 13:  Acting "The Mousetrap"

Split into four acting groups:

1. Before the play (3.2.90-3.2.140)
2. The dumb show (stage direction at 140)
3. "The Mousetrap" (3.2.140-235)
4. Claudius's reaction (3.2.235-280)

Prepare the scenes in small groups, using your own ideas for stage direction and original language.

Perform scenes in relay

Discuss

Tonight's Homework:

Complete Cast your own Mousetrap production handout.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Lesson 12:  The Nunnery Scene in Film

Comparative Film Analysis

Download lesson plan and handout here.

Today, we'll check out four versions of Hamlet 3.1:

1976 creepy version with Helen Mirren

David Tennant (chapter 8)

Ethan Hawke (chapter 12)

Kenneth Branagh (chapter 26)

Wrap-up journal and discussion (and submit homework)

Tonight's Homework

Read Hamlet 3.2 and write in logs.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Word of the Day

SAT General Tips

College Presentations

period 2:  Jonathan and Grant

period 6:  Josie, Jan, Christina

Review and submit SAT packet

Tonight's Homework:

Reread Hamlet 3.1.  Write in your logs.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Lesson 11:  "Ha, Ha, Are You Honest?"

Share and submit homework (your own "To be or not to be")

Establishing Three Objectives

Rehearsing with the Objectives in Mind

Performance

Tonight's Homework

Complete SAT Packet

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Lesson 10:  "To Be or Not to Be"

View clippage:  "To be or not to be" by five Hamlets

"To be or not to be" by David Tennant

Small groups:  Review HW

Large group discussion (summary and antithesis) 

Tonight's Homework

Write your own version of the "To be or not to be" solioquy.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Hamlet:  Lesson 9:  "The Motive and the Cue for Passion"

Submit Act 2 logs.

Do Now:  View 3 distinct interpretations of Hamlet's conversation with Polonius from Hamlet 2.2 to get a feel for today's theme - comparative film analysis.

Watch the clips here.

Paraphrase the "O, What a Rogue" soliloquy and discuss

• Small group
• Large group

Viewing the soliloquy:

• David Tennant as Hamlet - "O, What a Rogue"

• Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet - "O, What a Rogue"

Tonight's Homework:

Paraphrase the "To be or not to be soliloquy."  Provide a rhetorical analysis (one page) of the antithesis.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Hamlet:  Lesson 8:  "Words, Words, Words"

Hamlet Act 2 on video

• 27 minutes
• While viewing, take note of the following:
  • what met your expectations
  • what surprises you

Discussion:  Act 2

Discussion:  Hamlet's language

• double entrendre
• puns
• allusions

Submit your portfolio pieces if you have not done so already.

Tonight's Homework:

Be sure Act 2 logs are ready for submission. 

Friday, April 29, 2011

Period 2:  Hamlet Lesson 7 ("Gaming, My Lord") (25 min.)

Determining Polonius's Values

Playing the Newly Mad Hamlet

Discussion

Bonus Time (25 min.):  College Presentations!

Period 6:  Outside Reading

Introduce College Essays and Small Group College Essay Writing Workshop

Homework (all classes):

Read Hamlet 2.2.  Respond in your logs.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Period 2: 

Pre-prom assembly for juniors

Period 6:  Hamlet Lesson 7 ("Gaming, My Lord")

Determining Polonius's Values

Playing the Newly Mad Hamlet

Discussion

Homework (due Monday, May 2):

Read Hamlet 2.2.  Write in logs.

Wednesday, April 27

Submit Act 1 logs for grading

Hamlet Act 1 on video

Discussion (use guided viewing sheet)

Begin reading Hamlet 2.1, with a focus on Polonius's values

Homework:

Read Hamlet 2.1.  Write in your log.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Hamlet 1.5:  Lesson 6 (The Ghost Scene)

Performing the Ghost Scene

Unfolding the Tale

Wither Wilt Thou Lead Me?

Tonight's Homework:

Be sure Act 1 logs are completed and organized and ready to be submitted.

BONUS TIME:  Organize portfolio pieces.  Write portfolio reflection for each piece. 

Monday, April 25, 2011

In-class:  Read Hamlet 1.3. Write in your logs.

Homework:  Read Hamlet 1.4-1.5.  Write in your logs.  (One set of entries for both scenes will do.)

Friday, April 18, 2011

Period 2: 

College Panel

Period 6:

Females:  Assembly

Males:  To Be Announced 

Thursday, April 17, 2011

Period 2: 

Hamlet Lesson 4:  Hamlet's Mental State

1. Retrieving Homework
2. Planning the Physical
3. Physicalizing the Soliloquy
4. Introduction to Scene Performance

Homework:  Write questions for tomorrow's college panel.  

Period 6:

College Panel

Wednesday, April 16, 2011

Hamlet Lesson 3: Hamlet vs. Claudius

1. Important Questions from the Log Assignment
2. Getting the Politics Right
3. Close Reading of Claudius's Opening Speech
4. Looking for the Underlying Thoughts of Hamlet and Claudius
5. Homework

Homework:

Read Hamlet's soliloquy.  Paraphrase Hamlet's lines to the best of your ability.  Write a written analysis.  (Use handout from class.) 

(Period 6:  Write questions for tomorrow's college panel.)

Tuesday, April 15, 2011

Hamlet Lesson 2:  Acting 1.1

1. Read Around
2. Questions
3. Deciding How to Play the Ghost
4. Setting the Scene
5. Acting the Scene

Homework:

Read Hamlet 1.2.  Write in your log. 

Monday, April 11, 2011

PLEASE RETURN JUNGLE BOOKS TODAY! 

Distribute monthly calendar.

Hamlet Leson 1:  Logs

1. Establish the Log
2. Model Entries
   1. Sample Log - Talia Boos 1.4-1.5

   2. Sample Log - Talia Boos 3.3-3.4

3. Write
4. Respond

Homework:

Read Hamlet 1.1.  Write in your log as we discussed today. 

Friday, April 8, 2011

Submit Jungle essays

Review college project rubric

View sample projects:  Dee and Anna

Distribute article ("What We Recommend") from How to Get Into College

Tonight's Homework:

Post your book review on Good Reads. 

Thursdy, April 7, 2011

Writing Workshop:  Work on Jungle essays on laptops

Tonight's Homework:

Jungle essay due Friday! 

Wedneday, April 6, 2011 

Share muck-raking articles

Review Jungle essay prompts

Writing Workshop:  Work on Jungle essays on laptops

Tonight's Homework:

Jungle essay due Friday!

Tuesday, Apil 5, 2011

Quarterly 3 Exam

Tonight's Homework:

Muck-raking article assignment. 

Monday, April 4, 2011

Play Quarter 3 Exam Jeopardy Review Game

Fill out Exam Review Sheet 

Discuss Jungle Essay and Muck-raking article assignment

Tonight's Homework:

Study for quarterly exam.

Work on Jungle essays/muck-raking articles.

Jungle Essay Topics

Download the Jungle essay topics here. 

The essay is due next Friday, April 8. 

Tuesday's Homework

Read chapters 22-24 of The Jungle.

Here is a link for the reading for those who do not have a book.

Response Paper:

3 quotes and analysis

3 difficult words 

Monday's Homework

Read chapters 13 and 14 of the Jungle.

Here is a link for the reading for those who do not have a book.

Write a reponse paper that features the following:

- 3 quotes from the text with explanations

- 3 difficult words from the reading with definitions 

This Weekend's Homework

Read chapters 10 and 11 of The Jungle.

Here is a link for the reading for those who do not have a book.

Write a response paper to the reading which analyzes how things are changing for Jurgis and how Jurgis himself is changing.  Use 3 quotes from your reading. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Great site for doing tonight's reading, chapters 7 and 8.

Tonight's Homework:

Read chapters 7 and 8.

Find an article online that connects to one of the themes of Jurgis's struggle:

- owning a home = American Dream

- predatory mortgage lending

- immigration

- food industry (Food Lion, Food Inc.)

- unions

- sick time

Write a brief response (quiz grade) which synthesizes the article's information and ideas from the book.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Tonight's Homework

Weekly SAT Writing Prompt

The old saying, "be careful what you wish for," may be an appropriate warning.  The drive to achieve a particular goal can dangerously narrow one's perspective and encourage the fantasy that success in one endeavor will solve all of life's difficulties.  In fact, success can sometimes have unexpected consequences.  Those who propel themselves toward the achievement of one goal often find that their lives are worse once "success" is achieved than they were before.

Assignment:  Can success be disastrous?  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, March 16, 2011

DYRT Pop Quiz (5 min.)

1. Where is the family from?
2. What are they celebrating in chapter 1?
3. What does Jurgis pledge at the end of the chapter?

Do Now:  Red immigration article from yesterday  ID main ideas.  Discuss.  (10 min.)

Circle Discussion (30 min.)

• Take out HW (response paper).  Student-directed discussion points.
• Close reading of the text
  • Why?  Because you will need these reading comprehension skills next year and in college.
  • Overarching question:  Does Jurgis's pledge always work?  How is he like Boxer (from Animal Farm)?

Begin reading chapter 2

Tonight's Homework

Finish reading chapter 2.  Write a one-page response paper.  Tie the reading into our American Dream discussion and use at least one quote.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

American Dream Lesson

Homework:

Read chapter 1 of The Jungle.  Write a one-pge response paper. 

Monday, March 14, 2011

Introduction to Muck-Raking PowerPoint

In small groups, brainstorm the following:

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

Tonight's Homework

Response Paper:  What is the American Dream?  Is it particular for you, or is it the same for everyone?  Who are people who represent your version of the American Dream?  Dan Ross?  Rick Ross?  Why?

Friday, March 11, 2011

Period 2

Outside reading

Exchange, score, and submit SAT essays

SAT packet and review

NO HOMEWORK!

Period 6

Don and Neil's presentation

Submit SAT essay

Outside reading

NO HOMEWORK! 

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Chicago poems test

TONIGHT'S HOMEWORK:  3-paragraph SAT-style essay

PROMPT:  Where silence once reigned, the cell phone now interrupts.  "Computer error" is blamed for almost every glitch in modern life, from erroneous weather forecasts to ridiculous tax bills.  Modern life has become enslaved to technology.

Technology has not made our lives easier.  Agree or disagree with this statement, supporting your position with references to your life or your reading.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Chicago Poem Presentations

Review for Chicago Test

HOMEWORK:  Study for Chicago test.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Distribute Class Calendars 

Chicago Poem Presentations

Period 2:

Submit reading journals 

Renee's Group

Pete's Group

Period 6:

Seth's Group

Larry's Group

Tonight's Homework

Chicago Poems Analysis Questions in Packet (due on Wednesday - can be used on the "Chicago" quiz on Thursday)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Chicago Poem Presentations

Period 2:

Grant Martignetti's Group

Michael Greenwood's Group 

Period 6:

Josie's Group

Marc's Group

Tonight's Homework

SAT corrections for Friday's packet 

Friday, March 4, 2011

Do Now:  Get with two partners and score your SAT essay from homework according to the SAT rubric

SAT Preparation (pp. 920-923 in blue SAT book)

• Complete and Review

Outside Reading

Tonight's Homework

Brief journal response about your outside reading book 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

"Chicago" Poems

Two groups present "Chicago" poems lesson

Tonight's Homework

Practice SAT Essay

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

"Chicago" Poems

Work on presentations for "Chicago" poems

(First two groups present their lessons tomorrow for 10 extra credit points)

Tonight's Homework: 

Finish preparation for "Chicago" poems lesson/presentation

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

"Chicago" Poems

Share and submit "Chicago" poems (from last night's HW)

Distribute packet of various "Chicago" poems and guided questions

Discuss "Chicago" poems presentation assignment (and review rubric)

Students work in small groups to prepare poem presentations (and sign up for days to present - TH 3.3, M 3.7, TU 3.8)

Tonight's Homework:

Answer guided questions for your assigned poem.  Brainstorm activities that you can do with the class for your lesson. 

Monday, February 28, 2011

EXTRA CREDIT:  Write an article for the Mustang News! 

"Chicago" Poems - An Introduction

Journal:  Examine photos of industrial Chicago

• Photos saved on desktop computer in classroom. 
• Write adjectives and phrases you would use to describe this city.

Carl Sandberg background

(Read and discuss biography from Glencoe textbook.)

Eminem Super Bowl Commercial - view and discuss

Download handout here

"Chicago" by Carl Sandberg

• Read and discuss
• Review literary and rhetorical devices
• Use Glencoe textbook

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

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

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

Friday, February 18, 2011

Anthem project presentations

SAT Prep 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Anthem project presentations

Homework:  Finalize Anthem essay rough draft 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Work on Anthem projects 

Homework:  Finalize Anthem presentations

Tuesay, February 15, 2011

Review Anthem project rubric 

Work on Anthem projects 

Homework:  Work on Anthem essay draft and/or presentation

Monday, February 14, 2011

Anthem Test

Check over Anthem paper proposals

Homework:

Work on Anthem essay (3-page rough draft with 2 sources due Friday)

Check out some examples of dystopian-themed movies for Anthem project (due Thursday)

Friday, February 11, 2011

Distribute and Review Grading Sheets 

Period 2:   SAT practice essay, portfolio organization

Period 6:  Spirit rally

Homework:  STUDY FOR ANTHEM TEST!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Objectivism today lesson (saved on school computer)

• Discuss and submit HW from last night (connections between yesterday's videos and Anthem)
• Ayn Rand on religion video (view and discuss)
• Carousel:  media on 5 issues (view and respond in notebook)
• Distribute essay topics

Homework:

Thesis/Outline/Paper Proposal for Anthem essay 

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

References to Anthem in commercials and TV

Download the plan here.

Check out the videos here: 

1984 Super Bowl ad (Apple)

2011 Super Bowl ad (Motorola)

The Simpsons - "A Streetcar Named Marge"

Homework:  One-page response on how Rand's ideologies are represented in each video.  (Perhaps one paragraph on each video would be appropriate.)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Anthem Final Discussion Questions

Monday, February 7, 2011

Distribute and review class calendar for February.

Anthem vocabulary list

Discussion Points (download handout here)

• Be sure to address homework journal - the significance of the Unchartered Forest

Read the story of Prometheus

Small Gropus:  Analyze story (using questions on handout)

• Guiding question:  what is the significance of this allusion?

Homework:  Read ch. 11-12.  Write a one-page response paper (20 point assignment).

Friday, February 4, 2011 

SAT Packet - timed completion and review

Outside Reading

Homework:

Read Anthem ch. 9 and 10.

Complete journal entry about Equality's time in the Unchartered Forest and how it represents the ideals of Objectivism.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

State of Union

Rhetorical terms carousel

Use this handout to organize your ideas.

Present terms

Discuss state of the union

Homework:

Be sure to complete exam essay (by tomorrow) and post your book review (by the weekend) on Good Reads.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

State of the Union

Do Now:  Read and discuss this article

Review key terms (from AP Study Sheet):

• allusion
• anaphora
• antithesis
• aphorism
• claim
• colloquial
• epistrophe
• ethos
• metaphor
• pathos
• rebuttal/refutation
• sarcasm
• simile

Small groups/carousel:  ID examples of the above in the speech and present as teams to the class

Discuss state of the union address (rhetoric and claims)

Tonight's Homework

Read Anthem ch. 9 and 10.

Brief journal response. 

Monday, January 31, 2011 

Quarterly Exam

Homework:  STATE OF THE UNION rhetoric response.  (one-page, close examination of the rhetoric used by Obama)

Also, please be sure to complete subjective component of the exam by the last day of the quarter (Thursday)!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Quarterly Exam Review

Go over exam review sheets

Jeopardy review game DOWNLOAD IT HERE!

Tonight's Homework

Study for exam

Thursday, January 27, 2011

SNOW DAY!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Anthem 7-9

Journal Entry and Discussion

Discussion Questions in Small Groups

Tonight's Homework:

Make a review sheet for quarterly Exam

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Anthem 5-6

Invictus Poem Analysis

Symbolism Handout in Small Groups

Check HW (graphic organizer) 

Discussion

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 7-9.  Journal response.

WATCH STATE OF THE UNION at some point before Monday.

Watch it live at 9 PM.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Anthem 3-4

Read chapters aloud.

Discuss.

Is Equality an idealist and/or a rebel?

Small groups:  graphic organizer

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 5 and 6.  Work on graphic organizer.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Anthem, Day 1:  Introduction

Anthem Introductory Activities

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 1 and 2.

Write a journal response.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Town-Meeting Style Debate and Dialogue:  Bullying

Word of the Day

Do Now:  Review HW (response to bullying articles).  Identify main points.

Introduce Idea of Resolution, Affirmative, Opposition, etc.

Separate into affirmative, opposition, neutral

Begin Opening Arguments

Debate Issue of Bullying

• Resolved:  That schools should take a more active role against bullying via policies and legislation.

Homework:

Due Wednesday:  Final draft of As I Lay Dying essay

Due Friday:  As I Lay Dying project 

Also Due Friday:  Practice SAT essay (heroism)

Homework due Thursday:

Please download, print, and read the following articles:

Medford Bullying News Article

Stopping Bullying Starts in the Home

Don't Let Bullying Back in Schools

Write a couple of paragraphs analyzing the use of language in each editorial, and then articulate your own opinion. 

Monday, January 10, 2010

Review rhetorical terms from AP book 

Mr. Morris's editorial activity

Tonight's Homework

Download, print, and read the following articles:

NEWS ARTICLE 1:  Artist upset...

EDITORIAL 1:  Sneaker...

NEWS ARTICLE 2:  Fees increase...

EDITORIAL 2:  Sports fees are really...

For each EDITORIAL write a brief paragraph about each of the following:

1. An analysis of the use of language in the piece.  (Use the sheet from today's class as a reference.)
2. A statement about your opinion on the issue (backed with evidence from the news article and the editorial).

Friday, January 9, 2010

Word of the Day

Do Now:  Read "anchor" essay

• analyze what makes it a top score

Small Groups

• discuss (critically) the elements of the "anchor" essay
• score your peers' essays (0-6)
• give concrete tips to make it a 6

SAT Writing Grammar Exercises (multiple choice)

Outside Reading

Tonight's Homework

Draft of As I Lay Dying essay due Monday

As I Lay Dying video due Friday

Rewrite of SAT essay due Friday 

Monday, January 3, 2010

As I Lay Dying Final Projects

Introduce As I Lay Dying Final Project Options

Work on As I Lay Dying Final Projects

Tonight's Homework:

Work on As I Lay Dying Final Projects

(Goal:  Final script by end of class tomorrow) 

Thursday, December 16, 2010

As I Lay Dying:  ch. 20-39

Do Now:  In-context vocaulary 2

Journal:  "How do you use sublimation in your life?" 

Discussion:  ch. 20-39

• Small Group Prep, 1-6 (while Ambrose checks HW)
• Large Group Discussion and/or presentation

Tonight's Homework

Review sections 3 and 5 of your PSAT packet.

Write down an explanation for the ones you got wrong in section 5.

If you did not take the PSAT, see me for a packet to complete section 5.

Bring in your outside reading book.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

As I Lay Dying: ch. 26-32

Practice format for "Last Word" Discussion

Small Groups:  Round one of "Last Word" Discussion

Round 2:  All-Star Discussion

Submit HW

Tonight's Homework:

Read ch. 33-39.  Answer six analysis questions distributed in class (re: ch. 20-39). 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

As I Lay Dying:  ch. 20-25

Do Now:  As I Lay Dying in-context vocabulary #1

Review Dark Humor handout

Little Miss Sunshine clippage (10 minutes)

Dark Humor in AILD and LMS 

Discuss ch. 20-25

• Use written responses from last night and submit

Tonight's Homework

Read ch. 26-32.

ID similarities to LMS (with quotes).

ID which characters are cerebral vs. which characters are physical (with quotes).

Monday, December 13, 2010

As I Lay Dying

Do Now:  Read and analyze college lecture 2

Small groups:  Divide into 6 groups (by counting off), and prep an individual question for discussion (ch. 1-19)

Large group:  Discussion 1-19.

Homework:

Read As I Lay Dying 20-25.  Written reesponse.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Ethan Frome Writing Workshop Day

• Submit Outside Reading Journal 
• Review Frome Essay Rubric
• Student Examples PowerPoint
• Peer Revision Stations
  • Thesis and Strong Sentences
  • Vocabulary
  • Evidence
  • Primary Source Quotes
  • Secondary Source Quotes

Download period 2 presentation here.

Download period 6 presentation here. 

Tonight's Homework:

Work on Frome essay.  Final draft due Friday.