Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

:

Enjoy the break! The homework is listed below. See you in 2015!

Block B:

• Finish your "exit" ticket on "The Lives of the Dead." The questions are listed below.  If you did not already turn in your response, you should have it ready to submit when we return to class on Monday.

1. How do the stories and storytelling save the lives of the dead?  

2. How do the stories and storytelling save the lives of the living? 

3. Explain the last line of the book, “…I realize it is as Tim trying to save Timmy’s life with a story.”  Relate it to the ideas expressed in this chapter and all of the stories of the book combined.


4. Can you relate the ideas in this story to your own life? Explain.

• Study your vocabulary for next week's quiz. You should also begin to review for the "First 40" vocabulary test which you will take at the end of the week.

Block C:

• Read and annotate the story titled "20 Minutes at Rucker Park." Consider the story in relation to The Great Gatsby and be ready for a rich discussion when we return.

Block D:

• Read and annotate "Death by Landscape" by Margaret Atwood. Consider the story in relation to "True Trash" and be ready to do some writing when we return.

Block E:

•  Write a response to Restrepo using the green "Reading Response Recipe" questions. Type your response and bring it to class with to discuss when we return.

Block G:

• Read and annotate the story titled "20 Minutes at Rucker Park." Consider the story in relation to The Great Gatsby and be ready for a rich discussion when we return.

Friday 12/19/2014: HOMEWORK

Block B:

Read and annotate the first half of the last story in the collection titled "The Lives of the Dead."

Block C:

Read and annotate the article by Miller in the Gatsby reading packet I gave you today. 

Study the First 40 words for the big vocab test! 

Block D:

Read and annotate "Death by Landscape" by Margaret Atwood. 

Read your book club book too! 

Have a great holiday! 

Block E:

Study the First 40 words for the big vocab test on Tuesday! 

The First 40!

Here's the list of the FIRST 40 VOCABULARY words that you should have mastered by this  point. You will be taking a comprehensive test on these words in the next week...so STUDY!!

1.     prudent

2.     inevitable (adj. bound to happen)

3.     subtle

4.     compromise

5.     prosperity

6.     reverence

7.     compassion

8.     diligent (adj.—hard working)

9.     benevolent

10.haughty

11.disdain

12.venerable

13.restrained

14.orator

15.abstain

16.resonate

17.juxtapose/juxtaposition

18.asylum

19.wary

20.impetuous

21.foster

22.superficial

23.abate

24.sagacity/sagacious

25.superfluous

26.vindicate

27.reconciliation

28.impute

29.bias

30.discredit

31.capitulate

32.canny

33.aesthetic

34.fortitude

35.brazen

36.emulate

37.conditional

38.boisterous

39.frugal

40.transient

Thursday 12/18/14: Homework

Block C:

1. Gatsby figurative language essays are due tomorrow. Please upload them to Turnitin.com and bring a hard copy with you to turn in to me.
2. Finish your Gatsby character poster for tomorrow.

Block D:

1. Prepare for your first book club meeting tomorrow. Remember, you will need 200 words on your first impression of the novel as an entry ticket.

Block E:

1. Begin reviewing for the comprehensive vocabulary test you will have on Tuesday on the first 40 words we've studied this year!
2. Make sure all of your blue story organizers are complete--I will collect them tomorrow.

Block G:

1. Gatsby figurative language essays are due on Monday. Please upload them to Turnitin.com and bring a hard copy with you to turn in at the start of class.
2. Begin to prepare for the comprehensive vocabulary test you will have on Tuesday on the first 40 words we've studied this year!

Wednesday 12/17/14: homework

Block E:

Begin filling out the blue sheet for "Lives of the Dead." We will finish reading the story together in class tomorrow.

Block G: 

Work on your essay revision due on Monday. 

Character posters are due on Friday. 

Bring your annotated article "A Whole Heap of Ashes" with you to class tomorrow. 

Block B:

Work on the response to "The Ghost Soldiers" that Mr. Lawton gave you in class today. 

Tuesday 12/15/14: Homework

Block G:
1. Study for the vocabulary quiz tomorrow
2. Work on your character emotional chart due on Friday!
3. Gatsby essay revision due on Monday

Block B:
1. Read and annotate the first part of "The Ghost Soldiers" story up to the page break on page 4. Bring your notes to class tomorrow to discuss.

Block C:
1. Work on finishing your character emotional/behavioral chart due on Friday!
2. Gatsby essay revisions due on Friday.

Block D:
1. Locate a passage from "True Trash" that relates to the topic you explored today in your small group." Copy and cite the passage and then and analyze its significance. Consider the questions:

What does the passage SAY? (literally)
What does the passage MEAN (figuratively)
Why does it matter? (Why is the passage significant? How does it support the topic you are exploring?

Monday 12/15/14: Homework

Block B:

• Read and annotate "In the Field" and complete the worksheet that I gave you in class that deals with the "culpability continuum." Who is to blame for the death of Kiowa? 
• Study for the vocabulary quiz that you will have tomorrow!

Block C:

• Locate another passage that uses figurative language to characterize Gatsby in the later chapters of the novel. Do not use dialogue--you are looking for examples of figurative language! Copy down the passage and read it closely, following the steps on the handout I gave you today. Bring your passage and your ideas to class tomorrow so we can discuss!
• Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

Block D:

• Review your observations and annotations from Atwood's "True Trash" and determine what you think is the most important WORD, LINE, and IDEA in the text. Bring your ideas to class tomorrow for a rich discussion.
• Locate a copy of your book club text for class on Thursday!

Block E:

• Study for your vocabulary quiz on Wednesday. 
• If you are interested in watching more of the Frontline documentary that I showed in class today, you may find the entire program HERE.
• We will be finishing the final story in the collection titled "Lives of the Dead" when we return to class on Wednesday if you would like to get a head start. 

Friday 12/12/14: Homework

Block D:
1. Read and annotate "True Trash" by Margaret Atwood. Follow the guidelines on the "guided reading" handout as you read. Bring your astute observations to class on Monday.
2. Study your new vocabulary words!


Block E:
1. Finish reading and annotating "The Ghost Soldiers" this weekend. Fill out a blue story organizer as you read. Consider what O'Brien is trying to show us about the nature of revenge in this story.
2. Study your new vocabulary words!


Block G:
This weekend, consider how you feel about Gatsby at the end of the novel. Are you sympathetic? Angry? Sad? Do you think he got what he deserved? Next, select one passage from Chapter 7, 8, or 9 that deals with the way Gatsby is characterized at the end of the novel.  Copy the passage out (use the e-book) and perform a close reading. You know how to do this:

Step 1: LITERAL--What does the text say? What happens here? What is Fitzgerald describing in this passage 

Step 2: FIGURATIVE—What does the text do? What techniques does Fitzgerald use to convey his ideas? What elements of writer’s craft do you see?

Step 3: PURPOSE—What does Fitzgerald mean in this passage? What is his purpose in describing the scene in this way? What effect do the words have on us as readers?

Note--The characterization may have changed significantly from the beginning of the text...we will be able to see this when you finish your character behavior charts next week. 

Bring your close reading passage and response in to class on Tuesday. 

Wednesday 12/10/14: Half Day Homework!

Block C:
1. Finish reading and annotating "A Whole Heap of Ashes."
2. Study your new vocabulary words.

Block D:
Essays on "The Body" are due on Friday at the start of class. Be sure to access the Writing Guide here for help with formatting. 

Block E:
Read and annotate "In the Field" in your story collection. Complete the blue story organizer as you read.

12/9/14: Homework

Block E:
Today in class we watched the second part of the interview with Tim O'Brien and Nate Fick. O'Brien read his story titled "Ambush," which revisits the events in the story "The Man I Killed."
First, return to the interview for a second listen (the reading begins at the 13:44 mark)

Next, respond to the following question in a thoughtful and well-supported paragraph. Bring your response to class tomorrrow.

O’Brien’s daughter asks if he ever killed a man: “‘You keep writing these war stories,’ she said, ‘so I guess you must’ve killed somebody.’ Following this, O’Brien relates two possible scenarios of the death described in “The Man I Killed” to explain “This is why I keep writing war stories.” In your opinion, why does O’Brien keep writing war stories, and why does he tell them in this way? Where does truth reside in this book? Why is O’Brien using lies to get at “the truth”?



Block G:

1. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Thursday. 
2. Read and annotate the article "A Whole Heap of Ashes."

Block B:

1. Complete the blue sheet for "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong"

2. Read and annotate  "The Man I Killed" in the story collection for class on Thursday. 

Friday 12/5/14: Homework

Block B:

1. Study this week's vocabulary words for a quiz on Monday
2. Read and annotate the first part of "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong" (stop at the stopsign). Create an illustration that depicts the story thus far. Your illustration should include the setting, the characters, and the changes that underway. ANNOTATE your illustration with language from the text. This means you will need to include QUOTES FROM THE STORY!!!

Doesn't Gatsby look great in this suit?

Block C:

1. Study for this week's vocabulary quiz on Monday. We will meet in the classroom at the start of the block.
2. Read and annotate the article I gave you titled "A Whole Heap of Ashes" for Thursday.

Block D:

1. Develop a working thesis/argument for the essay you will write on "The Body." Use this THESIS GENERATOR TOOL (and model thesis statement) if you find it helpful. I will ask you to share your work in discussion on Monday. 
2. Study vocabulary

Block E:

1. Read and annotate "The Man I Killed" in your story collection. 
2. Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.

Thursday 12/4/14: Homework

Block D:

Oops! I forgot to collect your responses on the film today! Please bring them tomorrow! 

For tonight, consider what you believe to be the "most valuable idea" in King's "The Body." 

Use the form below to consider why the idea is valuable, where you see it in the text, and how it resonates in the world around you. Do some research and affix an article, a news story, or another textual or cultural connection to the novella and the idea you have identified. See the figure below, which comes from Kelly Gallagher's text Deeper Reading. 

Block E:

See the previous night's post for the assignment which we will review tomorrow when we meet. 

Block G: 

Complete the close reading passage exercise for Chapter 9. Follow the directions on the back of the handout. 

Bring in your Gatsby song connection lyrics. 

Wednesday 12/3/14: Homework

Block G:

• Be sure that you have completed the close reading passage from Chapter 8 (on the handout that I gave you on Monday).

Block B:

• Be sure that you have finished reading and annotating "How to Tell a True War Stor." 

Block C:

• Bring your selected close reading passage from Chapter 9.
• Bring in your selected song lyrics as well.
• Meet in the mini-theater at the start of the block on Friday!

Tuesday 12/2/14: Homework

Block B: 

Read and annotate "How to Tell a True War Story." Complete your blue story organizer. 

Block C:

1. Choose a passage from Chapter 9. Copy it, annotate it, and analyze its purpose in the text by doing a close reading. Consider what the text says, what it means, and why it matters. 

2. Choose a song that illuminates a theme, character, or motif in the novel. Bring in the lyrics with your notes and ideas. 

Block D: 

1. Write a one page response to the film. Explore the deviations from the novel and consider the effect and purpose of the changes made. 

2. Continue to work on developing your argument for a response to "The Body." 

Block E:

 Revisit your blue story organizers thus far. Make sure that are completed thoroughly. 

 In looking at the collection, respond to the following questions:

1. What do you notice thus far in reading this collection of stories? 

2. What observations do you make about O'Brien's writing style? 

3. Develop one question you have about the stories as a wholethus far. 

** also! make a study guide of some sort for your new vocabulary words. 

Monday 12.1.14 How is it DECEMBER already?

Block C:

1. Complete the front side of the Close Reading (Chapter 8) activity that I distributed in class this morning.
2. Read your independent reading book

Block D:

1. Begin developing an argument for an essay that you will write on "The Body."
2. Study your vocabulary words--we will have the quiz this week!

Block E:

1. Finish reading and annotating "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong"
2. Complete your illustration of the story. It should include the beginning, middle, and end of the story, as well as 3-5 textual references (quotes from the story!)

Block G:

1. Complete the front side of the Close Reading (Chapter 8) activity that I distributed in class this afternoon.
2. Read your independent reading book

Wednesday 11/25/14 half day!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Block G: 

Finish reading and annotating Gatsby over the weekend! 

Tuesday 11/25/14: Homework

Block B:
1. Read and annotate "How to Tell a True War Story" for Monday.
2. Read your independent reading book too!

Block C:
Finish reading and annotating The Great Gatsby (chapters 8 and 9) for Monday. Keep track of your character's behavioral/emotional state as the novel concludes--you will record your observations on your chart when we return!

Block D:
Your presentations ROCKED today! Excellent work! We will resume the debate/discussion portion of our work when we return from the break.

A special thanks to Amanda Cavicchi for taking the time to visit our class today!

For homework this weekend, please read and annotate the article by Arthur Biddle, and then follow the directions on the handout to write a precis of the article. Bring both the article and the precis for class when we return.


Block E:
Over the break, please read the first half of the next story in O'Brien's collection titled "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong." Stop at the stop sign  on the bottom of the page and follow the directions that ask you to create an illustration of the story up to that point. Bring your annotations, questions, and illustration to class with you on Monday.

Lastly, happy Thanksgiving to you! I will see you after the break!  

Monday 11/24/14: homework

Block D:

1. Prep notes for debate tomorrow. 

2. Study vocabulary

Block E:

1. Read and annotate "How to Tell a True War Story."

Block G:

1. Finish reading and annotating Chapter 7 in Gatsby. 

Friday 11/21/14: Homework

Block G: 

1. Read and annotate Ch. 7 in Gatsby up to the bottom of page 144. 

2. Study for the vocab quiz on Monday. 

Block B:

1. Study for the vocab quiz on Monday. 

2. Write a 1 page reflection on today's discussion in your journal. 

Block C: 

1. Finish reading and annotating Chapter 7 in Gatsby. 

2. Sort through your annotations thus far for good material for your character graphs. Bring your notes and ideas to class. 

Thursday 11/20/14

Block B:
1. For the group that worked together next door this morning, please read and annotate "Beginnings" and consider the guiding question: Which version of the story is more effective?
2. For the group that worked with Mr. Lawton today, please finish the story "On the Rainy River" and complete your story organizer.
3. For the remaining students, please work at your pace on the individual assignments that I gave you before the block ended.

Everyone should study their vocabulary words!

Block C:

1. Read and annotate Chapter 7 to the bottom of page 144. 
2. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Friday

Block D:

1. Continue to gather evidence for your debate project.
2. Study for your vocabulary quiz next week.

Block E:

1. Finish reading and annotating "Beginning."
2.  Respond to this guiding question in a thoughtful and well supported paragraph: Which version of the story is more effective? Why? 

Wednesday 11/19/14: Homework

Block C Honors English 11:

1. Read and annotate Chapter 7 in Gatsby from pages 120 to the bottom of page 128.  Be on the look out for the tension that will develop in this chapter.
2. Study your vocabulary words!

Block D Honors English 12:

Excellent discussion today, folks! I'm so impressed by your insight and connections!
Tonight, study your new vocabulary words. We will begin our group project tomorrow.

Block E Academic English 11:

1. Read and annotate the first part of "On the Rainy River" (stop at the * on page 5)
2. Continue to develop your story organizers as you read.
3. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Monday.

Block G Honors English 11:
1. Read and annotate Chapter 7 in Gatsby from pages 120 to the bottom of page 128. Be on the look out for the tension that will develop in this chapter.
2. Study your vocabulary words!

Tuesday 11/18/14: Homework

Block E:
1. Study your vocabulary words for this Thursday's quiz. Make flashcards!
2. Re-do your story maps on "Spin" for tomorrow, being sure to follow all of the directions!!

Block G:
1. Read and annotate Chapter 6 in Gatsby. Be prepared for a quiz on Chapters 1-6 tomorrow.
2. Study your new vocabulary words for next week's quiz.

Block B:
1. Read and annotate "On the Rainy River" and complete a blue story map for class on Thursday.
2. Study your vocabulary words for Friday's quiz.

MTV "Cribs" and Gatsby! Find the Connections!

Check out the similarities between this episode of "Cribs" and Chapter 5 in Gatsby:

MTV "Cribs" NBA edition

Monday 11/17/14: Homework

Block G:

1. Read and annotate Chapter 6 in Gatsby for Wednesday. You can expect a reading quiz on Chapters 1-6 on Wednesday as well, so be sure to read carefully and review the annotations that you've made thus far in the novel. You will be expected to identify significant passages in the novel, as well as explain why they are important.
2. Study your vocabulary words!

Block B:

1. Many of you did not complete the blue story organizer for the story "Spin." Follow the directions and get it done tonight! 
2. Write a sentence for each of your vocabulary words this week on your yellow sheet. Keep in mind what we reviewed today in class. 

Block C:

1. Read and annotate Chapter 6 in Gatsby for Wednesday. You can expect a reading quiz on Chapters 1-6 on Wednesday as well, so be sure to read carefully and review the annotations that you've made thus far in the novel. You will be expected to identify significant passages in the novel, as well as explain why they are important.
2. Study your vocabulary words!

Block D:

1. Read and annotate through Chapter 33 in "The Body" for Wednesday.

Friday 11.14.14: Homework

Block B:

Go see the play this weekend! Support the arts
in our community!

1. Complete the blue story map for "Spin." Use a method that captures the required elements, as well as your understanding of the story. You will be sharing your maps with the class, so be sure that they are neat and legible. 
2. Study your vocabulary words for next week's quiz.

Block C:

1. Finish reading and annotating Chapter 5 in Gatsby.
2. Complete the "Scavenger Hunt" using details from the chapter.
3. Study your vocabulary words for next week's quiz

Block D:

1. Read and annotate Chapters 27 and 28 in "The Body" for Monday.

Block E:

1. Complete the blue story map for "Spin." Use a method that captures the required elements, as well as your understanding of the story. You will be sharing your maps with the class, so be sure that they are neat and legible. 
2. Study your vocabulary words for next week's quiz.

Homework for Thursday 11.13.14

Honors English 12  Block D:

1. Working with the passage you and your partners examined in class today, write two analytical paragraphs that explain what your close reading yielded:

********************Capture the WHAT and the HOW*****************************

Start with:  In this passage, King uses ________________________(strategies)  to _________________(big idea/purpose).

Paragraph 1: Examine the language and NAME the strategies/writer moves/author's craft.
Paragraph 2: Explain how this passage helps us to understand the rest of the story.

**If you were taking the Accuplacer test during today's class block, you can make up this assignment over the weekend with a passage that I will give you in class tomorrow.

English 11 Block E:

1. Study your new vocabulary words for next week's quiz. Use vocabulary.com to help you!
2. Read and annotate "Spin" in The Things They Carried for tomorrow.

Honors English 11 Block G:

1. Finish reading and annotating Chapter 5 in Gatsby. Complete the "Scavenger Hunt" activity.
2. Study your new vocabulary words for next week's quiz.

Wednesday 11/12/14: Homework

Honors English 11 

Block G and C:
1. Read and annotate the most awesomely awkward chapter in American literature--Chapter 5 in The Great Gastby. In this chapter you will witness the long-anticipated reunion of Gastby and Daisy (Nick is a most unfortunate third-wheel). Pay attention to the small details in setting, as well as the dialogue. Read and annotate to midway on page 96 (stop when Gastby says "Absolutely, old sport").

Academic English 11

Block B:
1. Write a SPA paragraph response using the notes on the handout we started in class.
2. Read and annotate "Spin" in The Things They Carried story collection.

Friday 11/7/14

Block B:

• Use the green half sheet of instructions to write a thoughtful, well-supported response to the film Big Fish. You should TYPE three solid paragraphs and save your response to your Google drive. Print it out before you arrive to class on Wednesday.

Block C:

• Write an analytical response that explores how Fitzgerald develops the character of Gatsby through figurative language. Follow the steps on the hand-out we looked at in class. Be sure to save your response to your Google drive, and print out a copy to bring to class on Wednesday.

Block D:

• Read and annotate Chapters 20-26 in "The Body" for Thursday. 

Block E:

• Use the green half sheet of instructions to write a thoughtful, well-supported response to the film Big Fish. You should TYPE three solid paragraphs and save your response to your Google drive. Print it out before you arrive to class on Thursday.

Thursday 11.6.14

Block C:

• Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow!
• Read your independent reading book

Block D:

• Read and mark up the close reading passage that I gave you in class today from Chapter 19 (page 391 starting with "Chris threw me a despairing glance...). 

Consider the following questions as you examine the language closely:
1. How does this language conjure up a variety of ideas that have been established earlier in the text, and in the ideas your presented today in class?
2. What does Gordie's dream reveal?


Block E:

• Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow!
• Read your independent reading book

Block G:

• Finish reading and annotating Chapter 4--answer the questions on the Reading Road Map sheet.
• Write an analytical response on Gatsby's characterization. Follow the steps on the handout I gave you in class. Type your response and bring it to class on Wednesday!
• Study for your vocabulary quiz on Wednesday

Homework Wednesday 11.5.14

Block E:

• Study your vocabulary words for the quiz on Friday
• Organize your ideas and reactions for the reading response on Big Fish that you will write and bring to class on Friday.

Block G:

• Read and annotate Chapter 4--stop at the break we marked on page 80. Be on the look out for the aspects of Gatsby's story that seem problematic or suspicious. 
• Study your vocabulary words for the quiz on Wednesday of next week!

Block B:

• Write a reading response (use the green recipe card!) on the film Big Fish for Friday. 
• Study your vocabulary words for the quiz on Friday as well!

Tuesday 11.4.14

Block G:

• Read and annotate Chapter 3, keeping in mind the items I told you to look out for! 
• Study your vocabulary words

Block B:

• Study your vocabulary words for this week's quiz.
• Read your independent reading book too

Block C:

• Complete the hand-out on Chapter 1-4: "The pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired."
• Finish reading and annotating Chapter 4 in Gatsby.
• Study your vocabulary words too!

Block D:

• Write a solid analytical paragraph on a topic from today's group quiz activity. Be sure to use the evidence in the text as your support. I should see quotes!
• Read and annotate Chapters 17-19 for Thursday as well.
• Study your vocabulary words

Monday 11.3.14: Homework

Block B:

Study your new vocabulary words for this week. Make flash cards and write practice sentences. 

Block C:

Read and annotateCh 4 in Gatsby up to page 80 (stop when the flashback begins). 

Answer the questions I gave you as you read. 

Block D:

Read and annotate Chapters 15 and 16 in "The Body" keeping in mind the focus question I gave you regarding the purpose of the inter text. 

Block E: 

Study your new vocabulary words for this week. Make flash cards and write practice sentences. 

Happy HalloweenHomework! Friday 10.31.14

Block D:

A classic 1970's Halloween costume!
I had one just like this!

• Create a mind map of the chapters we've read thus far in "The Body." Following the instructions on the handout I gave you in class today. Be sure to cite lots of language from the text.

Block E:

• Read your independent reading book this weekend. We will resume Big Fish again on Monday.

Block G

You should have already read Chapter 2 in Gatsby. Now I want you to go back and find some of the language that Fitzgerald uses to describe the following:

• a billboard

• the Valley of Ashes

• some drunk people

• a nasty bit of violence

For Tuesday, write up your response to this question: 

What's the deal with Myrtle's nose, and what does it reveal about life in this time and place?

We will be reading Chapters 3 and 4 next week if y0u want to get a head start!

Thursday 10.30.14 Homework

Block G:

For those of you who attended, I hope you enjoyed today's production of Macbeth. 
Here's what I would like you all to do tonight:

Read Chapter 2 in Gatsby. Be on the look out for the following:

• a billboard
• the Valley of Ashes
• some drunk people
• a nasty bit of violence. 

By the end of the chapter, you should be able to answer this question: 

What's the deal with Myrtle's nose, and what does it reveal about life in this time and place?

Block B:

• Write your own version of "The Pony Problem." Focus on one object, and use it as a starting point to tell a story that reveals something interesting about you or an experience that you've had. Be detailed. Be creative. Write at least 500 words. Bring in your TYPED response on Monday!

Block C:

• Finish reading and annotating Chapter 3 and complete the close reading packet activities for Monday. 

Wednesday 10.29.14

Block B:

• Complete the handout we started in class about "The Things They Carried" and "The Pony Problem." Can you find the similarities in the texts?  How do the texts differ?

Block C:

• Read and annotate Chapter 3 in The Great Gatsby.  Stop at the place we marked in the text--that famous moment we've all been waiting for--when Gastby says, "Why, I'm Gatsby." Hooray! 

Block D:

• Read and annotate Chapters 13 and 14 in "The Body" for Friday. 

Block E:

We've read three unique stories this week: "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, "The Pony Problem" by Sloan Crosley, and "Bearing both the Medal of Honor and trauma" by David Martin (CBS News correspondent). Based on these three readings, we can start to make some connections between the things we carry, the things we remember, and the way we both hold on to and share the memories that help to define us.

Here's your job tonight:
Write a four paragraph response to the following questions:

1. What do these stories have in common? What ideas do they share?
2. How do these stories differ?
3. How are these stories told? What do you notice about the writing style/genre?
4. What conclusion can you draw about why we have read these 3 texts together? What do we learn about the nature of storytelling from these texts?

Monday 10.27.14 Homework

Block E:

• Read and annotate the short story titled "The Pony Problem." Consider what the story has to say about the things we carry and care about. How do our possessions tell a story?
• Read your independent reading book too!

Block G:

• Revisit Chapter 1 in Gatsby. Annotate and develop a set of questions to mark your confusion. Bring your questions to class tomorrow.
• Read your independent reading book too!

Block B:

• Read and annotate the short story titled "The Pony Problem." Consider what the story has to say about the things we carry and care about. How do our possessions tell a story?

• Read your independent reading book too!

Friday 10.24.14

Block G:

• Read and annotate the rest of Chapter 1 in Gatsby. I will be checking annotations on Monday.
• Study ALL of your vocabulary words for the test on Monday. Get those flashcards out and put some quality time into learning them all!

Block B:

• Finish reading and annotating "The Things They Carried." Complete the character chart.
• Study ALL of your vocabulary words for the test on Monday. 

If you would like to listen to the audio book that we used in class, you can find it here.

Block C:

• Read and annotate chapter 2 in Gatsby.  Be on the lookout for the following items: a billboard, the Valley of Ashes, some drunk people, and a nasty bit of violence. By the end of the chapter, you should be able to answer this question: What's the deal with Myrtle's nose, and what does it reveal about life in this time and place?

Block D:

• Read and annotate Chapters 1-6 (stop at 7) in "The Body." Note your questions, comments, and connections. 

Thursday 10.23.14

Block B:

1. Read and annotate the first 5 pages of the story (to the page break that we marked in class).
2. Fill out your character chart with as much information as you have thus far in the reading.
3. Study those vocabulary words...ALL of THEM! Test early next week!

Block C:

1. Finish reading and annotating Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby. Take note of your questions, comments, and connections.
2. Study your vocabulary words...Test on Tuesday!

Block D

1. Study your vocabulary words for tomorrow's quiz!
2. Read your independent reading book.

Block E:

1. Read and annotate "The Things They Carried" and complete your character chart for class on Monday. I will be collecting your stories and giving your credit for your annotations, so read carefully!
2. Study your vocabulary words...we will have a quiz on ALL of them next week!

Wednesday 10.22.14

Block G:

• Review your new vocabulary words--there will be a test on ALL of the words next Monday--keep using those flashcards!
• Read and annotate pages 1-9 in Chapter 1 of Gatsby. Our guiding question is: What do we know about Nick Carraway, the narrator? What can you infer about him based on his tone?
• Read your independent reading book too!

Tuesday 10.21.14

Block B:

• Add at least 5 items to your schema chart.
• Study your new vocabulary words!

Block C:

• Review the notes on the Jazz Age that we started discussing in class today.
• Study your vocabulary words!
• Read and annotate pages 1-9 in The Great Gatsby. I will be checking  your annotations, so  be sure to mark your observations, questions, and impressions as you read. Do not just underline stuff! 

Block D:

• Prepare your notes and materials for Thursday's in-class DBQ essay exam. Remember, you may bring in an outline, an organizer, and/or your mindmap.
• Study your vocabulary words!

Block E:

• Study your vocabulary words
• Review the notes we took on the background events leading up to the Vietnam war. You may be asked to show what you know from today's lecture...(hint). 

Monday 10.20.14

Block C:

• Study your new vocabulary words
• Write your "character sketch" of our current time period. Be sure to consider all the elements that make up the culture of this decade as you proceed. Tell a story in a creative way! Do NOT write an expository essay!

Block D:

• Continue to work on your mind maps and essay planning. Frame a question for your groups prior to the Charrette protocol that we will be conducting in class tomorrow. 

Block E:

• Study your new vocabulary words.
• Research the Vietnam war and build your background knowledge. Add your information (and the source) to your KWL chart.

Block G:

• Study your new vocabulary words
• Write your "character sketch" of our current time period. Be sure to consider all the elements that make up the culture of this decade as you proceed. Tell a story in a creative way! Do NOT write an expository essay!

Friday 10.17.14

Block E:

• Write a reflection in TWO areas of your portfolio. Reflect on how you are doing thus far this year and the progress you are making in the learning standards for the course.
• Read your independent reading book

Block G:

• Add to your 1920s SCHEMA chart. What do you know, or want to know, about the time period?
• Read your independent reading book

Thursday 10.16.14

Block G:

Study for the vocabulary quiz tomorrow. 

Block B:

Read and annotate the writing model I gave you titled "the Things I Carry." Using the model, type your own version using a combination of both tangible and intangible objects that you carry. Your response should be printed and ready to submit on Tuesday. 

Block C:

Read and annotate the article of the week for Monday. 

Read your independent reading book.

Block D: 

Begin working on your mind map and essay planning. You will have time to share your ideas on Monday when we meet. 

Blog Challenge #2 V.W.B.M.

Hey all you diligent and conscientious blog-checkers. Here's your challenge: As an indication that you've checked the blog and are therefore ready for class with your homework in tow, arrive to our next class with a fancy new Vocabulary Word Book Mark (henceforth known as V.W.B.M).  What's that, you ask? Easy peasy! On a slip of paper that resembles a bookmark, choose a vocabulary word from your list and write a sentence about your book using the vocabulary word in context. In a subtle fashion, put your new V.W.B.M out on your desk and I will circulate around the room, quietly awarding you credit for your prudent decision to check the blog.

Homework: Wednesday 10.15.14

Block E:

• Use the student model we examined in class today to write your own version of "The Things I Carry." Remember to follow the model format, using lots of good detail as you write. Be sure to TYPE your response and bring it to class on FRIDAY.
• Study for this week's vocabulary quiz, which will be on FRIDAY!

Tuesday 10.14.15

Remember, tomorrow is  PSAT/College planning day. 

Check your schedule and arrive on time!

Block D:

• Today we heard some great one-pager arguments and observations on Pleasantville. Tonight, please reflect on what you heard, synthesizing your reactions with the new ideas presented. On Thursday, we will hear a few more and then consider our options for putting all of these introductory texts into an organized and thoughtful response. 
• In addition, I gave you a personal essay to read and annotate. We will discuss your observations when we meet again later in the week.

Block E:

• Study your new vocabulary words for a quiz on Friday.
• Read your independent reading book

Block G:

• Read and annotate the article I gave your today on the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the two youngest recipients this week. Be prepared to discuss your observations.
• Study your new vocabulary words for the quiz later this week. 

Friday 10.10.14

Enjoy the long weekend! Eat all things pumpkin-flavored!

Block G:

• Study your new vocabulary words
• Read your independent reading books

Block B:

1. Write a reflection (post) in TWO of the the learning standards in your portfolio about your work and progress in English class so far this year. 

2. Study your new vocabulary words for a quiz on Thursday

3. Keep reading!

Block C:

1.     Write a reflection on your work and progress thus far in English class by creating a post in any TWO of the learning standards in your portfolio

2.      Study your new vocabulary words for next week's quiz. 

10.9.14: Homework

Block B:

• Study your new vocabulary words--especially MOTIF and ALLUSION
• Read your independent reading book

Block C:

• Study your new vocabulary words
• Read your independent reading book

Block D:

• Use your observations and details from our discussion today to develop a one-pager on Pleasantville due on Tuesday at the start of class. Remember to avoid plot summary and instead focus on determining what the film is saying and how it is said. 

Block E:

• Revise your essay and your argument and be ready to submit it to the folder hanging on my classroom door (F202) by the end of the day on Friday. Any essays not submitted by the deadline will be considered late and points will be deducted. 

Homework Wednesday 10.8.14

A BLOG CHALLENGE:

If you are a student who checks the blog regularly, I want to know and reward you for this good habit. Without advertising this challenge to your peers (especially the ones who don't seem to know that there is a blog!) come to class tomorrow with a small stuffed animal. When you arrive, in a subtle manner, place it on your desk.

Here's what's for homework:

Block C:

• Study your vocabulary for quiz tomorrow (finally!)
• Read your independent reading book

Block D:

• Based on your notes and observations thus far in the film, write a full page free write that explores THREE areas of the film that you are curious about and that seem to have some BIG POTENTIAL to be meaningful to the overall purpose of the film. Bring your response to class tomorrow.
• If you are one of the poor dears who did not complete the assignment that I left on Monday because the substitute apparently ate, mutilated, burned, or sat on the assignment instead of giving it to you, and because you then lost power and could not check the blog to see it listed last night as a reminder, I will give you this opportunity to turn in the assignment tomorrow for REDUCED credit. Again, the assignment was to free write about a turning point in your life that has made an impact on you in the same manner as the characters in Pleasantville. In other words, what events have "colored" your life and made you who were are today. Choose one turning point to explore and TYPE a full page.  

Block E:

• Based on our discussion today, revise your essay argument by thinking deeply about the evidence you've explored. Bring both your essay and your yellow card to class tomorrow.

Block G:

• Update your portfolio by writing a reflection (post) in at least TWO of the learning expectation categories.