Friday, June 10, 2011

Distribute Summer Reading List

Catcher in the Rye Test

Tonight's Homework

Catcher in the Rye soundtrack project (due Mon, 6.13)

Catcher in the Rye essay (due Wed, 6.15)

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Review and submit motif handout (5 min.)

Catcher SRS discussion (35 min.)

Any questions you have (10 min.)

Tonight's Homework

Study for Catcher in the Rye Test

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Motif Lesson

• Review concept of motif
• In small groups, identify motifs
• Large group review of motifs

Homework

Complete motif handout

Write questions for tomorrow's discussion

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Honors

Word of the Day

Distribute and review curriculum questions assignment (due Wednesday, 6.22.2011)

Stream-of-consciousness journal

In small groups, work on case study handout

Honors HW:

Due tomorrow:  Read passages about Modernism and Post-Modernism.  Write one-paragraph about whether Catcher in Modernist or Post-Modernist.

Due Thurday:  Write questions for seminar discussion.

Due Friday:  Study for Catcher in the Rye Test

Standard

Word of the Day

Distribute and review curriculum questions assignment (due Wednesday, 6.22.2011)

Discussion:  chapters 21-23 (and submit question sheet)

Stream-of-consciousness journal

Read chapter 24

Standard Homework:

Finish reading book. 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Review essay assignment

Review soundtrack assignment

Honors:  Discuss ch. 21-23; Standard:  Discuss ch. 18-20

Honors:  Brainstorm ideas for essay; Standard:  Read

Homework:

Honors: Finish reading book.  Continue adding to list of motifs.

Standard:  Read up through chapter 23. 

Friday, June 3, 2011

Review Class Calendars

Review and submit grammar HW (pp. 113)

Grammar pp. 115-118 (read and complete exercises)

Outside reading

Tonight's Homework:

Honors:  Read chapters 21-23.  Begin a list of motifs in your notebook. 

Standard:  Read up through chapter 21.  Be sure chapter 18-20 discussion sheet is complete.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Wrap up yesterday's disussion - Holden from a psychological persepective (Honors - submit two one-page responses; Standard - submit extra credit)

Small groups - touch base on chapters 16 and 17 questions; complete chapters 18-20 questions

Discussion - Talking points from discussion questions (Submit 2 sets of chapter discussion questions)

Standard: Read or work on Case Study

Tonight's Homework:

Honors:  pp. 113 in grammar books, exercises A and B

Standard:  pp. 113 in grammar books, exercise A

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Catcher in the Rye Quiz 1

Psychological Analysis of Holden with Mrs. Donlon

(Honors:  submit one-page HW; all classes submit discussion sheets)

Homework:  Read chapters 18-20. 

Honors:  One-page write-up on today's dicussion

Standard:  EXTRA CREDIT:  One-page write-up on today's discussion

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Vocabulary chapters 6-15

Review and discuss chapters 13-15 (submit discussion questions)

Honors: distribute and review "Is Holden stressed or depressed handout?"

Honors:  discussion, Standard:  silent reading

Homework:  read chapters 16 and 17.  Complete discussion questions.  Also, study for quiz.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Honors

Grammar

Outside Reading

Standard

Complete reading assignmnet with substitute.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Objective:  To analyze the development of Holden's character - in particular, how the other charcters serve to further develop his character.

• Introductory PowerPoint (Honors - take notes, Standard - proivde handout)
• Chapter 10-12 discussion (use handout from last night for reference, and then submit) - circle format
• Standard - Read chapter 13 aloud; Honors - Work on case study handout

Homework DUE TUESDAY:  Read chapters 13-15.  Answer discussion question on chapter 13-15 handout.

HONORS:  In addition to the assignment above, write a one-page psychoanalysis of Holden usin gthe case study sheet (also due Tuesday).

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Objective:  To determine Holden's life orientation from a pyschological standpoint and relate it to our own life orientation.  To analyze Holden's character.

Do Now:  Complete Scheier & Carver's Life Orientation Test twice - once as yourself and once as Holden

Discuss the results of the test.  Do you have a more optimistic view on life than Holden?  What causes you to have the view of life that you do?  Does Holden have these factors, or is he lacking them?

Circle discussion (using last night's quote and question homework) - chapter 7-9

Tonight's Homework:

Read chapters 10-12.  Answer the questions on the question for discussion handout.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Objective:  To examine the impact of Allie's death on Holden.

Do Now:  Chapter 1-5 Vocabulary

Wrap up yesterday's characterization groups

Share and submit HW (the composition Holden writes for Stradlater)

Read and discuss "Experiencing Death as an Adolescent"

(Honors read silently and anotate, standard read aloud and underline)

Discuss Allie's character and how it impacted Holden

HW:  Read chapters 7-9.

Honors:  Write 3 quotes with comments and 2 questions for discussion.

Standard:  Write 2 quotes with comments and 1 question for discussion.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Chapters 3 and 4 Lesson - Catcher in the Rye

Review the difference between direct and indirect characterization

Small group character study on big paper (with textual evidence) and present.

Discuss

Homework:

Read ch. 5 and 6.

Write the composition that Holden writes for Stradlater (one page).

Friday, May 20, 2011

Honors

Do Now:  SAT?

Chapter 1 and 2 questions

Small group:  Case study

Outside Reading

Standard

Assembly

Tonight's HW:

(All classes - due Tuesday)

Reach chapters 5 and 6.  Write the composition that Holden writes about Allie's baseball glove.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Honors

Do Now:  6 Statements - Agree/Disagree

Discuss statements

Read Catcher review (annotate for main idea and supporting details)

Discuss review

Discuss chapters 1 and 2

Standard

Chapter 1 and 2 discussion questions

Case study - small groups

Begin reading chapter 3 (discuss unreliable narrator)

Tonight's HW (all classes):

Read chapters 3 and 4.  Bring in outside reading book.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Honors

Submit song analysis essay.

Read chapter 10.

Honors HW:

Bring in outside reading.

Standard

Review and submit chapter 8 questions

Read chapter 9

Work on poster/song essay.

Standard HW:

Complete song essay.

Friday, April 29, 2011

ANTHEMS AND OUTSIDE READING ALL DAY!

STD:  Wrap up yesterday's propaganda poster sheet

Do now:  "Anatomy of an Enemy" lyrics and journal

Review Anthem Song Essay Assignment

STD:  Model with Bryan's song

Listen to student anthems

Outside Reading (15 min.)

Tonight's Homework:

Work on song essay.  Be sure to have chapter 7 response completed (which you did on Thursday night for homework).

HONORS:  Also bring in an example of propaganda and write a two paragraph explanation of how it functions as propaganda.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Animal Farm Day 8

Esner's Propaganda PPT

Clippage

Small Group Propaganda Poster Analysis

Download lesson here - with handouts.

Homework:

Be sure to have your anthem and your outisde reading book tomorrow. 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Animal Farm Day 7

Do Now:  Animal Farm In-context vocabulary

Discussion:  How do the pigs use language (rhetoric) to control the other animals?  (Submit HW)

Russian Revolution Allegory PPT 2

Briefly discuss anthem essay assignment

Tonight's Homework:

Read chapter 7.

Write one paragraph about how the animals are using propaganda.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Animal Farm Day 6

Honors

In-context vocabulary:

1. ensconced
2. laborious
3. enmity

Do Now:  Write about the Battle of Cowshed from the perspective of an animal.  Discuss, and submit, along with yesterday's work.

Review chapter 4.

Chapter 5 Discussion Notes

Briefly review Russian Revolution Allegory PPT 1

Standard

In-context vocabulary:

1. ensconced
2. laborious
3. enmity

Briefly review yesterday's reading (chapter 4) and submit work from yesterday

Read chapter 5 aloud.  Complete chapter 5 discussion notes.

Distribute Russian Revolution Allegory PPT 1 notes.

Homework (all classes):

Read chapter 6.  Write one paragraph about how the pigs use rhetoric to control the animals.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Honors

In-class:  Read chapter 4.  Write a brief summary of the battle.  Homework:  Read chapter 5.

Standard

In-class and homework:  Read chapter 4.  Write a briefly summary of the battle.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Portfolio Reflections on 3 best pieces of work.

Standard:  SRS and anthems

Homework:  Read something! 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Animal Farm Day 4

Honors

5 minutes to wrap up ch. 2 mini-project; present and submit

Review ch. 3 discussion questions

Present ch. 3 mini-project speeches; submit

Listen to anthems 

Standard

Wrap up ch. 2 mini-project; present and submit

Review ch. 3 discussion questions

Listen to anthems

No homework!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Animal Farm Day 3

Review chapter 2 discussion sheet

Work on chapter 2 "mini-project"

Homework:

All classes:  Read ch. 3.  Complete ch. 3 discussion questions.

Honors:  Additionally, please complete back side of ch. 3 discussion questions (speech "mini-project"). 

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Animal Farm Day 2

Review chapter 1 discussion sheet

Close reading of Old Major's speech

Review lyrics to "The Internationale"

In small groups, identify parallels between The Internationale and Beasts of England

• consider imagery, theme, symbolism, tone, message, moral, etc.
• Report findings to large group

Begin reading chapter 2

Homework (all classes):

Read chapter 2.  Answer discussion questions.

HONORS:  Bring in lyrics to your anthem.

STANDARD:  Extra credit:  Bring in lyrics to your anthem. 

Monday, April 11, 2011

Distribute monthly calendar.

Animal Farm Day 1

PowerPoint Introduction

Journal and Discussion

Homework:

Read chapter 1.

Chapter 1 discussion questions.

Honors:  complete both sides

Standard:  complete front side

Friday, April 8, 2011

SAT on SRS

Honors:  Writing

Standard:  Vocabulary

Qwizdom PowerPoints from January 2011 SAT

Outside Reading

Homework:

Be sure to post to Good Reads! 

Wednesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 7

Honors:  LAPTOPS - Work on Honors essay topics

Review topics

Outline and work on laptop

Download topics here

Standard:  LAPTOPS - Work on comedy essays 

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Quarter 3 Exam

Long Term-Assignments:

Honors:

Comedy Essay due Wednesday

Victorian Satire Essay due Friday

Good Reads Book Review by the Weekend

Standard:

Comedy Essay due Friday

Good Reads Book Review by the Weekend

Monday, April 4, 2011

Play Quarter 3 Exam Jeopardy Review 

Fill out Quarter 3 Exam Review Sheet

Discuss comedy essay rubric

Monday's Homework:

Student for quarter 3 exam

Friday, April 1, 2011

Distribute class calendar 

Importance of Being Earnest film (day 2 of 2)

Review Earnest comedy essay assignment 

Honors:  due Wednesday

Standard:  due Friday

Download comedy essay graphic organizer

Long-Term Assignments:

Study for Quarterly Exam (4.5.2011)

Work on Earnest essay

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Discuss and submit HW (3 questions about Act 3)

Importance of Being Earnest film (day 1 of 2)

Download Guided Viewing Sheet Here

Tonight's Homework

Read some of your outside reading book and/or work on your book review for the Good Reads website.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Importance of Being Earnest Act 1 and 2 Quiz

Submit HW (Act 2 Writing Prompts) 

Finish reading Act 3

Discuss Act 3

Tonight's Homework

All classes - answer 3 questions from Act 3

Honors - In addition, write down your three favorite "maxims" from the play (short one-liners that exemplify Wilde's wit).

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Honors

Do Now:  Identify and define challening vocabulary from Act 2.

Discuss Act 2 and submit HW (Act 2 Questions).

Begin reading Act 3

Standard

Review Act 1 and Act 2.

Continue reading Act 2.

Tuesday's Homework (All Classes):

Act 2 Writing Prompts (shoot for 3 paragraphs, typed)

Monday, March 28, 2011

Refresh on Act 1 of The Importance of Being Earnest

Begin reading Act 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest

Tonight's Homework:

Honors:

Finish reading Act 2.  Answer Act 2 questions.

Standard:

Work on writing prompts (due Wednesday).

Friday, March 25, 2011

MCAS Survey

Outside Reading

No Homework! Good job on MCAS!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

MCAS ELA Reading Comprehension Day 2

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

MCAS ELA Reading Comprehension Day 1

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

MCAS Long Composition

Monday, March 21, 2011

Distribute personalized MCAS tips

Review final MCAS tips with class

Share and score long compositions, then submit

Review all previous long compositions, write thesis statements for each.

Download PowerPoint with Prompts

Download Word Document with Prompts

Homework (All Classes)

Sleep well!  It will definitely help you to get an advanced score! 

Friday, March 18, 2011

Submit MCAS long composition from last night's homework

MCAS open response and multiple choice practice ("The Potato")

Homework (All Classes)

MCAS long composition prompt (last one ever!)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Honors

Do Now:  ID difficult vocabulary in Act 1

Discuss Act 1 (review HW and submit)

In-class writing workshop with Act 1 writing prompts

Share and discuss prompts

Standard

Finish reading Act 1 (start on page 125)

As we read, complete and then submit Act 1 discussion questions.

Homework (All Classes)

MCAS long composition prompt (second-to-last one ever!)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Do Now:  Discuss and submit HW (comedy on TV) 

Distribute Importance of Being Earnest books

Assign roles and begin reading Act 1

Honors Homework:

Finish reading Act 1.  Answer Act 1 discussion questions.

Standard Homework:

Complete any overdue MCAS practice work! 

See me if you are not sure what you owe!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Honors do now:  Discuss Oscar Wilde's biography from Daniel S. Burt's The Literary 100.  Submit one-paragraph summaries.

Standard do now:  Wrap up yesrterday's notes on the Victorian era.

Download a copy of today's lesson plan here.

Journal and discussion:  What forms of comedy do you know?  What are some of examples of things you find funny?  What definition do you think best applies to the types of comedy you find most funny?

Distribute and review handout 5 (types of comedy)

Clippage:

Satirical Comedy:  Play student choice from The Onion

Sentimental Comedy:  Stifler saves the American Wedding

Comedy of Humours:  Grumpy Old Men scene

Comedy of Humours:  Grumpy Old Men scene

Fantasy Comedy:  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows trailer

Burlesque Comedy:  Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Jump on It Dance

Bonus clippage:  Napoleon Dynamite Rex Kwan Do or a skit from The Best of Chris Farley, as a model for tonight's homework

Tonight's Homework (All Classes)

Watch two comedy programs on television.  Using the graphic organizer provided in class, write briefly about the types of comedy used in these programs, based on the types of comedy learned about in today's lesson.  Use specific examples. 

Monday, March 14, 2011

Honors do now:  Share your "Modest Proposal" open response with a partner, and have your partner score it out of 4.  Submit.

Standard do now:  Write your "Modest Proposal" open response, using a thesis, 3 examples, 1 quote, and a clincher.  Submit.

Life in the Victorian Age PPT

• Honors:  Take notes
• Standard:  Use note-taking sheet

Bonus Time

• Honors: Begin reading Oscar Wilde biography
• Standard:  Touch base on satirical newspaper

Tonight's Homework

HONORS:  Read biography of Oscar Wilde from Daniel S. Burt's Literary 100.  Annotate and write a brief summary.

STANDARD:  Finish Eggplant satirical newspaper assignment

Friday, March 11, 2011

Outside reading (15 minutes)

Wrap-up yesterday's discussion and submit question sheet (10 minutes)

Modest Proposal MCAS questions

(open response and multiple choice from Princeton Review PSAT book)

HONORS HOMEWORK:  MCAS open response - "A Modest Proposal"

STANDARD HOMEWORK:  satirical newspaper project due Tuesday

Thursday, March 10, 2011

When does satire go too far? 

Download PowerPoint here.

Download guided question sheet here.

Download honors version of "do now" reading here.

Download standard version of "do now" reading here.

TONIGHT'S HOMEWORK:

HONORS:  5-paragraph essay - your own Modest Proposal

STANDARD:  work on satirical newspaper project (due TU)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

HONORS:  Work on your own Modest Proposal

TONIGHT'S HONORS HOMEWORK:  Work on your own Modest Proposal

STANDARD:  Active reading of Modest Proposal

TONIGHT'S STANDARD HOMEWORK:

Answer 4 discussion questions from Modest Proposal.

(20 point homework assignment - extra credit if typed)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Distribute Class Calendar

HONORS:

Do Now:  Modest Proposal In-context vocabulary

Circle Discussion on last night's reading (and submit questions)

Review Your Own Modest Proposal Assignment

HONORS HOMEWORK:  Work on Your Own Modest Proposal Assignment

STANDARD:

Review Eggplant assignment and sample assignments from period 1

Review "Shoot Hooligans, Not Hoops" (question 4 and submit)

Begin reading "A Modest Proposal" and answer guiding questions as we go

STANDARD HOMEWORK:  Work on satirical newspaper homework assignment

Monday, March 7, 2011

HONORS: 

Share Eggplant satirical newspapers 

A Modern Proposal:  "Shoot Hooligans, Not Hoops" 

• Read, discuss, answer questions, and submit

HONORS HOMEWORK:

Read "A Modest Proposal."  Answer discussion questions.

STANDARD:

Share Othello presentations

• Evan and Preston
• Jeff Fargo

Satire Video presentations

• Michelle
• Glenda
• Sarah
• Bryan
• Nick F.
• Conor

A Modern Proposal:  "Shoot Hooligans, Not Hoops"

• Read, discuss, answer questions
• Wrap up tomorrow

Distribute Eggplant rubric

STANDARD HOMEWORK:

Work on Eggplant satirical newspaper project

Friday, March 4, 2011

STANDARD:  submit Othello promptbook assignment

MCAS Preparation:  2008 Toy Story (Complete and review in class.  Download Mr. Ambrose's open response here.)

Outside Reading

Share Othello project 

Tonight's Homework:

Honors:  Finish satirical newspaper assignment

Standard:  Write a one-paragraph satirical article

Thursday, March 3, 2011 

Honors:  LAPTOPS IN CLASS

Work on Eggplant satirical newspaper assignment

Tonight's Homework:

Honors:  Work on Eggplant satirical newspaper assignment

Standard: 

Do Now:  Write

Tonight's Homework 

Standard: Finish Othello director's promptbook assignment

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

HONORS:  submit Othello promptbook assignment 

Work on Eggplant satirical newspaper assignment

Homework:  Work on Eggplant satirical newspaper assignment 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Elements of Parody mini-lesson

Gangster's Paradise vs. Amish Paradise

HONORS:  Get into small groups to share HW.  Examine articles from The Onion, and identify (1) elements of satire, (2) elements of parody, and (3) the commentary being offered.  Guiding question:  Why do these articles "work" for you?  Report back to large group to share findings.

STANDARD:  Get laptops.  Browse www.theonion.com.  Begin with the articles you idenfied last night.  Guiding question:  What is satire?  What makes something satirical?

Distribute and briefly review Eggplant project assignment.

Tonight's Homework:  Work on Othello director's promptbook assignment.  (Honors:  Due Wednesday 3.2; Standard:  Due Friday 3.4)

Monday, February 28, 2011

EXTRA CREDIT:  WRITE AN ARTICLE FOR MUSTANG NEWS! 

Introduction to Satire

ALL CLASSES:  Introduction to Satire Lesson

• PowerPoint
• Shrek
• The Onion

STANDARD:

• Wrap up Heart of Darkness open response and submit
• Submit O question sheets
• Does anyone want to try an extra credit monologue?

Tonight's Homework:

HON:  Go to www.theonion.com.  Find and print an article that you think is funny, interesting, and a good example of satire.  Write a two-paragraph response:  (1) what elements of satire are present in the article and (2) what is the commentary that is offered.  Staple the article and your response together and bring to class tomorrow.

STANDARD:  Go to www.theonion.com.  Find some articles and videos that you think are funny, interesting, and good examples of satire.  Be prepared to share them with the class on the computer tomorrow.  You may want to e-mail yourself some links to be ready to bring them up at the start of class.

Friday, February 18, 2011

MCAS Preparation:  2008 MCAS

Outside Reading

Homework for break:

Othello director's promptbook assignment

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Othello Test

Homework:  Othello Essay

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Honors:  Monologue Presentations

Standard:  O and extra credit presentations

All classes:  Review Othello director's promptbook assignment (and samples); Review for test (using rap and headline sheets)

Homework:  Work on Othello Essay, study for Othello test

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Honors:  Monologue Presentations (+10 for those presenting today)

Standard:  O

Homework:  Work on Othello Essay

Monday, February 14, 2011

Honors: 

• collect long comp practice (2008)
• Act 5 on video
• Othello discussion (7 statements about Othello)
• Work on memorizing monologues

Standard: 

• collect long comp practice (2008)
• Othello as a dynamic character lesson
• distribute 7 statements about Othello

Homework:   Work on Othello Essay, memorize Othello monologue (Honors)

Friday, February 11, 2011

Honors:  2008 MCAS (review HW - Don't Burn Out, complete and review Oliver Twist multiple choice)

Standard:  Finish watching Othello on video and discuss  

Homework:  2008 long composition (a character that must adjust to life in a new environment)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Honors:  Othello as a dynamic character lesson

Standard:  Othello Act 4 on film and discuss (submit guided questions and Act 5 HW for 10 points each)

Homework:  2008 MCAS (Don't Burn Out multiple choice and open response - model your open response after the sample)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Read and discuss Othello 5.1

Homework:

Honors - read Othello 5.2; answer 2 questions:  (1) How is Othello a dynamic character?  (2) Whose fault is the tragedy?

Standard - read Othello 5.2 on www.nofearshakespeare.com.  Provide a brief summary.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Honors:  View Othello Act 4 on DVD and complete guided viewing questions handout

Monday, February 7, 2011

Distribute and review class calendar for February. 

Honors:  Othello 4.3 Lesson (Download here.)

Honors homework: 

Write a wrap-up conclusion on today’s exercise.  The students should identify the changes in meter and discuss possible reasons for the deviations from iambic pentameter. They should imagine what actors could do on stage with the changes in meter: How could the shifts in meter be used to develop a character?

Standard:  Othello 4.2.  Condensed version of Othello 4.3 lesson.

Standard homework:

Othello journal entry on foreshadowing in Othello 4.3 (which we read today).

Friday, February 4, 2011

MCAS Preparation

Review "For Some Pain is Orange"

Pair-and-Share and score open responses (as Mr. Ambrose checks HW)

MCAS packet

Outside Reading

Tonight's Homework

HONORS: Finish reading 4.2 and 4.3.  Write a journal entry about the techniques Shakespeare employs to set a tone in Othello 4.3

STANDARD:  Book review.  Extra credit:  Write a poem in the style of "The Latin Deli."

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Othello 

Word of the Day

Submit Outstanding Work

Finish reading Othello 4.1

Discuss

STANDARD:  Read "For Some, Pain is Orange"

Homework:

MCAS Packet ("For Some, Pain is Orange")

Complete multiple choice 1-8 and open response 9.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Othello 3.4-4.2

Review 3.4

Begin read 4.1 and answering discussion questions

SUBMIT EXAM LONG COMP!

Homework:

Work on book review. 

Monday, January 31, 2011

Second Quarter Exam

Tonight's Homework:  Othello Exam Long Composition

Friday, January 28, 2011

Second Quarter Exam Review

• Go over review sheets
• Jeopardy review game DOWNLOAD IT HERE!

Tonight's Homework:  Study for Exam

Topics: 

• The Canterbury Tales
• Sonnets
• Ballads
• Othello (Acts 1 and 2)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

SNOW DAY!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Othello 3.4

3.4 Paraphrase

Honors:  Stand it up!  (Follow the path of the handkerchief)

Standard:  Review sheet for Act 3 

All classes:  Act 3 on video

Tonight's Homework

Create review sheet for quarterly exam.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Othello 3.3

Honors:  Present scene in relay.  Discuss directorial decisions.

Tonight's Honors Homework:

Read Act 3.4.  Write stage direction for the path of the handkerchief.

Standard:  Continue reading Act 3.3.

Tonight's Standard Homework:

Read Act 3.4 on www.nofearshakespeare.com.  In a brief paragraph, trace the path of the handkerchief.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Submit MCAS Long Composition

Word of the Day

Honors:  Assign roles for Othello 3.3.  Prepare scenes in small groups.

Standard:  Othello journal entry - How would YOU feel if you were Othello?  What would YOU do? 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Othello 3.1-3.3

Tonight's Homework: 

MCAS Long Composition (Spring 2009) 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Othello, Act 2

Word of the Day

Honors:  Review and collect homework ("Looking Back...")

Standard:  Review and check homework (Act 2 Review)

Act 2 on video

Act 1 and Act 2 Quiz

HONORS BONUS:  Daily Paraphrase 2.3

Tonight's Homework

Read Othello 3.1-3.3 on www.nofearshakespeare.com.

Write a brief journal response.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Othello 2.3

Word of the Day

Submit MCAS long composition (Honors)

Submit MCAS open response (Henry V - all classes)

20 minutes:  prep your assigned scene from 2.3

30 minutes:  stand up and present your assigned scene from 2.3

Tonight's HW:

Honors:  Complete "Looking Back" handout questions

Standard:  Complete Act 2 Review sheet

All classes:  Be prepared for a quiz tomorrow 

Monday, January 10, 2011

Othello 2.1

"The riches of the ship is come on shore" lesson 

Tonight's HW:

Pick any short scene in the play so far and imagine you are playing one of the roles.  Figure out your character's objective for that scene, and for the play as a whole.  Write a brief response (one paragraph) detailing these objectives.  Use quotes from the text to show why you think this is the character's objective.

Additional Honors HW:

Read Othello 2.2 and 2.3.

Friday, January 7, 2011 

Honors

Word of the Day

Do Now:  Read and review "anchor" essays (essays from 2010 long composition that scored a 5 and a 6)

Groups of Three

1. Look critically at anchor pages
2. What makes a 5?  What makes a 6?
3. Score Essays (from HW)
4. Praise-Suggestion-Praise
5. Submit HW

Outside Reading

Honors HW:

Revise 2010 MCAS long composition based on today's work

Standard

Word of the Day

Do Now:  Read aloud "anchor essay" (essay that scored a 6 from 2010 long composition)

Work on outline (with partners or with large group)

Work on writing essay

Outside Reading

Standard HW:

Revise 2010 MCAS long composition based on today's work

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Othello 1.3

Daily Paraphrase of Iago's First Soliloquy 

Act 1 on video

Video and Act 1 Response Handout

Tonight's Homework

MCAS Long Composition Practice

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Othello 1.2

Honors Homework:

Read 1.3.  Write a brief synopsis of Iago's first soliloquy.

Standard Homework:

Read 1.3.  Pay close attention to Iago's first soliloquy. 

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Othello 1.1

Honors Homework:

Read 1.2.  Write any questions you have.

Standard Homework:

Print a summary of 1.2.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Introduction to Othello

Othello Reputation Activity

Othello Background Information

Tonight's Homework:

HONORS:  Read Othello 1.1 on www.nofearshakespeare.com.  Write at least three questions that you have about the text.

STANDARD:  Print a summary of Othello 1.1.

Download sonnet essay rubric here. 

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Honors

Word of the Day

"Leda and the Swan"

Sonnet Test Review

Homework

Finish sonnet essay and study for sonnet test.

Standard

Word of the Day

Bryan's Sonnet Presentation (Finish; just 5 minutes)

Christina's Sonnet Presentation

Jeff's Sonnet Presentation

Share and submit sonnets

Sonnet Test Review

Homework

Finish sonnet essay and study for sonnet test.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Honors

Alex and Sean's Sonnet Presentation

Gabby's group's Sonnet Presentation

Standard

Glenda's group's presentation

Bryan's group's presentation

Homework (both classes)

Work on sonnet essay

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Honors

Sonnet 18, Shakespeare

• presented by AJ, Jesus, and Nick

Sonnet 29, Shakespeare

• presented by Tommy, Jake, and Kailee

Honors Homework

Write your own sonnet assignment (due tomorrow)

Bring in PSAT scores and packet.

Bring in outside reading book.

Standard

Sonnet 18, Shakespeare

• presented by Asia, Andrea, Michelle, and AJ

Sonnet 116, Shakespeare

• presented by Nick, Nick, and Jimmy

Sonnet 67, Spenser

• presented by Evan, Preston, and Jacqueline 

Standard Homework

Work on your own sonnet assignment (due Monday)

Bring in PSAT scores and packet.

Bring in ouside reading book.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Honors

Sonnet 116, Shakespeare

• presented by Ali and Cassidy

Sonnet 67, Spenser

• presented by Steve, Cory, and Carlos

Honors Homework

Write your own sonnet assignment (due Friday). 

Standard

Collect images for future lyricist cypher

Work on preparation for sonnet project

Standard Homework

Finish preparation for your sonnet presentation. 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Honors

Laptop Day

Work on sonnet lessons

Honors Homework

Finalize your sonnet presentation 

Standard

Share and submit lyricist cypher assignment

Review sonnet presentation assignment rubric

Assign sonnets 

Split into groups to begin sonnet project preparation

1. Read sonnet
2. "Unlock sonnet" with poem exploration sheet
3. Brainstorm ideas for presentation

Standard Homework

Photo for lyricist cypher.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Honors

Review sonnet presentation assignment rubric

Assign sonnets

Split into groups to begin sonnet project preparation

1. Read sonnet
2. "Unlock sonnet" with poem exploration sheet
3. Brainstorm ideas for presentation

Honors Homework:

Work on sonnet presentation

Standard

Reread sonnet 130

Discuss meaning and literary elements

Lyricist Cypher image PowerPoint

Lyricist Cypher free write and share

• Be sure to include the literary devices we have been reviewing.

Standard Homework

Formalize and type lyricist cypher.  Include the image that inspired you.  (They will be available on my website tomorrow.)

Friday, December 10, 2010

Honors

Do Now:  Reread PSAT section 1 

Review PSAT scores

Review PSAT section 1 

Outside Reading

Standard

Outside Reading

Lyricist Cypher Video

Honors and Standard Homework:

Read at least a chapter in your outside reading book.  Honors - one page response.  Standard - one to two paragraph response.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sonnet 130 by William Shakespeare

Submit HW (poem analysis sheet for sonnet 18) 

Do Now:  Read and journal - "This is the End"

Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty Videos

• Onslaught
• Billboard
• Self-Esteem
• True Colors 

Discussion

Changing Ideals of Beauty

Read and discuss Sonnet 130

Tonight's Homework

Poem Analysis Sheet for Sonnet 130

Also, bring in your outside reading book and your PSAT scores!!!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Share and submit ballads

Background Notes on Shakespeare's Sonnet Series (HON)

Sonnet Scramble!  (Sonnet 18)

Tonight's Homework

Honors:  Complete both sides of poem analysis sheet

Standard:   Complete front side of poem analysis sheet

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Review ballad assignment

Sonnet Form notes

Romeo and Juliet sonnet

Homework:

Complete your original ballad.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Ballad Test

Homework: Write-your-own ballad assignment 

Honors:  Wednesday Night Homework

Click on this link.

Print and complete pages 208-210.  

http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2008/release/g10ela.pdf

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Finish Portfolio Reflection and Hand Back Papers

Ballads 

• Honors - review Amazing Grace and submit HW  
• Piano Man
• Long Black Veil
• Stan

Tonight's Homework

Honors:

Write one to two paragraphs about one of today's ballads:  How does the work satisfy the criteria for the ballad form, and how does the ballad form help to convey the theme of the work? 

Standard:

Work on story-telling contest assigment.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Word of the Day:  idiosynchratic 

Finish Portfolio Reflection

Review Story-Telling Contest Assignment

Ballads:  Introductory Lesson 

• Ballad Basics PowerPoint Presentation
• The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle

Honors: 

Listen to Amazing Grace.  Use scansion marks to identify stressed and unstressed syllables.  Write one to two paragraphs about how this song follows the ballad form.  (Use today's notes for examples and ideas.)

Standard:

Work on story-telling contest project.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Honors

Ali D's mini lesson the allusion to the Pardoner's Tale in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

Portfolio Reflection

• Select your three top pieces of work from the quarter.
• Write a brief reflection on each piece that includes the following:
  • Identification of what curriculum standards are addressed by the assignment
  • What did you learn from the assignment?
  • How did you work on your writing in the assignment?
  • Why does the assignment represent your best work?
• Submit work and reflection to me to be included in your portfolio.

Standard

Pep Rally!

No Homework!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Canterbury Tales Test 

Friday, November 12, 2010

Honors:

Hand back papers (revisions due Monday) 

Finish General Prologue

Ali's group's MCAS prep lesson (song lyrics)

Books to share on Good Reads?

Honors Homework:

Complete second half of Canterbury Tales MCAS packet

Books to share on Good Reads?

Standard:

Hand back papers (revisions due Monday)

Finish General Prologue

Complete second half of Canterbury Tales MCAS prep packet - review and submit 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

No School - Veterans' Day 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

First Quarter Exam

Wednesday's Homework

Post your outside reading book to www.goodreads.com. 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Quarterly Exam Review

Distribute Exam Review Sheet

Tuesday's Homework

Study for Quarterly Exam 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Word of the Day:  dilettante 

Did everyone submit MCAS packet and bonus sheet?

Hand back monomyth essay drafts

• Final draft revisions due Friday

HONORS:  Review translation essay assignment. (due Mon)

STANDARD:  Review Beowulf project assignment. (due Mon)

Characteristics of Medieval Romance

Gawain Introduction - read and discuss (p. 89)

Wednesday's Homework

Design your own coat of arms.

Write a one-page explanation of its symbolism.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Word of the Day:  bellicose - war-like

Honors

Review Defining Elements of the Epic Poem

Share and submit "Unferth's Taunt"

Read and discuss "The Battle with Grendel's Mother"

Honors Homework

Write one-page about a movie, television series, or book that employs some of Jung's archetypes.

Standard

Share and submit HW (TV show and movies that employ archetypes)

Review Defining Elements of the Epic Poem

Create a modernized "Unferth's Taunt" (small groups)

Standard Homework

Finish your modernized taunt. 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Word of the Day:  antebellum - before the Civil War

• ante=before
• bellum=war

Honors

Read and discuss "Unferth's Taunt"

Read and discuss "Beowulf's Battle with Grendel"

Introduce Modernized Taunt Assignment

Honors Homework

Finish modernized taunt.

Work on PSAT assignment (due Friday)

Standard

Heroic Archetypes PowerPoint Presentation

Read and discuss "Unferth's Taunt"

Standard Homework

Write about a TV show or movie that employs archetypes.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Word of the Day

College Presentation

College Q & A

Read and discuss "Unferth's Taunt"

Taunt battle with Esner (as a model for homework)

Standard:  Comitatus and Archetype Notes (provide printouts)

Thursday's Homework:Due Friday:

• 7 Habits essay final draft
• Additionally, HONORS students should complete PSAT packet.

Due Tuesday:

• 30 line taunt (should be typed - make it fun, make it funny, use literary devices, and follow the form of "Unferth's Taunt"

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Word of the Day:  Cacophony

Honors:

Share and submit homework.

Heroic Archetypes Presentation

Review "The Coming of Grendel" and "The Coming of Beowulf" 

Standard:

Share and submit homework

Read "The Coming of Grendel" and "The Coming of Beowulf"

Wednesday's Homework

Due Thursday:

• Write any and all questions you have about college or the college application process

Due Friday:

• 7 Habits essay final draft
• Additionally, HONORS students should complete PSAT packet.

Due Tuesday:

• 30 line taunt (should be typed - make it fun, make it funny, use literary devices, and follow the form of "Unferth's Taunt"

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Read "The Coming of Grendel" and "The Coming of Beowulf"

Answer analysis questions #1-3 

Tuesday's Homework:

Write a one-page description of your personal hero. 

Be sure to include stories that demonstrate why this person is heroic.  (Remember, not all heroes need to be big and strong like Beowulf.)

Please include a photograph of your hero with your essay.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Word of the Day:  brusque 

Beowulf

Question of the Day:  What is a hero?

Read and discuss "Four of a Kind," by Rick Reilly

• Sports Illustrated, September 2001
• "The huge rugby player, the former high school football star and the onetime college baseball player were in first class, the former national judo champ was in coach.  On the morning of September 11, at 32,000 feet, those four men teamed up to sacrifice their lives for thos of perhaps thousands of others..."

Read and discuss an excerpt from Why Courage Matters, by Senator John McCain, with Mark Salter

• "Special Forces master sergeant Roy Benavidez was the son of a Texas sharecropper.  Orphaned at a young age, quiet and mistaken as slow, derided as a 'dumb Mexican' by hsi classmates, he left school in the eighth grade to work in the cotton fields..."

J.R.R Tolkien's Definition of a Hero

• The Heroic Ideal
• The Lord of the Rings:  The Fellowship of the Ring
  • View scene from film (disc 2, chapter 17)

How is your personal definition of a hero similar to that of Reilly, McCain, and Tolkien?  How is it different?  Is the definition of a hero timeless and universal?

Monday's Homework

(Due Wednesday):

Write a one-page description of your personal hero. 

Be sure to include stories that demonstrate why this person is heroic.  (Remember, not all heroes need to be big and strong like Beowulf.)

Please include a photograph of your hero with your essay.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Word of the Day:

• brusque:  abrupt and curt in manner or speech; discourteously blunt

PSAT Session 3

• Download PowerPoint in Lesson Plan Library

Submit Rough Drafts

Reading Workshop 

Friday's Homework

Read your outside reading book.

Thursday, September 30, 2010 

Word of the Day:

• brogue:  a strong dialectal accent, especially a strong Irish or Scottish accent in English
• radical roots:  "brogue" - a heavy shoe of untanned leather worn by the Irish and Scottish peasantry (from a notion likening speech with a heavy Irish or Scottish accent to the wearing of brogues)
• "I just can't do it captain!" Scotty hollered, in his thick Scottish brogue. 

Test:  Parts of Speech, Seven Habits, Vocabulary, etc.

When you are done with your test, you may work on your graphic organizer for your 5-paragraph essay or your rough draft for your 5-paragraph essay, or you may read your outside reading book.

Tonight's Homework

Complete a typed rough draft of your Seven Habits 5-paragraph essay.

Additionally, honors students should complete PSAT reading comprehension exercises (from 2008 practice test).

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Word of the Day:

• bravado: a show of bravery or defiance, often intended to make an impression or mislead someone
• roots radical:  Old Spanish - bravada - "swagger"
• Bravado is the name of a clothing company that makes Drake t-shirts and posters.  This name is apropos, because Drake has swagger like whoa.

Do Now: PSAT Reading Comprehension Questions

Standard:  Submit Habit 6 HW

Honors:  Submit Lesson Plan HW 

Test Review

Small Groups:  Complete grammar exercises on pp. 97 and 99, then review answers with large group

• (Standard:  Watch School House Rock!)

Discuss Habit 7, and what you learned from the book

Distribute 5-paragraph essay graphic organizer

• Use last night's HW to begin planning essay

Wednesday's Homework

Study for test.

Work on 5-paragraph essay (typed rough draft due Friday).

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Word of the Day:  bourgeois - relating to the middle class

Do Now:  2 PSAT Reading Comprehension Questions

Honors:

In small groups (according to learning style), design a formal lesson plan that will address your particular needs as a student (depending on your learning style).

Your lesson plan should be objective-based and should involve a concrete task.

Your lesson plan should address some form of skill that you will use on the MCAS.

Standard:

Compete the "What fruit are you?" activity.

Discuss learning styles.

Get into groups according to learning styles.

Brainstorm different activities that will work for your learning style.

Begin reading habit number 7.

Tonight's Homework:

Read Habit 7.  List at least three strategies from The Seven Habits book that you can employ in your daily life.

Additionally, honors students should type up lesson plan in a formal format. 

Monday, September 27, 2010

Word of the Day:  boondoggle

• something that is unnecessary and/or serves no purpose
• This word actually has no Latin or Greek root.  It was actually created by a Boy Scout leader.  It was originally a term given to a leather cord that the Boy Scouts wore on their uniforms.  It served no purpose other than decoration.

Do Now:  PSAT reading comprehension questions

• Practice Test 2, section 3, #30-31

Role Play:  Divide into five groups, representing the five poor listening styles:

• Spacing out
• Pretend listening
• Selective listening
• Word listening
• Self-centered listening

In your group, create a brief skit to illustrate what is wrong with your assigned listening style, and how you can change your behavior.

Present skits and morals.

Discuss Habit 5 and submit homework.

Monday's Homework:

All classes:  Read Habit 6.

Standard:  Try a baby step at the end of the chapter, and write a one-paragraph reflection on the baby step.

Honors:  Complete the "What fruit are you?" activity.  Determine your "fruit" (learning style).  Brainstorm activities for class that would address your needs as a student according to your learning style.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Word of the Day:  bona fide

• authentic, genuine
• Use instead of using "legit"!
• roots:  bona (good), fidelis (faith)
• Snooki has become a bona fide celebrity, despite the fact that she lacks any discernable talent (besides spray tanning, of course).

Do Now:  2 PSAT vocabulary questions

Reading Comprehension Strategies and Guided Practice

• Download PowerPoint in the Lesson Plan Library.

Drop Everything and Read!

Friday's Homework

Read Habit 5.  Write a one-paragraph response.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Complete and submit grammar exercises (conjunctions and interjections).

Begin reading habit 5 in The Seven Habits of Highly Effetive Teens. 

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Word of the Day:

Do Now:  2 PSAT Practice Questions

Grammar

• School House Rock!  Prepositions
• Review Preposition Rules from the Text
• Standard:  Complete Grammar Exercises

7 Habits

Journal and Discussion:  Which of the four quadrants do you spend most of your time in?  Provide some examples of living in this quadrant.  Why do you think you spend so much time there?  How can you change your life so that you spend more time in quadrant two?

1. The Procrastinator
2. The Prioritizer
3. The Yes-Man
4. The Slacker 

Big Rocks Activity

 The Value of a Year Poem (read and discuss)

Begin reading Habit 4

Wednesday's Homework

Read Habit 4.  Try one of the baby steps and write a one-paragraph response.  (Remember, one paragraph = topic sentence + examples + elaboration + clincher sentence.)

Additionally, honors students should complete grammar assignment. 

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Word of the Day: 

• avant-garde:  a group that creates or promotes innovative or unconventional ideas in a given field, especially the arts; relating to such a group.
• Lady Gaga's attire for the VMAs could certainly be considered avant-garde:  wearing clothes made of meat is certainly unconventional. 
• roots:  "avant" - before (from "ante"), "garde" - guard (Germanic origin)

Do Now:  2 PSAT sentence completions

• (Practice Test 1, section 1, #1-2) 

Grammar

• "Lolly Lolly Lolly Get Your Adverbs Here"
• Review Adverbs notes from text
• Standard:  Complete Grammar Exercise
• Review differences between adjectives and adverbs
• Review RULES FOR INTENSIFIERS
  • less vs. fewer
  • most vs. more

7 Habits

• Pair and share and submit mission statements
• Discuss Habit 2
• Begin reading Habit 3

Tuesday's Homework

Read Habit 3.  Write a one-paragraph response.  (Remember, one paragraph = topic sentence + examples + elaborations + clincher sentence.)

Additionally, honors students should complete assigned grammar exercises.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Word of the Day:

• antidote:  an agent that counteracts something that is poisonous or otherwise harmful
• Get the antidote!  I drank the poison!
• Roots:  anti => against; didonai => to give

Do Now:  2 PSAT sentence completions

• (Practice Test 1, section 1, #1-2)  

Grammar

• With partners, complete mid-chapter review (Exercises A and B) for a 10 point classwork grade.
• Review mid-chapter review and submit.
• Watch to "Unpack Your Adjectives"
• Define what an adjective is

7 Habits

• Discuss Habit 1:  What does it mean to be proactive?
• Discuss and submit HW (Habit 1 Baby Steps response paragraph)
• Independently or with a partner, complete "The Great Discovery" (pages 86-89)

Monday's Homework

Read Habit 2.  Write your own personal mission statement, based on the examples in the chapter and based on your completion of "The Great Discovery" handout. 

Friday, September 17, 2010

Word of the Day (5 min.)

• anomaly:  someone or something that deviates fomr the normal or common form, order, or rule
• Incubus has a song called "Anna Molly" - pronounced "anomaly" - which is kind of an ironic title, because this song sounds like all of their other songs.
• Latin and Greek roots:  anomalia => unevenness, irregularity (probably from "an" => not + "homos" => same)

Do Now:  3 PSAT practice questions (5 min.)

• (Practice Test 1, section 5, #32-34)

Check off students' PSAT practice homework and then reveal answers to PSAT practice homework (5 min.)

PSAT Practice Session 1:  Sentence Completion (30 min.)

• Instructional PowerPoint
• Guided Practice
• Review

Outside Reading (10 minutes)

Friday's Homework:

Read Habit 1.  Try a Baby Step from the end of the chapter.  Write a paragraph response about this experience.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Yearbook/ID photo day today 

Word of the Day

• angst:  a feeling of anxiety or apprehension
• Germanic root:  ANGUST (That word just sounds angst-ridden.)
• "Teenage angst has paid off well / Now I'm bored and old." - Kurt Cobain

Do Now:  4 PSAT practice questions

Review verbs (notes, book exercises, School House Rock) 

Share, discuss, and submit HW

• What is the center of your life?  How could your life improve if you made your life principle-centered?

Discuss yesterday's handout

Introduce Habit 1

• Download handout here.

Begin reading habit 1

Thursday's Homework

Complete PSAT vocabulary practice exercises.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Word of the Day:

• acrimony:  bitter, sharp hostility, especially in speech
• The gubernatorial candidate's negative campaign ads were defined by their acrimony.
• Latin roots:  acrimonia => sharpness, acer =>sharp
• Can you think of other words with these roots?

Do Now:  3 PSAT practice questions

• (Practice Test 1, section 5, #25-27)

Share and submit "Theme from English B" homework

• Honors:  Also submit grammar homework 

Grammar

1. Read about pronouns
2. School House Rock pronoun video
3. Pronoun exercise in grammar text

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

1. Introduce unit and distribute books
2. Read pp. 3-9
3. Complete 7 Habits for DEFECTIVE Teens handout
4. Turn and talk to share responses, and then share with class

Wednesday's Homework

Read pp. 11-28 in 7 Habits.  Ask yourself, "What paradigm is your 'life center' - Friends, Stuff, Boyfriend/Girlfriend, School, Parents, Sports/Hobbies, Heroes, Enemies, Self, Work, or something else?"  Then write a brief reponse paper about why you think your life centers around this paradigm, and if you are happy about this or not.  How would your life change/improve if you shifted to a principle-centered life?

Monday, September 13, 2010

Word of the Day:  accolade - a special recognition or award

• Lady Gaga received many accolades at the MTV VMAs last night.

Do Now:  4 PSAT practice questions

• (Practice Test 1, section 5, #21-24)

Grammar

1. Distribute books
2. Read and discuss "nouns"
3. "Noun" practice exercises
4. "Nouns" on School House Rock video

"Theme from English B"

1. Prior knowledge on the Harlem Renaissance 
2. Read "Theme from English B"
3. Discuss poem
4. Mr. Ambrose's version
5. Begin writing your own version
6. While students are working, listen to "Freddie Freeloader" by Miles Davis.

Monday's Homework:

Finish your own version of "Theme for English B."  

Download Mr. Ambrose's version here.

HONORS:  In addition, complete excercise 2 for nouns in the grammar book.

Friday, September 10, 2010

1. Summer Reading In-Class Essay
2. Read your outside reading book

No homework!  Enjoy the weekend! 

Thursday, September 9, 2010

1. Submit any outstanding surveys
2. Share name histories
3. Ice-breaker questions
4. Distribute and review English 10 September calendar

Thursday Night's Homework:

1. Bring in an outside reading book.
2. Prepare for summer reading in-class essay.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 - Welcome back!

1. Review English 10 course syllabus
2. Complete student survey
3. Shane Battier goals activity
4. Explore course website

Wednesday Night's Homework:

1. Read "My Name," a vignette from The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros.  Write your own personal name history, using this vignette as a model.  What does your name mean?  Why were you named what you were named?  Be prepared to share your story tomorrow in class.
2. Have your parent/guardian read my letter home and write their e-mail on the bottom of the letter.