Thursday, June 17, 2010

Submit outstanding work

Final exam review game

Any other questions about the final exam?

Tonight's Homework

Prepare for final exam

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Ballads

Honors

Distribute final exam review sheet

"Piano Man" by Billy Joel

Mr. Esner's Lord Randall/Hard Rain Lesson

Standard

Distributeand go over final exam review sheet

"The General" by Dispatch

"Stan" by Eminem

Tonight's Homework (all classes)

Finish your own ballad, based on a news article.

Download the assignment - as well as a sample of the assignment completed by Mr. Esner!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Ballads

Honors

Share Catcher Soundtracks

Introduction to Scansion:"TheBallad of Gilligan's Isle"

"Scarborough Fair" by Simon and Garfunkel

Standard

Hand back homework

Introduction to Scansion: "The Ballad of Gilligans' Isle"

"Piano Man" by Billy Joel

"Hurricane" by Bob Dylan

Video link for "Hurricane"

Homework for all classes:

Due Thursday: Write an original ballad based on a newspaper article or other form of concrete inspiration. Be sure to submit your inspiration article with your final ballad.

Monday,June 14, 2010

Share soundtracks

Submit Essays

Blake orBallads

Friday, June 11, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

Test

Homework:

Coming-of-age comparison essay

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

Stream-of-Consciousness Journal

• Journal for several minutes silently
• Pair and share
• Discuss

Catcher Final Discussion

• Download PowerPoint presentation with discussion questionshere (Qwizdom compatible)

Honors Bonus: Modernism vs. Posst-Modernism

Tonight's Homework

Complete soundtrack project.

Study for Catcher test.

Short essay due Monday (assignment sheet tomorrow)

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

ALL CLASSES:

Mrs.Donlon comes to visit to discuss Holden from a psychological perspective.

Items for discussion:

• supposed self
• true self
• persona
• self-actualization
• abilityto analyze oneself inwardly
• Holden's obssession with childhood innocence
• optimistic vs. pessimistic life orientation
• IsHolden stressed or depressed?

Tonight's Homework

Work on soundtrack project.

Write up your case study (quiz grade)- Is Holden crazy?

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

ALLCLASSES:

Complete and discuss Scheier &Carver's Life Orientation Test

• Did you get the result you expected toget?
• How would HOlden fare on this test?

HONORS:

Chapter 21-23 Discuss

• Focus: The character of Phoebe, and her precocious nature.

Is Holden stressed or depressed?

• Review handout and discuss case study in small groups.

STANDARD:

Complete and discuss chapter 18-20 discussion questions. Submit discussion sheet.

Read aloud and dicuss chapter21.

TONIGHT'S HOMEWORK:

Finish reading the book. Work on soundtrack project.

Monday, June 7, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

ALL CLASSES: Review soundtrack project assignment.

Download discussion question handouts for chapters 18-20.

HONORS:

Submit chapters 16 and 17 discussion sheets for classwork grade.

Large group circle discussion: Chapters 18-20.

Small groups: Work on Holden case study

HONORS HOMEWORK:

Read chapters 21-23. Write a brief responseaboutPhoebe's character, focusing on her precocious nature.

STANDARD:

Wrap up discussion of chapter 17, and submit chapters 16 and 17 discussion sheets for classwork grade.

Discuss chapters 18 and 19.

Read aloud chapter 20, and begin chapter 21.

STANDARD HOMEWORK:

Read chapters 21 and 22.

ON TAP FOR TOMORROW:

STREAM-OF-CONSCIOUSNESS WRITING!

ON TAP FOR LATER IN THE WEEK:

IS HOLDEN STRESSED OR DEPRESSED?

PERSONALITY TESTS

MODERNISM V. POST-MODERNISM (HONORS)

Friday, June 4, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

ALL CLASSES:ReviewJune class calendar

HONORS:

Submit chapter 13-15discussion questions

Small groups:Prep chapter 16 and 17 discussion questions

Circle discussion:Chapters 16 and 17

Ch. 6-15 Vocabulary

HONORS HOMEWORK:

Read chapters 18-20.Add to your list of potential soundtrack songs.

STANDARD:

Class meets in a circle.

Review chapter 15 questions and submit chapter 13-15 discussion questions for classwork grade.

Discuss chapter 16.

Read chapter 17. Answer discussion questions as we read.

Begin reading chapter 18.

Bonus: Ch. 6-15 Vocabulary

STANDARD HOMEWORK:

Finish reading chapter 18 and read chapter 19. Add to your list of potential soundtrack songs.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

HONORS:

Chapter 13-15 Discussion Questions

(Small group or independent prep, followed by circle discussion.)

STANDARD:

Chapter 13 and 14 Discussion Questions

(Answer questions together as a large group.)

Read aloud chapters 15 and 16, and answer questions as you go.

Tonight's Homework

HONORS: Read chapters 16 and 17.

STANDARD: Read chapters 15 and 16.

Wednesday, June 2,2010

The Catcher in the Rye

HONORS:

Chapter 10-12 Discussion Questions

STANDARD:

Read aloud chapters 10-12, andanswerdiscussion questions as yougo.

Tonight's Homework

Honors:Read chapters 13-15. Write a brief response (one totwo paragraphs) about anything in the reading.

Standard: Read chapters 13 and 14. Continue to add to your playlist.

Tuesday,June 1, 2010

The Catcher inthe Rye

ALL CLASSES: Catcher Quiz #1

HONORS:

Journal: Questions, comments, and quotes from last night's reading assignment

Discussion: ch. 7-9

Small groups: Case Study

STANDARD:

Submit comedy essays

Review Friday's handout (experiencing death as an adolescent)

Read around: ch. 7

Tonight's Homework

HONORS:

Read chapters 10-12.

Begin to assemble playlist.

STANDARD:

Be sure you have read up through chapter 9, if you have not done so already.

Begin to assemble playlist.

Friday, May 28, 2010

TheCatcher in the Rye

Pair and share HW (Composition about Allie's glove)

Share best (and mine) and submit HW

Read and discuss: Experiencing the Death of a Sibling as an Adolescent

Discussion: HowhasAllie's death impacted Holden? Does he have a"healthy," "normal" reaction, or no? Why do you think this?

Ch. 5 and 6 - Other Discussion

Reviewch. 1-5 Vocab (Honors)

HONORS: Submit final essay on comedy.

STANDARD: Final essay on comedy due Tuesday.

Homework:

Read chapters 7-9. Prepare for a quiz on introductoryPowerPoint preentation and opening chapters of the book.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

Carousel: Go around the room and list character traits for each of the six main characters:

• Holden
• D.B.
• Old Spencer
• Ward Stradlater
• Robert Ackley
• Jane Gallagher

Discuss each. Submit HW.

Discussion: ch. 3 and 4

Begin reading chapter 5.

(Standard: Read most of reading assignment in class.)

Tonight'sHomework

Read chapters 5 and6. Write the compositionabout Allie'sbaseball mitt that Holden writesfor Stradlater.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye

Journal: What are your initial impressions of the text and of Holden?

Discussion: ch. 1 and 2

Small Groups: Holden Psychological Case Study

Begin reading ch. 3

(Submit HW)

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 3 and 4. Write character traits for each of the main characters.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

TheCatcher in theRye

Introductory PPT

Agree/Disagree Statement and Discussion

Book review (HONORS)

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 1 and 2. Answer discussion questions.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Honors

Importance of Being Earnest Final Test

Submit rough drafts of comedy essay

Standard

Importance of Being Earnest Quiz 2

• Video link for quiz here.

Work on brainstorming/outlining comedy essay together

Submit outline/rough drafts of comedy essay

Friday, May 21, 2010

All Classes

Comedy Quiz

After completing quiz, students myspend the rest of the time working on their comedy essays and/or studying for Monday's test of Earnest.

Tonight's Homework

Bring in rough draft of Earnest essay for Monday.

Study for Earnest test on Monday.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

All Classes

Watch part2 of Earnest on DVD

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

All Classes

Watch part 1 of Earnest on DVD

Review comedyessay assignment (honors)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Honors: Does not meet because of MCAS Math

Standard:

Read Act3

Reviewcomedy essay assignment

Monday, May 17, 2010

Honors: Does not meet because of MCAS Math

Standard:

Wrap up reading Act 2

Answer Act 2 Discussion Questions together and submit for a classwork grade

No Homework due to MCAS

Friday,May 14, 2010

Honors

Briefly discuss Act 2 and submit HW

Read Act3

Standard

ReadingAct 2

NoHomework due to MCAS

Long term assignment: Work on comedy essay

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Importance of Being Earnest

Types of Irony

• Verbal
• Dramatic
• Situational

Ideas for comedy films?

Review Act 1 of Earnest

Begin reading Act 2

Honors Homework

Finish reading act 2 of Importance of Being Earnest

Click to read Act 2 of Importance of Being Earnest

Answer discussionquestions.

Standard Homework

Complete any outstanding work.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Honors

Read Act 2. Answer analysis questions.

Honors Homework

Finish any work you don't finish in class.

Prepare final draft of your Modest Proposal essay.

Standard

Finish reading Act 1. Answer analysis questions.

Standard Homework

Finish any work you don't finish in class.

Prepare final draft of your Modest Proposal essay.

Click to read Act 1 of The Importance of Being Earnest

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Honors

Discuss and submit homework

Begin readingAct 1of Earnest

Honors Homework

Finish readingAct 1 of Earnest. Answer all analysis questions.

Standard

Discuss and submit homework

Begin reading Act 1 of Earnest

Standard Homework

Work on ModestProposal Essay Final Draft

Monday, May 10,2010

All Classes

Life in the Victorian Age PowerPoint

Downloada copy of today's lesson plan here.

Comedy of Humours:Grumpy Old Men scene

Fantasy Comedy: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince trailer

Satirical Comedy: Will Ferrell as President Bush

Comedy of Manners: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day trailer

Burlesque Comedy: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Jump on It Dance

Tonight's Homework

Watch two comedy programs on television. Write briefly about the types of comedy used in these programs, based on the types of comedy learned about in today's lesson. Use specific examples.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Standard

Review and submitModest Proposalanalysis questions

Distribute and reviewYour Own Modest ProposalAssignment

Journal: Brainstorm contemporarysocial issues to address

List these issues and post them on the board

Get into small groups to brainstorm satirical solutions to these problems

Reconvene to discuss these satirical solutions

Work on outline of five-paragraph essay

Standard Homework

Write rough draft of Modest Proposal essay

Honors

Be sure to submit sub assignments

Submit Your Own Modest Proposal Essay Rough Draft

Read Oscar Wilde's Biography from Daniel S. Burt's The Literary 100

Distribute and review Oscar Wilde's Epigrams

Honors Homework

Read Wilde's epigrams to get a sense of his style of humor. Write 3-5 of your own epigrams in his style.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Rape of the Lock - read and answer analysis questions

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Gulliver's Travels Excerpt - read and answer analysis questions

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

All Classes

ReviewYour Own Modest Proposal Essay Assignment

Honors

DiscussSwift's "A Modest Proposal"

Discuss and submit analysis questions

Work on Your Own Modest Proposal Essay

Standard

Read and discusssecond half of "A Modest Proposal"

Begin analysis questions

Homework

Honors: Work on rough draft ofyourmodest proposal (due Friday).

Standard: Finish analysis questions. Work on rough draft of your modest proposal (due Friday).

Monday, May 3, 2010

A Modest Proposal

Distribute and review May calendar

Read and discuss A Modest Proposal

Tonight's Homework

Answer the four analysis questions from your Modest Proposal packet.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Honors

Hand back "ShootHooligans" questions

Submit LOTFessay finaldrafts (staple rough draft to final)

Discuss "A Modest Proposal: Shoot Hooligans, Not Hoops"

• What is a "modest proposal"?
• Is this sort of "half-serious suggestion" an effective way to express social commentary? Why?
• Four analysis questions from yesterday

Dan Bozovic's Satire Video and Analysis

Roger's Satire Video and Analysis

Other Bonus Clippage (White and Nerdy, Daily Show)

Work on Eggplant Project

Standard

See Honors Lesson from Wednesday

Bonus Student Clippage

Hand back and discuss "Shoot Hooligans, Not Hoops"

Homework for all classes

Complete Eggplant satirical newspaper assignment

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Satire

Sub Assignment: Read "Shoot Hooligans, Not Hoops"

Answer four analysis questions and submit to sub

Homework

Work on Eggplant satirical newspaper assignment

HONORS: Final draft of Lord of the Flies essay

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Period 1

Hand back The Onion homework

Journal and discussion: When does satire go too far? Are there any topics that are off limits? (Consider yesterday's article from The Onion, the "Dead Terrorist," or episodes of The Family Guy or South Park.)

Share last night's homework and watch and discuss some Colbert Report clippage

• Fox News: Bill O'Reilly introduction
• First three clips from 4.26.2010 episode of The Colbert Report

Read and discuss excerpt from I Am America and So Can You by Stephen Colbert

Review Eggplant project assignment

Bonus clippage?

Begin brainstorming work on The Eggplant

Period 4

Hand back The Onion homework

Review Eggplant satirical newspaper project assignment.

Go to computer lab to explore www.theonion.com.

• Students should select articles that they will use as models for their own satire and e-mail these to themselves.

Tonight's Homework

Work on Eggplant satrical newspaper project (due Monday, May 3).

HONORS: Additionally, work on Lord of the Flies essay final draft (due Friday, April 30).

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Satire

Do Now: Listen to "AmishParadise" anddiscuss the satirical techniques employed in the song

• Click this link for the music video
• Click this link to downloada handout with lyrics to the song and guiding questions

Turn and talk: In small groups, share last night's homework (print and analyze an article from The Onion)

Large group: Share and discuss articles from The Onion that students brought in, and submit

Read and discuss Mr. Ambrose's examples of satire from The Onion

• Nike Signs Big Brown
• Nation's Poorest 1% Now Controls Two-Thirds of U.S. Soda Can Wealth

Bonus Videos (View and discuss satirical elements if time allows)

• "Silence, I Kill You!" Satire
• "White and Nerdy" Satire
• "Bush Endorses McCain" Satire
  

Tonight's Homework

Watch a portion of the news, and then watch a portion of The Daily Show or The Colbert Report. (Clips are readily available on the internet if you cannot watch on Comedy Central.)

Write a one or two paragraph analysis of how the Comedy Central programs satirize traditional news programs via parody and other methods.

Tomorrow: We will view and discuss some clips from The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. We will also review our satirical newspaper project assignment.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Satire

Hand back Animal Farm tests

HONORS: Hand back LOTF rough drafts

Final drafts due Friday

Introduction to Satire

Tonight's Homework

Find an article on www.theonion.com that you consider to be a funny example of satire.

Pring the article, and attach an analysis (one or two paragraphs) about the satirical techniques that are used in the article.

Download Russian Revolution PowerPoint reviews below:

Allegorical Symbolism in the Russian Revolution 1

Allegorical Symbolism in the Russian Revolution 2

Download quarterly exam review here.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Period One

Journal: What particular elements of our class helped you to prepare for MCAS? How could you have been more prepared?

Lord of the Flies Trial: Introduction and Assignments

Period Four

Finish Troy

Journal: What particular elements of our class helped you to prepare for MCAS? How could you have been more prepared?

Lord of the Flies Trial: Introduction and Assignments

Homework (All Classes):

Affadavit and statements for Lord of the Flies trial

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Period One

MCASELA (in designated testing rooms)

Period Four

Troy

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Period One

MCAS ELA (in designated testing rooms)

Period Four

Troy

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Period One

MCASLong Composition (in designated testing rooms)

Period Four

Review MCAS Open Response Strategies

Troy

Monday, March 22, 2010

MCAS Logistics

• Format
• Schedule
• Test Location
• Last Minute Preparations

MCAS Prompts fromPrevious Years

The Two Basic MCAS LongComposition Prompts

• Static Character Analysis
• Dynamic Character Analysis

Score and submit LOTF Long Composition

Homework

Review your favoritebooks and moviesin preparation for tomorrow's long composition. Talk to yourfamily about them during dinner.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Lord of the Flies Film

Homework: Lord of the Flies Long Composition

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Lord of the Flies Film

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Honors

Chapter 8 Discussion

Popcorn Reading: Chapters 9 and 10

Homework:Read chapter 11

Standard

Chapter 8 Discussion

Popcorn Reading: Chapter 9

Homework:Read Chapter 10

Tuesday, March 16,2010

Honors

Chapter 7 Discussion

Popcorn Reading: Chapter 8

Homework: Finish readingchapter8 and read chapter 9

Standard

Popcorn Reading: Chapter7

Homework: Finish reading chapter 7 and read chapter8

Monday, March 15, 2010

Twilight Zone Lesson

Friday,March 14,2010

MCAS Preparation

Spring 2008 ELA Test

Homework:

Spring 2008 Long Composition

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Honors

Small Groups: Ch. 5 CloseReading/Analysis

Large Group: Ch. 5Discussion

Homework: Read ch. 6. Complete journal entry.

Standard

Finish reading ch.4.

Complete journal entry.

Review MCAS 2008 "Toy Story"

Homework: Complete remainder of MCAS 2008 packet.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Monday, March 8, 2010

Lord of the Flies

Honors:

Journal and Discussion on chapter 3

Begin reading chapter 4

Standard:

Read chapter 3

Journal and Discussion

Homework

Honors: Finish reading chapter 4

Friday, March 5, 2010

MCAS Preparation

Examine model long composition prompts from 2009 MCAS

What characteristics make it a "6"?

Honors: Score two peers'essays.

Standard: Score essay, work on essay, or work on Othello project.

Homework

Complete Othello Director's Promptbook Assignment

Additionally, honors students should read chapter 3.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Chapter 2 Analysis

Chapter 1 and 2 Symbolism

Practice MCAS Essay due Friday, March 5, 2010

Download essay prompt and sample essays here.

Wednesday, March3, 2010

Journal: What character traits would make a good leader on the island?

Chapter1 Discussion

Begin reading and discusing chapter 2

Homework

Finish reading chapter 1.

Additionally, honors students should complete chapter 2 analysis questions.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Discuss"Youare lost" activity

Distribute Lord of the Flies books

Begin reading chapter 1

Homework

Finish reading chapter 1.Answer discussion questions.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Review and submit2009 MCAS packet

• "Don't Burn Up" multiple choice
• "Don't Burn Up" open response

"You are lost" introductory activity

Homework

Final draft of Othello essay

Friday, February 26, 2010

2009 MCAS: "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica"

Work on director's promptbook project

Homework

Complete 2009 MCAS: "Don't Burn Up"

Thursday February 25, 2010

Complete 2009 MCAS: First passage and Oliver Twist

Work on director's promptbook

Homework

Open response for Oliver Twist

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Review and submit Shakespeare MCAS packet

Work on director's promptbook

Homework

Othello essay and projects

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

MCAS Practice: Shakespeare

Review and submit As You Like It open responses

Henry V- Read and complete as a group

Examine model open response here

Work in small groups on director's promptbook

Tonight's Homework

Work on director's promptbook and Othello essay

Monday, February 22, 2010

Hand back Othello essay rough drafts

(Final draft due on Friday)

Othello Rough Draft Revisions PowerPoint

MCAS Practice: Shakespeare

Read and review passages from Shakespeare that have appeared on MCAS exams in previous years:

• Macbeth
• As You Like It

If times allows, student may get into groups to work on their director's promptbook assignment.

Homework

Complete As You Like It open response.

Work on director's promptbook.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Othello

Othello Test

Homework

Work on Director'sPromptbook assignment

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Othello

Review Rap

Honors:Discussion - Seven Statements about Othello

Honors: Distribute and review literary criticism quotes

Standard: Debate- Who is most responsible for Desdemona's death?

Homework

Draft of Othelloessay.

• Standard: 5paragraphs
• Honors: 2-3 pages

Be prepared for Othellotest tomorrow

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Othello

Act 5 on Video

Questions and discussion

Quote activity: Retell the story of Othello in 10 quotes.

Tonight's Homework

Standard: Finish quote activity

Honors: Additional quote activity

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Othello 5.2

Read, act, and discussOthello 5.2

Daily Paraphrase 5.2

Review essay rubrics

• Honors: Seven Statements about Othello
• Standard: MCAS-style prompt

Questions about Director's PromptbookAssignment

Tonight's Homework

Write thesis statement and outline for Othello essay.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Othello 4.2-5.1

Othello 4.2 Daily Paraphrase

Othello 4.3 - Read, discuss, and view on video

• HONORS: Submit Othello 4.3 response paper HW.

Othello 5.1 - Read anddiscuss

Review director's promptbook assignment

Homework

HONORS: Read Othello 5.2

Friday, February 5, 2010

Othello 3.1-4.2

View Othello 3.1-4.2 on video

Discussion: What changes does the director make to Shakespeare's original script? Would you consider these to be improvements? Why or why not?

Homework

HONORS: Read Othello 5.1

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Othello 3.4-4.2

Complete questions for Othello 3.4-4.2 in small groups

Read and review excerpts of Othello 4.1 and 4.2

Homework

HONORS: Read Othello 4.3. Write a brief response about Shakespeare uses foreshadowing and tone-setting devices in the scene.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Othello 3.4

Daily paraphrase 3.4

Read and discuss 3.4

Homework

HONORS:Read Othello4.1 and4.2

Tuesday, February 2,2010

Othello3.3

Student Acting Companies

Tonight's Homework

HONORS: Read Othello 3.4. Write a brief response about how Iago uses the handkerchief to advance his plan.

Monday,February1, 2010

Othello3.3

Honors

Daily Paraphrase 3.3 (2 of 2)

Acting Companies: Divides students into these groups and have them prepare as outlinedhere.

Tonight's Homework

Prepare scene for tomorrow's presentation

Friday, January 29, 2010

Othello3.1-3.3

Read and discuss Othello 3.1 and 3.2

Stand up first portion of Othello3.3

Daily Paraphrase 3.3 (1 of2 for this scene)

Tonight's Homework - HONORS

Finish reading Othello 3.3

Thursday, January 28, 2010

All Classes

Othello Quiz - Acts 1 and 2

Act 2 on Film (20 min., chapters 7-10 on DVD)

Discussion: Howdo the actors' portrayal of these events compareto your expectations,based onour acting in class?

HONORS -Submit stage direction HW if you have not done so already.

Tonight's Homework

Read Othello3.1 and 3.2in text or at www.nofearshakespeare.com.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Othello 2.3

Honors

Submit Othello Essay

Perform Othello 2.3 in relay

• Summarize scene
• Act scene
• Questions about scene

Begin Othello review sheet in small groups

Standard

Submit OthelloEssay

Continue reading Othello 2.3 aloud

• Focus on stage direction

Begin Othello review sheet as a large group

Homework for all classes:

Complete Othello review (Acts 1 and 2)

Study for Quiz tomorrow

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Othello 2.3

Honors

Acting Groups

• Read through scene.
• Paraphrase lines.
• Cut lines as necessary.
• Reviewindividual stage direction (from HW).
• Collaborate and add to stage direction.
• Stand it up!
• Rehearse

Honors Homework

Rehearse your scene for tomorrow.

Standard

As a large class, read through scene. Paraphrase lines. Create indidividual stage direction for each character. Act outthe first half ofthe scene.

Standard Homework

Write one paragraph about whether you thinkCassio or Iago should be more blamed for what happens at theparty.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Othello 2.1-2.3

"Knavery's plain face is never seen till used"

Download a copy of today's lesson plan here.

2.1 Daily Paraphrase

Tonight's Homework

Honors: Read your assigned portion of Othello 2.3 at www.nofearshakespeare.com. Write detailed stage direction for your assigned character.

Standard: Write one paragraph about how you would tell Cassio or Iago to act in Othello 2.3 if you were the director of the play.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Othello 2.1

"Theriches of the ship is come on shore"

Tonight's Homework

Pick any short scene in the play so far and imagine you are playing one of the roles. Figure out your character's objective for that scene, and for the play as a whole. Note the scene, write down the objective(s), and tellwhat the character says that tips off the objective.

No homework - quarterly exam period.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

2nd Quarter Exam

Wednesday, January 20,2010

Quarterly Exam Review

Review the items covered on the exam(post on board)

• Format: 40 MCAS-style reading comprehension questions (5 points each) and a take-home essay (50 point essay grade)
• Topics:
  • Iago's soliloquy in Othello 1.3
  • Shakespeare's Sonnets 18, 29, and 116
  • Sidney's Sonnet 31
  • Spenser's Sonnet 67
  • "Leda and the Swan" by Yeats
  • Browning's Sonnet 43
  • Bob Dylan's Folk Music

Jeopardy Review

• Download Jeopardy review game here.

Tonight's Homework

Study for tomorrow's quarterly exam.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Othello

Act 1 Daily Paraphrase

Act 1 on Film

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Othello

Finish reading anddiscussing 1.3

Honors: Complete analysis of significant quotes.

Standard: Complete Act 1 review sheet

Tonight's Homework

Finish respective in-class assignments

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Othello

Read anddiscuss 1.2

Begin reading and discussing 1.3

Tonight's Homework

Readsummary and analysis of 1.3

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Othello

Share, discuss and submit homework reflection

Begin reading Act 1, Scene 1 of Othello

Tonight's Homework (HONORS)

Read summary and analysis of 1.2

Monday, January11,2010

Othello

Reputation Activity

Reputation Discussion

Historical Background on Othello

Homework:

Write one page on which quote regarding reputation best represents the way you view reputation today.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Review rubric forsong analysis essay (due Monday)

MCAS Prep: Song Analysis

• "Blowin' in the Wind"
• "The TimesThey are A-Changing
• "Downloadsong lyrics and questions from the 2009 MCAS ELA examhere.

Bonus Time: Student Choice Song Analysis

Homework:

Write a five-paragraph literary analysis of the song of your choice. Your essay will be scored according to the MCAS long composition rubric. The guiding question for your essay is the following:

What is the theme (message, moral, main idea) of the song, and how does the speaker's use of literary devices (sound devices and figurative language devices) contribute meaning to the theme?

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Popular Music

Student Choice Presentations

"Express Yourself" by NWA

• Download "Express Yourself" literary device PowerPoint presentation here.

Homework

Work on Song Analysis Paper

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Popular Music

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem

• Download "Lose Yourself" literary device PowerPoint presentation here.

Students' Music Choice and Presentations

Homework

Work on Song Analysis Paper

Tuesday, January5,2010

Read and discuss archetypes article from Los Angeles Times

• Check out the article using this link

LiteraryDevices in "Empire State of Mind"

• Downloadlyricshandout here
• Download PowerPoint here

Student song presentations

Homework

Work on five-paragraph song analysis.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Hand back massive amounts of papers.

Literary Device Review

• Download PowerPoint review here

Literary Devices in Popular Music

• "Down," Jay Sean
• "Party in the USA," Miley Cyrus

Homework

Bring in a popular song and its lyrics. Be prepared to present the song to the class tomorrow and to identify how MCAS literary devices contribute meaning to the song.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Share and submit original sonnets

"It's Not Easy Being Santa"

Homework:Enjoyyour vacation!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Quiz: SonnetPoets and Literary Devices

• (20 Questions, Multiple Choice)

Peer Revision:Original Sonnets

Homework: Finish original sonnet

Monday, December 21, 2009

Sonnet Test

When you are done, please read your outside reading book or work on your original sonnet.

Bonus Time: Scenes from Troy (to reinforce theallusions present in "Leda and the Swan")

Homework: Student for quiz. Work on draft of original sonnet.

Friday, December18, 2009

PSAT Review (October 2009, Section 3)

Homework:Study for sonnet test

Thursday, December 17, 2009

"Leda and the Swan," W.B. Yeats

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

"Sonnets from the Portuguese," E.B. Browning

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Sidney's Sonnets

Monday, December 14, 2009

Spenser'sSonnets

Friday, December 11,2009

PSAT Review (October 2009,Section 1)

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Canterbury TalesStory-Telling Contest

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Sonnet 130

Wrap up beauty discussion from Monday

Changing Ideals of Beauty

Read, analyze and discuss Sonnet 130

Tonight's Homework

Prepare for tomorrow's story-telling contest

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

No School - Special Senatorial Election

Monday, December 7, 2009

Campaign for Real Beauty

• Videos
• Journal
• Discussion

What constitutes beauty in our time period?

Download lesson material here.

Friday, December 4, 2009

PSAT Review (October 2009 PSAT, section 1)

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Shakespeare's Sonnets 73 and 116

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Shakespeare's Sonnets 29 and 30

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Shakespeare's Sonnet 18

Monday, November 30, 2009

Sonnet Introduction

Sonnet from Romeo and Juliet

Download lesson material here.

Homework for the week:

Work on Canterbury Tales story-telling project

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Student Survey

OrganizeBinders

Reflection on first quarter writing portfolio

No homework! Enjoy the break!

Check out somebook reviews at these sites:

www.allreaders.com

www.bookreview.com

www.nytimes.com/pages/books

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Canterbury Tales

Share and submit "Pardoner's Tale" HW

Listen toBaba Brinkman's "Pardoner's Tale" rap

• Is this a good depiction of the tale?

Review Canterbury Tales project rubrics

Small Groups: Begin work on Canterbury Tales projects

Tonight's Homework

Work on Canterbury Tales projects

Book review on outside reading due Friday

Monday, November 16, 2009

Today's Agenda: "The Pardoner's Tale"

Hand back, review, and file corrected papers

Reread description of Pardoner fromthe General Prologue

Make a prediction about what the tale will be like

Act out and discuss "The Pardoner's Tale"

Begin homework (response questions below)

Tonight's Homework

Standard: One-paragraph response: The story tells is an extended revelation of his character as portrayed in the General Prologue. Consider the appropriateness of the Pardoner preaching against the sin of greed. Present your conclusions in a brief response.

Honors: Complete standard assignment, plus answer the following questions:

1. A key figure in the narrative is the old man whom the comrades meet on the road. He himself cannot die, but he knows whereDeath is to be found. Why do you think Chaucer brings him into the tale? What mighthe symbolize?

2.A good short story is a graphic narrative that achieves its effects through swiftness and compression In what ways is "The Pardoner's Tale" like a good short story?

Friday, November 13, 2009

MCAS Prep: Canterbury Tales

Share and submit HW (Knight's Tale v. Miller's Tale)

Canterbury Tales MCAS Exercise

Review and correct MCASExercise

Reading Workshop

Tonight's Homework

Read some of your outside reading book and work on your book review (due Friday, 11.20.09)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Knight's Tale

Review elements of chivalric romances

Read and discuss summary of The Knight's Tale

Read and discuss excerpt from chapter 4 of the tale

Small Groups: Identify elements of chivalric romance present in the tale

Tonight's Homework

Write about how "The Knight's Tale" is a reflection of the chivalric/romantic ideal, and how "The Miller's Tale" is the antithesis of this ideal. Use the graphic organizer from class to assist you.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

No school; Veteran's Day

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Reeve's Tale

Wrap up The Reeve's Tale

Honors: Examine the source of the tale

Tonight's Homework

Standard: Reeve's Tale questions

Honors: Response paper on 3 changes Chaucer made to improve his source.

Monday, November 9, 2009

TheReeve's Tale

Please submit Miller's Tale response papers and Miller's Tale predictions.

Read and discussTheReeve's Prologue

ReadThe Reeve's Tale aloud with students

Students begin The Reeve's Tale analysis questions

Friday, November 6, 2009

Miller's Tale, day 2 of2

Tonight's Homework:

Response paper for the Miller's Tale

Paragraph 1: How did the Miller's Tale compare to your own version of the tale/your expectations?

Paragraph 2: How does this tale reflect its teller/narrator?

Paragraph 3: Did you find the tale funny? Why? What elements of humor are present in this tale?

Honors: Additionally, write an original 10-line description of one of the characters.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Miller's Tale, day 1of 1

Toinght's Homework:

Work on 3-paragraph response paper for Miller's Tale (due Monday, 11/9)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Description of the Miller from the General Prologue: Reread (as a class, individually, or in small groups) thedescription of the Miller from the General Prologue. Based on the description offered by Chaucer, what kind of tale do you think the Miller will tell? What reason(s) do you have to say this? Considering that I told you the Miller is a rival of the Reeve, do you think this will impact their tales at all? How so?

The Miller's Prologue: Read the Miller's Prologue. Complete and discuss the discussion questions. Does this confirm what you think this story will be about?

Monday, November 2, 2009

Canterbury Tales

• Finish reading General Prologue. Write a brief description of the following characters in your notes:
  • Summoner
  • Pardoner
  • Host
• Answer comprehension questions.

No homework due to final exam period.

Friday, October 30, 2009

First Quarter Exam

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Quarterly Exam Review

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

General Prologue

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Canterbury Tales

Share Homework

• Share your homework with a partner
• ("Where would you like to go on a pilgrimmage and why?")
• Discuss responses with class

The General Prologue

• Read aloud and discuss the following characters:
  • Knight, Squire, Yeoman
  • Prioress, Monk, Friar
  • Merchant, Clerk, Man of Law

Small Groups

• Return to yourbrainstorming from yesteraday's class. (Archetypes/Stereotypes in the Modern American High School)
• Decide on anarchetype/stereotype with which you'd like to work.
• Begin brainstorming what details of this character thatyou would like to include in your description.
  • What does your character look like?
  • What is your character wearing?
  • What does your character carry?
  • What does your character do for a job?
  • Is your character good at his/her job?
  • Is your character all he/she appear to be?
  • Is your character religious?
  • Isyour character honest?
  • Where is your character from?

Tonight's Homework

Write a rough draft ofa description of yourcharacter (modern archetype/stereotype)in verse. Use the examples provided in class as a guide.

Honors: In addition read and highlight the following passage: how books were read in Chaucer's time

Monday, October 26, 2009

Listen to Baba Brinkman's General Prologue Rap

Discuss Brinkman's General Prologue

• What time of year is it?
• How are the rappers going to pass the time on their journey?
• Why can the narrator accept neither praise nor blame for the tales told here?
• How would you describe the role of the host?
• What will be the prize for the best story-teller?
• How would you describe the knight?
• If you had to predict, what would you say the knight's story might be about?

The General Prologue

• Together with the class, read the General Prologue through the description of the knight.

Basics of The Canterbury Tales

• Frame story: A narrative technique in whicha main story is composed, at least in part, for the purpose of organizing a set of shorter stories, each of which is a story within a story.
  • Many sitcoms employ frame stories. Can you think of episodes of Friends, The Simpsons, or Family Guy that act as frame stories?
• Pilgrimmage: A long journey to an important destination, usually of religious significance. Modern Muslims may take a pilgrimmage to Mecca; modern Jews may take a pilgrimmage to Israel.
  • Chaucer's characters are Christian, and are traveling to Canterbury to see the burial site of a saint, a common practice in the 1300s.
• Archetype: A prototype that represents the typical and essential elements shared by all varieties of that class.
  • Chaucer employs archetypes that are recognizable throughout cultures, like the warrior hero and the untrustworthy swindler.
• Stereotype: A generalization about a person or groupbased on appearance, ethnicity, age, gender, etc.
  • Chaucer employs many of the stereotypes of his day. Can you think of some of the stereotypes of our day?

Modern Stereotypes/Archetypes

• In small groups, brainstorm as many modern stereotypes/archetypes/personas that we have in, as Dr. Krueger would say, "the modern American high school."
  • the football quarterback
  • the dumb blonde cheerleader
  • the captain of the math team

Tonight's Homework

Write one page about a modern location you would like to take a pilgrimmage to at some point in your life.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Beowulf

Beowulf MCAS exercises

• 2005 MCAS Retest
• 2002 MCAS Test

Work on Beowulf projects

Tonight's Homework

Standard: Finish monomyth essay.

Honors: Beowulf Translation Essay

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Beowulf

Distribute and review Beowulf assignments

Work in groups on Beowulf Projects

Peeredit rough drafts ofBeowulf Monomyth Essays

Tonight's Homework

Work on projects and essays.

Tomorrow in class: MCAS preparation, outside reading, work on projects.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Beowulf

Beowulf Final Test

• 30 MultipleChoice Questions
• Select 2 of 4 Open Responses (1-2 Paragraphs)

Tonight's Homework

Work onmonomyth essay (due Friday).

Bring in supplies for Beowulf project.

On tap for Thursday:

In-Class Beowulf Projects

Peer Editting Essays

Honors: Morework with translations

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Beowulf - HONORS

Beowulf v. Dragon on animated video

Summary of Beowulf's funeral

Small Groups: Beowulf Translation Activity

Disribute Beowulf Test Reviewand Kennings Contest

Beowulf - STANDARD

Read"summary of Beowulf's final adventures" in text

Beowulf v. Dragon on animated video

Beowulf Test Review(go over as a class)

Kennings Contest(work in small groups)

Small groups: Continue to work on graphic organizer for monomyth essay

Tonight's Homework -ALL CLASSES

Study for Beowulf Test

Complete Kennings Worksheet (earntest bonus points!)

Work onmonomyth essay (due Friday)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Beowulf - HONORS

Review and discuss Beowulf's battle with the dragon

Submit response papers

Small groups: Complete graphic organizer for monomyth essay

Beowulf - STANDARD

Wrap up watching Beowulf and Grendel

Discuss film adaptation

• Download guided viewing questions here.

Small Groups: Work on graphic organizer for monomyth essay

Tonight's Homework

Work on Beowulf monomyth essay

Friday, October 16, 2009

Honors

Final PSAT Preparation

• General Strategies
• Review PSAT Packet Assignment
• Additional Practice

Honors Homework

Finish reading "Beowulf v. Dragon." Write a brief summary and analysis.

Standard

Day 2 of viewing Beowulf and Grendel video.

Download guided viewing questions here.

Standard Homework

Work on guided viewing questions.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Standard

Discuss and submit HW (analysis of Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother)

Begin reading "Beowulf's Battle with the Fire Dragon" (prose translation)

• Discuss and illustrate how this final battle follows the cycle of the Heroic Monomyth
• Role of dragons in mythology (treasure-hoarders)
• Significance of Wiglaf's character
• Significance of passing on chain mail armor
• Beowulf's funeral pyre

Is Beowulf really a wolf?

• Beowulf was probably a composite of several warriors from this time period.
• Beow was the name of a pagan god, widely worshipped around the time that "Beowulf" began as an oral tradition.
  • This may suggest he is a "god-like warrior."
• "Beo" means "bee," and "wulf" means "foe."
  • Therefore, the name could suggest the warrior is like "the foe of the bee," or the bear.

Introduce "Beowulf" monomyth essay assignment.

Standard

Day 1 of viewing Beowulf and Grendel video.

Download guided viewing questions here.

Tonight's Homework (All Classes)

Work on "Beowulf"monomyth essay assignment.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Honors

View and discuss The Matrix and the Monomyth

Pair and share HW (based on above video)

Discussion: The Path of the Hero and the Monomyth

Review 8 Female Villain Archetypes

Begin reading "Beowulf's Battle with Grendel's Mother" (Seamus Heaney translation)

Honors Homework

Finish reading "Beowulf's Battle with Grendel's Mother." Write a brief response about how this scene utilizes villanous archetypes and continues the path of the hero.

Standard

Share HW with class (the path of the hero)

Introduce villainous archetypes

View beginning of Beowulf animated film

• Focus: Write in your notebook how the movie compared with your expectations

Standard Homework

Write about what archetype(s) is/are best represented by Grendel.

Tuesday, October 13, 2oo9

Beowulf (Honors)

Review Beowulf Comprehension Questions from HW

16 types of villains

• Review and discuss
• As a class or in small groups, identify examples of each, from literature, movies or television

The Heroic Monomyth

• Present concept to students
• Take notes and discuss

WatchThe Heroic Monomyth (3 minutes)

• Discuss and record the elements of the monomyth.
• Together on the board, illustrate the monomyth in the context of the cyclical Path of the Hero.

WatchTheMatrix and The Monomyth (4 minutes)

• Discuss how The Matrix movies are a reflection of the original heroic monomyth, Beowulf.

Independently or with a partner, plot the path of the herofrom your favorite movie, television program, or work of literature.

Tonight's Homework

Finish plotting the path of the hero from your favorite movie, television program, or work of literature and write about how it employs the heroic monomyth.

Friday, October 9, 2009

PSAT/MCAS Preparation

How was the college fair?

Honors: Review PSAT Drill 4. Independently complete and review PSAT Drill5.

Standard: CompletePSAT Drill 5 as a class.

All Classes: ReadingWorkshop

Tonight's Homework

Honors: Beowulf comprehensionquestions

Standard: No homework

Thursday, October 8, 2009

College Pride Day!

Readings from How to Get into College

• No More "Safety" Schools
• Why I Rejected Harvard

UMass Amherst Presentation

Question and Answer Period with Mr. Ambrose

Tonight's Homework

Honors: PSAT Drill 4 exercises

All classes: Do some reading in your outside reading book and bring in your reading book for tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Beowulf

Share and submitHW (Taunts)

Review Defining Elements of the Epic Poem

Read anddiscuss "The Battle with Grendel"

Working with a partner, answer "Beowulf"Reading Check questions 1-8 on Page 29 of the textbook

Homework (due Tuesday, 10.13.09)

Read about the 16 types of villains.

(If the link above doesn't work, try this one.)

Write one page about which category you feel Grendel fits into best. Why do you believe he belongs in this category?

For tomorrow, write questions you have about college. Honors, for Friday, complete PSAT packet.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Beowulf

Share and submit HW (vivid description or illustration of Grendel)

Read and discuss "The Coming of Beowulf"

Read and discuss "Unferth's Taunt"

Modern-dayTaunts

• Rap Taunts
• Sports Taunts

Tonight's Homework

Write your own modern version of Unferth's Taunt.

You may write it as a blog, a dialogue, a rap, or another performance-based medium. Be creative, and have fun!

Check out a great example of this assignment, courtesy of Adam Zec class of 2011, by clicking here!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Beowulf

Share and submit HW (Heroic Archetypes)

Journal: The Importance ofHome

• Following the events of September 11, 2001, many New Yorkers may have felt pressure to leave the cityfor a less volatile environment. By and large, many chose to remain.
• As Hurricane Katrina approached, manyresidents of New Orleans chose to remain in their homes, despite knowing that there wasan inherent risk involved.
• Why are our homes so important to us?
• Why is it important that we feel safe in our homes?
• What should we do when we don't feel safe in our homes?

What is a mead hall?

Read and discuss "Beowulf" chapter 1

• "The Coming of Grendel"

Tonight's Homework

Write a very detailed description of Grendel's physical appearance or draw a very detailed illustration of Grendel.

Friday, October 2, 2009

ID Photo Day

Standard: Complete and review PSAT Drill 4.

Honors: Review PSAT packet.

Thursday,October 1, 2009

Beowulf

Share and discuss the stories of our personal heroes

The Eight Hero Archetypes

In small groups,brainstorm examples of each archetype

Tonight's Homework

For Tomorrow: Complete 7 Habits essay. HONORS: Complete PSAT Packet.

For Monday: Select atelevision program, movie, or book which employs some of the eight hero archetypes. Write one pageabout the heroes in the program. Identifywhich archetypes they represent and explain why they fit into these categories.

Wednesday, September30, 2009

Grammar and 7 Habits Test

Brainstorm Ideas for 7 Habits Essay

Tonight's Homework

Write one page about who your personal hero is and why you would consider that person to be a hero.

For Friday: Five paragraph essay on7Habits.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Beowulf

Question of the Day: What isa hero?

Read and discuss "Four of a Kind," by Rick Reilly

• Sports Illustrated, September 2001
• "The huge rugby player, the former high school football star and the onetime college baseball player were in first class, the former national judo champ was in coach. On the morning of September 11, at 32,000 feet, those four men teamed up to sacrifice their lives for thos of perhaps thousands of others..."

Read and discuss an excerpt from Why Courage Matters, by Senator John McCain, with Mark Salter

• "Special Forces master sergeant Roy Benavidez was the son of a Texas sharecropper. Orphaned at a young age, quiet and mistaken as slow, derided as a 'dumb Mexican' by hsi classmates, he left school in the eighth grade to work in the cotton fields..."

J.R.R Tolkien's Definition of a Hero

• The Heroic Ideal
• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  • View scene from film (disc 2, chapter 17)

How is your personal definition of a hero similar to that of Reilly, McCain, and Tolkien? How is it different? Is the definition of a hero timeless and universal?

Tonight's Homework

Write a one-page description of your personal hero.

Be sure to include stories that demonstrate why this person is heroic. (Remember, not all heroes need to be big and strong like Beowulf.)

Please include a photograph of your hero with your essay.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Grammar Review: pp. 97 and 99

Begin reading habit 7

Small groups: Create a list of things you can do to "sharpen the saw" for your body, mind, heart, and soul

Share List

Homework

Begin 7Habitsreflection essay.

Study for grammar test.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Honors

Review PSAT Packet (Passage-based reading)

PSAT Session 3: Improving Sentences

Reading Workshop

Standard

Share and submit HW (habit 6 reflection)

Complete "It'sAll in Your Mind" activity (p. 187)

Group according to learning styles

Brainstorm activities we can do in class tobest suit your learning style

Reading Workshop

ForBoth Classes

No homework! If you want to get ahead, readhabit 7, work onyour 7 Habits essay, or studyyour grammar!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Honors

The 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens

• Complete "It'sAll in Your Mind" activity (p. 187)
• Tally your score, and determine whether you are a grape, an orange, a banana, or a melon. (pp.188-189) This fruit really represents your learning style.
• Divide into groups by fruit (learning style). Together,brainstorm ideas for class activities and assignments that would be best suited to your group's learning style.
• Submit a record of these ideas. They will be posted on my website so we can vote on them.

Work on PSAT Passage-Based Reading Packet

Honors Homework:

Complete PSAT Passage-Based Reading Packet

Read chapter one of your outside reading book and bring your book to class.

Standard

Discuss Habit 5 and submit homework.

Role Play: Divide into five groups, representing the five poor listening styles:

• Spacing out
• Pretend listening
• Selective listening
• Word listening
• Self-centered listening

In your group, create a brief skit to illustrate what is wrong with your assigned listening style, and how you can change your behavior (Goofus and Gallant Style)

Begin reading Habit 6.

Standard Homework

Finish reading habit 6. Try a baby step and reflect on it.

For Friday: Read the first chapter of your outside reading book and bring your book to class.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Standard

Journal: In what areas of your life do you moststruggle with comparisons?

Share Habit 4"Baby Steps" HW, discuss, and submit.

Begin reading Habit 5.

Grammar: Conjunctions and Interjections

• Notes
• School House Rock
• Book Exercises

Homework:Finish reading Habit 5. Try a Baby Step and write a reflection about it.

Honors

Grammar: Conjunctions and Interjections

• Notes
• School House Rock
• Book Exercises

Role Play: Divide into five groups, representing the five poor listening styles:

• Spacing out
• Pretend listening
• Selective listening
• Word listening
• Self-centered listening

In your group, create a brief skit to illustrate what is wrong with your assigned listening style, and how you can change your behavior (Goofus and Gallant Style)

Discuss Habit 5 and submit homework.

Begin reading Habit 6.

Homework: Finish reading habit 6. Try a baby step and reflect on it.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

7 Habits

Honors: Journal:In what areas of your life do you most struggle with comparisons? (Habit 4; Discuss and submit HW reflection.)

Standard: Discuss and submit HW reflection for Habit 3. Begin reading Habit 4 aloud.

• Keep promises.
• Do small acts of kindness.
• Be loyal.
• Listen.
• Say you're sorry.
• Set clear expectations.

In six small groups, define examples of what you can do to incorporate these items into our lives.

If time allows, complete chart of relationships independently.

Grammar

Honors: Review preposition exercises.

Standard: "Conjunction Junction"

Homework

Honors: Read Habit 5. Try one of the baby steps and write about the experience.

Standard: Read Habit 4. Try one of the baby steps and write about the experience.

Monday, September21, 2009

Journal: Which of the four quadrants do you spend most of your time in? Provide some examples of living in this quadrant. Why do you think you spend so much time there?How can you change your life so that you spendmore time in quadrant two?

1. The Procrastinator
2. The Prioritizer
3. The Yes-Man
4. The Slacker

Read and discuss"The Value of One Year" poem

Complete Big Rock Chart. Discuss how we can block out time in our upcoming weekly schedule to accomplish each of these goals.

Grammar

• Prepositions Song from Schoolhouse Rock
• Preposition Notes from Grammar Book (pp. 93)
• Prepostion Exercises from Grammar Book (pp. 94)

Homework

Honors: Read Habit 4. Write a one-page reflection. Complete Grammar Exercises.

Standard: Read Habit 3. Write a brief reflection.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Honors: Review adjective/adverb grammar exercises.

Standard: Read aloud and discuss Habit 3.

Allclasses:

PSAT Preparation Session 2:Passage-BasedReading

Reading Workshop:Silent Reading and Read Around

Homework

Finish reading Habit 3. Write a one-page reflection about the "Baby Steps" at the end of the chapter or about the chapter as a whole.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

• Responses to "The Great Discovery"
• Personal Mission Statements
• Thoughts on Habit 2
• Begin Reading Habit 3

Grammar Rock! Review (Standard)

• "Unpack Your Adjectives"
  • video
  • lyrics
• "Lolly Lolly Lolly Get Your Adverbs Here"
  • video
  • lyrics

  Grammar For Writing

  • Take notes on pp. 87 and 89
  • Begin exercises on pp. 88 and 90

  Homework

  All classes: Bring in a self-selected reading book for approval.

  Honors: Complete grammar exercises pp. 87-90.

  Wednesday, September 16, 2009

  7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

  • What does it mean to be proactive (Habit 1)?
  • What can we do to be more proactive right now?
  • Begin reading Habit 2
  • Silent journal: Complete "The Great Discovery"
  • Pair and Share: "The Great Discovery"
  • Brainstorm Personal Mission Statement Ideas

  Grammar

  • Honors: Complete Mid-Chapter Review
  • Standard: Complete Verb Exercises

  Homework:

  Finish reading Habit 2. Write your own personal mission statement.

  Honors: Complete the standard assignment, and write a brief reflection on "The Great Discovery" journal.

  Monday, September 14, 2009

  See Wednesday, September 10, 2008 plans inSophomore Archives.

  Friday, September 11, 2009

  Honors: Reviewgrammar exercises from homework (p. 80, nouns, exercises 1 and 2). Submit homework.

  Standard: Read and review noun definitions (p. 79). Complete noun exercise together (p. 80, exercise 1).

  PSAT Pratice Session 1: Sentence Completions

  Introduce Reading Workshop Format

  • Students should have a book for me to approve by Friday, 9.18.09.

  Homework

  Read pp. 11-28 in 7 Habits. Try one of the "Baby Steps" on p. 28. Write a one-page reflection on the attempt and the remainder of the chapter.

  Thursday, September 10, 2009

  Read aloud and discuss pages 3-9 in 7 Habits.

  Complete 7 Habits of Highly DEFECTIVE Teens handout.

  Discuss responses.

  Review defintion of a "noun."

  • Read and discuss p. 79 in grammar book.
  • Watch "A Noun is a Person, Place, or Thing" on Schoolhouse Rock: Grammar Rock DVD.

  Homework

  Honors: Complete grammar exercises 1 and 2 on p. 80 in orange grammar book. For Monday, read pp. 11-28 in 7 Habits and write a one-page relfection.

  Standard: For Monday, read pp. 11-28 in 7 Habits and write a one-page reflection.

  Wednesday, September 9, 2009

  Hand back summer reading essays.

  Review rubric.

  "Theme for English B," Langston Hughes

  • Read
  • Discuss
  • Mr. Ambrose's modelassignment
  • Brainstorm in notebook for identity poem
  • Share ideas with partner and begin to formulate poem.

  Distribute 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.

  Homework

  Write your own version of "Theme for English B."

  Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Summer Reading In-Class Essay

  Download essay rubric here.

  Thursday, September 3, 2009

  Explore www.misterambrose.com

  Share name history homework

  Icebreakers

  Essentials for aGood School Year

  Homework

  Prepare for Tuesday's in-classsummer reading essay. Your essay will be scored according to this rubric, which is based on the MCAS writing rubric. This will be the general writing rubric we will use in class throughout the year.

  Wednesday, September 2, 2009

  Welcome back, everyone!

  Review course syllabus.

  Complete student survey.

  Set goals for the year.

  Gather parent contact information (e-mail).

  Introduce name history assignment.

  Tonight's Homework

  Write a brief (one or two paragraph) history of your name. Focus on what your name means and why you were given your name.

  
  

First Quarter

PSAT Preparation (Honors) 

Grammar Review 

"Theme for English B," Langston Hughes

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Sean Covey

Beowulf, anonymous

The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer

Second Quarter

PSAT (October 2009) Review

Popular Music Literary Analysis 

Sonnets

Othello

Third Quarter

MCAS Preparation

Lord of the Flies, William Golding

Animal Farm, George Orwell

Fourth Quarter

Satire (The Onion, "A Modest Proposal")

The Importance of Being Earnest