Thursday 10.31: Halloween Homework!

Happy Halloween! 

Block B: 

Re-read and re-annotate the first 6 pages of "Hell-Heaven" for class tomorrow. Be prepared to write about what you've read. Remember, the idea is to read SLOWLY and CAREFULLY!

Also, finish your vocabulary story for tomorrow! We will share some of them in class.

Block C:

We watched the first 20 minutes of Smoke Signals today. Tonight, I'd like you to record at least 3 observations and connections on the "text-rendering chart" that I gave you in class. 

Block E:

We watched Smoke Signals in class today. Tonight, please add to the chart that we have been using in class. Connect the big ideas that you have noted in other texts by Alexie to those presented thus far in film. 

Block F: 

Tonight, finish reading UnLying (the second section) of Room. For Tuesday, finish through "Dying" so that we can discuss! 

Wednesday 10.30: Homework

Block E: English 11

We finished Alexie's novel, and we will be starting to watch the film Smoke Signals in class tomorrow. 

Read your independent reading book at home tonight. 

Block F: English 12

Read to page 90 in Room tonight. Add at least 3 sticky notes on passages that you would like to explore in class discussion tomorrow. Be prepared for a reading quiz too. 

By the way, here is the website I showed you in class yesterday. Check it out!

Block A: Creative Writing

Today we started to a retelling of the story "Mermaid Fever" from a new and different point of view. Continue to work on your revision and bring your final draft (printed BEFORE the start of class) with you on Friday. Remember, Friday is SHARING DAY! Be prepared to go PUBLIC!

Tuesday October 29: Homework

Block F: English 12

Read to page 74 (stop at the second page break). Add additional quotes to the chart that we made in class today, and be prepared for a reading quiz at the start of the class. 

Block A: Creative Writing

We had a pretty awesome discussion/Socratic seminar today about "Mermaid Fever." I heard lots of voices--you all made some excellent insights and connections. Good work!

For tonight, please write a 1 paragraph reflection on what you heard today. Try to be as specific as you can about what resonated with you during the discussion.

Block B: Honors English 11

We had a very compelling conversation today about the Washington Redskins controversy. There are a lot of different opinions out there and it was good to hear you articulate the different sides of the argument. 

For Thursday, please read the first 6 pages of the short story "Hell-Heaven" by Jhumpa Lahiri. In case you walked out of the room before you grabbed one, you can read and print out the story here. Please ANNOTATE the story carefully, taking note of your questions, observations, and connections. We will discuss the first section on Thursday, so please arrive to class prepared. 

Block C: English 11

We finished the novel! Review your notes and the drawing we did today in class about the symbolism that Alexie uses at the end of the novel. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding (quiz!) on today's discussion before we begin the film Smoke Signals on Thursday. 

Monday 10.28: Homework

Block A:

• Bring your TYPED Reader Response on "Mermaid Fever" to class tomorrow. We will discuss the elements of the story and focus on point of view.

Block B:

• Post a comment on the "Whatcha Reading?" section of this blog. Be specific (include the title and author and a quick remark about your recommendation.
• Bring your response on the Redskins mascot issue to class tomorrow. We will discuss the evidence you used.
• Read your independent reading book.

Block C:

• Read and annotate the last chapter of True Diary. I will be checking annotations and you will be writing about the chapter at the start of class, so please arrive prepared!
• Read your independent reading book

Block E: 

• Read and annotate the last chapter of True Diary. I will be checking annotations and you will be writing about the chapter at the start of class, so please arrive prepared!
• Read your independent reading book.

Friday 10.25.13: Homework and Go SOX!

Block C English 11

1. Read to page 218 in True Diary, taking note of the BIG IDEAS that we listed on the board below. As you find evidence of any of the ideas listed, jot it down on a sticky note so you can add it to the organizer we will be making in class on Monday. 

Block E English 11

1. Read to page 218 in True Diary and add at least 4 quotes/specific details from your reading to your Big Ideas Map. 

Block F English 12

1. Read up to page 56 (the end of the first section) of Room. Take notes or use sticky notes as you read, so you will be ready to have a discuss on the novel on Tuesday when you return to class. 

Whatcha Reading?

Hey all you readers out there! Do you have a book that you have read recently that you would like to recommend to your friends? Take a minute and post a comment here if you have a great book to share! 

Thursday 10.24.13: homework

Block E: 

1. Read to page 196 in True Diary. Add at least 4 notes to the bubble sheets we started today.

Block F

1. Today we took a quiz on the class notes from yesterday. Students who were absent today should plan to take the quiz at the start of class on Friday. 
2. We began a reading chart in class to accompany our study of room. Here's what it looks like: 

3. You should be adding to it as you read each night, noting questions, observations, and significant quotes. 

4. For tonight, please read up to the page break on page 31. 

Block A: 

Read and annotate "Mermaid Fever" and write a Reader Response for Monday. In case you need another copy of the story, you can read it here.

Block B: 

Today we did some persuasive writing practice. Using the "formula" I gave you, please finish your response on the Washington Redskins controversy, using the evidence in the article we read in class.

In case you need it, here is the formula (from "They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing" by Gerald Graffiti and Cathy Birkenstein)

Wednesday 10.23.13: Homework

Block F Senior English

• Review your notes from today's class for a quiz on the material tomorrow.
• Read the first 14 pages of Room for Thursday. Take note of the writing style and the narrative voice.

Block A Creative Writing

• For Monday, read Mermaid Fever and write a Reader's Response. Be prepared for a discussion on point of view.

Blending Quotes into your writing

Here's a great little video that teaches how to blend quotes into your writing:

Tuesday October 22, 2013: Homework

Block A

Your character projects are due today! We are going to create Twitter Bios for them today in class. According to the New York Times, Twitter Bios are a "new postmodern art form." We will use words that we find in magazines to string together an unusual "found" bio to serve as an introduction to your project. Tonight, look for words that could work to describe your character. Look for images as well. Tomorrow, we will assemble all of the pieces and you will submit it all for credit! 

Block B

Today you turned in a rough draft of your Alexie essay. Hooray! I will be looking them over this afternoon and will have some feedback for you on Thursday. 

Tonight, read your independent reading book and write a quick journal response in your composition book to explore the following prompt:

• I think...
• I notice...
• I wonder...

Block C

For Friday, read up to page 196 in True Diary. Locate three "signposts" in the reading and chart them on your bright yellow Signpost map. 

Monday 10/21/13

Hello Folks! I'm out today, and that means that you will have an assignment to work on in my absence. Please follow the plan that I have left with the substitute today. All work assigned will be due at the end of the block--no exceptions!

Friday 10/18:13

Block E: English 11

• "Article of the Week" assignment on Sherman Alexie due on Thursday. Pace yourself and do one part at a time.
• Read your independent reading book and log your progress.

Block F: English 12

• Use this weekend to work on your college essays/applications. Do some research based on the career interests you have after completing the survey with Mr. Darlington. We will be beginning our new novel early next week, and the reading homework will begin to increase, so please plan accordingly.
• Read your independent reading book and log your progress.

Block A: Creative Writing

• Complete your 4-part Character Project--all parts will be due, TYPED and PRINTED prior to your arrival to class on Tuesday. You will need to print before you arrive to the classroom, so plan your time accordingly. You may print at the library or email the copy center at: copy.center@hudson.k12.ma.us.

Thursday 10/17: Homework

Block F/English 

Block A/Creative Writing

• Read and mark up the first chapter of Ellen Foster.  Take note of the balance between narration and action.
• Re-read the handout on how to write a scene. Brainstorm some ways that you can create a subtle, but significant change in your character.

Block B/Honors English 11

• Work on building your essay and locating and blending evidence. 
• Rough draft is due on Tuesday 10/22!
• Read your independent reading book too.

Block C/English 11

• Article of the Week assignment due on Tuesday!

Block A/Creative Writing

Today we finished the film Stranger than Fiction. If you did not do so already, please complete a Reading Response for the film and bring it to class (TYPED and saved on your Google Account) tomorrow.

Next, I gave you an excerpt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to read. Using three different colored highlighters, mark up the text noting the difference between narrative, action, and dialogue. Bring your colorful work to class tomorrow!

Block B/Honors English 11

Today we worked on thesis statements--which are a bit tricky as you are trying to write about both the WHAT and the HOW (the theme and the strategies Alexie explores).  If you are looking for help, try using this organizer, which provides some good vocabulary for you to use in your thesis.

Here are some important dates that you will need to remember:

Rough Draft due on Tuesday 10/22

Final draft due on 10/28 (submitted in paper form and via Turnitin.com

Finally, if you were planning to use any of the interview we watched with Sherman Alexie, feel free to view it here. Depending on your topic, you may find some relevant comments that you can incorporate as evidence. .

Block C/English 11

• Read up to page 151 in True Diary. 
• Read your independent reading book at least 15 minutes. 

Block E/English 11

• Read up to page 151 in True Diary. 
• Read your independent reading book at least 15 minutes. 

Tuesday 10/15: Homework

Block C English 11

Today we revisited of the chapters in True Diary that we have read recently. We will resume our discussion tomorrow. Here are the notes from the board today:

Block C--here is your homework for tonight:

1. If you haven't done so already, please complete the SPA paragraph assignment on "Reservation Mathematics" and bring your TYPED response to class tomorrow.

2. Here is the link to the interview with Sherman Alexie that we started to watch in class. Please watch the first 20 minutes or so of the interview (especially the part where he discusses his father's alcoholism--you may stop the video when he talks about Pendelton blankets...) As you watch the video, jot down 3 big ideas/connections you made while listening. 

3. Read your independent reading book and log your progress.

Block E/English 11

Tonight, your job is to do the following:

Our notes from today's class:

1.  Here is the link to the interview with Sherman Alexie that we started to watch in class. Please watch the first 20 minutes or so of the interview (especially the part where he discusses his father's alcoholism--you may stop the video when he talks about Pendelton blankets...) As you watch the video, jot down 3 big ideas/connections you made while listening. 

2. Read your independent reading book and log your progress. 

Block F/English 12

Tonight, using your notes from today's presentations, prepare your ideas for class on Thursday when you will respond to the following prompt in an in-class write:

What does the film Pleasantville have in common with the story "St. Lucy's School for Girls Raised by Wolves"? 

Friday 10/11: Homework

Block  E/ English 11

• This weekend, complete the assignment on "Reservation Mathematics." Bring your TYPED SPA paragraph to class on Tuesday.
• Read your independent reading book and log your progress.

Block F/English 12

• Continue to work on your college essays/applications/future plans. 
• Read your independent reading book and log your progress
• Pleasantville presentations begin on Tuesday, so prepare your notes to share with the class.

Block A/Creative Writing

• Even though we only have a few minutes of the film left to watch, please use the yellow Reading Response sheet (with the goat on it) to write a reaction to Stranger than Fiction. TYPE, PRINT, and bring it to class on Wednesday for our discussion. We will finish the film and then see what you have to say about it!

Block B/Honors English 11

• Continue to work on your Alexie essays. Refine your thesis and build your evidence. We will be working in the lab on Tuesday, so be sure to save your work in your Google Docs.
• Read your independent reading book and log your progress.

Thursday 10/10:Homework

Block A:
Today we started to watch the film Stranger than Fiction. We will continue the film tomorrow and over the weekend, I would like you to complete a Reading Response (the goat sheet) due on Tuesday.

Block B: Today we started to work on the final project for our Alexie unit. See the notes below. 

Tonight, your goal is to try to develop a theme out of a topic that you would like to write about. Remember, a theme differs from a topic, because a theme tells us what a writer has to say about a topic. Remember, authors don't always say things directly; sometimes they convey an idea indirectly using strategies like metaphor or irony. A theme is not a word, but rather a statement (written in a complete sentence) that explains what an author is trying to convey.  A work can have more than one theme.

For example, I may choose to explore the topic of empathy.  

A theme I may be able to support would look something like this:  

• A lack of human empathy results in isolation.

Or, I may choose to explore the topic of family.

My theme may be something along the lines of: 

• Families can overcome adversity by sticking together. 

Finally, to repeat Shane's example, in writing about the topic of basketball: 

• Basketball is a way for Indians to fight both an external war with the "whites" and an internal war found within themselves.

Block C:

For Tuesday(!) please complete the assignment on "Reservation Mathematics" that I gave you on the handout at the end of class. Use your notes from class to respond to each step of the assignment. Bring your TYPED SPA paragraph to class on Tuesday. 

Wednesday 10/9: Homework

Block B:

Today we worked on building textual support into your spiffy mind maps. Tonight, please focus on three of your strongest topic areas and do some brainstorming about each one. 

Your essay prompt for this project is:

     Identify a major theme that Sherman Alexie illuminates through his writing, and explain what strategies he uses to develop this theme.

In other words, what is Alexie saying about a particular topic, and how is he saying it? In class, I modeled some brainstorming strategies that will help you to discover a theme. We will work more on this in class tomorrow. To help you out, I've attached my notes from the few minutes I had at the end of class to start my brainstorm: 

My topic: Living in between two worlds

My ideas/observations:  It seems from many of the texts that it is really challenging to balance two different and often contentious parts of one's identity. 

• My own "Wounded Knee and Little Big Horn"--(Res. Mathematics)--the idea that Indians are both the victors and the ones who have been defeated in historical battles.
• Battles reminds me of the fighting in various texts--both inner and outer fighting. Victor and Thomas fight--Rowdy and Arnold fight. There are "rules to fisticuffs" in True Diary  Narrator uses his "white thumb and his Indian fingers to make fists, furious" (reservation math)
• Abuse--fathers abuse kids--fighting is generational. 
• Seems that living in two worlds produces a lot of violence and anger--expressed outwardly and directed inwardly--self-loathing. Arnold (True Diary) feels like an "UFO". 

As you can see from my notes, this type of brainstorming is messy and disorganized, but essential to developing a clear and supportable THEME. Take your time and see what you learn!

Block C: 

Today we did some writing in class to examine and analyze Alexie's language in True Diary. Tonight, I would like you to review the notes from our discussion and make some connections between Alexie's language and the experiences that Morgan Spurlock recounts on "30 Days." How do both "stories" connect? Think about what we talked about when we studied Big Fish.

Block E: 

Today we did some in class writing to examine and analyze Alexie's language in True Diary. Then, we started to look closely at Alexie's poem "Reservation Mathematics" as part of our author study. Tonight, I would like you to fill in the bubble sheet that we started in class, paying close attention to the language of the poem as you make your observations.

Block F:

Today we used our time together to plan for your future. Scary and exciting stuff! Tonight, please write a one-page reflection on how it went today. Use these questions to start your reflections:

• What did you do with your time? 
• What help do you need?
•  What will you do next to prepare? 
• How are you feeling about the process, and about the future in general?

Tuesday 10/8: Homework

Block e:
Tonight, please research the three terms on the handout I gave you in class today ( the Battle of Little Big Horn, the Battle of Wounded Knee, and the poem "Miss Rosie" by Lucille Clifton)

Block F:

Tonight, please continue to work on the handout we starting in class today. We will resume group project work on Friday. Tomorrow we will begin our "Get your Life Together" future planning meeting in the lab. Please bring your college essay work, applications, and anything else you might need for tomorrow.

Block A:
Today we continued to work on character monologues in the lab. If you have not finished yours, please do so tonight.

Monday 10/7: Homework

Block F:
Today we had a visit from the guidance counselors to learn about ways to write the college essay. We will be working in the lab later this week on your essays, so start thinking about what you may want to say.
Tomorrow, you have a reading response on Pleasantville due. Please TYPE it and be ready to share your responses in class.

Block A:
Today we worked on writing monologues. I gave you a two-sided article to read on how to write monologues. Please read and annotate tonight, and we will discuss briefly before we begin working in the lab. Please meet in E210 tomorrow.


Block B:
Today we started our first mind maps of the year to trace what we know and understand about the work of Sherman Alexie. Already, you are off to a good start and all of you have maps that are unique to your brains! For tonight, continue to add to your map and trace what you know. Try to refer to the texts using language and quotes to support the connections you are making.


Block C:
Tonight, please make sure that you have added a good deal of detail and textual references to your green "Signposts" map for our discussion on Wednesday. Be sure you have read up to page 129--we may have a reading quiz on Wednesday, so be ready!

Friday 10/4: Homework

Block A:

Today we talked about monologues--and what they can reveal about the characters who speak them. Next week we will be going to the lab to create monologues for the new characters you've developed. This weekend, your job is to make a list of TEN ideas/topics about which your character may have something to say. Bring your list to the lab on Monday (and a laptop, if you'd like). 

Block B:

Today we had an academic conversation on Smoke Signals. See the notes of our conversation below: 

Tonight, write a quick reflection on our discussion in your composition book. What resonated with you? 

Remember to read your independent reading book at least 15 minutes each night too. 

Block C:

Today we watched Morgan Spurlock's documentary TV show titled 30 Days: Life on an Indian Reservation (if you were out, the show is available on Netflix streaming). We have about 10 minutes of the show to finish on Monday, but for the weekend I would like you to write about what you have seen thus far. Please complete a 3-2-1:

• 3 Observations 
• 2 Questions
• 1 opinion

Don't forget to read your book at least 15 minutes each night too!

Block E:

Today we watched Morgan Spurlock's documentary TV show titled 30 Days: Life on an Indian Reservation (if you were out, the show is available on Netflix streaming). For the weekend, I would like you to write about what you have seen thus far. Please complete a 3-2-1:

• 3 Observations 
• 2 Questions
• 1 opinion

Don't forget to read your book at least 15 minutes each night too!

Thursday 10/3: Homework

Block C:
Today we started noting our reading observations on the big green  "Signposts" map. Tonight, I would like you to look back through the chapters of True Diary that we have read thus far (you should be up to page 129) and record some additional observations on your map. You should have something for each category (an A-ha moment, a Word to the Wiser, etc)

Don't forget to read your independent reading book too--at least 15 minutes!


Block E:
Today we started noting our reading observations on the big green  "Signposts" map. Tonight, I would like you to look back through the chapters of True Diary that we have read thus far (you should be up to page 129) and record some additional observations on your map. You should have something for each category (an A-ha moment, a Word to the Wiser, etc)

Don't forget to read your independent reading book too--at least 15 minutes!

Block F:
In class today, we finished the film Pleasantville. I'm looking forward to your enthusiastic participation when we have a discussion about the film when we meet next. Over the weekend, while the ideas are fresh in your mind, please complete the  "Recipe for Reading Response" assignment that I distributed in class today. Be thoughtful, specific, and on time. Please sure TYPE your response and print it out prior to class on Tuesday. Remember, the guidance counselors will join us in class on Monday to talk with us about how to write you college application essays.

Wednesday 10/3: Homework

Block E: 
For tonight, please read up to page 117 in True Diary . 
Choose 2  prompts on the red "reading skills sheet"  and respond to each in a well-written and thoughtful paragraph.
Don't forget to read your independent reading book too.

Block F:
Today we watched Pleasantville-- we have a bit more to go. However, you are likely noticing a great deal. Tonight, use the prompts on the red "reading skills" sheet to think about the big ideas in the film. Please choose TWO of the prompts from the sheet and write a thoughtful response (paragraph) for each prompt.
Don't forget to read your independent reading book too.

Block A:
 Today we worked on Part 2 of your character projects. Tonight, find an artifact that your new character would have in his/her possession. Add it to your Smash book and write an entry in your character's voice.
Don't forget to read your independent reading book too.

Block B:
Today we finished Smoke Signals. Use the yellow "Recipe for Reading Responses" to respond to the film. Please type your response, print it, and save it to your google account.
Don't forget to read your independent reading book too.

Tuesday 10/1: Homework

Block A:
Today in class we talked a lot about ways we can develop characters who are not cliche. Our job is to create interesting and original characters who are believable, but not necessarily predictable. Although we planned to get into the lab today, our discussion ran over and that means that we will start up our Four Part Character Project tomorrow. Tonight, your job is to make sure you are prepared! I gave you a character organizer earlier in the week. Some of you wanted to start over, and some of you may just want to make a few changes. Tomorrow we will be working on Part 2 of the project in class, so come ready to start. We will have the mobile labs in class.

Block B
Today we did some reading at the start of class--many of you are making excellent progress in our independent reading program! Keep up the good work.
We have a new vocabulary word: VENERABLE. Your job is to add this word into your vocabulary swap story tonight.
In addition, please be sure to TYPE and PRINT your analytical response to "Why We Play Basketball." Be ready to turn it in at the start of the block tomorrow.
We will resume Smoke Signals at the beginning of the block tomorrow. If you have been out, the film is available on Netflix streaming. We left off today at the part where Victor and Thomas meet Susy Song.

Block C:
We had our first group vocabulary challenge today, and everyone did really well! Remember to continue to review your words each night, as you will be responsible for them all!
In class we explored the idea that Arnold is living in between two very different worlds, and he is often feeling torn between the two. We examined how Ellen Forney uses JUXTAPOSITION in the illustration of Arnold on page 57. Then, we used Arnold's self-portrait as a model for our own self-portraits that demonstrate different facets of our identity. Please finish these illustrations for Thursday. Don't forget that the annotations that accompany the drawing are very important!