9/17/18: Homework

Block G:
Read the "Cosco" essay for tomorrow's class meeting.

Block A:
Work on your vignette project and read and annotate the "Costco" essay.

Block B:
REad and annotate the excerpts from Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life." Then, use the organizer to begin to plan your own version. See the chart on the back of the organizer to get started.

Block D:
Work on your vignette project and read and annotate the "Costco" essay.
Read and annotate the piece by Annie Dillard as well.

Friday 9.14.18: Homework

Block B:
Use the criteria on the handout I gave you today to revise and complete your vignette. You will upload it on Monday during class.

Block D:
Begin work on your vignette project. Use your neighborhood maps to draw inspiration, and refer to the mentor texts for guidance.

Block F:
Read your independent reading book for 30 minutes this weekend.

Homework 9.13.18

Block D and A:

Use the back of your yellow chart to complete the following task:

Block F:

Study for tomorrow's weekly check-in and finish writing your vignette. Upload your best draft to our google classroom (find the join code in your class syllabus).

Block G: 

Read your book club book. Remember that the first half of the book is due by 9/28, so pace yourself accordingly.

Welcome back!

Welcome to English class!
As we get organized to begin the year, please do the following:

1. Get yourself a composition book for class--no wire bound notebooks, just a plain old school composition book, please!
2. Join all of the things! Remind, Google classroom, Turnitin. Find the passwords and codes in your syllabus.
3. Get your contact form signed and turn it in to me ASAP
4. Read your new IR book every night, but don't forget to bring it to class with you every day!

All Classes! It's the HOME STRETCH!

Refer to your class calendar for upcoming due dates, exam dates, and final business for the course!

Wednesday 6.6.18: Homework

Block E:
Finish reading and annotating Chapter 7 for Thursday.
Study for the big vocabulary test next week!

Block F:
Finish reading and annotation to page 130 for Thursday. We'll finish Chapter 7 tomorrow.
Study for the big vocabulary test next week!

Block A:
Read Lianna's story, and begin to consider the "what if" question that the author may have used for a prompt. Bring your notes and ideas to class to discuss.
Remember, you will refine one of your writing responses to this week's story inspirations over the weekend, so start thinking about which one you'd like to revise.

Block B:
Read and annotate Chapter 6 for Friday.
Study for the big vocabulary test next week!

Friday 6.1.18: Homework

Block E:
Finish reading and annotating Chapter 6 in Gatsby.
Study for Monday's vocabulary quiz on words 81-85.

Block F:
Read and annotate Chapter 5 in Gatsby. 

Block A:
Read and annotate Faith's selection from Amy Krouse Rosenthal's book titled Textbook. 

Wednesday 5.30.18: Homework

Block A:
Read "Mermaid Fever" by Steven Milhauser. Mark up the text and be ready to discuss it tomorrow. I've attached a copy of it in Classroom as well!

Block B:
1. Read Chapters 3 & 4 in The Great Gatsby for Monday. Use the Reading Road Map to guide you as you read. Answer the questions on the pink sheet and annotate the text as well.
2. Study your new vocabulary words for next week's quiz (on Tuesday).

Block E:
Finish reading Chapter 5 in The Great Gatsby. Complete both sides of the worksheet (including the Scavenger Hunt).

Study your new vocabulary words for next week's quiz!

Tuesday 5.29.18: Homework

Block E:
Study your new vocabulary words.
Make a quizlet for ALL of the words and begin studying for the final test.

Block F:
Use the Reading Road Map to read Chapters 3&4 in Gatsby for Friday.
Study your new vocabulary words for Friday's quiz.

Friday 5/18/18: Homework

Block E:
Finish reading and annotating Chapter 3 in Gatsby. If you want to listen to the audio book, you can do so HERE.

Block F: 
Finish reading and annotating Gatsby to page 19.  If you want to listen to the audio book, you can do so HERE.

Block A:
Finish your 3 GENRES for the project. We'll begin the final phase of the project on Monday!

Block B:
Finish reading and annotating Gatsby to page 19.  If you want to listen to the audio book, you can do so HERE.

Wednesday 5.16.18: Homework

BLOCK B:
WORK ON YOUR COMPARATIVE ESSAY, DUE ON FRIDAY.
READ, ANNOTATE, AND RESPOND TO THE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK.

BLOCK C:
YOUR FILM ESSAY IS DUE BY 5PM TONIGHT.
WORK ON YOUR FINAL REFLECTION AND "STRANGER IN THE PHOTO" ESSAY DUE ON MONDAY 5/21.

BLOCK E:
REVIEW YOUR NOTES AND ANNOTATIONS. WE WILL BEGIN CHAPTER 3 ON THURSDAY.

BLOCK F:
WORK ON YOUR COMPARATIVE ESSAY DUE ON FRIDAY.

Thursday 5.10.18: Homework

Block C:
Study for tomorrow's vocabulary test!
Begin working on all of the things: Your film essay, your "Stranger in the Photo is Me" essay, and  your final reflection.

Block E:
Review your notes from what we've read in Chapter 2. There may  be a reading quiz tomorrow, so get ready!

Block F: 
Work on your comparative essay and study your new vocabulary for next week's quiz!

Thursday 5.3.18: Homework

Block F:
Bring your materials to class tomorrow for the in-class write on SiWr.

Block A:
One page choice piece due tomorrow. You may upload it to the Google classroom.

Block B:
Bring your materials to class on Monday for the in-class write on SiWr.

Block C:
If you were not in class today, it is your responsibility to procure a copy of the film The Glass Castle which we started today. 

Film responses on Captain Fantastic are due by 5pm on Friday 5/4.

Tuesday 5.1.18: Homework

Block E:
Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz. Finish reading/annotating/responding to the article of the week (on Fortnite).

Block F and B:
Study for Thursday's vocabulary quiz.
Read/annotate/respond to the Article of the Week.

Block A:
One page CHOICE piece due on Friday!

Monday 4/30/18: Homework

Block A:
Finish/revise your in-class "X"page response. We'll share tomorrow.

Block B:
Read and take notes on Chapters 17 and 18 in SiWR. We'll read the Epilogue in class tomorrow.
Study your vocabulary words and the Article of the Week--the quiz is on Thursday.

Block C:
Work on your film responses. The response for Captain Fantastic is due on Friday.
If you are presenting on Captain Fantastic, be ready to go on Wednesday! We have about 30 minutes of the film remaining. We'll start the film right at the bell, so arrive promptly, please!

Friday 4.27.18: Homework

Block B:
1. Read and take notes on Chapter 16.
2. Read/annotate and respond to the questions on the SAT practice page for Monday.

Block C:
 Work on your film response and film paper.

Block E:
1. Study your new vocabulary words and work on the Article of the Week, due on Wednesday. Vocab. quiz on Wednesday as well.

Block F:
1. Read and take notes on Chapters 17 &18 in SiWr
2. Study your new vocabulary words and work on the Article of the Week--due on Thursday. Vocabulary quiz on Thursday as well.

Thursday 4.26.18: Homework

Block E:
Finish your response to the pre-reading survey I gave you in class today. We'll discuss your responses tomorrow.

Block F:
1. Read and respond to the SAT prompt and questions for practice--due tomorrow.
2. Finish Chapter 16 in SiWR if you didn't already do so in class.
3. Start to study your new vocabulary words.

Tuesday 4.24.18: Homework

Block B:
Read and take notes on Chapter 13 in SiWR.

Block C:
Work on your film presentation and film responses. See calendar for due dates and the pink packet for assignment details.

Block E:
Study your notes from today for a quiz on the material on Thursday.

April 23, 2018: Homework

Welcome Back!
Block C:
Work on your film presentation. We'll resume Juno tomorrow.

Block E:
Study your notes from class today. We'll talk more about the 1920s tomorrow.

Block F:
Read and take notes on Chapter 13 in SiWR.

Wednesday 4.4.18: Homework

Block E:
Read, annotate, and respond to the article on March Madness for Friday.

Tuesday 4.3.18: Homework

Block F:
Finish the first part of the motif handout we started in class today. We'll work on the second part when we meet next.

Block A:
Read over the dialogue scenarios and do some brainstorming so you'll be ready to write on Friday!

Block B:
Choose a motif that you've noticed in the first section of SiWR. Locate three examples in the text where the  motif is evident and be ready to examine the examples when you get to class next time.

Block C:
Read through the film study packet/assignment I gave you in class today. Brainstorm a list of films that you might be interested in studying.

Monday 4/2/18: Homework

Block A:
1.Polish up your 4 line dialogue and make an illustration too.

2. Goat sheet response on one of the stories you read this weekend.

Block B:

Work on tracing Deo's journey in Chapter 9 using the map and the handout questions as a guide. You will have apx. 30 minutes of class time tomorrow to finish, so pace yourself tonight.

Block C:

Prepare your notes and materials on Frankenstein for tomorrow's Socratic seminars.

Block E:

Make sure you've uploaded your Statement of Purpose to the google classroom by tonight.

Thursday 3/29/18: Homework

Block E:
Your visual project and statement of purpose will be due at the end of class on MONDDAY--no exceptions or extensions, as the term closes Tuesday. This weekend, finish your project and work on your statement. You will have the entire block to work on Monday and then you will need to submit both the project and the statement. See the instructions in our Google classroom.

Block F:
Read Chapter 9 in SiWR. Trace Deo's journey on the large map I gave you, annotating important events and ideas that he explores. Use the handout I gave you in class today as a guide. I will be collecting your maps for a grade on Tuesday.

Block A:
Read and annotate Raymond Carver's story "Little Things" and Ernest Hemingway's story "Hills Like White Elephants. Then, chose one of the stories and write a reading response using the goat sheet as a guide. Due on Monday 4/2.

Block B:
Read Ch. 8 and to pg. 119 in Ch. 9 for Monday 4/2.

Guiding questions:

Ch. 8: What is the news from Burundi? What does Deo learn about the fate of his family?

Ch. 9: What does Deo experience when the violence starts? What does he do and where does he go?

Monday 3.26.18: Homework

Block C:
Follow the reading calendar. You should be through Chapter 23 by Wednesday.

Block E:
Work on your visual project, due at the start of class on Thursday. You will have time to write your written response in class on  Thursday.

Block F:
Read and take notes on Chapter 8 in SiWR for Thursday.

Friday 3.23.18: Homework

Block E:
Start to generate ideas for your project.
Read your independent reading book

Block F:
Read and take notes on Chapter 7, looking for the items on the list I gave you in class today.

Block A:
Read your IR book this weekend, and check out an episode of This American Life.

Block B:
Read and take notes on Chapter 7, looking for the items on the list I gave you in class today.

Thursday 3.22.18: Homework

Block A:
Finish your Character Project! Print it out and bring it to class tomorrow.

Block B:
Read and take notes on Chapters 5&6 in SiWr.

Block C:
For Monday, you should be through Chapter 21. Take careful notes as you read all about Victor's lengthy procrastination.

Tuesday 3.21.18: homework

Block B:
Read Chapter 4 and take Cornell notes as you read.

Block C:
Follow the reading calendar for Frankenstein. By tomorrow, you should have read through to Chapter 17.

Block E:
Make a chart or a web to consider how, in the stories we've read in this unit, who or what is SAVED?
Pull examples and quotes from the stories as you begin to think about the connections.

Block F:
Read and make Cornell notes for Chapters 5 & 6 in SiWR.

Tuesday 3.20.18: Homework

Block E:
Finish reading "Lives of the Dead" and respond to the questions on the take home quiz sheet.

Block F:
Read Chapter 4 in SiWR. Take Cornell Notes, and find two passages to compare Deo's experience in NYC with his upbringing in Burundi. Analyze the language in the passages you select and come to class prepared to explore your observations.

Block A:
Finish your character project SCENE for Thursday.
Check out a few of the "20 Acts in 60 Minutes" or the whole podcast from This American Life.
Be ready to share a piece of your character project when we meet again!

Creative Writing Resources!

Here are the links to the sites I showed you today!

This American Life: 20 Acts in 60 Minutes

Plot Generator

Story Starter

Monday 3.19.18: Homework

Block F:
Read and take Cornell notes on Chapter 3 in Strength in What Remains. 

Block A:
Work on your scene, using some elements of what we discussed about the essay "Turbulence" today as a guide.

Block B:
Read and take Cornell notes on Chapter 3 in Strength in What Remains. 

Block C:
Read through Chapter 15 for Wednesday. Take note of the Creature's positive and negative experiences on your "Creature Chart" that we set up today.

Friday 3.16,18: Homework

Block A Creative Writing:

1. Finish your character monologue, due Monday.

2. Read and annotate "Turbulence" by David Sedaris

3. Use the "goat" sheet to write a reading response on the "Turbulence" due Monday.

Block B:

Read Chapter 2 in SiWR to page 22 (page break) and take Cornell notes as you read.

Block C:

Read and annotate through Chapter 10 in Frankenstein for Monday.

Block E:

Read your independent reading book. 

Block F:

Read Chapter 2 in SiWR to page 22 (page break) and take Cornell notes as you read.

Tuesday 3.13.18: Homework

Block B:
Read Strength in What Remains to the page break on page 11.
Study for the vocabulary quiz on Friday.

Block C:
Follow the reading calendar for Frankenstein.
Read Chapters 1-4 for Thursday.
Study for the vocabulary quiz on Friday..

Homework Tuesday and Wednesday 3.6-3.7

Block C:
Finish reading Letter 2 for our next class. Record your observations on the star organizer we started in class.
Also, read and react to THIS article about modern day explorers. What connections do you see between them and our new friend Walton?

Study your new vocabulary words

Block E:
Read and annotate "In the Field" to the page we marked. Be ready to discuss what you read at home.

Blocks B and F:
Study your vocabulary words for next week's quiz. We'll continue our work with The Arrival when we meet again.

Block A:
Continue to work through the steps of your character project--you should be ready to start on the monologue step when we meet again.

Monday 3.5.18: Homework

Block A:
Your job tonight is to make it through Step 4 in the writing exercise we started in class today. Make a list of props/belongings, and then add one item to the list that does not belong. Then, figure out how it came into your character's possession. Use the prompts to guide you. We'll see where it goes tomorrow!

Block B:
We had another interesting discussion today, although we did not dive into the texts as much as I'd like. Tonight, find a passage from one of the texts we've studied and write it down at the start of your reflection. Then, write about a page or so about what the passage means to you and how you connect it to the topics and questions we've been exploring together in our seminars. 

Block C:
Tonight, read the article on Barbra Streisand's dog. Write a reaction to the article (1-2 paragraphs). What questions does the story raise for you?

Friday 3.2.18: Homework

Block B:
We had an interesting discussion today, which we will resume on Monday. Keep reading and thinking about the questions we are wrestling with, and we'll  pick up where we left off on Monday.

Block C:
Review this week's new vocabulary words. Try to write sentences for each word and we will explore their meaning on Monday. We will also perform two more plays on Monday: Prometheus and Pandora!

Block E:
If you did not finish your 3 paragraph response on the film Restrepo, due so by Tuesday!

Block F:
For homework this weekend, kindly write a reflection (a page or so) on our Socratic seminar. We explored a lot of ideas together--react to what you heard, or add new ideas as you reflect on what resonated with you. Bring your reflection to class on Tuesday.

Thursday 3.1.18: Homework

Block E:
Finish the first 2 paragraphs of your 3 paragraph response on Restrepo. You should write your SUMMARY and YOUR RESPONSE. Use the handout from class to guide you.

Block F:
We had an interesting discussion today! I hope to continue it tomorrow, so please bring your materials back to class so we can pick up where we left off.

Block A:
Continue to work on your character development based on our thoughtful discussion today.

Tuesday 2.27.18: Homework

Block C:
Be sure that you've uploaded your final draft to Turnitin.com and our Google classroom!

Block E:
Thursday, we will have a discussion on Restrepo. Organize your notes so that you'll be ready.

Block F:
Thursday, we will have a Socratic seminar on Hotel Rwanda. Be sure to prepare for the discussion carefully by following the instructions on the handout.

Thursday 2.15.18: Homework

Block B:
Read your IR book! We'll finish Hotel Rwanda tomorrow.

Block C:
1. Finish reading "Recetatif" tonight. Mark up the text carefully and prepare for a thoughtful discussion by organizing your ideas and observations in a way that works best for you. Do something more than annote--a mind map, chart, free write, etc.

2. Work on your final essay draft due on Tuesday 2/27.

Block E:
Read your IR book. Have a good break!

Block F:
Read your IR book. Have a good break!

Wednesday 2.14.18: Homework

Block E:
Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

Block F:
Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

Block A:
Read your independent reading book. We'll finish Stranger than Fiction tomorrow.

Tuesday 2.13.18: Homework

Block F:
Study for Thursday's vocabulary quiz.

Block A:
Read and annotate Ch. 1 in The Art of Racing in the Rain. 

Block B:
Read and annotate the Time Magazine article I gave you today. Complete a 3-2-1 Response: 3 Observations, 2 Questions, and 1 Connection.
Also, study your new vocabulary for Thursday's quiz.

Block C:
Work on your essay revisions and study for Thursday's vocabulary quiz.

Monday 2.12.18: Homework

Block A:
Finish your "Autobiographical Creature" cover for your Encyclopedia project. Don't forget to do the writing component for the creature as well. Print  out your entries and we'll assemble the collection tomorrow.

Block B:
Read and annotate the excerpt from No Ordinary Man. We'll begin the film Hotel Rwanda tomorrow.
Study your new vocabulary words for the quiz on Thursday.

Block C:
Work on revising your essay drafts using the feedback you gained today. You will have one more writing day tomorrow.

Block E:
Study your new vocabulary words for Thursday's quiz.

Friday 2.9.18: Homework

Block C:
Essay drafts are due on Monday. Print 3 copies BEFORE you arrive to class please.

Block E:
Read your independent reading book.

Block F:
Read your independent reading book. We will begin watching Hotel Rwanda on Tuesday.

Thursday 2.8.18: Homework

Block E:
Write a 1-2 paragraph response to the story that we read in class today titled "The Man I Killed". In your response, consider:
Juxtaposition
the star-shaped hole (and what it might represent)
The butterfly (and what it might represent)

Block F:
We will finish presentations tomorrow. Make sure to have your essay response printed out and ready to turn in.

Block A:
Work on your Encyclopedia project, due on Monday. 10 entries (minimum) with at least 2 entries that are visual in nature:  graphics/illustrations/charts/etc.

Block B:
We will finish presentations on Monday Make sure to have your essay response printed out and ready to turn in.

Wednesday 2.7.18

Block A:
Work on creating entries for your Encyclopedia project.

Block B:
Finalize your presentation. Finish your individual essay. Practice. We'll begin presentations tomorrow!

Tuesday 2.6.18: Homework

Block B:
Work on your presentation. You should have located a close reading passage, and you will have one more class to make your final preparations before presentations begin on Thursday.

Block C:
Work on your essay. You have a full draft due on Friday. Read over the mentor essays I gave you today. Tomorrow is a writing day!

Block E:
Finish your response to "Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong" by tonight. Upload it to the Google classroom.

Block F:
Finalize your presentation and finish your individual writing piece. Presentations will begin on Thursday.

Friday 2.2.18: Homework

Block F:
1. Write your independent response for your group project. You will have more time to work with your group when we meet next.
2. Study your vocabulary words. The quiz is on Tuesday.

Block A:
1. Finish your "Why Write" project due on Monday to the Google classroom. Select one of your pieces to share with the group.
2. Read and mark up "The Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life" passages.

Block B:
1. Write your independent response for your group project. You will have more time to work with your group when we meet next.
2. Study your vocabulary words. The quiz is on Tuesday.

Block C:
1. Do a close reading analysis of a passage in Another Brooklyn to help you define your project. Due on Tuesday 2.6
2. Type up a 2-3 paragraph project proposal for your essay. Include the topic or idea that you hope to explore, the texts you plan to use, some of the evidence you've gathered for support, and any questions or concerns you might have getting started. Due on Tuesday 2.6
3. Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.

Wednesday 1.31.18: Homework

Block E:
Write sentences for your new vocabulary words tonight.

Block F:
Work on your final project on The Things They Carry.

Tuesday 1.30.18: Homework

Block A:
Write your first piece for your "Why Write" project. Take an idea from your "Territories of Writing" list if you'd like!

Block B:
Begin to prepare for your project. Reread your story and begin planning your response so you'll be ready for group work later in the week.
Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday 2.6.18

Block C:
For Thursday, read Chapters 13-15 in Another Brooklyn
Study for the vocabulary quiz on Tuesday 2.6.18

Homework: Friday, January 26

Block B:
We will start Restrepo on Monday. We will also begin our final project for this unit, so be ready!
Read your independent reading book this weekend.

Block C:
Read through Chapter 9 in Another Brooklyn for Monday.

Block E:
Bring your pink sheet of notes to class on Monday--we will resume our reading of "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong."

Block F:
Begin preparing to work on your group project on Monday. We'll finish Restrepo on Monday.

Homework: Thursday 1.25.18

Block E:
Bring your notes on "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra-Bong" to class tomorrow. If we have time after our guidance presentations, we'll move on to the second part of the story.

Block F:
Reread your notes and annotations on the story you selected for the project. We'll continue watching Restrepo tomorrow.

Block A:
Read and annotate "Why Write" for class on Monday. We'll emulate Auster's style by writing your own version.

Semester 2! Here we go!

Homework for 1.24.18

Block F:

Be sure to share the permission slip for Restrepo with your family tonight.
We will begin the film tomorrow.

Block A: Creative Writing Semester 2:
Write your letter of introduction and create a self-portrait. Get your syllabus contact form signed as well!

Block B:
Study for Friday's Top 50 Vocabulary Test!
Be sure to share the permission slip for Restrepo with your family tonight.
We will begin the film on Friday.

Block C:
Read and annotate through Chapter 5 in Another Brooklyn. 

Wednesday 1.10.18: Homework

Block C:
Finish polishing your poem and write your two-part reflection on your process. Print out both the poem and the reflection and come to class ready to submit.
Also, start studying for the TOP 50 Vocabulary Test next week!

Block E:
If you did not finish your story map, do so tonight. It is due at the start of class tomorrow.
Start studying for the Top 50 Vocabulary Test next week.

Block F:
Also, start studying for the TOP 50 Vocabulary Test next week!
Also, begin thinking about your midyear reflection. You'll have time to work on it on Friday.

Tuesday 1.9.18: Homework

Block E:
You will have half of the class tomorrow to finish your story map for "On the Rainy River." Work on it tonight if you do not think that you will have enough time in class tomorrow to finish it.

Block F:
Start studying for the Top 50 Vocabulary Words Test on Wednesday 1.17.18!

Block A:
Continue working on your independent project and final portfolio!

Block B:
1. Read and take notes on "Night Life" for tomorrow.
2. Start studying for the Top 50 Vocabulary Words Test on Friday 1.12.18!

Monday 1.8.18: Homework

Block E:
Prepare to make your story map for "On the Rainy River" tomorrow in class. Come prepared with your quotes selections highlighted and your ideas planned out so that you can make the most of your time in class tomorrow.

Block F:
Tonight, read "Night Life" and make a reading record to help you keep track of your observations.

Block A:
Your have an independent project to create (giving birth to a new character who will drive your project), as well as a final portfolio to assemble. Get going!

Thursday 1.3.18: Homework

HAPPY SNOW DAY!

Blocks F and B:
Finish reading "The Ghost Soldiers" for our next class meeting. Create your own reading record to take note of important language, themes, and motifs that you notice.

Block A:
Begin working on your independent project and portfolio.

Block C:
Work on drafting a few poems inspired by Clint Smith's work. Bring your work to class next time and we'll work on polishing one for submission.

Tuesday 1.2.2018: Homework

Happy New Year!

Block A:
1. Take 15 minutes tonight to write about the MOON in your journal...it's SUPER!
2. This week, we'll focus on giving birth to a magical new character, similar to the one we read about today in the novel Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance. You will focus on a starting point this week--what does it take to BEGIN a story effectively?

Block B:
Tonight, you should add on to your previous homework assignment by writing for 10-15 minutes about REVENGE!

Block C:
Choose 2-3 poems from Counting Descent to inspire your own creative writing tomorrow.

Block E:
Finish reading "On the Rainy River" and complete the reading organizer for our next class. There will be a reading quiz on the story when we meet next.