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. 

Homework Tuesday 10.7.14

Block E, G, and B: 

• Today we took the in-class Alexie exam. If you were absent, you will need to schedule a time to take the exam after school before the end of the week. 
• For tonight, please read your independent reading book.
• For Block G only: Study your vocabulary words for tomorrow's quiz

For Blocks C:

• Tomorrow you will be writing an in-class essay (not an open-response) exam based on the question we discussed last week. You will be encouraged to use your materials and texts that we've studied. The response you will write will include a thesis statement that begins with something along these lines:

Using _____________________(literary techniques), Alexie explores the idea that ________________(motif) is ____________________(argument). 

The literary techniques that we've explored in this unit include:
character
setting
metaphor
imagery
dialogue
repetition
structure

Bring your notes, materials, and texts to class tomorrow.

• Your vocabulary quiz will be rescheduled until Thursday.

Block D:

• Tomorrow, please bring your one-paged typed free write that I left with the substitute yesterday in class. We will be finishing the film tomorrow as well.

Homework for Friday 10.3.14

Block B:

• Prepare your materials, notes, and ideas for the in-class written exam on the Sherman Alexie author study we just completed. Remember, you will be encouraged to use your notes and the texts during the exams. You have the question already, so build your mind maps and your argument this weekend!

Block C:

• Prepare your materials, notes, and ideas for the in-class written exam on the Sherman Alexie author study we just completed. Remember, you will be encouraged to use your notes and the texts during the exams. You have the question already, so build your mind maps and your argument this weekend!

Block D:

• Work together to prepare your project proposal for Monday. 
• Read and annotate the Article of the Week (on teens in Syria)
• You will have a one-pager on Pleasantville due on Wednesday--we have a few minutes left of the film, but you can feel free to work with what you have as you begin.

Block E:

• Prepare your materials, notes, and ideas for the in-class written exam on the Sherman Alexie author study we just completed. Remember, you will be encouraged to use your notes and the texts during the exams. You have the question already, so build your mind maps and your argument this weekend!

Thursday 10.2.14

Block D:

1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz and weekly check-in.
2. Begin to develop your project proposal due on Monday. 
3. Bring your notes and 3-2-1 to class tomorrow, as we will finish the film during class.

Block E:

1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz and weekly check-in.
2. Gather all of Alexie texts that we have been working with for tomorrow's exam preparation. You should have your annotated copies of the following texts:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian (notes)

"Sherman Alexie's Many Tribes"

"Indian Education"

"Reservation Mathematics" 

"Why We Play Basketball"

Smoke Signals

Block G:

1. Prepare your materials, mind map, and notes for Monday's in-class exam on our Sherman Alexie author study. 
2. Review your vocabulary words for Tuesday's quiz.

Wednesday 10.1.14

Block G:

1. Study your new vocabulary words--you will be quizzed on them next Tuesday!
2. Prepare your materials and texts for the document-based exam on Alexie that you will take on Monday. The texts that you should have ready with you tomorrow are:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian 

“Sherman Alexie’s Many Tribes”

“Indian Education”

“Reservation Mathematics”

“Why We Play Basketball”

Smoke Signals (notes and your 3-2-1)

Block B:

1. Study this week's vocabulary words. You will have a quiz this Friday!
2. Prepare your materials and texts for the document-based exam on Alexie that you will take on Monday. The texts that you should have ready with you are:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian 

“Sherman Alexie’s Many Tribes”

“Indian Education”

“Reservation Mathematics”

“Why We Play Basketball”

Smoke Signals (notes and your 3-2-1)

Block C:

1. Study this week's vocabulary words. You will have a quiz next Wednesday!
2. Prepare your materials and texts for the document-based exam on Alexie that you will take on Monday. The texts that you should have ready with you are:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian 

“Sherman Alexie’s Many Tribes”

“Indian Education”

“Reservation Mathematics”

“Why We Play Basketball”

Smoke Signals (notes and your 3-2-1)