Mister Ambrose
489 Winthrop St.
Medford, MA 02155
ph: 781.393.2345
dambrose
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Day 180
Make-up day
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 - Day 179
Exams - 2, 4, 6
Student Survey
Class Photo
Today would be a good day to ask teachers for a recommendation.
Monday, June 19, 2012 - Day 178
Exams - 1, 3, 5
Student Survey
Class Photo
Friday, June 15, 2012 - Day 177
Submit Book Review
This Weekend's Homework:
Complete Curriculum Questions for extra credit.
Study for exam.
Thursday, June 14, 2012 - Day 176
Period 2:
Around the Horn Gatsby Discussion
Period 6:
Read and discuss ch. 8 and 9 of Gatsby
Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - Day 175
Today's Objective: To analyze plot and character development in the first few chapters of Gatsby.
Today's Agenda:
Period 2:
Chapter 7 Discussion Points
Begin reading Chapter 8
Tonight's Homework (Period 2):
Finish reading book.
Period 6:
Last Word Discussion - Gatsby through chapter 6
Begin reading ch. 7
Tonight's Homework (Period 6):
Read ch. 7
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - Day 174
Today's Objective: To analyze plot and character development in the first few chapters of Gatsby.
Today's Agenda:
Period 2:
Last Word Discussion - Gatsby through chapter 6
Begin reading ch. 7
Tonight's Homework (Period 2):
Read ch. 7
Period 6:
Big Paper Discussion - Gatsby through chapter 4
Begin reading ch. 5
Tonight's Homework (Period 6):
Read ch. 5 and 6
Monday, June 11, 2012 - Day 173
Today's Objective: To analyze plot and character development in the first few chapters of Gatsby.
Today's Agenda:
Period 2:
Big Paper Discussion - Gatsby through chapter 4
Tonight's Homework (Period 2):
Read ch. 5 and 6
Period 6:
Read prohibition
Small groups (chapter 1)
Large group (discuss, read ch. 3 aloud)
Tonight's Homework (Period 6):
Read ch. 3 and 4
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Day 172
Today's Objective: To expose students to college.
Today's Agenda:
Hand in Hemingway essay
Marllon, Angela, and Piro present on college
College presentations
This weekend's homework:
Period 2: Read up through chapter 4 of Gatsby.
Period 6: Read up through chapter 2 of Gatsby.
Thursday, June 7, 2012 - Day 171
Period 2: The Great Gatsby, Day 3
Today's Objective: To examine historical context of Gatsby. To examine symoolism of Gatsby.
Today's Agenda: Wrap up chapter 1 discussion
Do Now: read and discuss "Prohibition" article
Small Groups: Chapter 2 discussion items
Large group Dicussion.
Period 6: The Great Gatsby, Day 1
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.
Homeowork (both classes):
Hemingway essay
Use this site for MLA format - Purdue OWL.
Wednesday, June 6, 202 - Day 170
Period 2: The Great Gatsby
Small Group and then Large Group
Wednesday's HW for period 2:
Read chapter 2
Period 6:
Jimmy's group presents
Wednesday's HW for period 6:
Work on Hemingway essay
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - Day 169
Period 2: 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.
Period 2 HW:
Read chapter one of The Great Gatsby.
Write a one-page response paper to your reading that includes the following components:
Period 6: Jeff's group teaches class
Period 6 HW: Read "Short Happy Life." Highlight according to what Jimmy said in class.
Monday, June 4, 2012 - Day 168
Period 2: Julie's group teaches about "Snows"
Period 2 HW: Work on Hemingway essay (due Friday)
Period 6: Aaron's group teaches about "The Killers"
Period 6 HW: Read and annotate "Snows of Kilamanjaro"
DOWNLOAD THE "SNOWS OF KILAMANJARO"
Friday, June 1, 2012 - Day 167
Today's Objectives: To expose peers to different colleges.
Today's Agenda:
College Presentations
Outside Reading
This Weekend's Homework:
Period 2: Read and annotate "Snows of Kilamanjaro"
DOWNLOAD THE "SNOWS OF KILAMANJARO"
Period 6: Read and annotate "The Killers"
Thursday, May 31, 2012 - Day 166
Period 2: Bryan's group teaches about Sun Also Rises
Period 6: Elizabeth's group teaches about "Ten Indians"
All Classes: Review Hemingway esssay assignment (due Friday 6/8)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Day 165
Period 2: Maria's group teaches about "Short Happy Life"
Period 2 HW: Read and annotate Sun Also Rises
Period 6: Kayla G's group teaches about Sun Also Rises
Also, vote for winner of Hamlet festival
Period 6 HW: Read and annotate "Ten Indians"
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - Day 164
Period 2: Lia's group teaches about "The Killers"
Tuesday's homework reading assignment for period 2:
Friday, May 25, 2012 - Day 163
Today's Objectives: To talk with seniors about the college application process. To expose your classmates to various colleges.
Today's Agenda:
College Q & A with seniors
Wrap up Hamlet projects and vote on them (top 3)
College Presentations
Tell me what book you'll write your review on for Q4.
Tonight's Homework:
Period 2: Read and annotate "The Killers."
Period 6: Read and take notes on excerpt from The Sun Also Rises (chapters 1-4).
Thursday, May 24, 2012 - Day 162
Students teach class.
Homework: Read and annotate reading assignment.
Wednesday, May 25, 2012 - Day 161
Students teach class.
Homework: Read and annotate reading assignment.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - Day 160
Today's Objective: Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
Today's Agenda:
Hamlet Movie Presentations
Review Hemingway lesson rubric
Work on Hemingway lesson
Tonight's Homework:
Read "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place." Annotate and highlight.
Monday, May 21, 2012 - Day 159
Today's Objective: Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
Today's Agenda:
Hamlet Movie Presentations
Period 2:
AJ's group (USB)
Julia's group (DVD)
Hayley's group (DVD)
Period 6:
Aaron's group(USB)
Kayla G's group (DVD)
Naika (DVD)
Martha's group(DVD)
Courtney (live)
Kayla K (email)
Monday's Homework:
Work on Hemingway lesson plans. Period 6 begins presenting tomorrow. Period 2 begins presenting Wednesday.
Friday, May 18, 2012 - Day 158
Today's Objective: To expose the class to four colleges.
Today's Agenda:
Outside Reading
4 College Presentations
This Weekend's HW:
Work on Hemingway lesson plan project
Thursday, May 17, 2012 - Day 157
Lost Generation
Period 2
Today's Objectives: students will analyze how historical events such as WWI contributed to the Lost Generation.
Students will examine the development of Modernism.
Today's Agenda
HW Check and share (original poems)
Review Hemingwaay video questiosn
Review discussion leaders reciplrocal teaaching assignment
Review lesson plan template
Assign readings
Small groups: brainstorm ideas for teaching your lesson
Tonight's Homework (period 2): Read, annotate, and take notes (on a separate sheet) on your assigned reading. Feel free to do a Google search for some additional analysis AFTER you have read the story.
Period 6
Today's Objectives:
SL.11-12.4 - Present infrmation, finding, and supporting evidence in a style that is appropriate to prupose and audience.
SL.11-12.5 - Make strategic use of digital media in presentation.
Today's Agenda:
Touch base on project schedule
Work on lesson plan
Today's Homework:
Work on lesson plan. Bring in outside reading book.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012- Day 156
Lost Generation
Period 2
Today's Objectives: Students will analyze how historical events such as WWI contributed to the Lost Generation.
Students will examine the deveopment of Modernism.
Today's Agenda
HW Check and Share (original poems)
Clippage: chapters 2-4 on Hamlet DVD
Discussion
Tonight's Homework (period 2): Finish guided viewing sheet for DVD
Period 6
Today's Objectives: students will analyze how historical events such as WWI contributed to the Lost Generation.
Students will examine the development of Modernism.
Today's Agenda
HW Check and share (original poems)
Review Hemingwaay video questiosn
Review discussion leaders reciplrocal teaaching assignment
Review lesson plan template
Assign readings
Small groups: brainstorm ideas for teaching your lesson
Tonight's Homework (period 6): Read, annotate, and take notes (on a separate sheet) on your assigned reading. Feel free to do a Google search for some additional analysis AFTER you have read the story.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Day 155
Period 2: Lost Generation Unit, Day 0
Today's Objective:
Students will analyze how historical events such as WWI contributed to the Lost Generation.
Students will examine the development of Modernism.
Today's Agenda
HW Check and Review(notes on Lost Generation)
"Landscape with the Fall of Icarus"
Generations
Period 6: Lost Generation Unit, Day 5
Today's Objective:
Students will analyze how historical events such as WWI contributed to the Lost Generation.
Students will examine the development of Modernism.
Today's Agenda:
HW Check and Review (notes on Lost Generation)
Hemingway video
Dcisuss guided viewing sheet
Tonight's HW (both periods): Write your own poem in the style of William Carlos Williams AND Ezra Pound.
Monday, May 14, 2012 - Day 154
Period 2: Lost Generation Unit, Day 4
Today's Objective: RL 11-12.3 Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop elements of a story.
Today's Agenda
Do Now: Share and submit HW (3 reasons why "Hills Like White Elephants" is the quintessential "iceberg theory" story
Review class-created symbolism list
Small Groups: complete symbolism worksheet for one of symbol from a story we have read so far
Carousel: Send one member of your group to another group to teach that group about a new symbol
Large Group: Share what you learned
Read and discuss "A Day's Wait"
Complete Graphic Organizer
Period 6: Lost Generation Unit, Day 0
Today's Objective:
Students will analyze how historical events such as WWI contributed to the Lost Generation.
Students will examine the development of Modernism.
Today's Agenda
Return Hamlet books and submit Hamlet videos
"Landscape with the Fall of Icarus"
Generations
Tonight's Homework (both periods): Do internet research on the Lost Generation. 10 bullet points for each generation - our generation and the Lost Generation.
Friday, May 11, 2012 - Day 153
Today's Objective: To expose the class to four colleges.
Today's Agenda:
Submit poems for poetry contest
Outside Reading
4 College Presentations
Tonight's Homework: Hamlet video project due Monday. Return Hamlet book.
Thursday, May 10, 2012 - Day 152
Period 2: Lost Generation Unit, Day 3
Today's Objective: RL 11-12.3 Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop elements of a story.
Today's Agenda:
Do Now: Share and submit HW (3 choices response paper)
Hemingway Notes: What is a white elephant?
Read aloud: "Hills Like White Elephants"
Journal and Graphic Organizer
Discussion
Tonight's Homework (Period 2):
Response Paper: How does "hills Like White Elephants" epitomize Hemingway's "iceberg theory" - 3 reasons
Period 6: Lost Generation Unit, Day 4
Today's Objective: RL 11-12.3 Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop elements of a story.
Today's Agenda
Do Now: Share and submit HW (3 reasons why "Hills Like White Elephants" is the quintessential "iceberg theory" story
Review class-created symbolism list
Small Groups: complete symbolism worksheet for one of symbol from a story we have read so far
Carousel: Send one member of your group to another group to teach that group about a new symbol
Large Group: Share what you learned
Read and discuss "A Day's Wait"
Complete Graphic Organizer
Tonight's Homework (Period 6): Work on Hamlet Video
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - Day 151
Period 2: Lost Generation Unit, Day 2
Today's Objective: RL 11-12.3 Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop elements of a story.
Today's Agenda:
Do Now: Discuss initial impressions of last night's reading ("Up in Michigan")
Hemingway Notes: Why is Michigan significant?
Small Groups: Story analysis and HW check
Large Group: Discussion (symbolism, gneder roles, etc.)
Tonight's Homework (Period 2):
One page on three ways that Hemingway's choices reflect his life/convey hist story or the like (feel free to cmment on symbolism, style, and other elements from graphic organizer)
Period 6: Lost Generation Unit, Day 3
Today's Objective: RL 11-12.3 Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop elements of a story.
Today's Agenda:
Do Now: Share and submit HW (3 choices response paper)
Hemingway NoteS: What is a white elephant?
Read aloud: "Hills Like White Elephants"
Journal and Graphic Organizer
Discussion
Tonight's Homework (Period 6):
Response Paper: How does "hills Like White Elephants" epitomize Hemingway's "iceberg theory" - 3 reasons
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Day 150
Period 2: No class due to assembly
Period 6: Lost Generation Unit, Day 2
Today's Objective: RL 11-12.3 Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop elements of a story.
Today's Agenda:
Do Now: Discuss initial impressions of last night's reading ("Up in Michigan")
Hemingway Notes: Why is Michigan significant?
Small Groups: Story analysis and HW check
Large Group: Discussion (symbolism, gneder roles, etc.)
Tonight's Homework (Period 6):
One page on three ways that Hemingway's choices reflect his life/convey hist story or the like (feel free to cmment on symbolism, style, and other elements from graphic organizer)
Monday, May 7, 2012 - Day 149
Lost Generation Unit, Day 1
Today's Objective: RL 11-12.3 Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop elements of a story.
Today's Agenda:
Hand in Hamlet essay
Do Now: Read and annotate "Old Man at the Bridge"
Small Groups: ID elements of the story
Large Group: Discussion of story and Hemingway's style
Tonight's Homework: Read your assigned Hemingway short story and complete the graphic organizer provided in class (download above).
Friday, May 4, 2012 - Day 148
Today's Objective: To expose the class to four colleges. To perform a final review for Saturday's SAT.
Today's Agenda:
Outside Reading
4 College Presentations
SAT Final Review
Tonight's Homework: Hamlet Essay Final Draft due Monday
Here's a useful site for citing accordign to MLA format.
Thursday, May 3, 2012 - Day 147
Today's Objective: To peer edit our Hamlet essay drafts with our assigned partner.
Today's Agenda:
Peer Revisions and HW check
Final 10 minutes: meet with your Hamlet video group
Tonight's Homework: College project
Due Monday: Hamlet essay
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Day 146
Today's Objective: To work on your Hamlet essay, with the goal of revising our existing paragraphs and adding two more paragraphs.
Today's Agenda:
Work with a partner on your essay in the computer lab
Tonight's Homework: Work on Hamlet essay and/or college project.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 - Day 145
Today's Objective: To work on your Hamlet essay, with a focus on incorporating your quotes.
Today's Agenda:
Share annotated bibliography - what sources do you have and how will you use them?
Writing Workshop - On the overhead, take a student example, and start to craft into a paragraph - build around the quote - quote sandwich
Small Groups
Tonight's Homework:
Work on Hamlet essay. Try to write three paragraphs incorporating your sources, and email them to yourself.
Monday, April 30, 2012 - Day 144
Today's Objective: To work on our Hamlet essay, with a focus on referencing sources and creating an annotated bibliography.
Today's Agenda:
Review format for bibliography (Creating a Works Cited Page)
Review fomat for annotated bibliography (Cassidy LeBert's example as mentor text)
Small Groups: Get with your partners (based on your Hamlet essay topic) and create the following tasks:
Tonight's homework:
Write an annotated bibliography for Hamlet and 3-5 other sources, using Cassidy's bibliography as an example.
Friday, April 27, 2012 - Day 143
Today's Objective: To prepare for the upcoming SAT by working on our grammar skills.
Today's Agenda:
Outside Reading
Review Hamlet essay assignment and rubric (finally)
Small groups: SAT grammar practice
Large group: review
Tonight's Homework: Read, highlight, and annotate (take notes on) your assigned Hamlet packet
Thursday, April 26, 2012 - Day 142
Today's Objectives: To analyze a different perspective on Hamlet. To work on our Hamlet project.
Today's Agenda:
15 minute reading period - Read, highlight, and annotate excerpt from Gertrude and Claudius
Discussion - questions about and new character insight from the excerpt
Small group project work time (and homework check)
Tonight's Homework:
Work on Hamlet project. Bring in outside reaading book.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - Day 141
Today's Objective: To examine Harold Bloom's writing as a mentor text for our own critical essays. To work on Hamlet video project.
Today's Agenda:
Review requirements for Hamlet essay
Read and discuss"Inferring Hamlet" (analyze approach to critical essay, highlight, annotate)
Work on Hamlet video project (and homework check)
Tonight's Homework:
One page brainstorming (bullet points, outline, or paragraph form) on topics for your Hamlet essay.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Day 140
Today's Objective: To come up with a vision for a scene in Hamlet.
Today's Agenda:
Mentor Video: View Kiley Callahans's Hamlet video
Review Expectations for Project
Small Groups (work on Hamlet video project plans)
Tonight's Homework:
Write a preliminary script or storyboard for your Hamlet video.
Monday, April 23, 2012 - Day 139
Today's Objective: To examine a sample video from the Reduced Shakespeare Company and to review expectations for creating our own video.
Reduced Shakespeare Company
Distribute assignment and review expectations, rubric, etc.
Tonight's Homework:
Write a one page visioni of your scene for the video assignment.
Friday, April 13, 2012 - Day 138
College!
Today's Objective: To review our expectations for the college vistiation assignment. To begin a dialogue about college.
Today's Agenda:
Hand in movie review
Outside Reading
Review College Project
Homework for the Vacation:
Visit a college. Take some notes on your visit. For extra credit, take some photos. Talk about your college visit with your friends and familymenbers. Start to put together a list of colleges you like.
Thursday, April 12, 2012 - Day 137
Hamlet Final Discussion
Today's Objective: To discuss plot, theme, and characterization in Hamlet.
Today's Agenda:
GSA Day of Silence
Complete Individual Hamlet Questions
Hamlet final discussion
Your discussion questions from the do now
Tonight's Homework: Work on Hamlet movie review assignment (due Friday)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - Day 136
Today's Objective: To examine the climax of the play
Today's Agenda:
View Act 5 of Hamlet on DVD (student-choice)
Take notes on acting, stage direction, character development, etc. - download guided viewing sheet
Discuss
Tonight's Homework: Work on Hamlet movie review assignment (due Friday)
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - Day 135
Today's Objective: To show how act 5, scene 1 sets up the conclusion of the play.
Today's Agenda:
Do Now: Read the dialogue between the gravediggers in 5.1; write 3 questions (this will serve as your log in this scene)
Stage grave digger scene
Read through and act rest of 5.1
Discuss how 5.1 sets up 5.2
Tonight's Homework: Read 5.2; write in log
Monday, April 9, 2012 - Day 134
Today's Objective: To analyze the significance of your assigned character from Act 4 - how he/she develops, how he/she affects the plot, etc.
Today's Agenda:
Small Groups: Character Committees (ad act 4 log check)
Present out (5 minutes each)
Tonight's Homework: Finish book review (and print it) Mke up all work
Thursday, April 5, 2012 - Day 133
Today's Objective: To analyze character development in Act 4.
Today's Agenda:
View Act 4 on DVD
Answer guided viewing questions
Tonight's Hoemwork: Work on book review. Due Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - Day 132
Today's Objective: To assess what we know about To Kill a Mockingbird, Hamlet, vocabulary, grammar, and critical reading.
Today's Agenda:
Quarterly Exam
Tonight's Homework:
Act 4 log for Hamlet (write 3 times about the charcter you chose to follow)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - Day 131
Today's Objective: To review for tomorrow's quarterly exam on To Kill a Mockingbird, Hamlet, word of teh day vocabulary, and critical reading strategies.
Review format of the test and how to use website as a resource for review
Tonight's Homework:
Study for tomorrow's quarterly exam.
For Thursday: Complete Act 4 log, with a focus on your particular character.
Monday, April 2, 2012 - Day 130
Announcements:
Today's Objectives: To assess our critical reading skills. To discuss the tone and signfiicance of various interprestations of Hamlet 3.4 - The Closet Scene.
Today's Agenda:
Do Now:Finish SAT 6.3 and check answers
Submit HW (rhetorical analysis of soliloquy), go over character committees handout
Journal and Discussion: Write about a fight you've had with a parent or other adult. What is the tone? What are some of the strategies you use?
Viewing 3.4
Homework:
Review for quarterly exam (test date = Wednesday, 4.4)
Work on Hamlet logs (Act 4 due Thursday, 4.5)
Friday, March 30, 2012 - Day 129
Announcement: Quarterly Exam on Wednesday
Today's Objectives: To wrap up our work on Hamlet from the week. To work on our critical reading skills.
Outside Reading
Wrap up yesterday's physicalized soliloquy presentations, hand back logs (1-2) submit logs (3), review character committee handout
SAT 6.3, part two
This weekend's homework:
Due Monday: One page analysis of the literary and rhtorical devices employed in the soliloquy you presented in class (diction, imagery, tone, connotation, metaphor, personificaation, anaphora).
Due next Thursday (plenty of advanced notice because of quarterly exams) - read all of act 4, and comment in your log according to the character committee handout
Thursday, March 29, 2012 - Day 128
Today's Objective: To visualize the implication of words and the images they evoke to help understand character and theme.
Access prior knowledge: review 3.3, questions from logs
Small groups: physicalize soliloquy (ID 5 images)
Present out and explain images
Tonight's Homework: Read Hamlet 3.4. Write in your log, which I will collect tomorrow. Bring in outside reading book.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Day 127
Hamlet 3.2
Today's Objectives: To analyze various interpretations of the "Mousetrap" scene and to plan our own version.
What clippage do we want to watch today?
Pair and share HW (and HW check)
Share best HW with large group
Clip 1 (Branagh)
Clip 2 (Tennant)
Distribute essay assignment and rubric
Tonight's Homework: Read Hamlet 3.3 and write in your log.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - Day 126
Hamlet 3.2: Acting "The Mousetrap"
Today's Objective: To act out the famous "Mousetrap" scene, with a particular focus on what it shows abotu Claudius and Hamlet's characters.
Today's Agenda:
Access prior knowledge: Review the plot of 3.2
Small Groups: Prep your portion of the assigned scene
Present Out in Relay
Tonight's Homework: Complete "Cast Your Own Mousetrap" handout.
Monday, March 26, 2012 - Day 125
Hamlet 3.1: "The Nunnery Scene" Comparative Film Analysis
Today's Objective: To analyze various interpretations of Hamlet 3.1, focusing on the text and directorial decisions.
Today's Agenda
Clippage
Analysis
Journal
Discussion
Download lesson and handouts here.
Tonight's Homework:
In your log, write a one page analysis about the film clips today, responding to "some things to consider."
Friday, March 23, 2012 - Day 124
Today's Objective:
To work on vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.
Today's Agenda:
Outside Reading
Pair and share - have a partner complete your homework exercise
SAT Reading Passage 6.3, part one
This weekend's homework:
Read Hamlet 3.1 and 3.2. Write in your log.
Thursday, March 22, 2012 - Day 123
Today's Objective: To demonstrate how Hamlet's tone may shift if he is aware that he is being watched by Polonius and Claudius.
Today's Agenda:
Share homework (your own "To be or not to be")
Access prior knowledge
Quick reading of 3.1 (selected dialogue between Ophelia and Hamlet)
Small Groups:
Present Out
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, Day 122
Hamlet, Act 2
Today's Objective: To analyze Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy, with a focus on rhetoric and character.
Today's Agenda:
Clippage: "To be or not to be" on video (2 or 3 versions); discuss
Small groups:
Large group
Begin writing your own version
Tonight's Homework:
Write your own "To ______________ or not to _____________" soliloquy, based on the structure of Hamlet's soliloquy.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012, Day 121
Hamlet, Act 2
Today's Objective: To analyze the "O What a Rogue" soliloquy. To compare various interpretations of Hamlet.
Today's Agenda:
Clippage: Hamlet and Polonius, in different versions, 7 minutes - This introduces the theme of comparative film study.
Small Groups: Review HW (translation of "O What a Rogue") and answer "O What a Rogue" questions
Review Small Group Work
Clippage: O What a Rogue in one of two versions
Tonight's Homework: Paraphrase the "To be or not to be" soliloquy (10 minutes). Write a one-page rhetorical analysis of the soliloquy (20 minutes).
Monday, March 19, 2012, Day 120
Hamlet, Act 2
Today's Objective: To analyze Shakespeare's use of three classical language tricks: double entendre, pun, and classical allusion.
Agenda:
Access Prior Knowledge: Discuss (1) Hamlet's plan to put on an "antic disposition" and (2) Polonius's values
Hamlet Act 2 on Video (students choose version?)
Review definitions of 3 language tricks:
Small Groups: ID your assigned language trick
Large Group: Review language tricks and wrap-up
Tonight's Homework: Write your own version of the "O What a Rogue" soliloquy.
Friday, March 16, 2012 - Day 119
Today's Objective: To practice reading comprehension skills, your request on yesterday's exit slips.
Today's Agenda:
Outside Reading
Pair and share: Score last night's SAT essay and submit
Review Reading Comprehension Strategies
Read aloud long reading passage from SAT test 5, section 9, while reviewing active reading strategies
Answer multiple choice questions independently, and then review
Tonight's Homework:
Read Hamlet 2.2. Write in your log.
Thursday, March 15, 2012 - Day 118
Hamlet 2.1
Today's Objective: To determine Polonius's values and its significance to the text.
Today's Agenda:
Determining Polonius's Values
Tonight's Homework:
25 minute SAT writing
There is, of course, no legitimate branch of science that enables us to predict the future accurately. Yet the degree of change in the world is so overwhelmng and so promising that the future, I believe, is far brighter tahn anyone has contemplated since the end of the Second World War.
Is the world changing for the better? Plan and write an essay in which you develop a point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Day 117
Read Hamlet 2.1. Write in your log. Finish for homework.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - Day 116
Hamlet Comparative Film Analysis
Watch Act 1 on Kenneth Branaugh's Hamlet
Write a compare/contrast analysis comparing it to Mel Gibson's version.
Monday, March 12, 2012 - Day 115
Hamlet Comparative Film Analysis
Watch Act 1 on Mel Gibson's Hamlet
Friday, March 9, 2012 - Day 114
Today's Objective: To prepare for tomorrow's SAT.
Outside Reading
Review SAT practice test 5, section 7 (last night's HW)
Complete SAT practice test 5, section 6 in small groups
Review grammar section (section 6) and final SAT tips
This weekend's Homework:
Read Hamlet 1.4 and 1.5. Write in your logs for each scene.
Thursday, March 8, 2012 - Day 113
Today's Objectives:
To explore relationships in Polonius's family and compare these to the relationships in the royal family.
To explore language devices as ways of analyzing character.
Today's Agenda:
Improvisations (Polonius's family)
Family Relationships
Polonius's Language Cues
Tonights' Homework:
Complete 25 minute SAT section.
Bring in outside reading book.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Day 112
Today's Objective: To make Shakespeare's rich language tangible by illustrating Hamlet's words with physical objects and illustrations.
Review Homework (paraphrase of and questions about Hamlet's soliloquy)
Small Groups: Planning the Physical
Physicalizing the Soliloquy
Tonight's Homework:
Read Hamlet 1.3. Write in your logs.
Monday, March 5, 2012 - Day 111
Today's Objectives: To examine how word choice of idiom or metaphor can suggest a speaker's attitudes or motives.
Today's Agenda:
Questions from Logs
Getting the Politics
Close Reading of Claudius's Speech
Underlying Thoughts of Hamlet
Tonight's Homework:
Close reading of Hamlet's soliloquy.
Download handout for Hamlet's soliloquy here.
Friday, March 2, 2012 - Day 110
Today's Objectives:
To show what we know about vocabulary through formative assessment. To prepare for SAT by practicing reading comprehension skills.
Today's Agenda:
Vocabulary Quiz
Return To Kill a Mockingbird and submit essay
Outside Reading
SAT Preparation: practice test 5, section 3
This weekend's homework:
Read Hamlet 1.2. Write in your logs.
Thursday, March 1, 2012 - Day 109
Hamlet, Day 2: Acting 1.1
Today's Objective: To sort through Shakespeare's language to figure out how to stage Hamlet 1.1.
Today's Agenda:
Read Around
Questions
Deciding How to Play the Ghost
Settingthe Scene
Acting Scene
Tonight's Homework:
Finish your To Kill a Mockingbird essay.
Be prepared for a quick vocabulary quiz.
Words for tomorrow's vocab quiz: auspicious, belie, bellicose, diffident, epiphany, evanescent, facetious, homogeneous, hubris, impeach
Bring in your outside reading book.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Day 108
Hamlet, Day 1: Logs
Unit Objectives:
Today's Agenda
Establish the Log
Model Entries (download sample log assigment from Talia Boos '11 here)
Write
Respond
Tonight's Homework:
Work on To Kill a Mockingbird Essay (due Friday)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - Day 107
Writing Workshop: To Kill a Mockingbird
Today's Objectives (Focus Areas for Revision):
from Elements of Style
14. Use the active voice.
15. Put statements in positive form.
16. Use definite, specific, concrete language.
21.In summaries, keep to one tense.
22. Place the emphatic words of the sentence at the end.
Today's Agenda:
Review Elements of Style rules
Work on essay revisions on laptop
Tonight's Homework:
Work on To Kill a Mockingbird essay.
Monday, February 27, 2012 - Day 106
Writing Workshop: To Kill a Mockingbird
Review and workshop some student essays on the overhead projector
Small group revisions
Monday's Homework:
Work on To Kill a Mockingbird essay assignment.
On tap for Tuesday: Elements of Style revisions
Friday, February 17, 2012 - Day 105
To Kill a Mockigbird test
Today's Objective: To show what we know about To Kill a Mockingbird.
Take test
Hand in test and essay
Outside reading
Homework for the vacation:
Write a rough draft of your Mockingbird essay.
Print this and bring it to class, in addition to emailing it to yourself to revise in class on Monday when we return.
Thursday, February 16. 2012 - Day 104
To Kill a Mockingbird, final
Do Now: Complete Mirrors and Windows and Pair and Share
Discussion: Themes of To Kill a Mockingbird (use essay prompts to guide discussion)
Bonus: Similar Themes in Poetry and Song
Distribute SAT-style writing prompt
Tonight's Homework:
CompleteSAT-style writing prompt
Study for tomorrow's test
HERE IS A LIST OF VOCABULARY WORDS FROM THE UNIT.
Wednesday, February 14, 2012 - Day 103
To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 26-28
Download today's lesson plan here.
Today's Objectives: To examine the historical precedence for Mayella Ewell's character. To trace motifs regarding coming-of-age.
In-context vocabulary: Any vocabulary questions from last night's reading?
Informational Text: "Ruby Bates" - read, highlight and annotate, discuss
Review last night's reading (summarize)
Coming-of-age motifs
Tonight's homework:
Finish the book, employing active reading strategies as you read. Focus on mirrors(elements of the book that reflect you and your experiences) and windows (elements of the book that provide new insight).
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - Day 102
To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 23-25
Today's Objective: To examine the falling action of To Kill a Mockingbird.
In-context vocabulary
Small groups: Analyze chapters 21-25
Download Falling Action Jigsaw Analysis Sheet
"Jigsaw" presentations from groups
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 26-28. Complete active reading strategies.
Monday, February 13, 2012 - Day 101
To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 20-22
Today's Objective: To examine the use of rhetoric in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Do Now: Reread selected scenes from Tom Robinson's trial.
Access prior knowledge: Review rhetorical terms
Clippage: 2 closing arguments (download text below)
Small Groups: Complete rhetorical analysis
Large Group: Review rhetorical analysis
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 23-25. Employ active reading strategies.
Friday, February 10, 2012 - Day 100 (Woohoo!)
Reflection, Outside Reading, SAT Preparation
Today's Objectives: To reflect on our work from second quarter. To drop everything and read. To prepare for the SAT.
Portfolio Reflection (select 3 works, write 1 reflection)
Download Portfolio Curriculum Sheet here.
Outside Reading
Small Groups: Complete SAT Practice Test 4, Section 10
Large Group: Review and score SAT Practice Test 4, Sections 2 and 10
This weekend's homework:
Read chapters 20-22 in To Kill a Mockingbird. Do an active reading strategy (that I'll check on Monday), with a particular focus on the closing argument.
Thursday, February 9, 2012 - Day 99
To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 17-19
Download today's lesson plan here.
Today's Objective: To analyze the historical significance of the lynch mob. To analyze symbolic significance of names and other elements.
Warm-up: Vocabulary (PPT with last two days' vocab)
Read excerpts about lynching from Mark Twain and the Southern Women's Conference; Discuss
Symbolism - Download graphic organizer here
Tonight's Homework
Complete SAT practice test 4, section 2.
Bring in outside reading book.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 - Day 98
To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 14-16
Download today's lesson plan here.
Today's Objective: To identify and analyze the rising action of the story.
In-context vocabulary
Review rising action (lit. term); reread pp. 201-207
Small Groups: Complete Rising Action graphic organizer
Large Group: Discussion
Tonight's Homework: Read chapters 17-19. Continue with your active reading strategies.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - Day 97
To Kill a Mockingbird
Today's Objectives: To review in-context vocabulary. To reflect on Atticus Finch's advice. To discuss the significance of Mrs. Dubose's character. To analyze plot and character development.
Today's Agenda
Vocabulary (In-context)
Journal and Discussion
Large Group
Tonight's Homework
Read chapters 14-16. Employ active reading strategies. (I will check these tomorrow)
Monday, Feburary 6, 2012 - Day 96
Read chapters 10-13 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Complete 3-2-1 Active Reading Strategies.
Friday, February 3, 2012 - Day 95
SAT Preparation
Today's Objectives: To work on revision skills. To practice Standard English conventions. To prepare for the SAT.
Outside Reading
Improving Paragraphs (practice test 3, section 10)
Improving Sentences (practice test 3, section 6)
Homework for the weekend:
Finish your Ethan Frome essay.
Thursday, February 2, 2012 - Day 94
To Kill a Mockingbird, Day 4
Today's Objective: To follow Atticus and Scouts dynamic father-daughter relationship. To analyze what Scouts narrative voice and perspective bring to the novel. To analyze the significance and foreshadowing of what she finds out about the Tom Robinson trial.
Download today's lesson plan here.
Journal and Discussion: Atticus as a dad, take 2
Wrap-up Discussion and Ticket to Leave
Tonight's Homework: Work on Ethan Frome essay.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - Day 93
To Kill a Mockingbird, Day 3
Today's Objective: To analyze Atticus Finch as a father. To analyze the imagery and figurative language used to describe Boo Radley.
Download a copy of today's lesson plan here.
Journal and Discussion: Atticus as a father
Small Groups: complete character analysis sheet (figurative language) for Boo Radley
Discussion and ticket out the door (one thing you learned about how Lee uses literary devices to set a tone for Boo Radley)
Tonight's Homework: Read chapters 7-9. Continue with active reading strategies. (Try 3-2-1).
Frome essay due Friday.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - Day 92
To Kill a Mockingbird, Day 2
Today's Objective: To make inferences about the main characters via indirect characterization.
Download today's lesson plan here.
Do Now: In-context vocabulary warm-up
Small Groups: Character Analysis
Discussion
Ticket out the door: Tell me one thing you inferred about your character via indirect characterization.
Tonight's homework: Read chapters 4-6. Employ active reading strategies.
Monday, January 30, 2012 - Day 91
To Kill a Mockingbird, Day 1
Introductory Discussion Questions
Distribute books
Begin reading
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 1-3. Employ active reading strategies.
Ethan Frome essay due Friday, 2.3.2012.
Friday, January 27, 2012 - Day 90
SAT Preparation
Today's Objectives: To practice making inferences and making grammatical corrections.
SAT details for tomorrow
Outside Reading
On your own - inference questions (from test 3 in the blue and green SAT practice book)
Small groups - grammar corrections (from test 3 in the blue and green SAT practice book)
Review questions
This weekend's homework:
Book review on www.goodreads.com uploaded by 1.30.2012.
Ethan Frome essay due 2.3.2012.
Thursday, January 26, 2012 - Day 89
Ethan Frome Writing Stations lesson plan
Today's Objective: To leave class today with a thesis, evidence, quotes, and terms to use in your Ethan Frome essay.
Distribute Ethan Frome essay rubric
Tonight's Homework
Study for exams
Bring in outside reading book
Book review due 1/30/2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - Day 88
Midterm Exam
Submit written portion of the exam
Complete multiple choice portion of the exam
Tonight's Homework:
Study for exams
Book review uploaded to Good Reads site by 1/30
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - Day 87
Midterm Exam Review
Review long composition prompt
Questions?
Tonight's homework:
Write essay component of exam.
Be sure to use one of our works of literature as the chief example in your essay.
Study for test.
Monday, January 23, 2012 - Day 86
Ethan Frome - Final Discussion
Do Now: Complete Mirrors & Windows and Discussion Points handout (with HW check)
Circle Discussion:
Tonight's Homework:
Spend 30 minutes studying for Wednesday's exam.
Don't forget - book review due on Monday, 1.30!
Friday, January 20, 2012 - Day 85
SAT Preparation
Outside Reading
Vocabulary Warm-up: The Free Rice Game
Swap and score your essays from HW
Submit essays; Mr. Ambrose shares his
Grammar for Writing - multiple choice practice
Tonight's Homework:
Finish reading Ethan Frome. Continue with your annotations. Write three "talking points" for Monday's discussion on the book - consider the five themes we introduced last week.
Thursday, January 19, 2012 - Day 84
Ethan Frome, Day 7
Today's Objective: Analyze Wharton's use of symbols and motifs - how they contribute to theme and characterization.
Do Now: Vocabulary
Small Groups: Complete symbolism chart
Large Group (Circle Discussion)
Tonight's Homework:
Complete the SAT essay (25 min.) that is available from this College Board link.
If the link does not work, here is the prompt:
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
Many persons believe that to move up the ladder of success and achievement, they must forget the past, repress it, and relinquish it. But others have just the opposite view. They see old memories as a chance to reckon with the past and integrate past and present.
Adapted from Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, I've Known Rivers: Lives of Loss and Liberation
Assignment: Do memories hinder or help people in their effort to learn from the past and succeed in the present? 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.
Model your essay after the sample essay on the College Board site above - just click on the link for "Score =6 (Example 1)" or "Score = 6 (Example 2)".
Also, don't forget your outside reading book.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - Day 83
Ethan Frome, Day 6
Download lesson plan and handout for today here.
Do Now: copy vocabulary
Small Group: RAFT Activity
Large Group: Discussion (quotes ch. 4-6)
Homework: Read ch. 7-8. Continue to annotate, with a focus on how Ethan is affected by Mattie's presence/absence (THEME: People need people.)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - Day 82
Ethan Frome, Day 5
Do Now: Copy vocabulary
Journal: Describe the history of Ethan and Zeena's marriage.
Small Groups: Use your journal and your homework annotations to create an original skit ("The Courtship of Ethan and Zeena" or "Dr. Phil")
Present skits
Discussion: chapter 4 (Ethan's character development, symbolism)
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 5 and 6. Continue with annotations, focusing on Ethan's character development and symbolism.
Friday, January 13, 2012 - Day 81
SAT Practice
Outside Reading
SAT Free Write: 25 minutes on SAT prompt 1
With a partner, score two essays according to rubric
Discuss strategies
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter four of Ethan Frome.
Use Post-it notes to annotate. Focus on the marriage of Ethan and Zeena as you take notes.
Thursday, January 12, 2012 - Day 80
Ethan Frome, Day 4
Facebook characterization sheet
Tonight's Homework
Complete the 25 minute SAT essay prompt here.
You can also check out the SAT myths debunked for a guide.
If the download doesn't work, here is the assignment:
This essay prompt appeared on the SAT a few years ago. After reading, respond to it as you would on the SAT. (Dont forget the strict 25-minute time limit.)
The only way a government can function, and the only way a peoples voice can be expressed, is through a process in which decisions are made by the majority. This is not a perfect way of controlling government, but the alternatives decisions made by a minority, or by one person are even worse.
Adapted from Thomas Jefferson
Assignment: Is the opinion of the majority always right? 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, January 11, 2012 - Day 79
Ethan Frome - Day 3
Tonight's Homework: Read chapter 3. Use your post-it notes to annotate your text.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - Day 78
Ethan Frome - Day 2
Tonight's homework: Complete remainder of handout.
Monday, January 9, 2012 - Day 77
Ethan Frome - Day 1
Today's Objective: Introduce five themes of Ethan Frome.
Tonight's Homework:
Friday, January 6, 2012 - Day 76
Outside Reading
Small Groups: Review sections 1 and 3 of the 2010 PSAT (Critical Reading) - HW check (works cited page)
Large Group: Review 2010 PSAT
Homework: Final draft of As I Lay Dying essay
Thursday, January 5, 2012 - Day 75
Do Now: Read the excerpt from The Literary 100
Review how to handle quotes in text
Using student samples on overhead, practice workshopping incorporation of quotes
Small Groups: Workshop your quotes to ensure a smooth transition in your writing (and HW check)
Distribute "Creating a Works Cited Page According to MLA Format" and review
Tonight's Homework
Work on your As I Lay Dying essay. At the very least, create your Works Cited page and bring it to me for approval tomorrow.
Bring in your outside reading book and your PSAT material tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - Day 74
William Faulkner's Nobel Prize Presentation Speech
William Faulkner's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
Small Groups: Finding Quotes to support your assertions
HW Check
Tonight's Homework: 1-2 page typed draft of your essay - with quotes! (Remember that our eventual goal is to haev 3-5 pages with quotes from the primary source - As I Lay Dying - and two secondary sources.)
On tap for tomorrow: Literary 100, Practice Incorporating Quotes as a Large Group, Incorporate Quotes Independently, MLA Format, Review
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 - Day 73
Do Now: Read and annotate excerpt from Harold Bloom's How to Read and Why
Discuss Bloom's main points
5 Ways of Looking at a Thesis
Small Groups: Develop original ideas for As I Lay Dying essay
Today's Objective: Examine a model of literary criticism and begin to write our own.
Tonight's Homework:
Type an original thesis and paper proposal for As I Lay Dying.
Friday, December 23, 2011 - Day 72
As I Lay Dying test
Read "It's Not Easy Being Santa"
Homework for the break:
Spend some time with your family. Shovel for your family if it snows. Read your outside reading book. Do something nice.
If you want to get ahead, start writing initial draft of As I Lay Dyingessay or start chatting with your friendsabout ideas for a coolAs I Lay Dying project.
Thursday, December 22, 2011 - Day 71
As I Lay Dying Review Day
Share and submit HW (Faulkner's influence) - 5 min.
Do Now: What's in a Name? Etymology in As I Lay Dying- read, annotate, discuss -10 minutes
Review sheet for concepts - 10 minutes
Small Groups: Quotes and Vocabulary - 15 minutes
Preview: Student project - 10 minutes
Mr. Ambrose's As I Lay Dying rap - 5 minutes
Tonight's Homework
Study for As I Lay Dying test
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - Day 70
As I Lay Dying, wrap-up discussion
Review tonight's response paper homework assignment
Small groups: Share HW and HW check
Circle discussion: 7 Oprah's Book Club questions on As I Lay Dying (plus the significance of Cash's quote on 233 - a potential journal response)
Tonight's Homework:
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - Day 69
As I Lay Dying, ch. 46-52
Small group preparation (15 minutes)
Report out to large group and discuss (35 minutes)
(Be sure to refer back to the text to support your assertions regarding your assigned chapter.)
Tonight's Homework:
Finish reading the book.
Answer the 7 book club discussion questions (handout from class).
Monday, December 19, 2011 - Day 68
Close reading of Addie and Whitfield's chapters
Read Addie and Whitfield's monologues aloud
Work on making inferences and indirect characterization
Answer discussionquestions on ch. 40-45
Tonight's homework:
Read chapters 46-52. Write a response using quotes for each chapter.
Friday, December 16, 2011, Day 67
Ouside Reading
PSAT Review: section 5, 2011 PSAT
This weekend'shomework:
Read chapters 40-45 in As I Lay Dying. Write a one-page response on the chapters. Be sure to use quotes. Focus on Addie's character, and what we learn about her in these chapters.
Thursday, December 15, 2011, Day 66
Do Now: Vocabulary, ch. 20-39
Last Word Discussion format
Tonight's Homework:
Bring in our outside reading book
Wednesday, December 14, 2011, Day 65
In class:
Complete discussion questions, ch. 20-28
For homework:
Complete discussion questions, ch. 20-39
Tuesday, December 13, 2011, Day 64
As I Lay Dying
Small Groups: In-context Vocabulary, ch. 1-19
What is dark humor? Review handout and discuss
Clippage (ch. 13 and 14 of Little Miss Sunshine)
Discussion, six questions from ch. 1-19 (using textual evidence)
Tonight's Homework:
Read up through chapter 32. Write bullet point notes for each chapter. Extra credit for typing and/or including quotes.
Monday, December 12, 2011, Day 63
In small groups, find two quotesto support your assertions in each of the six discussion questions for chapters 1-19. (12 quotes total)
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 20-24. Write bullet point notes for each chapter.
Friday, December 9, 2011, Day 62
Outside Reading
What does my PSAT score mean?
In small groups, go through the 2011 PSAT and idenfity areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Additionally, write an explanation for anything you got wrong - why you got it wrong and why the right answer is the right answer.
Homework for the weekend:
Read up through chapter 19. Answer discussion questions for chapters 1-19.
Thursday, December 8, 2011, Day 61
As I Lay Dying, Day 3
DoNow:Read and annotate first two lectures of Faulkner college lecture.
Discussmain ideas and supporting details of lecture.
Small groups: review HW (and HW check)
Large group Discussion: chapters 7-12
Homework:
Bring in outside reading book.Bring in PSAT materials.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011, Day 60
As I Lay Dying, Day 2
Small Groups: Discuss Homework (and HW check)
Circle Discussion: Chapters 1-6 of As I Lay Dying
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 7-12 of As I Lay Dying.
Complete discussion questions.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011, Day 59
As I Lay Dying, Day 1
Submit HW
Journal and Discussion: Think about a book you have read or a movie that you have scene that using multiple narrative perspective (Vantage Point, any Jodi Picoult book). Write about what the narrative perspective adds to the story.
Read and discuss chapter 1
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 2-6. Answer discussion questions.
Monday, December 5, 2011, Day 58
The Jungle, Final Day
Guiding Question: How is Sinclair's work still relevant?
Do Now: Read and annotate two pages from Fast Food Nation. Identify main ideas and interesting points, and discuss.
Small Groups: Share article from last night's homework. Discuss relevance to The Jungle.
Large Group: Share your articles. Share Ambrose's article (Food Lion and Boston Public Schools articles).
Tonight's Homework:
Finish reading Fast Food Nation excerpt. Write a one page response.
Friday, December 2, 2011, Day 57
Do Now: New York Times article from Ms. Daneu
Clippage
Discussion
Small Groups: Read second article from Ms. Daneu. Identify 3 issues that still exist today that were prevalent in Sinclair's time.
Discussion and wrap up.
Tonight's Homework:
Find an article online that relates to one of the themes from The Jungle - predatory mortgage lending, food regulations, the meat industry, workers' rights, immigration, etc. Write a one page response connecting it to The Jungle.
Thursday, December 1, 2011, Day 56
Today's Class:
ID 5 quotes from The Jungle. Write a paragraph explaining the significance of each.
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapter 4 of The Jungle. You can use this link here:
http://www.online-literature.com/upton_sinclair/jungle/4/
Print it and highlight/annotate it for class. We'll talk about it on Friday and on Monday in class.
Bring in your second quarter outside reading book for approval. Please feel free to borrow one of mine!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011, Day 55
The Jungle co-curricular unit with Ms. Daneu
Tuesday, November 29, 2011, Day 54
The Jungle co-curricular unit with Ms. Daneu
Monday, November 28, 2011, Day 53
Submit essays
Short story test
Tonight's Homework:
E-mail me your personal narrative (misterambrose@yahoo.com) for our digital portfolio.
Wednesday,November 23, 2011, Day 52
Today's Objective: Assess our performance so far this year and reflect on what we've learned.
Complete curriculum sheet for one assignment from quarter one.
In a packet, submit the following:
Tonight's Homework:
Tonight's Homework (Due Monday, 11/28):
2-3 page typed polished story suitable to be a college essay
Study for short story test
Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - Day 51
Short Stories: "Slowing Down the Moment" and Revision
Opener: Big Fish
Examples of Stories We've Read
Journal
Peer Revision
Share Mr. Ambrose's memoir and review rubric
Tonight's Homework (Due Monday, 11/28):
2-3 page typed polished story suitable to be a college essay
Study for short story test
Monday, November 21, 2011 - Day 50
Short Stories: Trying to Save Piggy Sneed
Literary Terms
Vocabulary
Opener: "We can always imagine a better detail than the one we can remember. The correct detail is rarely, exactly, what happened; the most truthful detail is what could have happened or what should have happened."
Small Groups
Report out to large group.
Tonight's Homework:
Write your own memoir. Perhaps try starting it with this line: "With that in mind, I think I have become a ____________ because of _____________ and ..."
On tap for Tuesday: Slowing down the moment revisions
On tap for Wednesday: Portfolio and assessment
Friday, November 18, 2011 - Day 49
Submit HW (coming-of-age piece)
Outside Reading
SAT Prep (Practice test 1, sections 6 and 10)
Tonight's Homework
Read and annotate the memoir, "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed," by John Irving.
Thursday, November 17, 2011 - Day 48
Short Story Unit: A Retrieved Reformation
Opener: Journal
Terminology
Discussion
Read and discuss: "The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy or Pygmalion Effect"
Plot Diagram (Freytag's Pyramid)
Don't forget to bring your outside reading book tomorrow!
Homework (due Monday):
Read, highlight,and annotate "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed."
Complete Plot Diagram for the story.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - Day 47
Short Story Unit: Coming-of-Age and Freytag's Pyramid
DiscussCreighton University"A & P"questions(and submit this HW)
Journal on one coming-of-age experience (from last night's HW)
Pair and share journals, get feedback, add to journal
Notes on Freytag's Pyramid (Plot Diagram)
Tonight's Homework
Read "A Retrieved Reformation." Complete Plot Diagram handout. Write one paragraph on what ironic elements are present in the story.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - Day 46
Short Story Unit: A and P
Pair and share artifact story
Share what you liked about your partner's story
Discuss coming-of-age
Read and discuss "A and P"
Wrap up with four discussion questions about "A and P"
Tonight's Homework
Completethe seven Creighton University discussion questions on A and P (handout from class).
Brainstorm five coming-of-age experiences that you have had in your life.
Monday, November 14, 2011 - Day 45
Short Story Unit: Artifact Exchange
Work on your "artifact" story (due tomorrow).
Thursday, November 10, 2011 - Day 44
Artifact Exchange Lesson
Go to lesson plan library for lesson plan.
Homework (due Tuesday):
Write a two-pagetyped personal artifact essay, using mine as a model.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - Day 43
Quarterly Reflection
Select your three best pieces of work from quarter one. Write a paragraph reflection on each - why it represents your best work and what you learned from the assignment.
Write one to two paragraphs reflecting on your goals from day one - what you have done to achieve them and what you can do to achieve them in the future.
Keep these items in your notebook. They will be included in your portfolio next week.
Monday, November 7, 2011 - Day 42
Everyday Use Lesson
Go to lesson plan library to download lesson plan and handouts.
Tonight's Homework:
Answer 7 discussion questions on "Everday Use." Bring in your personal artifact for Thursday.
Friday, November 4, 2011 - Day 41
Outside Reading
Mr. Ambrose's Sample Good Reads Book Review
Submit "Girl" pieces
SAT Preparation (p. 402 and 410 in SAT practice book)
Tonight's Homework:
GET CAUGHT READING
On tap...
M "Everyday Use"
W Portfolio and Goals
Th Artifact Exchange
Thursday, November 3, 2011 - Day 40
Quarter 1 Exam
Tonight's Homework:
Read your outside reading book for 30 minutes.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - Day 39
Quarter 1 Exam Review
Tonight's Homework:
Study for Exam
Monday, October 31, 2011 - Day 37
Short Story Unit, Day 1
Download today's PowerPoint with images- period 2
Download today's PowerPoint with imaegs - period 6
What isWriting? - Read and discuss
Slide Show of Images with Free Write
Tonight's Homework
Formalize your free write from today into a polished short story to share tomorrow.
Friday, October 28, 2011 - Day 36
Outside Reading
ReviewSAT essay scoring rubric
Select a quote from "Self-Reliance"
25 minute timed writing(SAT-style) on thequote
Pair withtwo other students, have them read your essay, and score according to rubric
Tonight'sHomework:
Thoreau essay
Thursday, October 27, 2011- Day 35
Transcendentalism Unit Test
Tonight's Homework
Bring in outside reading book.
Transcendentalism Essay due Monday
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - Day 34
Share original "Whitman style" poems
Read and discuss excerpt from "Self-Reliance"
Review rubric for Thoreau essay
Tonight's Homework
Study for Transcendentalism test
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 - Day 33
Discuss and submit homework - Is Thoreau still relevant today?
Walt Whitman background
"When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer"
Tonight's Homework: Write your own version of one of the poem's we studied today. For extra credit, write two.
Monday, October 24, 2011 - Day 32
Walden, Day 6
Guiding Question: Is Thoreau still relevant today?
Do Now: Listen to "You Never Know" and write about how it represents Transcendentalist views. Discuss.
Discussion (small groups or circle): 2 articles from HW (and submit HW)
$75 K is the price of happiness article
Period 6: Report on ReadingCarousel from Friday
On tap for tomorrow: Your own Walden assignment and Emerson's Self-Reliance
Homework: Write one page on whether you think Thoreau is still relevant, using examples from today's class.
Friday, October 21, 2011 - Day 31
Walden, Day 5
Outside Reading SSR
Small Groups Report on Carousel (period 2)
Weekend homework:
Read the following two articles:
Thoreau Rediscovered as a Climatologist
Write one paragraph on each (one page total)
Thursday, October 20, 2011 - Day 30
Walden, Day 4
Do Now: My Personal Economy (Complete then discuss)
20 minutes: circle discussion on "Economy"
20 minutes: circle discussion on "Where I Lived"
Submit "Economy" reflection paper
Tonight's Homework: Answer questions regarding 6 quotes from Reading
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - Day 29
Walden, Day 3
Work on Quote Sheet (Where I Lived...)
Submit Quote Sheet
Tonight's Homework (Due Tomorrow):
Read, highlight and annotate Economy(a chapter from Walden).
Write a one page response paper.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - Day 28
Walden, Day 2
Wrap up Agree/Disagree Discussion
Pair and share HW (What you Live and What You Life For)
Group work: Work on Quote Sheet
Last 10 Minutes: Review samples from Quote Sheet
Questions from the the Reading
Tonight's Homework (Due Thursday)
Read, highlight and annotate Economy(a chapter from Walden).
Write a one page response paper.
Monday, October 17, 2011 - Day 27
Walden, Day 1
Walden Slide Show and Free Write Journal
5 Signs You Might Be a Transcendentalist
Agree/Disagree Discussion
Homework due Tuesday:
Read and annotate except from Thoreau's Walden. (Where I Lived and What I Lived For)
Write your own version - What you live for (one page).
Friday, October 14, 2011 - Day 26
How did things go at the college fair?
PSAT Tips and FAQ
Review and correct 2009 PSAT
Opportunity for further practice: 2011 practice book
Homework due Tuesday:
Read and annotate except from Thoreau's Walden. (Where I Lived and What I Lived For)
Write your own version - What you live for (one page).
Thursday, October 13, 2011 - Day 25
Do Now: 3 Questions about College
College Pride Day Presentation
College Q and A
Tonight's Homework:
Thoreau/King essay
Bring in PSAT Practice Booklet
COLLEGE FAIR TONIGHT!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - Day 24
PSAT section 5 (2009)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - Day 23
PSAT section 3 (2009)
Friday, October 7, 2011 - Day 22
PSAT section 1 (2009)
Thursday, October 6, 2011 - Day 21
SAT in-class practice essay (May 2011 writing prompt 2)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 - Day 20
SAT in-class practice essay (May 2011 writing prompt)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 - Day 19
3-2-1 Journal
(3 main points, 2 questions you have, 1 challenging vocabulary word)
Civil Disobedience Part 3 Discussion
No homework tonight.
Monday, October 3, 2011 - Day 18
3-2-1 Journal
(3 main points, 2 questions you have, 1 challenging vocabulary word)
Civil Disobedience Part 2 Discussion
Tonight's Homework:
Read and annotate part 3 of Civil Disobedience.
Friday, September 30, 2011 - Day 17
Outside Reading Time
PSAT Preparation Session 3: Grammar for Writing
Review Homework
Tonight's Homework:
Read and annotate part 2 of "Civil Disobedience"
Thursday, September 29, 2011 - Day 16
Civil Disobedience, Day 2
3-2-1 Journal on last night's reading
Circle Discussion
Tonight's Homework
Bring in your outside reading book.
Complete PSAT Grammar for Writing handout.
Write explanations for each answer, if you know the grammar rule.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - Day 15
Journal and Discussion
Definition of Civil Disobedience
Five Things You Didn't Know About Thoreau
Tonight's Homework:
Read, highlight and annotate part 1 of Civil Disobedience.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - Day 14
MLK Test
Monday, September 26, 2011 - Day 13
Wrap up MLK Discussion
Mr. Milne's MLK Article - Journal and Discussion
Test Review
Tonight's Homework:
Study for MLK Test
Friday, September 23, 2011 -Day 12
PSAT Week 2 Vocabulary Quiz
Outside Reading
PSATPreparation - Session 2: Passage-Based Reading
Tonight's Homework:
Poster and essay rough draft due Wednesday, 9/28.
Thursday, September 22, 2011 - Day 11
Do Now: Review MLK Vocabulary
Student-led circle discussion on MLK:
Tonight's Homework:
Study for PSAT Vocabulary Quiz.
Bring in outside reading book.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 - Day 10
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - Day 9
Monday, September 19, 2011 - Day 8
Distribute and review PSAT Vocab, Week 2
Letter from Birmingham Jail, Day 3
Objective: To understand the historical context of King's arrest and his letter from Birmingham Jail.
Tonight's Homework:
Highlight/underline and annotate "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Download some tips for annotating here.
Friday, September 16, 2011 - Day 7
Vocabulary Quiz
PSAT Session 1: Sentence Completions
Guided Practice (PSAT p. 254)- Complete and Review
Show me your reading workshop book and read
Tonight's Homework:
Sign in to Good Reads and explore the site.
For Tuesday: Read, underline/highlight, and annotate "Letter from Birmingham Jail." (Use Hunter College handout for ideas on the method of annotating. See me if you need a copy of the letter.)
Thursday, September 15, 2011 - Day 6
Do Now: Review PSAT vocabulary.
"Letter from Birmingham Jail," Day 2
Birmingham Segregation Ordinances
Birmingham in the 1960s
What's the appropriate action to take? (Next time, we'll talk about the action that was taken - Project-C.)
Review how to set up a Good Reads account.Explore www.goodreads.com. Show examples of book reviews from previous students on the Good Reads site. Browse my book shelves for an outside reading book.
Tonight's Homework:
Bring in an outside reading book. Study for vocabulary quiz (week one PSAT words).
For Tuesday: Bring in your copy of "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Be sure to read, highlight/underline, and annotate. I will check this for a grade.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 - Day 5
(Review PSAT Vocabulary)
"Letter from Birmingham Jail," Day 1
Unjust Laws
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
How did the Birmingham segregation ordinances of 1960s violate these two documents?
Discussion
Tonight's Homework: Read Birmingham in the 1960s. Write a brief response to the piece.
Challenge: Incorporate specifics of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and/or the Bill of Rights.
Monday, September 12, 2011 - Day 4
Distribute PSAT Vocabulary List
Tonight's Homework:
Define PSAT Vocabulary Words (10 min.).
Identify one example of an unjust law (today or historically) and write one or two paragraphs explaining why it is unjust. (10-20 min.).
Friday, September 9, 2011 - Day 3
Submit Parent Form
Browse Website
Begin Outline
Download graphic organizer here
Tonight's Homework:
Outline your essay. Prepare for in-class essay on Monday.
Thursday, September 8, 2011 - Day 2
Distribute and review parent note
Share and submit name histories
Seating chart
Tonight's homework:
Get parent note signed.
Bring in summer reading book (if you still have it) and any notes you may have on the book.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 - Day 1
Welcome and Introductions
Review syllabus and course expectations
Setting goals
Complete student survey
Tonight's homework:
Read "My Name," a vignette from The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros.
Write your own name history (two paragraphs). You will present this to the class tomorrow.
In other news...
Wednesday, June 13:
Curriculum Questions for final
Reading assignments for Gatsby:
F 6.15 - final exam review
Tu 6.19 - final exam, survey, photos
Announcing the winners of the Hamlet Video Festival:
Period 2:
Period 6:
Students from period 2 who will present their college projects on June 8:
Students from period 6 who will present their college projects on June 8:
Download course calendar for period 2 here.
Download course calendar for period 6 here.
Quarter 3
To Kill a Mockingbird
Hamlet
Quarter 4
College Visits
The Lost Generation Unit
After the Break:
SAT material we've covered so far:
4.2
4.10
5.3
5.6
5.7
5.9
6.3
6.6
Announcement regarding outside reading book reviews
Starting with quarter 3, please submit a printed copy of your book review in addition to posting it on Good Reads.
Book reviews will be do five school days before the end of the quarter.
Mister Ambrose
489 Winthrop St.
Medford, MA 02155
ph: 781.393.2345
dambrose