Wednesday 12/23/15: Homework

Block B:
Read and annotate "The Man I Killed" over the break. We will be watching an interview with O'Brien when we return.

Block C:
Complete your 400 word Reader Response to "The Man I Killed" and "Ambush."

Block E:
Type up a project proposal for your independent project, and then get psyched!
Here's what your proposal should include:
1. Genre/form
2. Audience
3. Process/steps you will take
4. Research/preparation needed
5. Rationale (reason for choosing this project)

Block F:
Write your synthesis essay on "The Body" due on Tuesday.

Tuesday 12/22/15: Homework

Block E:
Read and annotate the collection of 2 sentence holiday stories I gave you today. Choose one of them and add on to the story. Bring your response, and today's pass-it-along story to class tomorrow. We will share them!

Block F:
Over the break, write your synthesis essay on "The Body" using at least two other texts we've studied along with the novella.  Your choices are:

• Arthur Biddle's article "The Mythic Journey in "The Body"
• the film Stand by Me
• the film Moonrise Kingdom

Your response is due on Tuesday 1/5/2016.

Block G:

Over the break, TYPE your essay plan on "The Body" using at least two other texts we've studied along with the novella. Your choices are:

• Arthur Biddle's article "The Mythic Journey in "The Body"
• the film Stand by Me
• the film Moonrise Kingdom

On the Monday you return from break, you should have a working thesis, and an outline that follows the essay structure I gave you on the handout in class. You will have lab time on Monday to develop a rough draft for Tuesday. 

Thursday 12/17/15: Homework

Block C:
Study for your vocabulary test tomorrow!

Block E:
Finish your Flash Fiction project due tomorrow!

Block F:
Great discussion today! Consider the prompt I gave you today and do some planning for Monday's writing workshop.

Study for your vocabulary quiz next week!

Block G:
Study for your vocabulary quiz next week!

Wednesday 12/16/15: Homework

Block E:
Continue to work on your flash fiction project due Friday.
Select a poem to share on your assigned day.

Block F:
Consider topics, motifs, and themes that the texts we've studied recently share. Map out some ideas for an essay topic to explore. We will have a full discussion tomorrow.

Block G:
Consider topics, motifs, and themes that the texts we've studied recently share. Map out some ideas for an essay topic to explore. We will have a full discussion tomorrow.

Block B: 
Study for your vocabulary test on Friday
Read the next section of "Sweetheart" and complete the second page of the Venn diagram

Tuesday 12/15/15: Homework

Block G:
Write a one-pager on Moonrise Kingdom.
Study your new vocabulary words

Block B:
Study for your vocabulary test on Friday!
Research some background information on the Green Berets for tomorrow's reading

Block C:
Study for your vocabulary test on Friday!
Finish reading the last two pages of "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong" and complete the final page of the Venn diagram in your packet.

Monday 12/14/15: Homework

Block B:

1. Make flash cards for Friday's first 40 Vocabulary test. I will check tomorrow! 

2. Answer the journal prompt we started in class about how war affects those who fight it. 

Block C: 

1. Make flash cards for Friday's first 40 Vocabulary test. I will check tomorrow! 

You can see use the quizlet Mr. Decker set up in the comments under December 10. 

2. Complete the second page of the Venn diagram for "Sweetheart."

Block E:

Flash fiction project due on Friday! 

Block F:

One pager on Moonrise Kingdom for the discussion on Wednesday. 

Friday 12/11/15: Homework

Block E:
Work on your flash fiction collection due next Friday 12/18 and continue to revise and/or upload your entry to the Scholastic Art and Writing competition. The deadline is 12/15!

Block F:
Procure a copy of your next book club selection!

Block G:
Review your notes from today's film and begin brainstorming the connections you see between the film and the other texts we've recently studied.

Thursday 12/10/15: Homework

Block F:
1. Research new titles for your next book club selection.
2. Read up on film director Wes Anderson. We will be studying MoonRise Kingdom next.

Block G:
1. Finish your 2 paragraph response to the Biddle article, using the template I gave you in class today. We will have a discussion tomorrow.

Block B:
1. Finish your story map on "On the Rainy River" that we started in class today. Be sure to follow directions carefully.
2. Study your vocabulary for the First 40 test next week!

Block C:
1. Study your vocabulary for the First 40 Test next week!
2. Read "The Sweetheart of the Song-Tra Bong" up to page 97 and fill out the first Venn Diagram in handout I gave you in class today.

Wednesday 12/9/15: Homework

Block C:
Read and annotate the chapter of Tim O'Brien's memoir titled "Beginnings." Then, answer the following question in a well-supported CER paragraph:

Which text portrays Tim O'Brien's decision to go to war more effectively: "Beginnings," which is a work of non-fiction, or "On the Rainy River," which is a work of fiction.

Be sure to provide textual support for your response.

Block E:
Begin crafting your flash fiction collection, using the story starters you picked out of the envelopes today. Have fun, and choose your words carefully!

Tuesday 12/8/15: Homework

Block E:
Continue to work on your flash fiction collection, and polish your entry for the Scholastic Writing competition.

Block F:
1. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Thursday.
2. Prepare for your final book club meeting on Thursday.

Block G:
1. Read and annotate the article by Biddle. Make Cornell notes as you read to winnow the most important parts of the argument.

Block B:
1. Read and annotate the rest of "On the Rainy River." Be ready for a reading quiz tomorrow!

Monday 12/7/15: Homework

Block G:
Prepare are one-page Reading Response on the film Stand By Me. We will be incorporating your ideas and observations in a Socratic seminar tomorrow.

Block B:
Make a set of flashcards or a quizlet for your vocabulary words (The First 40) from which to study. I will be checking your work for credit when we meet.

Block C:
1. Make a set of flashcards or a quizlet for your vocabulary words (The First 40) from which to study. I will be checking your work for credit when we meet.

2. Finish your story map for "On the Rainy River" due on Wed. Be sure to follow the directions carefully so that you can receive credit.

Wednesday 12/2/15: Homework

Block F:
1. Begin working on your analytical response to the Biddle article, which will be due on Tuesday (not Monday, as I originally stated in class...we do not meet as a class until Tuesday!)
2. Study your new vocabulary words.

Block G:
1. Study your new vocabulary words.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Block B:
1. Finish reading and annotating the story "The Things They Carried" for tomorrow. You will have time in class to create your story map.

Block C:
1.Finish responding to today's journal prompt about decision-making. Read your independent reading book. We will begin our study of the next story in O'Brien's collection titled "On the Rainy River" in class on Friday.

Tuesday 12/1/15: Homework

Block B:
1.Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow!!!

2. Begin work on your "The Things They Carried" story map, using the portion of the story that we've read so far. We will finish the story in class tomorrow.


Block C:
1. Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow!!!

2. Finish your "The Things They Carried" story map, using the language in the story for support.

Block E:
Begin your flash fiction festival of fun project! Start looking for material (even in the grocery store).

Monday 11/30/15: Homework

Block C:
1. Finish reading and annotating the short story we started before the break titled "The Things They Carried."
2. Study your vocabulary words

Block E:
Read your independent reading book and brainstorm ideas for your independent project.

Block F:
Review your notes from the student-led discussions and identify 3 motifs that King has developed in the novel. Consider what the motifs are and how they may lead to a theme.

Block G:
Consider the obstacles that the boys have faced in their journey in "The Body." Which obstacle has the most significance and why? Develop an argument and use the text to build support in a solid, well-written paragraph.

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's the weekend homework!

English 11 Blocks B and C and Creative Writing students in Block E: 

Plan for and  conduct your interview this weekend, using the StoryCorps app if you want to. Listen carefully, and be prepared to reflect on your experience when you return. If you need suggestions or support for this project, check out the StoryCorps website.


Honors English 12 Block F :
1. Read and annotate the scholarly article on "The Body" by Arthur Biddle.
2. Prepare for a discussion if you are leading one next week.
3. Read your book club book.

English 12 Block G:
1. Finish reading and annotating "The Body" by Monday.
2. Prepare for a discussion if you are leading one next week.
3. Read your book club book.

Monday 11/23/15: Homework

Block E:
1. Continue working on your version of "Happy Endings" by Margaret Atwood. Your completed draft is due when we return from the holiday weekend.

Block F:

Prepare for your book club meeting tomorrow, using the instructions I gave you for version 2.0.
We will also resume student-led discussions, so be sure to arrive prepared.

Block G:
Tonight, please respond to the following prompt in a well-supported and thoughtful paragraph. Your paragraph should have a CLAIM, EVIDENCE, AND REASONING.

In Chapter 16 of “The Body,” you read Gordie’s story from “The Revenge of Lard Ass Hogan.” The intertext (or story within a story) obviously provides some comic relief after the boys’ near-death experience on the trestle. However, there is more to the story.  What other function does the story serve in the novella? What does it reveal to us about the boys, their relationship, their desires, and their place in the world? Think deeply about what King’s purposes are for including the story at this moment  in the text. Respond in a well-written paragraph.

Friday 11/20/15: Homework

Block F: 
1. Finish "The Body" this weekend. Make sure to read and annotate! If you are scheduled to lead a discussion, prepare to do so!

2. Your first official book club meeting for this term is on Tuesday. We are going to shake up the process a bit. Instead of a 400 word reading response, I am going to ask you to prepare at least 5 questions to generate discussion, as well as select  2 important passages for a close reading. I will give you a sheet of specific instructions on Monday, but in the meantime, be on the look-out for some rich language in your text that you can examine more closely. Mark up your text with a sticky note if you see something that might work for close reading.

Block G:
1. Complete your mind-map assignment that you were given on Friday. Follow the instructions and be ready to share your work on Monday.
2. Keep up with the reading schedule for "The Body."

Block B:
Read and annotate through to page 9 in "The Things They Carried."  Be prepared to discuss your OBSERVATIONS and QUESTIONS.

Block C:
Read and annotate though page 16 in "The Things They Carried." Be prepared to discuss your OBSERVATIONS and QUESTIONS.

Thursday 11/19/15: Homework

Block B:
1. For those of you who were out on Tuesday, write your "Things I Carry" responses, using the model we looked at together in class.
2. Read and annotate "The Things They Carried" to page 5.
3. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.


Block C:
1. Read and annotate "The Things They Carried" to page 9. Underline the characters that you meet, and any words that are unfamiliar to you.
2. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz


Block E:
Great talk today!
Read and annotate "Happy Endings" by Margaret Atwood. Use the GOAT sheet to write a response, due Monday!

Wednesday 11/18/15: Homework

Block C:
Using the model essay that we examined in class, finish writing your own version of "The Things I Carry." Be sure to include specific examples of both tangible and intangible things that describe who you are.

Block E:
Read and annotate the film review on "Eternal Sunshine" and write a response to both the ideas in the review, as well as your own reaction. Consider what the film teaches us about story structure. Be prepared to engage in a lively discussion tomorrow.

Block F:
Continue to read :The Body" following the reading schedule and prepare for your student-led discussion.
Read your book club book and study your vocab. too!

Block G:
Catch up with the reading schedule if you are behind. I expect far better engagement and focus when we meet next time.
Study for your vocabulary quiz on Friday.

Tuesday 11/17/15: Homework

Block E:
Read your independent reading book tonight.

Block F:
1. Write a short response on the role of the intertext in Chapter 16. What does it reveal to us about the characters?
2. Keep up with the reading schedule
3. Study vocabulary
4. Read your book club book.

Block G:
1. Keep up with the reading schedule for "The Body."
2. Study your vocabulary words

Block B:
1. Finish your "Things I Carry" response and bring a printed copy to class on Thursday. Follow the format and be sure to proofread your work!
2. Study your vocabulary words!

Monday 11/16/15:Homework

Sorry folks! I forgot to post this at the end of the day yesterday!

Block G: Chapter 1-4 in "The Body. Read and annotate.

Block B: Read and annotate the short piece titled "The Things I Carry."

Block C: Write your CER paragraph on Big Fish, keeping in mind all of the good insight you gained from today's Socratic seminar.

Friday 11/13/15: Homework

 Block B: 

1. write a three paragraph reading response on Big Fish. Use the pink sheet for directions. 

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

Block C:

1. Prepare for our Socratic seminar on Big Fish on Monday. 

2. Study your new vocabulary.

Block E:

Read your independent reading book. Meet in the mini theater on Tuesday morning when we resume watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Block F:

Continue to follow the reading schedule for "The Body."

Read your book club book, and study your new vocabulary words. 

Monday 11/9/15: Homework

Block B and C:
Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz. Look over your notes on Big Fish, as you will likely see some questions on the film on the quiz tomorrow.

Block E:
Work on your point-of-view pieces due at the end of the block on Thursday: "Mermaid Fever" revision and an old story, retold from a new perspective.
Also, please share the permission slip with your parents/guardians, as we will be starting "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" on Friday!

Friday 11/6/15: Homework

Block C:
1. Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.

Block E:
1. Revise the story "Mermaid Fever" by telling part or all of it from a different point of view. Have fun, and see where the story goes under the influence of a new narrative lens.

Block F:

1. Read Chapters 1-6 in The Body by Tuesday.
2. Finish your New York Times book review of Room and one other text. Use the models to guide you!
3. Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.
4. For those of your who are presenting a chapter on this weekend's reading, prepare to lead the discussion for your chapter by following the directions on the assignment sheet.

Block G:
1. Finish your NYT book review of Room. Print it out and bring it to class with you on Tuesday.
2. Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.

Thursday 11/5/15: Homework

Block E:
Tomorrow we will be talking about "Mermaid Fever." Several of you did not complete the reader response, so you should do it tonight for some partial credit so  you'll be ready for our discussion.

Block F:
1. Study your new vocabulary words (they are hanging outside the door of F202).
2. Work on your New York Times book review due on Tuesday.
3. Procure a copy of your new book club book!

Block G:
1. Study your new vocabulary words (they are hanging outside the door of F202).
2. Work on your New York Times book review due on Tuesday.
3. Procure a copy of your new book club book!

Block B:
1. Study your new vocabulary words and read your independent reading book tonight.

Wednesday 11/4/15: Homework

Block G:
Complete your reflection from today's Socratic seminar. You all did very well today, so be sure to write a thorough and thoughtful response.

Block B and Block C:
We will resume our study of the film Big Fish tomorrow. In the meantime, you should be making flashcards for your vocabulary words and studying them for the quiz on Day 2.

Monday 11/2/15: Homework

Block B:
1. Study your new vocabulary words
2. Read your independent reading book

Block C:
1. Study your new vocabulary words
2. Read your independent reading book

Block E:
1. Read and annotate "Mermaid Fever," paying close attention to the point of view. When you are finished, write a reader's response (use the goat sheet!)

Block F:
1. Nice work today! Socrates would be impressed with your skills! Use the handout I gave you in class to write a thoughtful reflection on what you heard today and how it went for you.
When we return, we will be looking at writing on more short response using Room and one other text that you believe is thematically connected to Donoghue's novel. Be thinking about other texts as you prepare for our next meeting.

Student Survey for 11th graders in B and C blocks

Hi folks,
Please take a moment to take this quick survey. I will explain what is behind the questions I'm asking when we talk about a new practice that we will begin using in class called Serial Testimony.

Friday 10/30/15: Homework

Block E:
Use the model titled "The Dead Boy at the Window" to write a story that starts with a lie. See where your fabrication can go.


Block F: 
1. Finish your essay and print it out for Monday. Upload it to Turn it In too.
2. Prepare for Monday's Socratic Seminar on the intertexts in Room. 
3. Look for a new book that you want to read in a book club starting later this week. Procure a copy and a few friends who want to join you.


Block  G:
1. Prepare for Wednesday's Socratic Seminar on the intertexts in Room. 
2. Look for a new book that you want to read in a book club starting later this week. Procure a copy and a few friends who want to join you.

Thursday 10/29/15: Homework

Block F:
1. Continue to work on your essays due on Monday.
2. Tomorrow in class we will be preparing for a Socratic seminar on Monday.
3. Start looking for a new book that you would like to read in a book club. I will ask for selections next week.

Block G:
 1.Continue to work on your essays due on Friday.
2. Tomorrow in class we will be preparing for a Socratic seminar on Monday.
3. Start looking for a new book that you would like to read in a book club. I will ask for selections next week.

Block B:
1. Yay! Your essays are finished and your vocabulary quiz is complete! Next week we move on to a great film that we will study--you are going to love it!
2. This weekend, read your independent reading book.
Block C:
1. Compete the "Quick and Quirky Vocabulary Review" sheet to help you study for your vocabulary quiz which has been postponed until Monday. Study those words!
2. Continue to work on your essay--be sure to submit it to the Google classroom. It is due by midnight tonight!

Wednesday 10/28/15: Homework

Block  B:

1. Continue to work on your essays due tomorrow. Be sure to turn it in in the google classroom. If you don't know how to do this, you can check out the tutorial in Google classroom.
2. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

Block C:

1. Continue to work on your essays due at the end of the day tomorrow. You will have time after tomorrow's vocabulary quiz to work on it when we go to the library, and it will be due by midnight on Thursday.
2. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

Block E:

Finish the writing activity we work on in class today--you had one of two options. Be sure to save your response-- you may print it before class or during our lab block in E215 on Friday.

Block F  Honors English 12:

A change in due dates: Your essay will be due on Monday 11/2 instead of this Friday. However, you will still have a vocabulary quiz tomorrow, so study your words. Also, you will have a Socratic seminar on Room to prepare for over the weekend, so budget your time accordingly.

Tuesday 10/27/15: Homework

Block C:
1. Continue to work on your Alexie essay, which is due on Thursday. You will have one more working day tomorrow.
2. Study your new vocabulary words for Thursday's quiz.

Block E:
1. Think about a scenario in which you can develop a dialogue similar to one of the models we looked at today: Sure Thing by David Ives, or "Julie and Warlord" by B.J. Novak. You will have lab time tomorrow to develop your own response.

Block F:
1. Write a brief reflection on today's Charette protocol. How did it go?
2. Continue to work on your essay which is due on Friday 10/30.
3. Study your new vocabulary words for the quiz on Thursday (Day 2).
4. Remember to bring in your childhood photo!

Block G:
1. Continue to work on your essay which is due on Friday 10/30.
2. Study your vocabulary words for this week's quiz on Thursday.
3. Remember to bring in your childhood photo!

Monday 10/26/15: Homework

Block E:
Using the models we looked at today from the film Paris Je T'Aime,  write a short dialogue that features the use of subtext. Subtext refers to the art of putting a whole layer of meaning under the surface (sub) so that the dialogue is not really about what it appears to be about.

Block F:
Continue to develop and refine your essay idea, evidence, and outline for our discussion tomorrow. Be ready to present your working thesis and the evidence you plan to use to support it. Arrive to class with questions for your colleagues.
Also, bring in a picture of yourself as a kid!

Block G:
Continue to develop and refine your essay idea, evidence, and outline for our discussion tomorrow. Be ready to present your working thesis and the evidence you plan to use to support it. You will start writing tomorrow!
Also, bring in a picture of yourself as a kid!

Block  B:
Continue to work on your essays at home. Use the graphic organizer I gave you to help you stay on track.

Friday 10/23/15: Homework

Block G:
1. Continue to work on your analytical essay due on Thursday. We will have additional writing time in class next week.
2. Finish Room this weekend and bring in your 400 word entry ticket reader response to class on Monday.

Block B and C English 11:
1. Continue to work on your final analytical essay, using the graphic organizer you should have completed to guide your writing. We will have one additional lab day for you to write, and the final essay will be due on Thursday. Plan accordingly!

Thursday 10/22/15: Homework

Block B and Block C English 11:

Use the graphic organizer and introduction paragraph template that I gave you in class today to plan out your essay. Remember to look deeply at the texts we've studied to choose the most apt evidence you can to support your argument. Bring your work to class tomorrow--we will be working and writing with the mobile lab.

Block E Creative Writing:

You've chosen a scenario, and you are off and running (or rather, writing) in our Google classroom. Finish your funny scene and upload it (turn it in) by the end of the day on Friday. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Block F Honors English 12:

1. We talked about narrative voice and style today. Use the discussion to help you revise your personal narrative. Feel free to see me for help individually if you need it.

2. This weekend, I would like you to make an essay proposal--a working thesis and outline for the final paper you will write on the introductory texts we've studied thus far. Bring your working thesis and your outline (or mind map) to class on Monday. You will share your ideas in a structured discussion that we will have before you begin to write.

3. You should finish Room for Monday, and along with  your 400 word reading response.

Wednesday 10/21/15: Homework

Block E:
Build a scene using the dialogue you developed with your partner today and the parameters I set for you for the context. Layer the beats and the tags, and have fun!

Block F:
Review the personal narrative models we looked at today. Examine the one you like the best, and try to decipher the elements of voice and style that work to make an impression on you. Be specific. Look at the language, the structure, the voice. Next, look at the essay that you liked the least. What about this essay was problematic for you? We will discuss your findings tomorrow to help you prepare to revise your own essay.

Be sure to work on finishing Room for Monday. You will have an entry ticket due on Monday as well.

Block G:
Using your mind map and the new material on "The Hero's Journey," develop a working thesis and an outline of an essay you plan to write. Bring it to our next class for a discussion before you begin the writing process.

Monday 10/19/15: Homework

Block B and C:
1. Use the graphic organizer to develop your theme essay. Use the third page to gather your evidence to support your theme. We will discuss Alexie's writing strategies when we meet tomorrow.

2. Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow.


Creative Writing Block E:
Using the scene we watched from Modern Family, revise the script by adding BEATS and TAGS so that the scene reads as a story rather than a screenplay.

Friday 10/16/15: Homework

Block C:
1. Develop an idea and a theme that you would like to explore for your essay on Sherman Alexie's writing. Fill out the second page of the organizing packet that we started in class. If you need help developing a working theme, refer to the video that we looked at in class:

Block E:
Next week we will be starting to learn how to write dialogue. Please read the dialogue packet (10 pages!)  and complete the tasks that I provide in the margins. Also, if you are checking this blog like a good student, come to class on Monday wearing a funny hat and a pair of sunglasses. Do not tell your classmates nor draw attention to yourself. Just arrive to class, sit at your desk with your independent reading book and wear your aforementioned, blog-checking uniform. (There may be some bonus points available).

Block F:
1. Finish up Room for October 26.
2. Study vocabulary for the quiz on Tuesday!
3. Map out your ideas and a working thesis statement for your essay.

Block G:
1. Finish up Room for October 26.
2. Study vocabulary for the quiz on Tuesday!
3. Map out your ideas and a working thesis statement for your essay.

Thursday 10/15/15: Homework

Block E:
Your job tonight is to develop a clever idea to in which to "package" your new character. Consider the models I showed you today in class--the  pile of mail, the divided heart of Mindy Kaling. You can consider creating some kind of artifact, container, folder, video montage, film trailer...the possibilities are endless.

Block F:
Finish the draft of your personal narrative. Remember to consider the models we looked at as you tell your story. SHOW, don't TELL!

Block G:
Finish the draft of your personal narrative. Remember to consider the models we looked at as you tell your story. SHOW, don't TELL

Block B:
Finish PAGE 2 of the essay graphic organizer/planner that we started in class. For help developing a theme, refer to your notes from class and the video below.

Friday 10/9/15: Homework

Block E:
1. Work on your scene for your character project due next Thursday!


Block F:
1. Write a one-pager on Pleasantville  due on Thursday 10/15.
2. Prepare for book club on Thursday (400 word entry ticket) on Room up to page 280.
3. Write your personal narrative draft due on Friday 10/16.
4. Study your vocabulary!

Block G:
1. Finish your one-pager on Pleasantville due Thusday 10/15
1.Prepare for book club on Thursday (400 word entry ticket) on Room up to page 280.
3. Write your personal narrative draft due on Friday 10/16.
4. Study your vocabulary!

Block B:
1. Work on your mind map due when you return to class on Thursday 10/15.
2. Study your vocabulary!

Thursday 10/8/15: Homework

Block G:
1. Complete the vocabulary challenge: use all of this week's vocabulary words in a story/summary/synopsis/reaction to Pleasantville.
2. Read Room.

Block B:
1. Read and annotate the poem "Influences" for tomorrow.
2. Study your new vocabulary words

Block C:
1. Finish writing your three paragraph Reading Response on Smoke Signals.

Wednesday 10/7/15: Homework

Block B:
1. Use the pink sheet to write a 3 paragraph Reading Response on Smoke Signals.
2. Study your new vocabulary words tonight. Make flashcards or add the words to your Quizlet!
3. Read your independent reading book

Block C:
1. Finish the back page of your Smoke Signals packet.
2. Study your new vocabulary words tonight. Make flashcards or add the words to your Quizlet!
3. Read your independent reading book

Block E:
1. Read and annotate "Turbulence" by David Sedaris.
2. Brainstorm a list of scene ideas into which you could involve your character.

Block F:
1. Use the personal narrative pre-writing activity to jump start your writing process. Do some free writing on an object that says something about you and your characteristics.
2. See yesterday's post for upcoming deadlines and due dates.

Tuesday 10/6/15: Homework

Block E:

1. Use the yellow GOAT sheet to write a Reading Response on the film Stranger than Fiction. Remember to complete all parts of the assignment, and have it with you at the start of class so that we can share and discuss.

Block F:
You have some upcoming assignments to work on during the next week. Below are the due dates:

1. Read and mark up the packet of college essay models for Wednesday 10/7.
2. Prep the next two sections of Room for book club (up to page 280) and your RR due Thurs. 10/15.
3. Write a personal narrative (see yellow assignment sheet). Draft due on Friday 10/16.

4. Study your new vocabulary words for the next Day 2 Quiz on Tuesday 10/20.

Block G:

1. Read and mark up the packet of college essay models for Thursday 10/8.
2. Prep the next two sections of Room for book club (up to page 280) and your RR due Thurs. 10/15.
3. Write a personal narrative (see yellow assignment sheet). Draft due on Friday 10/16.

4. Study your new vocabulary words for the next Day 2 Quiz on Tuesday 10/20.

Monday 10/5/15: Homework

English 12 Block F and G:

Read and mark up the college essay model packet that I gave you today. Be prepared to discuss the elements of good writing (voice, diction, character) that you notice.

English 11 Block B and C:

Complete pages 2 and 3 on the handout we started for Smoke Signals. We will resume the film when we meet again.

All Classes: If you missed today's vocabulary quiz, please make arrangements to make it up ASAP. You have until the next DAY ONE to make it up. 

Friday 10/2/15: Homework

Block B and Block C:
Study for Monday's vocabulary quiz.
Add your observations on Smoke Signals to your motif bubble chart. We will finish the film on Monday.

Block E:
Work on your character monologue due on Tuesday! Be sure to type it into a google document, as you will want to submit all parts of this project when it is complete.

Thursday 10/1/15: Homework

Block C:

1. Add your observations from the first part of Smoke Signals to your bubble motif sheet. If you did not do last night's homework using the poems we read in class, add your notes and observations from the poems to the motif bubble sheet as well.

2. Study for the next vocabulary quiz on Monday. Remember, if you missed last week's quiz, you need to make it up by this FRIDAY or it will be a zero.

Block E:

Work on your monologues due on Tuesday. Remember to meet in the mini-theater tomorrow for part 2 of Stranger than Fiction.

Block F:

1. Finish watching the film adaptation of "St. Lucy's" that we started watching in class. You will find the film below:

St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves from house of dÜrt on Vimeo.

2. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Monday.
3. Prepare for book club (up to page 280) by Thursday 10/15.

Block G:
1. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Monday.
2. Prepare for book club (up to page 280) by Thursday 10/15.

Wednesday 9/30/15: Homework

Block G:
Sorry that we had trouble viewing the film adaptation of "St. Lucy's" in class today. I have attached it here for you to watch at home instead. Take note of the choices that the director makes, and then write a one-page response that explores the comparisons you see, as well as the differences between the text and the film.

St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves from house of dÜrt on Vimeo.

Block B:
Add to your motif bubble sheet, using your observations from watching the beginning of Smoke Signals.

Tuesday 9/29/15: homework

Block B and C

Use the bubble sheet to trace motifs in Alexie's poems and the novel True Diary.

Block E:

Complete your monologue planning sheet for the lab block tomorrow. 

Block F:

Prepare your reader response (400 words) on part 2 of Room for Thursday.  

REMINDER ABOUT VOCABULARY QUIZZES!

Vocabulary quizzes are on DAY 2 (with a few exceptions if our schedule is interrupted by meetings, etc.) If you miss a QUIZ, it is your responsibility to come after school to make it up BEFORE the next DAY 1 in the rotation. If you do not make up the quiz in this time frame,  you will automatically receive a zero.

Monday 9/28/15: Homework

Block E:
1. Read and annotate the story "Your Husband is Cheating on Us" by Jill McCorkle
2. Complete a reading response, following the steps on the yellow GOAT sheet.
3. Work on your character monologue by thinking of ideas that your character might explore in this format.


Block F:
1. Prepare for your next book club meeting on Thursday. Bring your 400 word reading response to class as an entry ticket to the meeting.

Block G:
1. Re-read and annotate the story "St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves" so that we can have a more lively discussion when we next meet. If you did not complete your reading response or annotations, do so tonight.
2. Prepare for your next book club meeting on Thursday. Bring your 400 word reading response to class as an entry ticket to the meeting.

Friday 9/25/15: Homework

Block F:
1. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Monday. Remember, last week's words may make an appearance too.
2. Prep for book club on Thursday. Your 400 word entry ticket is due at the start of class. See the bright yellow handout for instructions.

Block G:
1. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Monday 9/28. Remember, last week's words may make an appearance too.
2. Finish your reading response (3 paragraphs) that we started in class. Use the guidelines on the pink instruction sheet to help you. DUE MONDAY 9/28
3. Prep for book club. Your 400 word entry ticket is due at the start of class on THURSDAY 10/1. See the bright yellow handout for instructions.


Block B:
1. Read and annotate the two poems I gave you in class today which we will discuss in more detail on Tuesday. Complete the two sided Close Reading response handout for each poem.

Block C:
1. Read and annotate the two poems I gave you in class today which we will discuss in more detail on Tuesday. Complete the two sided Close Reading response handout for each poem.

Thursday 9/24/15: Homework

Block B:

1. Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow.
2. Finish your "split identity" drawing. Remember to annotate it with details from both sides of your identity.

Block C:
1. Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow.
2. Re-read the poem "Reservation Mathematics" and complete STEP ONE and STEP TWO only on the handout I gave your in class.




Block E:
1. Work on your character description that we started in the lab today. PRINT and bring it to class on Monday.

Wednesday 9/23: Homework

Block C:
1. Read your independent reading book and study your vocabulary words for Friday's quiz!

Block E:
1. Fill out the extensive character worksheet that I gave your for our character project. We will be in the lab tomorrow writing the first piece of the project. So exciting!

Block F:
1. Good job with book clubs today folks! I'm glad to see such enthusiastic conversations happening! Keep reading. Section 2 is due by next Thursday, as is your 400 word Reading response.
2. For Friday, write your "On Turning 18" poem, using Billy Collins version as a model.

Block G:
1. Good job with book clubs today folks! Keep reading! Section 2 "Unlying" is due by next Thursday, as is your 400 word Reading Response.
2. For Friday, read and annotate the short story we started titled "St. Lucy's School for Girls Raised by Wolves." If you were absent today and need a copy of the story, you can find it HERE.

Tuesday 9/22/15: Homework

Block E:
Find an image of a person (from a magazine, newspaper) you do not know (no celebrities), but who seems to have a story you might like to hear. Bring in the image to class for tomorrow's activity.

Block F:
Prepare for book club tomorrow. Be ready to discuss Part 1 of Room.
Bring your one-pager on "St. Lucy's" to class tomorrow.
Keep working on your "On Turning 18" poems due Friday.

Block G:
Prepare for book club tomorrow. Be ready to discuss Part 1 of Room. Bring your 400 word Reading Response to the start of class. Remember, you will NOT be allowed to PRINT during class.

Block B:
1. Revise your 3 Paragraph Reading Response, adding to the summary and the connections section based on the conclusion of the film.

Monday 9/21/15: Homework

Block G EN 12:
1. Make vocabulary flashcards and study your new words.
2. Prepare your reading response (400 words) on the first section of Room.  Your response should be printed and ready AT THE START of CLASS  on Wednesday.
3. Tomorrow, guidance counselors will be visiting our class to discuss the application process.


Block B EN 11:
1. Complete the "Chain of Events" chart on the documentary that we have been watching in class. If you need help, see Friday's post where I've attached the link to the film. We will use this to revise your summaries, as well as discuss the stories, the narrator, and the big ideas within the documentary.


Block C EN 11: 
1. Write sentences using your new vocabulary words. Be sure to check out vocabulary.com for help as you prepare for this week's quiz.

Friday 9/18/15: Homework

EN 11 Block B and Block C:

Using the pink instruction sheet for Reading Responses, write a three paragraph response on the documentary we watched today in class. If you would like to revisit the film, click on the video below.

CW Block E: 

Read and mark up the Margaret Atwood story I gave you in class today. Consider three stories that you will never write, and be prepared to follow Atwood's model when you return to class on Tuesday. 

HEN 12 Block F :

1. Read, annotate, and prepare a ONE-PAGER on the story "St. Lucy's School for Girls Raised by Wolves" for Wednesday 9/23.

2. Read Part 1 of Room and prepare your Reading Response entry ticket (400 words) for Wednesday 9/23--our first book club meeting. 

3. Remember, we do not meet as a class on Monday. On Tuesday, 9/22, the guidance counselors will be meeting with us to explore the college application process. 

Thursday 9/17/15: Homework

Creative Writing:

Continue to work on your "Why Write" pieces, using the feedback that you received during the workshop today. Tomorrow you will have lab time to finish all 5 pieces. Arrive to class ready to write!


HEN 12 Block F:

1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz on the first 5 words.
2. Continue to read Room (Section 1 is due by 9/23).
3. Bring your introductory reading packet back to class tomorrow for presentations and discussion.

EN 12 Block G:

1. Continue to read Room. Section 1 and your Readers Response (400 words) are due on Wednesday 9/23.

Wednesday 9/16/15

HONORS ENGLISH 12 BLOCK F:

1. Today we did some group activities to help you learn this week's vocabulary words. Reflect on which activities seemed to work best with your learning style. Use these activities to help you study this year.  

2. THE QUIZ ON WORDS 1-5 WILL BE ON FRIDAY 9/18! (I originally told you Monday, but we don't meet on Monday. Geesh. What was I thinking?

3. Tonight, read, annotate, and respond to the packet of short readings that I gave you in class today. Bring your annotations, thoughts, and responses to class tomorrow.

ENGLISH 12 BLOCK G:

1. Today we did some group activities to help you learn this week's vocabulary words. Reflect on which activities seemed to work best with your learning style. Use these activities to help you study this year.  

 2. THE QUIZ ON WORDS 1-5 WILL BE tomorrow 9/17/15!

3. Your version of "On Turning 18" is due tomorrow 9/17/15. 

ENGLISH 11 BLOCKS B&C:

1. Develop a list of 10 questions that you have about modern American Indian life and culture. Complete the chart we started in class today.

2. Read  your independent reading book

Monday 9/14/15: Homework

Block C:

1. Study your vocabulary words for this week's quiz on Wednesday. Write a sentence for each word on a piece of lined paper and bring it into class for an activity we will do on Tuesday.

2. Read your independent reading book. 

Block E:

1. Continue to work on your "Why Write" pieces. Bring in one piece to workshop tomorrow. Print it before you arrive to class, or email it to the copy center (www.copy.center@hudson.k12.ma.us) and pick it up on your way. 

Block F:

1. Begin reading Section 1 of Room for our first book club discussion scheduled for Tuesday 9/22. 

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

Block G:

1. Re-read "On Turning 10" and write your own version titled "On Turning 18." Follow the directions on the handout. TYPE your response in a google doc and bring it to our next class. 

2. Continue reading Room. You should read Section 1 (page 1-57) by next Tuesday 9/22.
3. Study your new vocabulary words for this week's quiz on Wednesday. 

Friday 9/11/15: Homework

Creative Writing Block E:

Block F:
1. Prepare for the summer reading writing event happening Monday morning. Review your notes and be ready to write.
2. Finish the vocabulary pre-test. You will get your first set of words on Monday.


Block G:
1. Study your new vocabulary words for next week's quiz.
2. Begin reading Room by Emma Donoghue. This will be our first book club book of the year. Aim to finish the first section (through pape 57) for the next DAY 6 (9/22).

Block B:
1. Today we did our summer reading response. We will continue to talk about Sherman Alexie and his writing over the next few weeks.
2. This weekend, read and your independent reading book and complete a reading response based on what you read. Write your response in your journal.
3. Study your vocabulary words!

Thursday 9/10/15: Homework

Block G:
1. Prepare for your summer reading write tomorrow! Look over your notes and get ready to write!
2. Use your neighborhood map to write a vignette about a PERSON, PLACE, EVENT, or IDEA from your childhood. Follow the guidelines on the handout I gave you in class today. Your TYPED vignette is due at the start of class on MONDAY 9/14/15. Remember to use lots of figurative language to write vividly.
3. Study your new vocabulary words. The quiz is scheduled for Wednesday 9/16/15.

Block B:
1. Prepare for your summer reading write tomorrow! Look over your notes and get ready to write!
2. Study your  new vocabulary words. Remember, quizzes will be every DAY 2 this year--your first quiz is on Wednesday 9/16/15.

Block C:
1. Prepare for your summer reading write on Monday! Look over your notes and get ready to write!
2. Study your  new vocabulary words. Remember, quizzes will be every DAY 2 this year--your first quiz is on Wednesday 9/16/15

Wednesday 9/9/15: Homework

English 11 Block B:
1. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes tonight. Don't forget to bring it back to class with you tomorrow!
2. Prepare/review for the summer reading assessment which is scheduled for Friday 9/11.


English 11 Block C:
1. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes tonight. Don't forget to bring it back to class with you tomorrow!
2. Prepare/review for the summer reading assessment which is scheduled for Monday 9/14.

Creative Writing Block E:
1. Read and annotate "Why Write" by Paul Auster. Be prepared to discuss the structure and language on Friday.
2. Finish personalizing your writing journal. Don't forget to include your Six Word Memoir somewhere! In case you need help, here is the short video we watched in class.


HEN 12 Block F:
Good work today! I look forward to reading your vignettes!

Tonight, be sure to review your notes from your summer reading books and be ready to write about them on Monday 9/14.

Tuesday 9/8/15: Homework

Creative Writing Block E:
1. Create your "Territories of Writing" list and paste it to the front of your writing journal.
2. Bring in photos, images, words with which to personalize your journal.
3. Write your letter of introduction and get your syllabus signed if you haven't done so already.

HEN 12 Block F:
1. Work on your vignettes. We will have the full block to write tomorrow. Remember, you are developing vignettes about a person, a place, and an event from your childhood.
2. Bring in your supplies tomorrow.

EN 12 Block G:
1. Read and annotate the three vignettes I gave your from The House on Mango Street. Make observations on the STRUCTURE, VOICE, and LANGUAGE of each vignette.

Thursday September 3, 2015

Block F Honors English 12:
1. .Complete your To-Do list
2. Write a letter of introduction and attach it to your “Letter to Next Year’s Teacher” from your portfolio from last year.
3. Bring  in your supplies and your memory map to our next class meeting.

Block G English 12
1. Write a letter of introduction and attach it to your “Letter to Next Year’s Teacher” from your portfolio from last year.
3. Bring  in your supplies and your signed syllabus to our next class meeting.

Welcome Back to School!

Welcome Back Everyone! 

Welcome to our class blog! Here you will find all sorts of helpful things. Check the blog daily for homework assignments, important due dates, links to notes and reading material, and an occasional task that you will be asked to complete.

I'm looking forward to working with you this year!

Here's what's up for tonight!

Block B English 11:

1. Finish your "What I did on my summer vacation" alphabetical list.
2. Write a letter of introduction and attach it to you "letter to next year's teacher" from last year's portfolio. Be prepared to turn both letters in tomorrow.
3. Start gathering your supplies and pick a new independent reading book.
4. Have your syllabus and contract form signed by a parent or guardian.

Block C English 11

1. Write a letter of introduction and attach it to you "letter to next year's teacher" from last year's portfolio. Be prepared to turn both letters in tomorrow.
2. Start gathering your supplies and pick a new independent reading book.
3. Have your syllabus and contract form signed by a parent or guardian.

Block E Creative Writing

1. Write a letter of introduction! 

2. Gather your supplies

3. Have your syllabus and contract form signed by a parent/guardian

4. Write a story inspired by the image you worked with today in class with your partner. Type it up in our google classroom!

Academic 11 English Exam Prep!

• As you know, THESE ARE OUR COURSE ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
•  What is the power of the individual voice to make change?
• What roles do stories play in our lives?
• What is the story and who gets to tell it?
• How have stories made us who we are?
• How do the stories we tell and the language we use define who we are and how we think?
• To prepare for your final, revisit the major texts we’ve studied this year. They are:
• Sherman Alexie: True Diary (novel), Smoke Signals (film)
•  Tim Burton: Big Fish (film)
•  Tim O’Brien: The Things They Carried (novel)
• Sebastian Junger: Restrepo (film)
• Sarah Koenig: Serial (podcast)
•  F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby (novel)
• Shakespeare: Twelfth Night (play)
• Additionally, make a list of independent reading books you read! Next, start thinking about those essential questions and those texts, as well as common themes/motifs we’ve studied this year. Really think through the messages these texts share, and the strategies they use to share those messages.
• In class, for your final, you will be asked to write an essay. I’m not going to give you the exact prompt ahead of time, but it is directly connected to the essential questions. You will use at least three class texts, and maybe even independent reading books, to answer the prompt. You’ll need to use specific details!

Portfolio Assignment and Rubric!

Be sure to read the directions carefully! Remember, the portfolio and the final are worth 15% of your year average! Take care, and be sure to proofread your work before you submit! 

All portfolios are due by noon on Friday 6/19!

June 10, 2015: Homework

Blocks C and G:
1. Project work
2. Portfolio work
3. "This I Believe" essays

Blocks B and E:
1. Portfolio work
2. Start preparing for the final exam

Serial Testimony Survey Part 2

Hi folks!
Please take a moment and complete this survey (it should look familiar...it is the same one you completed at the start of the year!)

Thank you!

Tuesday June 9th: Homework

Block G and C:
Work on your projects, your portfolios, and your "This I Believe" essays! Presentations start Friday!

Block B:
Work on your portfolios! We will be reading Act 3 in Twelfth Night tomorrow.

Essential Questions for TTTC Projects!

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

What is “truth”

and

what is “fiction”?

How do we use stories

to make sense

of our experiences?

What makes

an effective story?

Monday 6/8/15: Homework

Block B:
Be ready for your Vocabulary test tomorrow!
Work on completing your portfolio.

Block C:
Get moving on your group and individual project work. Presentations start on Friday!
Check out the videos on theme posted on the blog to help you.
Work on your portfolio and "This I Believe" essay!

Block E:
Read Act 2 Scene 4. Do your best to sort out what Viola and Orsino are discussing. We will watch the scene when you return on Wednesday.
Work on completing your final portfolio.

How do I write a THEME?

Here are two helpful video lessons on how to write a THEME. Remember, a theme is not the same as a motif!

Take a look at this one too:

Friday 6/5/15: Homework

Blocks C and G:
Get started on your portfolio and "This I Believe" essays. Project work will start next week!
C Block-Vocabulary Test 1-80 on Monday! Be ready!

Blocks E and B:
Study for your vocabulary test! (Block E on Monday, Block B on Tuesday).
Work on your portfolio this weekend!

Thursday 6/4/15: Homework

Block E:
1. Finish reading Act 1 in Twelfth Night.  Be ready for a quick quiz on what you know!
2. Study those vocabulary words!! Test is on Tuesday.
3. Work on your portfolio!


Block G:
1. Begin work on your portfolio, your "This I Believe" essay, and your group project ideas.
2 Vocabulary Test is tomorrow! Study!


Block B:
1.  Study those vocabulary words!! Test is on Tuesday.
2.. Work on your portfolio!

Wednesday 6/3/15: Homework

Block G:
1. Bring your annotations/notes on The Things They Carried to be collected for a grade on Friday.
2. We will begin watching Restrepo on Friday.
3. Follow along with the end-of-year plan. You have all of the assignments sheets now, so read them carefully! Check out the "This I Believe" website here to look at some models as you begin to develop your ideas.
4. Study your vocabulary words for next week's test.


Block B:
1. Work on your final portfolio.
2. Study your vocabulary words for next week's test!


Block C:
1. Bring your annotations/notes on The Things They Carried to be collected for a grade on Friday.
2. We will begin watching Restrepo on Friday.
3. Follow along with the end-of-year plan. You have all of the assignments sheets now, so read them carefully! Check out the "This I Believe" website here to look at some models as you begin to develop your ideas.
4. Study your vocabulary words for next week's test.

Tuesday 6/2/2015: Homework

Block C:

Block G:

Follow the schedule of events listed below. Note that I've changed the Portfolio due date to Friday 6/19/15. 

Blocks B and E:

Study your vocabulary words for the test on Monday 6/8. 

Friday 5/29/15: Homework

Block G:
Finish reading and annotation TTTC this weekend.
Study for the vocabulary test words 1-80!

Block B:
Study for the vocabulary test words 1-80.

Block C:
Assemble all of your notes from the reading for next week's work.
Study for the vocabulary test words 1-80.

Thursday 5/28/15: Homework

Block B:

1. Read and annotate Act 1 Scene 2 (1.2) in Twelfth Night for tomorrow. Don't worry if you don't understand everything!
2. Start studying for the First 80 Vocabulary Words test!

Block C:

1. Finish your response to "The Ghost Soldiers" prompt in our Google classroom.
2. Begin studying for the First 80 Vocabulary Words test!

Block E:
1. Read and annotate Act 1 Scene 2 (1.2) in Twelfth Night for Monday. Don't worry if you don't understand everything!
2. Start studying for the First 80 Vocabulary Words test!

Monday 5/26/15: Homework

Block E:
Start studying for the BIG 80 vocabulary test coming up next week!
Read your independent reading books

Block G:

Keep up with your reading schedule!
Start studying for the BIG 80 vocabulary test coming up next week!

Block B:
Start studying for the BIG 80 vocabulary test coming up next week!
Read your independent reading books

Friday 5/22/15: Homework

Block G:
1. Finish watching the interview with Tim O'Brien that we started in class. We finished at about 37:00 minutes, so you can scroll to that spot to finish the interview. 

2. Next, respond to the question on the hand-out in a thoughtful free-write. If you did not receive a handout, I've posted a copy for you below. 

Block B:
Study for a vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.
Read your independent reading book. 
We will be starting our new and final unit of the year on Tuesday.


Block C:
Continue to follow the reading schedule over the weekend as you read. 
If you didn't get a chance to finish reflecting on the article "Split Image" in class today, please do so over the weekend. Here are the prompts:

Thursday 5/21/15: Homework

Block B:
Tomorrow we will finish the documentary "June 17, 1994" tomorrow. Bring your notes to class, as you will be asked to do some writing and discussing tomorrow. Consider this ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What is the story, and who gets to tell it?  

Block C:
Finish the response to "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong" for tomorrow. Be sure to articulate clearly what you see as O'Brien's purpose. Why does he tell the story in this way? How does this "form" function to fulfill his purpose?

Block E:
Study for your vocabulary quiz on Tuesday. 
Read your independent reading book.

Wednesday 5/20/15: Homework

Block C:
Be sure to fill out your entrance/exit ticket before you arrive to class tomorrow. We will be having an activity day tomorrow, so make sure you are up-to-date on the reading schedule. 

Monday 5/18/15: Homework

Block C:
1. Finish watching the interview with Tim O'Brien and Nate Fick that we started in class today.

2. Respond to the prompt that I gave you in class about truth in storytelling. Please type your responses and bring them with you to our next class.


Block E:
1. Based on what you've seen this far on the 30 for 30 documentary we watched in class today, answer the following question in a thorough paragraph, using your notes from class:

The documentary "June 17th, 1994" is really a film about__________________________. (explain why in a full paragraph).


Block G:

Keep reading! Stay on track with your reading schedule!

Friday 5/15/15: Homework

Happy Prom Night!

Block E:

Read your independent reading book.

Turn in your essay (which is already LATE!) to the Google classroom site.

Block G:

Stay on track with the reading schedule for TTTC.

Block B:

Read your independent reading book.
Turn in your essay (which is already LATE!) to the Google classroom site.

Wednesday 5/13/15: HOMEWORK

BLOCK B:
1. Complete and submit your Gatsby synthesis essay to the Google classroom by midnight tonight.
2. Read your independent reading book.

BLOCK C:
1. Continue to read and take notes on the stories in the text. Stay on track with the agenda.
2. Finish your response to "How to Tell a True War Story" by Monday.

BLOCK D:
1. Continue to work on your final "Stranger in the Photo is Me" essay due on Monday. PRINT your essay BEFORE you arrive to class!!!
2. Finish your portfolio based on the instructions I gave you on the handout. Be sure to upload and discuss at least THREE artifacts and add your reflections to your FINAL REFLECTION page.

BLOCK E:
1. Complete and submit your Gatsby synthesis essay to the Google classroom by midnight tonight.
2. If you didn't do so already, read and annotate the article "Daisy and Myrtle: What's Behind the Plant Names in The Great Gatsby." Then, write a short response that includes the following:

• a summary of the article
• your reaction to the article
• a connection you made to the article

2. Read your independent reading book.

Tuesday 5/12/15: Homework

Block D:
Work on your final "Stranger" essay and portfolio! We're in the home stretch folks!

Block E:
1. Continue to work on your synthesis essay due on Wednesday.
2. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Wednesday as well.
3. Consider the connections you made between Fitzgerald's life and his literature. Be ready for a discussion tomorrow.

Block G:
1. Stay on track with the reading agenda.
2. Your story map is due on Thursday.

John Green's Great Gatsby criticism video

Here is a link to John Green's commentary on the novel The Great Gatsby that we watched in class. Feel free to revisit it for your synthesis essay!

Monday 5/11/15: Homework

Block G:
1. Keep up with the reading schedule!
2. Your story map for "On the Rainy River" is due on Thursday.
3. Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday

Block B:
1. Study for your vocabulary quiz on Wednesday!
2. Finish writing your synthesis essay on Gatsby literary criticism due in the Google Classroom by Wednesday!
3. If you missed today's presentation of Fitzgerald's biography, you can watch it here. Take note of the similarities in Fitzgerald's life and writing.

Block C:
1. Keep up with the reading schedule!
2. Your story map for "On the Rainy River is due on Wednesday.
3. Study your vocabulary for the quiz on Wednesday.
4. Your analytical response on "How to Tell a True War Story" is due on Monday 5/18.

Friday 5/8/15: Homework

Block B:
1. Study your vocabulary words for next week's quiz.
2. Continue to work on your Gatsby Synthesis essay that is due on Wednesday.


Block C:
1. Keep reading and annotating based on the reading schedule!
2. Finish your story map of Tim's journey due on Wednesday.
3. Study for your vocabulary quiz which will be on Wednesday as well.


Block D:
1. Work on your "Stranger in the Photo" essay and your final portfolio.

Block E:
1. Study your vocabulary words for next week's quiz.
2. Continue to work on your Gatsby Synthesis essay that is due on Wednesday.

Thursday May 7th, 2015: Homework

Block C:
1. Complete the reading assignments on the agenda that I gave you in class--we will be discussion the stories and completing an activity tomorrow.
2. Study your vocabulary words

Block D:
1. Review the "To be or not to be" soliloquy that we studied in class today. We will watch a few versions tomorrow.
2. Continue working on your final portfolio and your "Stranger in the Photo" essay.

Block E:
1. Read, annotate, and complete your graphic organizer on the article by James Miller that we started in class. Be sure to react to the claims he makes on your organizer. We will be heading to the lab tomorrow to write!
2. Study your vocabulary words too!

Block G:
1. Complete the reading assignments on the agenda that I gave you in class--we will be discussion the stories and completing an activity on Monday.
2. Study your vocabulary words

Wednesday 5/6/15: Homework

Block E:
1. Study your new vocabulary words.
2. Complete the Thomas Foster section of your "Literary Criticism" organizer by extracting Foster's central claims and support. Then, react to Foster's argument. Bring your completed organizer to class.

Block G:
1. Follow the reading schedule that I distributed today in class. I've included the schedule below as well:

G BLOCK Reading Schedule

2. Study your new vocabulary words.

Block B:
1. Read and annotate the article by James Miller that we started in class today.
2. Extract Miller's central claims and support and add them to your "Literary Criticism" graphic organizer.
3. If you haven't done so already, upload and turn in your response to the Gatsby film versions we watched.

Tuesday 5/5/15: Homework

Block G:
1. Finish reading the first short story in our new collection titled "The Things They Carried." Complete the character chart as you read.

Block B:
1. Finish your TYPED response to the article by Thomas Foster, using the template I gave you as a writing guide. Print your respone BEFORE you arrive to class tomorrow.

Block C:
1. See the reading agenda that I gave you in class and be ready with the assignment that is due when we meet next. I've included it here for you:

C Block Reading Schedule

Be sure to ACTIVELY read and keep track of the notes that you take, as they will be collected at the end of the unit.
2. Study your new vocabulary words!

Block D:
1. Read Act 1.V and create an entry in your Hamlet Reading log, using the directions I gave you in class today.
2. Continue to work on your "Stranger in the Photo is Me" assignment and begin assembling work for your final portfolio as well.