Check back regularly for updates about the class!

Download final exam topics here!

Day 177:  Friday, June 20, 2014

Hand in Gatsby books

Hand in make-up work and extra credit

Share college essay draft

Jeopardy review game

HW:  Study for exam.

Day 176:  Thursday, June 19, 2014

Complete 5 of 10 curriculum questions in small groups.

Counts as 50 point quiz grade (and also acts as final exam review)

Download curriculum questions here.

Tonight's HW:

• Begin review for final exam.
• Draft of college essay due tomorrow.
• Return Gatsby book by tomorrow (if you have not already done so).

Tuesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 18

(Days 174 and 175)

Review Common Application essays on www.commonapp.org

Go to library to work on college essays

Finish college presentations

HW:  Printed draft of college essay for Thursday

Extra credit book review for Friday

Day 173:  Monday, June 16, 2014

College Presentations All Day!

HW:  Draft of College Essay (DIGITAL!)

Day 172:  Friday, June 13, 2014

Period 1:  Gatsby film and discussion

Period 6:  Survey

Day 171:  Thursday, June 12, 2014

Period 1:  Gatsby film

Period 6:  Gatsby film and discussion

HW:  College Project

Day 170:  Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Tufts speakers come to class to talk about summer SAT preparation course

Discussion of Gatsby film interpretations

Day 169:  Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Period 1 :  Harvard survey

Period 2:  Gatsby film study (using Ms. Sanford's guiding questions) - day 2

Day 168:  Monday, June 9, 2014

Goal:  To compare multiple interpretations of a work of literature (i.e. a film) and compare it to source material.

Agenda:

• Review plan for the week
• Distribute guiding viewing questions
• View film (45 minutes)

HW:  Permission form for Harvard survey?

Day 167:  Friday, June 6, 2014

College Presentations

SAT Prep from College Board website

Outside Reading 

Weekend HW:  Good luck on SATs!

Day 166:  Thursday, June 5, 2014

Around the Horn Discussion Game for Gatsby

HW:  College Project (ongoing) 

Day 165:  Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Read aloud and discuss chapter 9 of Gatsby

HW:  Finish whatever reading we don't finish in class. 

Day 164:  Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Small Groups:

• Review ch. 8 questions (from last night's HW)
• Generate more ch. 8 questions
• HW check on all Gatsby HW notes (30 points - quiz grade)

Large Group Discussion:  Ch. 8

HW:  Make a prediction about the end of the novel.

Day 163:  Monday, June 2, 2014

• HW check on Gatsby Journals
• Ch. 7 discussion questions in small groups
• Large group discussion on ch. 7
• Start reading ch. 8
• HW:  Finish reading ch. 8 and respond in journal

Day 162:  Friday, May 30, 2014

• Outside Reading
• College Presentations
• HW:  Read Gatsby ch. 7.  Respond in your journal.

Day 161:  Thursday, May 29, 2014

• Last Word Discussion Format - Gatsby ch. 5 and 6 - first in small groups, then in large group

Day 160:  Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Goals:

• To wrap up yesterday's discussion.
• To work with challenging vocabulary from Gatsby.
• To introduce the idea of the last word discussion format.

Agenda:

• Journal:  Write questions/observations about ch. 5 - basically add to your HW.
• Wrap up yesterday's discussion
• big paper
• journal
• Small group:  write context clue sentences with vocabulary
• Intro idea of last work, by first using mock questions and then by using student generated ones
• Begin reading ch. 6

HW:  Finish reading ch. 6 and respond in your journal.

Day 159:  Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Goal:  To discuss the first four chapters of The Great Gatsby.

Agenda:

• Journal Entry:  questions, observations, thoughts so far on Gatsby
• Big Paper:  7 questions from first 3 chapters
• Circle:  Present out on big paper

HW:  Read ch. 5.  Respond in journal.

Day 158:  Friday, May 23, 2014

PSAT Prep packet 2013, section 1

Day 157:  Thursday, May 22, 2014

Gatsby ch. 4

Day 156:  Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Gatsby ch. 3

Day 155:  Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Gatsby ch. 2

Day 154:  Monday, May 19, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To introduce the themes of The Great Gatsby

Today's Agenda:

• Hand in Hemingway Essay
• Journal and Discussion:  Epigraph from Gatsby
• Images and Discussion:  Slides 20-26 from Lost Generation PowerPoint
• Background info on Fitzgerald
• Slides 27-31 from PowerPoint
• 5 Things You Didn't Know About Fitzgerald
• Begin reading chapter 1 (see Ms. Sanford for suggested areas of focus)

Tonight's HW:

• Finish reading chapter 1.  Reader response journal.
• Ongoing extra credit:  Write a thank you letter re:  field trip.

Day 153:  Friday, May 16, 2014

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Discuss Yesterday's Play
• College Presentation
• Practice SAT Questions from College Board site

This weekend's HW:

• Ongoing:  college presentation
• Extra credit:  Write a thank you letter re:  field trip.

Day 152:  Thursday, May 15, 2014

Period 1:  Work on essay on laptops

Period 6:  One day review of As You Like It

Day 151:  Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Period 1:  Work on essay on laptops

Period 6:  One day review of As You Like It

Day 150:  Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Work on essay on laptops

Day 149:  Monday, May 12, 2014

Introduce Hemingway short story analysis assignment

Review rubric

Begin brainstorming and outlining

HW:  brainstorming and outlining for essay

Day 148:  Friday, May 9, 2014

Period 1: Steve's group teaches class

Period 6: College presentations and outside reading

Day 147:  Thursday, May 8, 2014

Period 1: Kelly's group teaches class

Period 6: Tyla's group teaches class

Day 146:  Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Period 1: Mary's group teaches the class

Period 6:  Sandra's group teaches the class

Day 145:  Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Period 1: Rebecca's group teaches the class

Period 6: Andrew's group teaches the class

Day 144:  Monday, May 5, 2014

Period 1:  Pre-prom assembly

Period 6:  David and Courteney's group teaches the class.

Day 143:  Friday, May 2, 2014

Outside Reading

SAT Prep - 2 sections from Kaplan AP test prep book

Complete individually

Review as large group

HW:  Hemingway lessons next week - be prepared. 

Day 142:  Thursday, May 1, 2014

Today's Goals:

• Analyze your story.
• Brainstorm activities.
• Develop agenda and objectives.

Today's Agenda:

• SAT Reminders
• Small Groups
• Make sure you understand the story
• Think about activities 
• List your agenda and objectives
• Wrap up:  Touch base on your lesson

HW:

• Bring in outside reading book.
• Ongoing:  Work on college presentation.
• Ongoing:  Work on Hemingway lesson.

Day 141:  Wednesday, April 30, 2014

• Discuss yesterday's video
• Review rubric for reciprocal teaching
• Review Hemingway lesson plan assignment and lesson plan template
• Brainstorming in small groups about your lesson

Day 140:  Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Guided viewing of Hemingway Biography video and discussion to follow

HW:  Ongoing:  college exploration project.

Day 139:  Monday, April 28, 2014

Hemingway story analysis in same format as before break.

• Period 1:  "A Day's Wait"
• Period 6:  "Up in Michigan"

Tonight's HW:

• Ongoing:  Work on college presentation.

On tap for after the break:

• Monday:  "A Day's Wait" (or "Up in Michigan" for period 6)
• Tuesday:  Hemingway video and assign teaching groups 

Day 138:  Thursday, April 17, 2013

Period 1:  Same as yesterday's agenda, but with "Up in Michigan."

Period 6:  Same as yesterday's agenda, but with "Hills Like White Elephants."

HW:  ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

Day 137:  Wednesday, April 16, 2013

Period 1:  Same as yesterday's agenda, but with "Hills Like White Elephants."

Period 6:  See yesterday's agenda for period 1.

Day 136:  Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Period 1

Today's Goals:

• RL.11-12.3:  Students will analyze the impact of the author's choices about how to develop elements of the story.

Today's Agenda:

• Share and submit HW (Dickinson poem)
• Do now:  Read and annotate "Old Man at the Bridge"
• Small Groups
1. Hemingway's story analysis handout
2. Hemingway's essential elements handout
• Circle Discussion
• Ticket Out:  What makes a distinctive Hemingway story

Tonight's HW:

• 2-3 paragaph story analysis

Period 6

Meet in cafe 3.

Day 135:  Monday, April 14, 2014

Dickinson poems, 437 and 445

Today's Goals:

• To perform a close reading of a poem.
• To explain how tone, symbolism, diction, etc. contribute meaning to the text.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  read and mark up your assigned poem
• Meet with partner
• Divide into two groups to plan lesson
• Students present Dickinson biography
• Download student example here.
• Reciprocal Teaching
• Download the poem hadnout here.

Tonight's HW:

• Write your own poem in the style of Dickinson.

Day 134:  Friday, April 11, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To drop everything and read.
• To focus on fundamentals to prepare for the SAT.
• To discuss college.
• To work on college essays.

Today's Agenda:

• GSA Day of Silence
• Outside Reading
• SAT Question of the Day and Review
• College Q & A
• Small Groups:  Work on College Essays

Today's HW:

• Continue to work on your college essay draft.

Day 133:   Thursday, April 10, 2014

Today's Goals:  

• To share analytical close reading paragraph and to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• To perform a close reading of a Millay poem and to build our understanding by collaborating with classmates.

Today's Agenda:

• Share one example of an analysis paragraph for each of yesterday's poems.  Discuss strengths and areas for improvement.  Submit.
• Do Now:  Examine poem (Millay's sonnet, use Sanford's handout) on your own.
• Second reading:  Analyze poem with groups.  While students are working, select two students to research Millay to create and present a few brief slides of her biography.
• Third reading:  Get in a large circle to discuss poem.  Read aloud, share bio, discuss guiding questions.
• While discussing, have a student share information on biography.  Discuss how it might impact Millay's work.

Tonight's HW:

• Work on college essay.  Bring in draft.
• Bring in outside reading book.

Day 132:  Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To share an original poem.
• To perform a close reading of a poem.

Today's Agenda:

• Small Groups:  share HW (go to the computer and cue up your painting if you want to share with large group)
• Share poems with large group and submit
• Split into two groups
• one group analyzes Dulce et decorum est
• one group analyzes Anthem for Doomed Youth
• Reciprocal teaching:  2-4 representatives from each group teach the class about the assigned poem

Tonight's HW:

• Write a formal analysis (close reading, two paragraphs, two quotes) about one of the poem's from today's class.

Day 131: Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Today's Goals: 

• To learn about the history of the Lost Generation and the defining traits of work. 
• To analyze a Lost Generation poetry. Connect its theme to a modern song and write our own version.

Today's Agenda:

• Return to Ticket Out
• Landscape Poem
• Lost Generation 
• small group
• Present out

Today's Homework:

• Find a painting. Write a poem inspired by it. 

Day 130:  Monday, April 7, 2014

Download today's lesson plan here.

Today's Goals:

• To learn about the history of the Lost Generation and to learn the defining traits of Lost Generation works.
• To analyze a Lost Generation poem, to connect its theme to a modern song, and to write a version of a Lost Generation poem.

Today's Agenda:

• Lost Generation PowerPoint Notes
• In a Station of the Metro
• Beautiful
• Small Groups
• Ticket Out

Today's HW:

• Research the Lost Generation on a reputable internet-based source.
• Compare the Lost Generation to our generation.  (Shoot for ten bullet points.)

Day 129:  Friday, April 4, 2014

• In-class SAT essay

On tap for future days:

• Friday, 4/4/14:  SAT preparation
• Monday, 4/7/14:  Lost Generation 0 (6.17.13)
• Tuesday, 4/8/14:  L.G. 1 (6.18.13)
• Wednesday, 4/9/14: L.G. 2 (6.19.13)
• Thursday, 4/10/14:  Harkness on Hemingway
• Friday, 4/11/14:  College essay and SAT

Day 128:  Thursday, April 3, 2014

Announcements:  

• Register for May SAT by Friday, 4/4!

Goal:

• To assess the skills we practiced during the Hamlet unit.

Agenda:

• Hamlet Test
• Bonus Time:  60 second Shakespeare

Homework:

• Due Monday:
• Sign into Hamlet Hub.
• Upload a digital copy of your Hamlet essay.
• Read a classmate's essay.
• Comment on your classmate's essay using this handout.
• For extra credit, comment on an essay by a student in another class.

Day 127:  Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Goal:

• Share essays with classmates.
• Analyze Gertrude and Claudius prequel.

Agenda:

• Share our essays
• pair and share
• present out
• Gertrude and Claudius
• 15 minute reading period
• write a question
• write a new insight into a character
• student-led Harkness discussion

Homework:

• Study for Hamlet test 

Day 126:  Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Goal:

• To revise two classmates' essays.
• To ask any questions about drafts.

Agenda:

• Groups of 3
• 2 rounds of edits
• silently read and comment
• discuss
• switch
• Workshop on board

Homework:

• Essay due Wednesday
• Test Thursday

Day 125:  Monday, March 31, 2014

study day

Day 124:  Friday, March 28, 2014

Continued work on Hamlet essay on laptop computers

HW for the weekend:  Working draft (typed, at least 3 pages) of Hamlet essay

Day 123:  Thursday, March 27, 2014

Continued work on Hamlet essay on laptop computers

• Continue research
• Continue to craft annotated bibliography
• Continue to craft essay

Day 122:  Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To create an annotated bibliography.

Today's Agenda:

• "Inferring Hamlet"
• Show Students How to Use Databases
• www.medford.k12.ma.us
• Medford High School
• Library
• Massachusetts Statewide Database
• CLC or Literature Resource Center
• Work on Laptops to Create Annotated Bibliography and Research

Tonight's HW:

• Create annotated bibliography and email yourself for tomorrow.
• Working draft due Monday.
• Test on Tuesday.
• Final draft due Wednesday.

Day 121:  Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To look at a model of literary criticism.
• To collaborate with small groups to approve papers and outlines.

Today's Agenda:

• Large Group - read "Inferring Hamlet"
• what makes it a good critical essay
• what ideas can be used in your essay
• Small Groups - paper proposals
• check and approve paper proposals
• begin to outline essays

Tonight's HW:

• Work on essay and email your final draft for tomorrow.

What's on tap for tomorrow:

• Annotated Bibliography - Cassidy LeBert example
• Annotated Bibliography - graphic organizer
• Work on laptops - using hard copies of sources (Bloom, etc.) and internet sources (Google Scholar, databses), do some research, working towards an annotated bibliography with at least three sources
• Wednesday's HW:  typed annotated bibliography

Day 120:  Monday, March 24, 2014

Today's Goals:  

• To discuss plot, characterization, and theme of Hamlet.  
• To review expectations for essay assignment.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Generate Hamlet questions/comments for discussion
• Review Hamlet essay assignment
• PowerPoint discussion questions

Tonight's HW:

• One page typed paper proposal for Hamlet essay.

Day 119:  Friday, March 21, 2014

Check out information about the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards here.

Day 118:  Thursday, March 20, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To examine the play's final scene and discuss what makes it a quintessential tragedy.

Today's Agenda:

• Review the rest of the questions from Hamlet 5.1
• Discuss questions and comments from your reading of Hamlet 5.2
• View clippage of Hamlet 5.2 
• Discuss

Tonight's HW:

• Be sure to complete section 8 of the practice test from www.collegeboard.com.
• Scroll down to Thursday, 3.6.2014, if you want to download the PDF from a link.
• Bring in outside reading book.

On tap for tomorrow:

• Check outstanding HW (5.1, 5.1 classwork, 5.2).
• Talk about 5.2 video.
• Review section 8 of SAT practice test.
• Outside reading
• Review college visit rubric

Day 117:  Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To understand the role of the "clown" in Shakespeare's plays.
• To discuss how Hamlet 5.1 sets the stage for the play's resolution.

Today's Agenda:

• Notes on the role of the clown in Shakespeare's plays
• Questions from last night's HW (response to 5.1 - specifically focusing on Hamlet's dialogue with the gravedigger)
• View clippage of 5.1
• Small Groups:  Answer 6 discussion questions about 5.1.  Download handout here.
• Review 6 discussion questions.

Tonight's HW:

• Read Hamlet 5.2.  Write a one page response (journal, questions about things you don't understand, questions that you want to discuss in class, quotes, etc.)

Day 116:  Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To apply the schools of literary criticism to Hamlet, particularly Act 4.

Today's Agenda:

• Wrap up presentations from yesterday
• Small Groups
• Share HW
• Collaborate to write a paragraph from the perspective of a critical lens
• Envision this as a main body paragraph in a longer essay about a character from the perspective of one of the critical lenses
• Include a solid topic sentence, three good examples, a quote from Hamlet, a quote from the packet, and a clincher
• Wrap up:  Share paragraphs with the class; workshop

HW:  Make sure your response to Hamlet 5.1 includes quotes.

Day 115:  Monday, March 17, 2014

Today's Goal:  

• To introduce students to the idea of literary criticism.
• To apply the schools of literary criticism to Hamlet, particularly Act 4.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Read and annotate An Introduction to Literary Criticism and Theory
• Discuss the article and the idea of Literary Criticism
• Break into Groups to examine various literary theories (Lacan, Feminism, Marxism, Psychoanalytical Theory, Trauma Theory)
• Each group should summarize the basics of the theory
• Each group should then apply the theory to one of the characters they followed through Act 4 (using the character committee handout)
• Note:  While in small groups, we need to check some HWs from previous days (3.4, 4, SAT 7 - we will check 5.1 later in the week)
• Groups present out to define the schools of literary theory and provide an example of how to apply it

Monday Night's HW:

• Write a paragraph analyzing something in Act 4 from the perspective of a critical theory you studied today.

Day 114:  Friday, March 14, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To work on critical reading skills.
• To begin to workshop college essays.

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• SAT Prep - review and check SAT practice test, section 7 (from College Board website)
• Writing Workshop
• Lauren T. presents on college essay tips in period 6
• Peer revision of colleg essay drafts in small groups

HW for the weekend:

• Read Hamlet 5.1.
• Write a response about the witty dialogue between the gravedigger and Hamlet.

Day 113:  Thursday, March 13, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To follow a character through Act 4.

Today's Agenda:

• View college essay prompts on www.commonapp.org 
• Hand back work (potential college essay drafts)
• Talk about 4.5-4.7
• View clippage of 4.5-4.7
• Discussion of clippage

Tonight's HW:

• Go to www.commonapp.org.  Sign up for an account.  View the college essay prompts.  Write a draft of a college essay, based perhaps on your personal narrative that you wrote for Ms. Stevens.
• Bring in your outside reading book and your SAT work from last week.

On tap for Friday, March 14, 2014:

• Do Now:  Outside Reading and SAT Practice Warm-up 2 (courtesy of Ms. Sanford)
• Revisit sections 7 and 8 of practice SAT from College Board site (last week's work) - When shall we review all of this material?
• Check Hamlet HW - 3.4 response and 4 response
• Lauren T. College Essay Workshopping - BULK of class - collaborate in small groups on workshopping, etc.
• HW for the weekend:  Divide class into 7 groups; each will present on the significance of a particular scene on Monday

On tap for Monday, March 17, 2014:

• Character Committees on your assigned character from Act 4
• Present out on your assigned scene from Act 4
• Review schools of literary criticism

Day 112:  Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Today's Goal:  

• To follow a character through Act 4.

Today's Agenda:

• Talk about 4.1-4.4 based on your HW response from last night - questions, comments, expectations
• Guided Viewing of 4.1-4.4 (15 minutes)
• Discussion - focus in particular on Hamlet's last soliloquy

Tonight's HW:

• For Thursday, read Hamlet 4.5-4.7.  Write a brief response - add to your journal from last night.
• For Friday, draft of college essay (go to www.commonapp.org).  Use your personal narrative that you wrote for Ms. Stevens as a baseline.

Day 111:  Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To analyze Hamlet 3.4.

Today's Agenda:

• Wrap up speech posters from last year
• Journal:  Fight with parent
• Talk about last night's HW (response to 3.4)
• Clippage of 3.4 (Branagh version)
• Guided Questions about 3.4

Tonight's HW:

• Read Hamlet 4.1-4.4.  Pick a character (Gertrude, Polonius, Laertes, Ophelia).  Write a journal from the character's perspective.

Day 110:  Monday, March 10, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To analyze three important monologues.

Today's Agenda:

• Review nunnery and mousetrap scenes
• Small Groups
• HW check (3.3 and cast your own Mousetrap)
• Close reading of speeches from 3.2 and 3.3 on big paper
• Present Big Paper
• Imagery/Devices
• Theme

Tonight's HW:  

• Read Hamlet 3.4.  Write a response about Hamlet's fight with his mother.

Day 109:  Friday, March 7, 2014

Cafeteria with Ms. Stevens to work on SAT prep

Day 108:  Thursday, March 6, 2014

For homework tonight, print and complete section 7 of this practice test from the College Board site. 

If, for some reason, your class has already completed section 8 of this practice test, print and complete section 8 of the same practice test.

Day 107:  Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To examine a unique interpretation of the nunnery scene.
• To create our own production of the Mousetrap scene.

Today's Agenda:

• Hand back work (As I Lay Dying test)
• Nunnery clip (watch clip from Hawke version, journal, and discuss this unique interpretation)
• Small Group Prep
• before
• the dumb show
• the Mousetrap
• Claudius's reaction

Tonight's HW:

• Complete the Cast your own Mousetrap handout.
• Read Hamlet 3.2 if you did not read adequately in class.

Day 106:  Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Nunnery scene with Ms. Stevens

Day 105:  Monday, March 3, 2014

Today's Announcements:

• Register for SAT (May and June)
• Chris Herren speech tonight at 6:45

Today's Goals:

• To provide a rhetorical analysis of the "To be or not to be" soliloquy, with a focus on antithesis.

Today's Agenda:

• View and discuss clippage of the "To be or not to be" soliloquy
• Tenant
• Branagh
• Two students read "To be or not to be" as an argument/dialogue
• Discuss the implications of this - what is different about each voice?
• Small groups (and HW check) - perform a rhetorical analysis of the soliloquy.
• Large group - discuss particular elements of your rhetorical analysis of the soliloquy
• Wrap up - what you will write about for tonight's HW

Tonight's HW:

• Write your own version of the "To be or not to be" soliloquy, using Hamlet's structure as a model
• Some suggestions from previous years:  "To try or not to try," "To cheat or not to cheat," "Two sleep or not to sleep"

On tap for tomorrow:

• Share "To be or not to be soliloquies"
• Assess how students interpret 3.1 - Does Hamlet know he is being watched?
• View various clips of the nunnery scene - Hawke, Branagh, Tennant
• Discuss in small/large group 

Looking ahead to next week:

• Monday, 3.3.14:  To be or not to be (see lesson from 1.7.13)
• Tuesday, 3.4.14:  Get thee to a nunnery (see lesson from 1.8.13)
• Wednesday, 3.5.14:  The Mousetrap (see lesson from 1.14.13)
• Thursday, 3.6.14:  Mousetrap clippage (see lesson from 1.15.13)
• Friday, 3.7.14:  SAT practice questions #2 from Nicole Sanfard and Common App essay prep with Lauren T

Day 104:  Friday, February 28, 2014

Today's Goal: 

• To prepare for the SAT and to work on fundamentals of grammar and vocabulary.

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Do Now:  6 SAT Practice Questions
• Review SAT Questions
• Variations on Plans:
• Period 1:  Distracted Driver Assembly
• Period 6:  Lauren T. presents Common Application essay prompts
• Ticket Out:  Submit SAT essays from HW last night

This Weekend's HW:  

• Read Hamlet 3.1.
• Write a response paper about how this scene serves to further Hamlet's character and Hamlet's plan.

Day 103:  Thursday, February 27, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To analyze the "O What a Rogue" soiloquy.

Today's Agenda:

• 2 HW checks
• Small Groups:  Translate "O What a R0gue" and answer analysis questions
• Review Soliloquy
• View two versions of clippage and discuss (Branagh and Tennant)

Tonight's HW:

JUNIORS:  HERE IS THE SAT PROMPT FOR TONIGHT!

Day 102:  Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To analyze Shakespeare's use of classical language - WORDS, WORDS, WORDS!

Today's Agenda:

• Access prior knowledge
• Clippage of (Act 2, scene 2 on Branagh DVD)
• Small Groups (in groups ID literary devices):
• Dialogue with Polonius
• Dialogue with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
• Hamlet's Monologue (sterile promentory)
• Discuss "language tricks"

Tonight's HW:

• Write an analysis of Hamlet's next soliloquy.   ("O What a Rogue").

Day 101:  Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Today's Goal:  To examine Polonius's value system and to analyze how Polonius has begun to act mad.

Today's Agenda:

• Revisit ideas from advisory.  Perhaps watch excerpt from 30 for 30 film and/or read excerpt from Chris Herren book.
• Small Groups:
• ID 5 character traits of Polonius, with a focus on his value system.
• Use this handout here.
• While doing this, have a student check HW.
• Present Out and Discuss Character Traits, with a focus on a close reading - how and why do we know Polonius is like this?
• Act out and/or discuss Hamlet's physical actions that convey his madness to Ophelia

Tonight's HW:

• Read Hamlet 2.2.  Write a response to Hamlet's use of "language tricks," such as puns, double entendres, etc.

Day 100:  Monday, February 24, 2014

Today's Announcements:

• Practice SAT registration
• Regular SAT registration
• AP practice group

Today's Goals:

• To analyze and evaluate an adaptation of Hamlet.
• To refresh on plot and character of Act 1.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Journal (expectations of Act 1 on film)
• View clippage (while filling out guided viewing sheet)
• Discussion - questions and observations

Tonight's HW:

• Read Hamlet 2.1.
• Write a response to either (a) Polonius or (b) Ophelia.

Day 99:  Friday, February 14, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To score our essays according to a rubric.
• To revise to improve our essays.

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• College Q and A
• Examine SAT mentor text from College Board site and discuss its merits
• Small Groups:
• Score essay
• Suggest revisions
• Ticket Out:  Hand in HW

This Week's HW:

• Enjoy your vacation!

Day 98:  Thursday, February 13, 2014

Today's Announcements:

• Practice SAT - March 1
• Regular SAT - March 8
• Q and A box for Lauren - ongoing

Today's Goal:  

• To analyze and discuss Hamlet, Act 1.

Today's Agenda:

• Hamlet 1.3
• Hamlet 1.4
• Hamlet 1.5

Tonight's HW:

Complete the 25 minute SAT essay writing prompt from the SAT practice test on www.collegeboard.com.

Here is the link.

Here is the text of the prompt if the complete link does not work:

Do people accomplish more when they are allowed to do things in their own way? 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.

Use 3 examples.  Write 5 paragraphs.

Also, bring in an outside reading book to read tomorrow.

Day 97:  Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To examine imagery in Hamlet's soliloquy.
• To role play and act out Ophelia's family dynamic.

Today's Agenda:

• Small Groups:  Close reading of Hamlet's first soliloquy (and HW check)
• Large Group:  Review Hamlet's soliloquy
• What does he say? 
• How do literary devices contribute meaning to the text?
• Role Play:  The family dynamic of Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia
• Discuss how this family dynamic foils that of Hamlet's family

Tonight's HW:

• Read Hamlet 1.4 and 1.5.
• Write a response:  What is the conversation between Hamlet and the ghost?  What do we learn?  What does Hamlet's dad charge him to do?

Day 96:  Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To examine the use of rhetoric in Claudius's opening speech.
• To examine the relationship between Hamlet and Claudius.

Today's Agenda:

• Small Groups (3 groups to analyze Claudius's use of rhetoric)
• Present out on rhetoric
• Read around and discuss dialogue between Hamlet and Claudius

Tonight's HW:

• Paraphrase and analysis questions for Hamlet's first soliloquy.  Download handout here.

Day 95:  Monday, February 10, 2014

Today's Goal:  

• To read through Hamlet 1.1 and discuss how this establishes plot and tone.

Today's Agenda:

• Distribute books
• Read around
• Questions
• How to play the ghost
• Set the scene
• Act it out!

Tonight's HW:

• Read through Hamlet 1.2.  Write a journal response about Claudius's use of rhetoric.

What's going on before February vacation?

Monday, 2/10 - Hamlet 1.1

Tuesday, 2/11 - Hamlet 1.2

Wednesday, 2/12 - Hamlet 1.3

Thursday, 2.13 - Hamlet 1.4-1.5

Friday, 2.14 - SAT and/or PARCC test preparation

Day 94:  Friday, February 7, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To assess our understanding of As I Lay Dying and the skills we built during this unit.

Today's Agenda:

• As I Lay Dying test
• 70 multiple choice questions
• choose 2 of 5 open response questions
• write a third open response question for extra credit if you want
• When you are done, read your outside reading book

This weekend's HW:

• Take some time to read your outside reading book.

Day 93:  Thursday, February 6, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To discuss As I Lay Dying.
• To review for As I Lay Dying test.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Journal in response to Cash's quote on page 233.  Discuss what it means in the context of the book and what it means to you.
• View As I Lay Dying movie trailer and discuss the interpretation of the film
• Small Groups:  ID talking points and questions (and HW check)
• Large Group:   Circle  discussion.  Be sure to address chiasmus.
• Who said it?
• Rap review

Tonight's HW:

• Study for As I Lay Dying test.
• Bring in outside reading book.

On tap for Tuesday:

• Etymology Reading
• Ch. 46-52 discussion
• HW:  Finish book.  Write relevant questions and talking points.

Day 91:  Monday, February 3, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To perform a close reading of Addie's monologue.
• To discuss the significance of Whitfield's confession.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Reread Addie's Monologue
• Small Groups
• Addie's Monologue
• Whitfield's Confession
• Circle Discussion

Tonight's HW:

• Read chapters 46-52.
• Write a response (close reading) to one of the chapters.

Day 90:  Friday, January 31, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To discuss connections between As I Lay Dying and contemporary film/TV.
• To learn about use of the semicolon.
• To learn some easy quick SAT tips.

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Discuss HW
• Lauren T. teaches
• Grammar
• SAT
• College Tips

This weekend's HW:

• Read chapters 40-45.  Perform a close reading of ch. 40 (Addie's famous monologue.)

Day 89:  Thursday, January 30, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To determine meanings of words.
• To identify dark humor in film.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Vocabulary (in-context, ch. 20-39)
• Dark Humor
• Read handout
• View ch. 13 and 14 from Little Miss Sunshine film
• Discuss connections
• (If time permits, discuss ch. 20-39)

Tonight's HW:

• Write one page about a work of literature or film or TV series that draws influence from Faulkner.  Be particular about how Faulkner was influential.

Day 88:  Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To make inferences about plot and characterization of a fiction text.

Today's Agenda:

• Hand in make-up work
• Ch. 29-32
• Return to small groups
• Present out
• Intro Last Word Discussion

Tonight's HW:

• Read ch. 33-39
• Pick on chapter
• Perform a close reading

Day 87:  Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Today's Announcements:

• Make up all quarter 2 work by Wednesday.

Today's Goal:

• To make inferences about plot and characterization in a fiction text.

Today's Agenda:

• Hand back midterm exam
• Large circle:  Model close reading of ch. 29
  • Spend the bulk of time doing this
  • Pause halfway through chapter to discuss
  • Use this as a guide for talking points
• Small Groups:  ch. 30-32
  • four groups
    • 30, 31, 32 (first half), 32 (second half)
  • read chapter
  • make inferences (plot, characterization)
  • prepare to point out
• You will present out tomorrow

Tonight's HW:

• Study for tomorrow's midterm exams (in other classes).
• Make up work.

Day 86:  Monday, January 27, 2014

Today's Announcements:

• Make up all quarter 2 work by Wednesday.

Today's Goal:

• To assess the skills that we have practiced during the first semester.

Today's Agenda:

• Midterm Exam
  • 50 questions
  • 2 points each
  • 50 minutes

Tonight's HW:

• Study for those important exams that will be administered on Tuesday and Wednesday in your other classes.

On Tap for the Week:

• Tuesday - Read ch. 29 together to model making inferences, split into 4 groups (30, 31, 32A, 32B) - read, make inferences, summarize, select a passage to read, etc. - report out to large group
• Wednesday - Last Word - Do Now on your own, small group round 1, large group round 2, HW:  read 33-39 and answer questions
• Thursday - in-context vocab, Little Miss Sunshine, review ch. 20-39 questions
• Friday - Lauren teaches class (grammar, SAT prep, college prep)

Day 85:  Friday, January 24, 2014

Download review sheet for midterm exam here!

Day 84:  Thursday, January 23, 2014

Today's Goal:

• To learn about sublimation, and to identify how we use it and how Faulkner's characters use it.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Sublimation Journal
• Explain Sublimation (Freud notes) and share journal
• Small Group:  Discuss how characters use sublimation and discuss other talking points from ch. 21-28
• Large Circle Discussion

Tonight's HW:

• List reading passages that may appear on the midterm exam.  Be specific.  List concepts, questions, terms, vocabulary, and rhetoric.
• Outside Reading

Day 83:  Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Today's Goals:

• To make inferences about a text.
• To figure out vocabulary from context.
• To examine a college lecture.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Complete in-context vocabulary exercise and review college lecture 2 on your own; review both with group
• Small groups:  complete ch. 1-19 questions in book club format (and HW check)
• Circle Discussion:  ch. 1-19 questions from sheet and any other student-generated questions 

Tonight's Homework:

• Read and respond to ch. 20-28.
• Study for midterm exam.

Looking Ahead to Wednesday:

• Read about Sublimation and complete journal.
• College Lecture 1
• Questions ch. 20-28

Looking Beyond:

• For Thursday, create review sheet for midterm exam.
• For Friday, be prepared for midterm exam.
• For Monday, read and respond to ch. 29-32.
• For Tuesday, read and respond to ch. 33-39 and hand in any make-up work (last day of quarter).

Day 82:  Friday, January 17, 2014

Today's Goal:  To work on English fundamentals (grammar, improving sentences).

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Correct online SAT section 5
• Small Groups - review answers to section 5
• Go over SAT section 5 on board

This weekend's HW:

• For Tuesday, read chapters 13-19 in As I Lay Dying.  Take notes and write questions as you go.
• For Friday, prepare for midterm exam.

Day 81:  Thursday, January 16, 2014

Today's Goal:  To perform a close reading of the text by making inferences and supporting these with evidence.

Today's Agenda:

Period 1:

• Do Now:  Perform a close reading of ch. 7.
• Small Groups:  Share and discuss questions.
• Circle Discussion:  Ch. 1-12.

Period 6:

• Ch. 1-6 Questions in Small Groups
• Ch. 7-12 Questions in Small Groups
• Circle Discussion:  Ch. 1-12

Tonight's HW (both classes):

Complete section 5 of the online College Board SAT practice test.

Use this link to download and print.

If this link does not work, try this one.

Remember to just do section 5.

Day 80:  Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Today's Goal:  To perform a close reading of a text by making inferences and supporting these with evidence.

Today's Agenda:

• Return to yesterday's PowerPoint to review the last few slides (with a focus on tips for reading Faulkner).
• Do Now:  Reread ch. 1 and perform a close reading by making as many inferences as you can.
• Small Groups:
  • Review ch. 1
  • Review questions from last night (student generated - and HW check)
• Circle Discussion:  Discuss close reading of ch. 1, using junior common assessment as a guideline for line of questioning.

HW:  Read ch. 1-6 and write as many questions as you have about each chapter.

Day 79:  Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Goal:  To introduce the concept of Faulkner's narration in As I Lay Dying.

Agenda:

• Submit Mockingbird film analysis papers (share if they want), and return Mockingbird book
• Journal:  Write about a book or movie that uses multiple narrative perspectives to tell the story (examples:  My Sister's Keeper, Vantage Point).  What do the narrative perspectives add to the story?  Why would an author/director look to employ these stategies?
• PowerPoint - Introduction to Faulkner



• Distribute books.  If time allows, begin reading chapter 1. 

HW:  Read ch. 1-6.  Write any and all questions you have (and you might indeed have some.

Day 78:  Monday, January 13, 2014

G0al:  Work on English fundamentals (vocabulary, reading comprehension).

Agenda:  Review 2013 PSAT section 3 with Ms. Stevens

HW:  One more night to work on your Mockingbird film review.

Day 77:  Friday, January 10, 2014

Goal:  To work on English fundamentals (improving sentences and identifying sentence errors).

Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Small Group Grammar (review section 5)
• Large Circle Review of section 5

This weekend's HW:

• 2 page film critique of To Kill a Mockingbird.  (Search the web for film review samples.)

Day 76:  Thursday, January 9, 2014

Goal:  To work on English fundamentals (vocabulary, reading comprehension).

Agenda:

• Q & A regarding all things PSAT/SAT
• Small groups - review your answers to section 1
• Large circle - go over difficult section 1 questions

Tonight's HW:

• Review section 5 of the 2013 PSAT.  Write a brief explanation for the correct answer to each item.
• Examples of terms to use in homework:  pronoun-antecedent agreement, passive voice, active voice, verb tense agreement, etc.
• Bring in outside reading book.

Days 73-75:  Monday-Wednesday, January 6-8, 2014

Goal: 

• To analyze the famous film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Agenda:

• View film
  • As you view, take notes on what you'd like to address in your film critique.
• Discussion
  • Guiding question:  How well do you feel the film adapts the book?  What elements stand out to you?

Ongoing HW:

• For Thursday, review PSAT packet.  Be prepared to review sections 1 and 3 in class on Thursday and section 5 in class on Friday.
• For Monday (1/13), film critique of To Kill a Mockingbird. 

Day 72:  Friday, December 20, 2013

Today's Announcements:

• Questions about progress reports
• AP work
• Submit Globe contest entries
• Holiday Sweater Photo - Ms. Peritore's room

Today's Goals:

• To assess our understanding of To Kill a Mockingbird by writing an in-class, SAT-style essay.

Today's Agenda:

• In-class essay (on courage in Mockingbird)
• Read Be Santa by Rick Reilly

HW for the vacation:

• Spend time with your family and friends!
• If it snows, shovel for your parents!

Day 71:  Thursday, December 19, 2013

Today's Announcements:

• AP Group
• Globe contest
• Progress Reports

Today's Goals:

• To make self to text connections.
• To examine Atticus as a "manly" character.
• To review expectations for essay.

Today's Agenda:

• Wrap up motifs
• Mirrors and Windows
• Art of Manliness article
• Circle discussion about any of the above topics
• Distribute Essay prompt for tomorrow

Tonight's HW:

• Prepare for in-class essay (outline, brainstorm, etc.)
• You may use outline during class tomorrow.

Day 70:  Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To analyze the falling action of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Today's Agenda:

• Discuss chapters 21-25
• Ruby Bates
• Discussion
• Motif Sheet

Tonight's HW:

• Read ch. 29-31

Day 69:  Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Today's Announcements:

• Globe Contest - deadline Friday
• AP Group - When shall we meet?

Today's Goals:  

• To examine in-context vocabulary.
• To analyze the falling action of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Today's Agenda:

• In-context vocabulary - ch 21-25
• Small Groups - meet by chapter, complete falling action handout
• Present Out (ch. 21 and 22 today, the rest tomorrow)

Tonight's HW:

• Read ch. 26-28.

On Tap for Tomorrow:

• Wrap up presentations
• Ruby Bates
• Night's Reading
• Coming-of-age motifs

Day 68:  Monday, December 16, 2013

Today's Announcements:

• Boston Globe contest deadline is this Friday
• Hand back work

Today's Goals:

• To analyze rhetoric in a closing argument and to compare it to Atticus Finch's.

Today's Agenda:

• Time to Kill Speech
  • Video
  • Text
• Graphic Organizer
  • Complete in small groups
  • Review in large groups
• Read ch. 21 and 22
• Discuss

Tonight's HW:

• Read ch. 23-25.
• Prepare notes for your assigned chapter (21-25). You will be working with that group tomorrow.

Looking Ahead for the Week:

• We are going to wrap up To Kill a Mockingbird this week and have a test before the end of the week. This way, we can have no homework for vacation!
• Tomorrow, we will focus on the falling action of chapters 21-25.
• We will review the 2013 PSAT on the first two days back from break.

Day 65: Friday, December 13, 2013

Ms. Stevens's final day of student teaching :(

Today's goal: to analyze rhteorical devices in Atticus's closing statement; to provide Ms. Stevens with feedback

Agenda:

• Watch clippage from movie version (closing argument)
• Large Circle discussion: analyze Atticus's use of rhetoric
• Feedback Survey
• Tonight's Homework: Enjoy the weekend (and continue being awesome!)

You can stay in touch with Ms. Stevens via email @ sstevens@medford.k12.ma.us

Day 64: Thursday, December 12, 2013

Download today's lesson!

Today's Goal: to analyze the characterization of Mayella Ewell and Tom Robinson

• Pair Share Homework
• Watch clippage from film verison (Mayella's testimony)
• Large Circle: Student-led discussion on characterization of Mayella Ewell and Tom Robinson

Tonight's Homework: To read chapter 20 and analyze Atticus's closing argument as a piece of rhetoric. What makes it effective and persuasive? Consider the rhetorical devices employed, use of diction, and tone. 

Day 63: Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Today's Goal: to participate in a student-centered discussion; to analyze and discuss chapters 15-17

Agenda:

• Guidelines for Discussion
• Student-Centered Discussion

Tonight's Homework: Read Chapters 18-19 and write a 1-page response. 

Day 62: Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Today's Goal: To read and analyze a historical primary source document; to engage in a student centered discussion

Agenda

• Do Now: Mini Discussion and Write 2 OEQs for discussion
• Read and Annotate Mark Twain's Moral Cowardice
• Large Circle: Discuss Twain's main ideas in relation to key themes in To Kill A Mockingbird

Tonight's Homework: Catch up on your reading (if need be) and come in ready for discussion with 1 discussion question for chapter 17. 

Day 61: Monday December 9, 2013

Today's Goal: To analyze and discuss key passages in ch 12-14

Agenda

• Original Ideas Only Contract
• Submit Homework
• Small Groups (3 Talking point and 3 quotes for the following characters or scenes)
• Large Circle Discussion

Tonight's Homework: Read Ch 15-17 and write a 1-page response

Day 60: Friday December 6, 2013

Agenda

• Pair Share Homework
• Nelson Mandela clippage
• Small Groupwork
• Large Circle

Tonight's Homework: Read Ch 13-14 and write a 1-page reponse

Day 59: Thursday, December 5, 2013

Tonight's Homework: Read Ch 10-12 and write a 1 page response

Day 58: Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Tonight's Homework: Read Ch 7-9 and write a 1 page response.

Day 57: Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Today's Goal: To examine characterization in chapters 1-3 of To Kill A Mockingbird

Agenda:

• Pair Share homework
• Small groups: Character Analysis
• Large Circle: discuss characters
• Begin reading chapter 4

Tonight's Homework: Read chapters 4-6 and write a 1-page response on a topic of your choice. Perhaps, you might choose a scene that reveals something important about the characters, or an idea you found interesting or meaningful. 

Day 56: Monday, December 2, 2013

Today’s Goal: To examine background information on Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird; to make predictions about themes or ideas we might see come into play in the novel.

Agenda:

• Introduction to To Kill A Mockingbird PowerPoint
• Anticipation Guide / Sign Out Books
• Begin Reading

Tonight’s Homework: Write a 1-page response on the setting, characterization, and plot of the opening Chapters. Describe the characters through direct and indirect characterization. (what does the narrator tell you explicitly? What can you infer about them through their actions or dialogue?). Where is the setting and what kind of town is it? How do you know this? What happens? (Plot)

Day 55: Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Today's Goal: To revisit our goals from the beginning of the year, reflect on our progress so far, and set short-term goals.

Day 54: Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Today's Goal: to practice strategoes for decoding and learning new vocabulary through examining word etymologies

Agenda:

• Pair Share Homework
• Etymology Exvacation PowerPoint
• Small Groups: Define your word, examine its etymology, and use it in a sentence
• Share Out: Teach your words to the class
• Exit Ticket: Pick one word you learned today and define it in your own words

Tonight's Homework: Write a 1-2 paragraph reflection on the assignment that you are most proud of and why. Also reflect on what you would like to work on. How can we help you reach your goals as a scholar of English?

Day 53: Monday, November 25, 2013

Today's Goal: To assess our understanding of short fiction and personal essays

Agenda:

• Take Short Story Test

Tonight's Homework: SAT Vocabulary-Building Activity

Day 52: Friday, November 22, 2013

Today's Goal: To practice test-taking strategies for the SATs

Agenda: 

• Outside Reading
• Small groups: compare answers
• Review answers
• Work on reading comprehension passage
• Review answers

Tonight's Homework: Study for the Short Story Test

Day 51: Thursday, November 21, 2013

Today's Goal: To review for the Short Story Test on Monday; to create a comprehensive review sheet

Agenda: 

• Pair Share Review Sheets
• Small Groups: Swap review sheets and consolidate ideas on your review template 
• Review Short Story Test Review PowerPoint

Exit Ticket: Write your own test question. I'll give extra credit to people who write excellent questions. Period 1 can email me their questions at sstevens@medford.k12.ma.us

 Tonight's Homework: SAT Packet 1, section 2

Day 50: Wednesday, November 20

On Tap For Tomorrow: Review for Short Story Test (Monday)

Today's Goal: To analyze and discuss Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Fubar"

Agenda:

• Pair Share "Fubar" reviews
• Small groups: answer Fubar Discussion Questions
• Large Circle: share responses and discuss story

Tonight's Homework: Look through your notes, homeworks, and class assignments on our short story unit and create a review sheet. For each story we've read, write down two bullet points of the most essential pieces of information about that story. 

Day 49: Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Today's Goal: To wrap up A&P presentations; to peer edit and revise coming of age stories based on Common App essay

Agenda:

• Wrap Up A&P
• Pair Share Homework
• Small groups: read and workshop coming of age stories based on Common App essay prompt.

Exit Ticket: What did you take away from today's class? What was meaningful or helpful for you? What did you learn?

Day 48: Monday, November 18, 2013

Today's Goal: To analyze and discuss characterization, style, theme, and narration in "A&P"

Agenda: Pair Share Homework

• Small Groups:Analyze characterization, theme, narration, and style
• Present out your group's findings

Tonight's Homework: Write 1 page about your own coming of age moment

Day 47: Friday, November 15, 2013

Today's Goal: To share and discuss stories and essays from the class anthology

Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Read and discuss two stories from the class anthology 
• Swap feedback (last night's homework)

Tonight's Homework: Read John Updike's "A&P" and write 1-page about how this story is a coming of age tale. 

Day 46: Thursday, November 14, 2013

Today's Goal: To share short stories and personal essays with the class and give each other specific feedback

Agenda:

• Distribute class anthologies
• Select students share their stories/essays
• Provide specific feedback

Tonight's Homework: Choose two stories that we didn't read in class today and write that person 1 paragraph of specific, descriptive feedback. Notice the things they do well by references quotes from the story or essay. Make connections to elements of short fiction that we've discussed in class (e.g., descriptive details, character development, dialogue, pacing, structure, humor, etc.)

Day: Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Day 45: Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Today's Goal: To learn about the biography of Flannery O'Connor and the elements of Southern Gothic literature

Agenda:

• Turn in short stories/personal essays
• Flannery O'Connor PowerPoint
• As a class, read and annotate  "Everything That Rises Must Converge"

Tonight's Homework: Finish reading "Everything That Rises Must Converge"

Day 45: Friday, November 8, 2013

Today's Goal: To work on character development in our short stories or personal narratives; to peer edit and provide feedback to our classmates

• Writing Warm Up: What does your protagonist want? What does your protagonist fear?
• Answer questions from Getting to Know your protagonist survey
• Read and peer edit in small groups

Tonight's Homework: Short story or personal essay due on Monday. Don't forget to email Ms. Stevens a digital copy! sstevens@medford.k12.ma.us

Day 44: Thursday, November 7, 2013

Today's Goal: To identify the key elements of an O. Henry Story; to apply the story arc of  "A Retrieved Reformation" to Freytag's pyramid

Agenda:

• Freytag's pyramid overview
• Small groups: Fill out Freytag's pyramid Graphic Organizer for "A Retrieved Reformation"
• Analyze and discuss "A Retrieved Reformation" in the large group

Tonight's Homework: Fill out Freytag's pyramid Graphic Organizer for your short story or memoir. Revise your short story or memoir and bring in a polished rough draft for tomorrow's class. 

Day 43: Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Today's Goal: To analyze and discuss "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed"

Agenda:

• Wrap up group presentations on characterization, tone, and theme
• Analyze and discuss "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed" in the large group

Tonight's Homework: Read O. Henry's "A Retrieved Reformation" and write 1 page on the key features of this story.

Day 42:  Monday, November 4, 2013

Tonight's HW:

Write your own personal memoir in response to this prompt:

•With that in mind, I think I have become a ________ because of __________ and –more specifically– because of ____________.

Day 41:  Friday, November 1, 2013

 Today's Goals: To examine the craft and structure of Amy Hempel's "In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried"

Agenda:

• Warm Up Writing Prompt: Describe the story in one word and explain your reasoning.
• It's All About the Sentences PowerPoint
• Circle discussion (share favorite quotes and OEQs)

Day 40:  Thursday, October 31, 2013

Day 39:  Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Today's Goals:  To write descriptive and distinct personal narratives and peer edit.  To analyze and discuss "Go Carolina."

Today's Agenda:

• Continue working on personal narratives
• Peer edit using fiction checklist
• Analyze and discuss "Go Carolina"
• Favorite sentences

Tonight's HW:  Read and annotate "In the Cemetery with Al Jolson."  Underline five of your favorite sentences and write about one of them.

Day 38:  Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Today's Goal:  To identify the defining elements of personal narratives/essays; to write our own personal narratives.

Today's Agenda:

• Pair and share artifacts
• Whole class share artifacts in a circle
• Read and discuss Mr. Ambrose's personal narrative and Ms. Stevens's personal narrative
• Write your own personal narrative
• Share out your favorite line

Tonight's HW:  Read "Go Carolina."  Identify 5 of your favorite lines.  Write one page on one of them.

On tap for tomorrow:  "Go Carolina," maybe return to writing about artifacts.

Day 37:  Monday, October 28, 2013

Today's Goals:  To analyze and discuss Alice Walker's "Everyday Use."

Today's Agenda:

• Pair and share homework
• "Everyday Use" PowerPoint - context for quilts
• Small Groups:  "Everyday Use" discussion questions
• Circle Discussion
• Read and discuss Mr. Ambrose's "Everyday Use"

Tonight's HW:  Bring in your own "artifact" and a short description of its personal significance.

Check out information about the Northeastern College Essay Boot Camp here.

Day 36:  Friday, October 25, 2013

Today's Goals:  To read and analyze the flash fiction story "Girl."

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Share and submit Snapshot Stories
• Background on Jamaica Kincaid
• Circle Discussion:  Read, analyze, and discuss "Girl"

This Weekend's HW:

• Read and annotate Alice Walker's "Everyday Use."
• Write one page about whether you believe justice has been served.

On the tap for next week:

• Monday:  "Everday Use"
• Tuesday:  Artifact Exchange
• Wednesday:  "It's All About the Sentence"
• Thursday:  "Go Carolina" David Sedaris
• Friday:  SAT Prep, Wrap up

Day 35:  Thursday, October 24, 2013

Today's  Goals:

• To introduce our short story unit.
• To examine the short story as a "snapshot" and to write our own short story based on the images we examine.

Today's Agenda:

• Share and submit Walden essays
• Read and discuss snapshot quotes
• Read and discuss excerpt from Stephen King's "What Writing Is"
• Free write on images (10 minutes)
• Pair and share image free write (5 minutes)
• Download PowerPoint with today's materials.

Tonight's HW:

• Polish your free write that you did in class today.
• Bring in outside reading book.

On tap for tomorrow:  Share photo stories, do Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl," HW for the weekend:  Read and responsd to "Everyday Use."

Day 34:  Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To assess the knowledge that we have gained and the skills we practiced during the Transcendentalist unit.

Today's Agenda:

• Transcendentalism Test
  • 35 multiple choice
  • Pick 2 short answers
  • Other options for short answers:
    • 6.  Explicate the WHitman poem your choice.
    • 7.  Explain the main ideas of "Self-Reliance."

Tonight's HW:

• Transcendentalism Essay
• Feel free to polish things you have written already.

On tap for tomorrow:  Short story unit introduction

Day 33:  Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Today's Agenda:

• Poem presentations
• Download a sample student assignment - from Andrew, Adrian, Etienne, and Jonathan - here.
• Nonfiction articles
• Test Review

Tonight's HW:

• Study for tomorrow's Transcendentalism test.
• DOWNLOAD TEST REVIEW HERE!
• Transcendentalism essay due on Thursday.
• Go to Walden for extra credit by November 4.

Day 32:  Monday, October 21, 2013

Student presentations

• Period 1
• Period 6

Tonight's HW:  Be ready for your poem presentation.  Work on your Transcendentalism essay.

Day 31:  Friday, October 18, 2013

Review SAT 1 and 3

PSAT Final Tips

Outside Reading

Friday's HW:  Take the PSAT.  Good luck!

Day 30:  Thursday, October 17, 2013

Student presentations

• Period 1
  • Giana's group - O Captain
  • Steven's group - Grass
• Period 6
  • Tyla's group - O Captain
  • David's group - Whoever You Are

Thursday's HW:  Complete sections 1 and 3 of the PSAT practice booklet.  Bring in outside reading book.

Day 29:  Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To collaborate on preparing Whitman poetry lessons.

Today's Agenda:

• Walt Whitman clippage - final lines of Song of Myself from the PBS special
• Small Groups:  Whitman poetry lesson preparation - work in small groups to explicate poem and brainstorm ideas for clas presentation
• Provide Leaves of Grass critical readings if they need it (from Norton anthology)

Wednesday's HW:

• Be prepared to present your poem on Thursday if this is your group's assigned day.
• For Friday, complete sections 1 and 3 of the PSAT practice booklet.

Day 28:  Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To examine Columbus's "discovery" from different historical perspectives through critical readings of primary sources.

Today's Agenda:

• Pair/share HW responses
• Small groups:  read and analyze your texts
• Share out your group's findings
• Warp up: the importance of being skeptical
• Download the handouts for today's lesson here:
  • Ms. Stevens's great lesson plan here
  • Columbus Day PowerPoint
  • Columbus Day reading and guided questions

Tonight's HW:

• Explicate your assigned Whitman poem.
• For Thursday:  Be prepared to teach your lesson.
• For Friday:  Sections 1 and 3 of PSAT.

Looking ahead for tomorrow:

• brief clippage re:  Whitman courtesy of Ms. Stevens
• correspondence between Emerson and Whitman
• work on explicating poem and lesson planning

Day 27:  Friday, October 11, 2013

Today's Goals:  To work on fundamental grammar skills to be strong fundamental students of English.

Today's Agenda:

• How was college fair?
• Outside reading
• SAT Writing PPT

• Review HW (section 5 of practice test)

Tonight's HW:

• For Tuesday:  Read and respond to the Columbus Day reading
• For Wednesday:  Explicate poem and lesson ideas
• For Thursday:  Complete poem lesson plan
• For Friday:  Sections 1 and 3 of practice book

Looking ahead to next week:

• Tuesday:  Columbus Day lesson
• Wednesday:  Ms. Stevens's Whitman clip, work on poem lessons, examine correspondence
• Thursday:  Poem presentations
• Final PSAT review, review formative assessment, sections 1 and 3

Day 26:  Thursday, October 10, 2013

Today's Goal:  To perform a close reading of Whitman's poetry.

Today's Agenda:

• Pair and share HW
• Share poems
• How to do a close reading?  (Ms. Stevens handout - checklist)
• Close reading of two poems from yesterday
• Distribute poems to small groups - have groups work on explication

Tonight's HW:  Complete section 5 in PSAT pratice book.  Bring in outside reading book.

Day 25:  Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To analyze the seminal essay "Self-Reliance."
• To examine what it means to be self-reliant.
• To introduce Whitman, a new Transcendentalist.

Today's Agenda:

• Small Groups
  • Share and discuss HW (+check HW)
  • Answer Self-Reliance questions
• Circle Discussion on Self-Reliance
• Whitman Clippage
  • Link for the clip here
  • Notes on talking points for student discussion here
• Whitman background notes
• Distribute 2 poems
  • When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer
  • I Hear America Singing

Tonight's HW:

• Write your own version on one of the Whitman poems from today.  Base it on Whitman's style and structure.

Day 24:  Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Today's Goal:

• To anlyze what it means to be "self-reliant" from the perspective of Thoreau and Emerson.

Today's Agenda:

• Review Economy handout
• Ken Burns clippage - view and discuss
• "Influentials" exercise
  • While Ms. Stevens talks about self-reliance, take five students in the hallway to be influentials.
  • Tell them that their goal is to be persuasive, to use rhetoric to convince their group what is the most important object they need to be self-reliant.
  • Influentials take five minutes to discuss and present to their groups
  • Report out with large group and discuss - who was the most influential?  How does this reflect Transcendentalism?  (answers:  simplicity, convincing argument, alone with nature, etc.)
• Self-Reliance - distribute

Tonight's HW:

• Read Self-Reliance.  Select your favorite quote.  Write a 25 minute reflection.

On tap for tomorrow:

• Share reflections, answer self-reliance questions, discuss self-reliance, introduce Whitman, one Whitman poem, HW: write your own version of the poem.

Day 23:  Monday, October 7, 2013

Today's Goal: 

• To analyze Transcendentalist values in a popular song.
• To see now we would fare on an AP test.
• To discuss Thoreua's views on Economy.

Today's Agenda:

• Warm Up:  Song Analysis
  • Listen to "Birds in Boston."  Lyrics here.
  • Journal about what resonates with you from a Transcendentalist perspective.
  • Discuss.
• AP Questions
  • small group - review answers, come to agreement
  • large group - review answers
• Economy - read excerpt and discuss

Tonight's HW:

• Complete Economy graphic organizer on your personal economy, completing journal entries on back of sheet as well.

On tap for tomorrow:

•  Ken Burns Video Clip, Discuss Economy, Ms. Sanford's Self-Reliance Activator, Self-Reliance Handout, HW: SAT-style Self-Reliance response (pick your favorite quote)

Day 22: Friday, October 4, 2013

Today's Goal:

• To prepare for the PSAT.
• To wrap up from the week.
• To read our outside reading books.

Today's Agenda:

• PSAT Preparation - Module 1
• Discuss HW Journal and Walk in the Woods
• Intro Writing Contests and College Essay Boot Camp
• Outside Reading

This Weekend's HW:

• Complete AP questions.
• Write a rationale for your answers.

On tap for future days:

• Monday, 10/8 - review AP style questions, clippage from Ken Burns, a song analysis ("Birds in Boston"), Reading, Economy, intro your own Walden, HW:  Work on your own reflections
• Tuesday, 10/9 - Self-Reliance, HW: response to your favorite quote
• Wednesday, 10/10 - Whitman - background and first 2 poems, HW:  your own version
• Thursday, 10/11 - Whitman - close reading of poems mini lesson, corespondence between Whitman and Emerson, assign poems, begin to dissect
• Friday, 10/12 - NYT articles, PSAT prep 2
• Tuesday, 10/15 - Columbus day lesson
• Wednesday, 10/16 - Student poem lessons, day 1 of 2
• Thursday, 10/17 - Student poem lessons, day 2 of 2
• Friday, 10/18 - final PSAT prep
• Monday, 10/21 - Transcendentalism test, Walden reflection essay

Day 21:  Thursday, October 3, 2013

Today's Goal:

• To analyze Thoreau's "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" so we can write our own personal statement.

Today's Agenda:

• A Walk in the Woods

Tonight's HW:

• Add to your journal to create a more polished reflection on where you live and what you live for, taking into account our hike experience.
• Bring in your outside reading book. 

Day 20:  Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Today's Goal:

• To analyze Thoreau's "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" so we can write our own personal statement.

Today's Agenda:

• Hand back work
• Small Groups:  Where I Lived For discussion points (pick 5 to respond to + HW check)
• Circle Discussion - points you did not understand, points from small group discussion, points from your annotations
• What Transcendentalism Means - Ms. Stevens and Mr. Ambrose  share
• Journal:  Where do you live and what do you live for?  What are your philosophies?  What do you anticipate the hike will be like tomorrow?

Tonight's HW:

• Finish the journal entry from today's class (write one page).
• Wear comfy shoes for our hike.

On tap for the future:

• Thursday - nature hike, HW:  reflection
• Friday - Ken Burns clippage, PSAT session 1 (PPT), outside reading
• Next week - Lost Trailers song, Economy, Reading, nonfiction articles, Self-Reliance, Whitman poetry (several days of student-centered), write your own Walden, Transcendentalist test

Day 19:  Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Today's Goal:

• To analyze and discuss seminal U.S. historical documents.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Review your questions from HW.  Write some of your own questions for discussion (things you don't understand or things you just want to discuss).  ID 3 talking points for discussion (+HW check)
• Circle Discussion (This takes up the bulk of class today.  Make it student-centered and about the text.  Have students partner up to give feedback to one another at the end of discussion.)
• Wrap up:  Meet with your partner - give feedback about discussion

Tonight's HW:

Read and respond to "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" (see links below).

Here is the link for tonight's HW - Where I Lived and What I Lived For.

And if you don't have Word...

If that Word document link does not work, try this internet link - but reformat it before you send it to the printer or it will be like a million pages.

On tap for tomorrow:  Small group discussion questions on Where I Lived, Large group discussion on Where I Lived, Journal on Where you Live, intro why we are going on  a hike tomorrow, HW:  formalize reflection on where you lived to take into account what you'll see on the hike (and wer appropriate hiking clothes)

Day 18:  Monday, September 30, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To analyze and discuss a seminal U.S. historical document.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Answer questions 1, 6, 8, 12, and 13 on Civil Disobedience questions
• Round Robin Stations (download the plan here and HW Check)
• Wrap up:  Discussion leaders report out on concensus

Tonight's HW:

• Finish answering Civil Disobedience questions (see link above).
• Write any questions that you have about the text (things you don't understand or things you want to explore further).

On tap for tomorrow:

• Do Now:  Gather Socratic questions, watch Zinn video
• Circle Discussion
• Wrap up: How did we do in discussion?
• HW:  Read and annotate "Where did I live and what did I live for?"

Civil Disobedience Part 1

Civil Disobedience Part 2

Civil Disobedience Part 3

Day 17:  Friday, September 27, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To read our outside reading book.
• To wrap up from the week.
• To work on English fundamentals like vocabulary and critical reading.

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Read and think aloud on Civil Disobedience, if time allows
• SAT Diagnostic
  • Distribute SAT diagnostic
  • Have students take out their answers
  • Review the rest of the answers (all of section 4, last few questions of section 5)
  • Discuss vocabulary section first (1-8, context clues, roots, meanings of unfamiliar words, always look for the clue, process of elimination)
  • Discuss critical reading section next (9-24, go back into the text to find support for answers, focus on main ideas, inference, clues, etc.)

This weekend's HW:

• Print, read, and annotate Civil Disobedience.  (See links above.)  As you read, focus on two ares:
  • use of rhetoric
  • ways Thoreau influenced King

On tap for next week:

• Monday:  do now questions, round robin discussion on CD
• Tuesday:  circle discussion on CD
• Wednesday and Thursday:  intro Walden, perhaps a hike and reflection, perhaps an essay comparing MLK to HDT
• Friday:  PSAT prep lessons and PSAT practice booklet

Day 16:  Thursday, September 26, 2013

Today's Goals:

• Determine Thoreau's central idea in the text.  RI.11-12.3
• Determine meaning of words in context.  RI.11-12.4

Today's Agenda:

• Picture Day!
• Journal and Discussion
• Definition of Civil Disobedience

• Thoreau Facts and Timeline
• Read and Think Aloud on first few paragraphs of Civil Disobedience (if time allows)

Tonight's HW:

• Bring in outside reading book.
• Read and annotate three section of Civil Disobedience.

Day 15:  Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To learn about and discuss Transcendentlist philosophies.
• To write bout nd evaluate our own philosophies.
• To analyze a song as poetry.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Walden Free Write

• Agree/Disagree

• Small Group
• Large Group
• Signs You are a Transcendentalist

• "You Never Know"
  • lyrics

• video
• listen and discuss

Tonight's HW:

• Reda and annotate three sections of Civil Disobedience.

Day 14:  Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To assess the skills we practiced nd the knowledge we acquired during our MLK rhetoric unit.

Today's Agenda:

• MLK Rhetoric Test

Tonight's HW:  Bring in $30 to register for PSAT.

Day 13:  Monday, September 23, 2013

Today's Goals:

• How does King use rhetoric and structure to contribute meaning to the text?
• Define vocabulary in context.

Today's Agenda:

• Submit essays (after sharing thesis statements)
• In-context vocabulary



• View "I Have a Dream" (video on web)
• Questions about the Speech - discuss

• Briefly review for test tomorrow

Tonight's HW:

• MLK rhetoric test tomorrow.
• 35 multiple choice questions
  • historical context
  • vocabulary
  • main ideas
  • rhetoric
• 5 open response questions (pick 3)
  • Describe how Birmingham Segregation Ordinances violated Bill of Rights
  • Describe 3 main points in any one section of Letter from Birmingham Jail
  • Describe historical circumstances surrounding Project C and why it might be considered a failure
  • Do you agree with Angelou that King's quote on the new monument makes him sound like an arrogant twit?
  • Describe the tone and organization of King's "I Have a Dream" speech (with audience consideration)

Day 12:  Friday, September 20, 2013

Today's Goals:

• How does King use rhetoric and structure to contribute meaning to the text?
• Read and analyze a nonfiction text.

Today's Agenda:

• Outside Reading
• Any questions about the essay assignment?
• Articles - paired readings
  • Time magazine article re: Birmingham bombings
  • NPR article about MLK monument
  • Split class into two groups, read, pair and share, discuss with large group
• Review SAT diagnostic (section 5 from practice test, IDing sentence errors)

This Weekend's HW:

• Work on your King essay.  Due Monday.
• MLK rhetoric test on Tuesday.  Start preparing.

On tap for next week:

• Monday - in-context vocabulary, I Have a Dream, tone/rhetoric/schoolwide rubric, test review
• Tuesday - MLK rhetoric test
• Wednesday - Intro Civil Disobedience, Transcendentalists
• Thursday - Civil Disobedience, Transcendentalists
• Friday - outside reading, weekly wrap up, standardized test prep 

Day 11:  Thursday, September 19, 2013

Today's Goals:

• Essential Question:  How does King use rhetoric and structure to contribute meaning to the text?

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Questions about "Letter"
  • on your own and in groups
• Discussion (questions and exit slips)
• The Threesis - what is it?  how can I brainstorm my talking points, group into three talking points, and write a good threesis - show examples and brainstorm
• Work on threesis and outline in groups

Tonight's HW:

• Work on MLK essay (due Monday).
• For tomorrow, bring in outside reading book. 

On tap for tomorrow:

• Outside Reading
• SAT Diagnostic - Identifying Sentence Errors
• Nonfiction Articles About MLK
• HW for Weekend:  Finish their essay

Day 10:  Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Today's Goals:

• Essential Question:  How does King use rhetoric and structure to contribute meaning to the text?

Today's Agenda:

• Small Groups - share argument map, HW check, bring up best argument map on overhead
• Present Out - 5 groups present out argument maps, discuss main ideas, structure, and tone
• Review MLK essay assignment and rubric

• Ticket Out:  Questions you still have about MLK

Tonight's HW:

• Work on MLK essay (due Monday).

Day 9:  Monday, September 16, 2013

Today's Goals:

• Essential Question:  How does King use rhetoric and structure to contribute meaning to the text?

Today's Agenda:

• Small Groups - share and check HW, each group comes up with 3 talking points about how King uses rhetoric to contribute meaning
• Large Group - small groups present out, while recorder types notes on overhead
  • Notes from period 1
  • Notes from period 6
• Review argument map - What is it?  Almost like a graphic organizer created FROM an essay, rather than the other way around.  This website shows some good examples.
• Make assignments

Tonight's HW:

• Create an argument map for your assigned section.  (Email me if you are not sure what your assigned section is.)
• Perhaps try to find a website on the internet that will allow you to create a nifty looking argument map!  Remember that one student in each group needs a digital version to show on the overhead projector on Wednesday.

Day 8:  Friday, September 13, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To wrap up our rhetoric lesson by examining some examples with Ms. Stevens.
• To review our diagnostics from last week with a focus on grammar rules.
• To drop everything and reaad.

Today's Agenda:

• Wrap up with Ms. Stevens
• SAT prep - review 1-11 from diagnostic
• Outside Reading

On tap for next week:

• Monday, 9/16:  see 9/13/12
• Tuesday, 9/17:  No school
• Wednesday, 9/18:  See 9/17/12
• Thursday, 9/19:  See 9/18/12
• Friday, 9/20:  See 9/19/12 (plus reviewing IDing sentence error section of SAT diagnostic)

Day 7:  Thursday, September 12, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To wrap up on the NPR piece.
• To review rhetorical terms.
• To examine examples of rhetoric in advertising and videos.

Today's Agenda:

• Share and submit HW (response to NPR piece)
• Rhetorical Device PPT review
• Ms. Stevens rhetorical video activity
  • PPT
  • Word doc
  • video link

Today's HW:

• For Friday:  Bring in your outside reading book
• For Monday:  Highlight and annotate Letter from Birmingham Jail with a focus on rhetoric

On tap for tomorrow:

• Outside Reading
• Ms. Stevens wraps up her rhetoric activity
• Review one section of the SAT diagnostic

Day 6:  Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To analyze how the Birmingham segregation ordinances violated human rights.
• To learn about the events leading up to King's arrest.

Today's Agenda:

• Share, discuss, and submit HW (response to Birmingham segregation ordinances)
• Historical context PPT
• NPR piece
  • listen to the piece here
  • check out guiding questions here

Tonight's HW:

• Write a 2-3 paragraph response to the NPR piece

On tap for tomorrow:

• discuss HW, journal on MLK quote?
• Rhetoric PPT
• Rhetoric small group sheet
• Model rhetoric analysis

Day 5:  Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Today's Goals:

• RI.11-12.9 Analyze foundational documents.
• To understand the main ideas of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Today's Agenda:

• Journal - How do we know when laws are unjust?  What is an appropriate course of action to take when there is an unjust situation?
• Pair and share journal; discuss
• Jigsaw:  Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • 6 Small Groups:  Take 5 Articles, read, summarize main ideas
  • Present Out
• Wrap Up

Tuesday's HW:

Read the following two nonfiction informational texts:

• Birmingham Segregation Ordinances
• Excerpt from MLK's Autobiography
• Write a 3-paragraph response on (a) main ideas of the text and (b) how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was violated by what was going on in Birmingham.

On tap for Wednesday:

• Share and discuss HW
• MLK Historical Context PPT
• MLK Letter NPR Piece

Day 4:  Monday, September 9, 2013

Today's Goals:

• To assess our understanding of the summer reading text.
• To perform a writing diagnostic.

Today's Agenda:

• Summer Reading In-Class Essay
• Submit with graphic organizer and rubric

Monday's HW:

• Bring in a printed copy of "Letter from Birmingham Jail" along with any notes you took while reading.

Day 3: Friday, September 6 , 2013

Today's Goals:  To complete a diagnostic of our English Language Arts skills - reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.

Today's Agenda:

• Diagnostic (sections 4 and 5 of College Board SAT practice test at www.collegeboard.com) 
• Outside Reading

This Weekend's HW:

• Complete graphic organizer for Monday's in-class summer reading essay.

On tap for next week:

• Monday, 9/9 - Summer Reading Essay
• Tuesday, 9/10 - Intro to Historical Context of Letter from Birmingham Jail
• Wednesday, 9/11 - Ms. Stevens teaches about poems related to MLK, Mr. Ambrose finishes up Historical Context PowerPoint
• Thursday, 9/12 - Introduce rhetorical terms in PowerPoint, samples of rhetoric, begin close reading of MLK's letter with an eye for rhetoric
• Friday, 9/13 - Review sections 4 and 5 of SAT diagnostic, outside reading

Day 2: Thursday, September 5, 2013

Today's Goals: To get to know one another. To review rubric and expectations for summer reading in-class essay.

Today's Agenda:

• Collect Remaining Surveys
• Collect Parent Forms
• Share Name Histories
• Review School-Wide Writing Rubric
• Distribute Summer Reading Prompts
• Distribute Graphic Organizer

Tonight's Homework:

• Bring in an outside reading book to read when you are finished with your diagnostic.
• Begin work on completing your graphic organizer.

Day 1:  Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Today's Goals:  To review course syllabus.  To get familiar with the class.

Today's Agenda:

• Welcome
• Syllabus
• Review letter home to parents/guardians
• Setting goals - 5 goals forthe school year
• Setting goals - Shane Battier activity
• Student survey
• Mr. Ambrose and Ms. Stevens's response to the survey
• Wrap up - Where are we going from here?

Tonight's Homework (10 points):

• Write about the history/meaning of your name.
  • (Honors - 2 paragraphs, Standard - 1 paragraph)
• Get parent/guardian to sign letter home.