Happy Holidays!

I wish you all a happy, relaxing break with your friends and family. Thank you for all the holiday cards and goodies!

As promised, your only homework over Winter Break is to read your final independent book of the semester! Remember, it's free choice. Make sure you have completed it by the day we return, January 5. We'll be picking up our final core text(s) of the semester that day, and I'll be explaining your independent reading assignment. Until then...

The Week of 12/15-12/19

9HP'ers: You are finishing up your 1984 essays. You will spend Tuesday conferring with your peers and submit your revised, final, polished essays Wednesday or Thursday --- your choice. Regardless, be certain to upload your essay to www.turnitin.com prior to submitting your hard copy to me.

10HP'ers: You are presenting Tuesday through Thursday of this week.

12/12 English 9HP

Groups presented!

Homework:
Draft your 1984 essay. A complete draft of your essay is due Tuesday! You may submit the final, polished essay either Wednesday or Thursday. Remember, you must submit a hard copy (a print out) AND upload your essay to turnitin.com by Thursday.

12/12 English 10HP

You submitted your Things Fall Apart essays. Afterward, I explained your independent reading presentation, and we drew names to determine your presentation dates (presentations begin Tuesday and conclude Thursday). The assignment is below:

Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 describes a world where people are not allowed to read books. A small group of people who want to save books memorize them so that the books won’t be forgotten. For example, an old man who has memorized the novel The Call of the Wild helps a young boy memorize it by reciting the story to him. In this way, the book is saved for the future.

Prepare an engaging, audible, and coherent presentation in which you discuss why your independent reading book should be saved for future generations and what it is about the book that makes it important to save. Decide which three passages you marked should be memorized first. Include these passages in your presentation along with your reasons for choosing them. Be sure to discuss in detail why the book is important to you and why it would be important to future generations. I recommend creating a thesis to help you focus your presentation.

Sample Thesis: To avoid creating a Brave New World, young people must understand Huxley’s commentary on human relationships, taking his warnings about truth and societal control to heart.

An exemplary presentation will have the following qualities:
*Your presentation is engaging, audible, and coherent (10 points).
*Your ideas about why your book should be saved are insightful, detailed, and well developed (20 points).
*Your passages are excellent selections (they support your thesis) and your reasons for selecting them are thoughtful (20 points).

Homework:
Your independent book must be completed by Monday! Work on your presentation!

12/11 English 9HP

Today was your final day to plan and practice your book club presentations. You present tomorrow!

Homework:
Draft your 1984 essay! Remember, a complete draft of your essay is due on Tuesday, Dec. 16. (You will still have a choice to submit your final polished essay on either Wednesday or Thursday.)

12/11 English 10HP

Today your peers edited your essays.

Homework:
*Your final polished Things Fall Apart essay is due tomorrow. Bring a hard copy to class, and before class, upload your essay to www.turnitin.com.
*Bring your independent book with you to class tomorrow.

12/10 Turnitin.com

Using the ELMO and Ms. Pust's laptop computer, I demonstrated how to use turnitin.com. In addition to submitting hard copies (print outs) of your essays, I am now requiring you to upload them to the site. 10HP'ers spent the remainder of the period revising their essays. 9HP'ers spent it working on their book club presentations.

10HP Homework:
Revise your essay and bring a new draft to class tomorrow (Thursday).
Finish your independent book (due 12/15).

9HP Homework:
Draft your essay (due 12/15)

12/9 English 9HP

You worked in your book club groups, nailing down the details of your presentation.

Homework:
Draft your 1984 essay (due 12/15).

12/9 English 10HP

Today you conferred with two peers about your essay.

Homework:
Revise your essay, and bring a new draft to class with you this Thursday.
Read your independent book (due 12/15).

12/8 English 9HP

In addition to discussing the second half of your novel in your book club, you began planning your group presentation (for Friday).

Here are the Independent Reading Presentation guidelines:

Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 describes a world where people are not allowed to read books. A small group of people who want to save books memorize them so that the books won’t be forgotten. For example, an old man who has memorized the novel The Call of the Wild helps a young boy memorize it by reciting the story to him. In this way, the book is saved for the future.

Prepare an engaging, audible, and coherent presentation in which you discuss why your independent reading book should be saved for future generations and what it is about the book that makes it important to save. Decide which three passages you marked should be memorized first. Include these passages in your presentation along with your reasons for choosing them. Be sure to discuss in detail why the book is important to you and why it would be important to future generations. I recommend creating a thesis to help you focus your presentation.

Sample Thesis: To avoid creating a Brave New World, young people must understand Huxley’s commentary on human relationships, taking his warnings about truth and societal control to heart.

An exemplary presentation will have the following qualities:
*Your presentation is engaging, audible, and coherent (10 points).
*Your ideas about why your book should be saved are insightful, detailed, and well developed (20 points).
*Your passages are excellent selections (they support your thesis) and your reasons for selecting them are thoughtful (20 points).

Homework:
A complete draft your 1984 essay is due Monday, December 15. Note the new deadline.

12/8 English 10HP

Today was another day of drafting.

Homework:
A complete draft of your essay is due tomorrow!
Finish your independent book by Monday, December 15.

12/5 English 9HP

Using the ELMO, I evaluated a few of your thesis statements and showed you a sample essay before I set you free to read my comments and revise your thesis. Many of you began pre-writing.

Homework:
Finish your independent book by Monday!
Begin the rough draft of your 1984 essay (due Friday, Dec. 12).

12/5 English 10HP

We discussed another sample essay. After, you began pre-writing and drafting.

Homework:
The rough draft of your Things Fall Apart Essay is due on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Read your independent book (due Monday, Dec. 15).

12/4 English 9HP

Using the ELMO, we evaluated a few thesis statements. Afterward, you met in peer groups to evaluate and revise your thesis statements. Each of you submitted one revised thesis to me at the end of the period.

Homework:
Read your independent book.

12/4 English 10HP

Using the ELMO, I evaluated a few of your thesis statements and showed you a sample essay before I set you free to read my comments and revise your thesis. Many of you began pre-writing.

Homework:
The rough draft of your Things Fall Apart Essay is due on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Read your independent book.

12/3 English 9HP

You met in topic-alike groups. I explained your homework: to create three potential "high interest" thesis statements on your topic. Tomorrow, you'll be evaluating these statements and submitting one revised thesis to me at the end of the period.

Homework:
Create your three thesis statements (due tomorrow!).
Finish your independent reading book for Monday.

12/3 English 10HP

You met in peer groups to evaluate and revise your thesis statements. You submitted one thesis statement for me to approve.

Homework: Read your independent book (due 12/15).

12/2 English 9HP

We had our first Socratic Seminar --- on 1984. I introduced your essay topics.

(Due 12/2)
Homework: Brainstorm or free write on one of the essay topics, and tomorrow, come prepared to share your ideas with your peers.

12/2 English 10HP

We completed The Three Simple Steps of Literary Analysis for Things Fall Apart. I introduced the essay topics and you met in topic-alike groups to discuss ideas.

(Due 12/3)
Homework: Write three potential "high interest" thesis statements on your topic.

12/1 English 9HP

After a brief overview of the remainder of the semester, we discussed several questions about Winston's successful "re-education." Yes, Winston conforms. Orwell says, "He had won victory over himself. He loved Big Brother." Finally, we debated one statement related to conformity in agree/disagree format: "I have conformed to the general ideas, styles, and tastes of my peer group to be accepted."


Homework:
(Due 12/2)
Prepare for tomorrow's Socratic Seminar on the following question:

How might issues raised in Orwell's 1984 be considered prophetic warnings to our society today?
Issues (including pages numbers) Warning/Application to Today's Society
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

(Due 12/8)
Finish the second half of your independent book.

12/1 English 10HP

I gave you an overview of the remainder of the semester, including your upcoming essay, your upcoming presentations, your final independent book, and our final class book. To prepare for the essay, we spent the majority of the period debating several statements in agree/disagree format.


Homework:
(Due 12/2)
Take Things Fall Apart through The Three Simple Steps of Literary Analysis. Provide one quote to support Okonkwo's mental change and one quote to support the theme(s).
(Due 12/15)
Finish your independent book.

11/26 English 9HP

We debriefed the questions you answered on Goldstein's book and discussed the ending of part two, Winston's capture and the symbolic shattering of the glass paperweight.

Homework:
Read the second half of your independent book (due Dec. 8).

11/26 English 10HP

We applied the characteristics of a tragic hero to Okonkwo, including his tragic flaw ("Roaring Flame"), his error in judgment (killing Ikemefuna and Ezeudu's son), his fall (his exile and suicide), and his epiphany ("Living fire begets cold, impotent ash"). We discussed how Okonkwo's tragedy mirrors the tragedy of imperialism. Finally, we discussed how Achebe speaks through Nwoye, Okonkwo's son, and Obierika, whom foils Okonkwo with his rationality and adaptability.

Homework:
Read your independent book (due Dec. 15).

11/25 English 9HP

We discussed the social structure of the society portrayed in 1984. Then we created a social pyramid for Samohi. We noted a possible inverse relationship between power and freedom.

You answered seven questions on Goldstein's book and made connections to our society. We'll discuss them in class tomorrow. Here they are again:

1.) What are the two central goals of the Inner Party?
2.) How is perpetual war no different than perpetual peace?
3.) Why does the Inner Party alter the past? Is it important that our present society remember the past?
4.) What purposes do advanced science and technology serve in Oceania? Would two-way or interactive televisions be seen as progress today? What advanced technology today has limited your privacy or freedom?
5.) What is the greatest threat to the Inner Party losing its power?
6.) Would the Inner Party authorize the military to bomb its own people? Would our government ever do such an act?
7.) Who determines what is true, moral, and sane in our society today? Can what is true, moral, or sane today change in the future?

Homework:
Read the second half of your independent book.

11/25 English 10HP

Okonkwo breaks Ibo taboos three times in part one. We discussed Okonkwo's motivations, including his fear of failure and his "passionate intensity." I noted that Achebe uses masculine and feminine as a metaphor in the book. We analyzed Uchendu's wise words: "Mother is Supreme." Indeed, Uchendu notes Okonkwo's failure to accept comfort from his motherland, his rejection of all things feminine. Could this be his tragic flaw?

We reviewed the characteristics of a tragic hero, and you applied these characteristics to Okonkwo, finding at least one quote to support your conclusions.

Homework:
Finish Things Fall Apart, and if you didn't finish it already, complete your class work.
Read your independent book (due 12/15).

11/24 English 9HP

After taking a few minutes to prepare individually, you met with your book club to discuss how your independent novel is a dystopia. After your group's discussion, you reflected on one of the following:
- Something I hadn't realized is...
- Someone in my group said something interesting about...
- Something I disagreed with in my group discussion is...

Homework:
Finish your independent book by December 8! You'll have another book club discussion on that day!

11/24 English 10HP

We finished the "Characteristics of West African Life" group presentations. Then you took a quiz on part two of Things Fall Apart.

Homework:
Read part three of Things Fall Apart (due Wednesday).
Read your independent book (due Dec. 15).

11/21 English 9HP

As promised, we analyzed Winston's dreams (his dream of O'Brien, his dreams of his mother and sister, his recurring rat nightmare, and his dream of the Golden Country). Specifically, we discussed whether the dreams gave us information about the past or foreshadowed certain events in the plot and how the dreams revealed Winston's character.

Homework:
On Monday, be prepared for a book club discussion on the first half of your independent book!

11/21 English 10HP

You met in your peer groups for the first 25 minutes of class. Then groups began presenting. The remaining groups will present on Monday!

Homework: Read Part Two of Things Fall Apart (due Monday).

11/20 English 9HP

We discussed your Venn diagrams on Julia and Winston. Afterward, we analyzed the symbolism of the glass paperweight.

Homework:
Read the first half of your independent book (due Monday!).

11/20 English 10HP

I presented a little background information to enhance your understanding of Things Fall Apart. You began planning your group presentations on characteristics of West African life and whether Achebe's depiction of your group's designated ceremony/incident/belief "corrects" stereotypes about Africans and/or whether he is criticizing or questioning an aspect of pre-colonial Ibo culture. Your group will present during the second half of the period tomorrow or during class on Monday.

Homework:
Read Part Two of Things Fall Apart for Monday! Be prepared for a quiz on Part Two and/or Part Three next week.
Acquire and read your independent book (due Dec. 15).

11/19 English 9HP

We had a somewhat heated agree/disagree-style discussion on the following statement: "Opposites attract." Afterward, you created a Venn diagram on Winston and Julia. In many ways, they are opposites, but they do have some common ground. Your Venn diagram should include:
1.) age/physical condition
2.) job responsibilities
3.) community groups
4.) memories of the past
5.) experience in deception
6.) reasons for rebelling against the Party
7.) attitude toward Big Brother
8.) intellectual understanding of Party
9.) attitudes toward physical relationships
10.) hopes about the future
11.) personal fears

Homework:
Finish your Venn diagram (due tomorrow).
Read the first half of your independent book (due 11/24).

11/19 English 10HP

We debriefed your homework, gender roles and expectations in Ibo society.

Homework:
Read Ch. 8-13 of Things Fall Apart (part one) for tomorrow's class! Make certain you read and bring your books!
Read your independent book (due 12/15).

11/18 English 9HP

We discussed how doublespeak intentionally "misleads, distorts reality, and corrupts the mind" (Lutz). We looked at specific examples of doublespeak from our current society.

Homework:
If you haven't already, finish 1984.
Read the first half of your independent book (due 11/24).

11/18 English 10HP

Yesterday, you selected (modern African) independent reading books. Today we discussed what it means to "act like a man" and "act like a lady" and how these gender roles are enforced. Afterward, we discussed how Okonkwo epitomizes the "act like a man" role in Things Fall Apart.

(Due 11/19)
Homework:
Complete the chart on gender roles and expectations for men and women in Things Fall Apart.
Read Ch. 8-13 (part one) of Things Fall Apart (due 11/20)
Acquire your independent book and begin reading (due 12/15).

11/14 English 9HP

We discussed the language of 1984. Specifically, we discussed the irony in the names of four ministries and the paradoxes of the party slogans. Afterward you completed an activity on doublespeak while I continued individual writing conferences.

Homework:
Read 1984 and your independent book.

11/14 English 10HP

The title Things Fall Apart and the epigraph at the beginning of the novel reference "The Second Coming" by William Butler Yeats. We had a thoughtful discussion on both the mood of the poem and how the epigraph provides insight into the novel's theme.

Homework: Read Things Fall Apart.

11/13 English 9HP

We briefly discussed how Orwell satirizes the misuse and abuse of language with doublespeak and newspeak. You worked in pairs to define key terms from 1984 and to answer a few questions. Meanwhile, I began individual writing conferences.

Homework: Read 1984 (Ch. 9-10 of Part Two) and your independent book.

11/13 English 10HP

We juxtaposed facts about Okonkwo with facts about Unoka and noted the contrast. In fact, Okonkwo's drive comes from his fear of weakness, a characteristic which he attributes to his father.

Homework: Read Ch. 4-7 of Things Fall Apart!

11/12 English 9HP

Groups presented the mind maps from Monday. I interjected on occasion, and everyone took notes. We now have a pretty complete picture of Winston.

Homework:
Read 1984 (Ch. 9-10 of Part Two) for Friday's class.
Read your independent book.

11/12 English 10HP

You submitted your essays. Then we took a walk to the textbook room where you returned Oedipus books and picked up copies of Things Fall Apart. I gave a very brief description of setting and you began reading your assignment for tonight.

Homework:
For tomorrow, read Ch. 1-3 of Things Fall Apart (see your bookmark for future reading deadlines).

11/10 English 9HP

You met with your book clubs to determine the half-way point for your book.

I gave you the following independent book deadlines:

1st half of book due: November 24
2nd half of book due: December 8

Note: Please read and notate the text to prepare for your book club discussions on these dates.

To prepare for a discussion on Winston's character, you worked in small groups to create mind maps for Winston. You incorporated descriptions of his feelings, beliefs, personality traits, fears, obsessions, desires, and influences. And you included textual evidence from 1984 to support each description.

Homework:
Read 1984 (Ch. 5-8 of Part Two)
Read your independent book.

11/10 English 10HP

I gave you some tips on incorporating quotations in an essay; then you edited your peers' essays.

Homework: Final Oedipus essay due Wednesday!

11/7 English 9HP

Today was a graded reading day, an opportunity to catch up on your reading and earn a few points!

Homework:
Acquire a copy of your independent reading book by Monday!
Read 1984 (Ch. 1-4 of Part Two are due on Monday).

11/7 English 10HP

During an assembly in Barnum Hall, we viewed Invisible Children's newest film about children in Uganda.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php

Homework: Using the feedback you received, revise your essay and bring another draft to class with you on Monday.

11/6 English 9HP

You signed up for book clubs. We discussed how setting affects mood. With a partner you found details and descriptions of Winston's home, Victory Mansion Apartments, and Winston's Workplace, The Ministry of Truth. You also recorded the mood each detail and description creates. We debriefed your findings as a whole class.

Homework: Read Ch. 7 & 8 of 1984. Acquire a copy of your independent book by Monday.

11/6 English 10HP

Alex and I modeled a peer conference for you; after, we discussed your observations. You conferred with two peers.

Homework: Using the feedback you received, revise your essay and bring another draft to class with you on Monday.

11/5 English 9HP

We updated grade sheets and discussed your answers to the questions I asked you about your utopian society presentations. Afterward, I presented the independent reading book options:

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World
Richard Condon's The Manchurian Candidate
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
Alexander Solzhenitsyn's One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
Yevgeny Zamyatin's We

Homework:
Read, think about, and discuss the reading options with your parents and come prepared to class tomorrow with a first and second choice.
Read Ch.6 of 1984 for tomorrow.

11/5 English 10HP

We updated grade sheets. Then I gave you a few tips for writing a powerful conclusion. Afterward, you wrote a conclusion for your Oedipus essay.

Homework:
Bring a complete draft of your essay tomorrow for peer conferences!

11/4 English 9HP

Your groups' spokespeople presented the utopian societies you created yesterday. Then you began answering the following questions in your Reader's-Writer's Notebook:

1. Is there less personal responsibility or more responsibility in your utopian groups than in society right now?
2. Can a utopian society actually exist? Why or why not?
3. Is a utopian society dependent upon the individual and his or her inner morality, or upon the outside force of a governing system?
4. Which is easier to create, a utopian society or a totalitarian society? Why?
5. Can a totalitarian society be a utopia?
6. What do you think anti-utopian means?

Homework:
Read Ch.1-5 of 1984 for tomorrow's class.
Finish answering the questions above. We'll discuss your answers in class tomorrow.

11/4 English 10HP

I gave you some information on standard transitional devices and paragraph hooks. We identified these transitions in a sample essay and you created transitions for your Oedipus essay.

Homework:
Many of you need to complete your body paragraphs!

11/3 English 9HP

I introduced the term utopia. The word "utopia" comes from the Greek word for "no place." Is that appropriate for a word that means "ideal society"? Then you worked in small groups, creating your utopias. You'll present tomorrow!

Homework:
Your Kindred essay is due tomorrow! Bring your analysis rubric with you.
Read Ch.1-5 of 1984 for Wednesday.

11/3 English 10HP

We discussed "leads," and you read several examples before creating three of your own for you revised thesis statement.

Homework:
Be certain to bring your three leads and your body paragraphs tomorrow!

Halloween Festivities

To go with the spirit of the day, we celebrated your independent reading projects. You reflected on your own project and recognized your peers by voting for them in various categories. The winners are listed below.

4th Period Winners

Most Comprehensive Synopsis: Natalie Abel



Most Profound Extension: Laura Piacentini


Most Intricate Project: Hannah Mavestrand


Most Entertaining Project: Vera Marquardt


Most Creative Project: Nishok Chetty


5th Period Winners



Most Comprehensive Synopsis: Rebecca Asoulin


Most Profound Extension: Kai Watanabe


Most Intricate Project: Spencer Goodman


Most Entertaining Project: Christian Salem


Most Creative Project: Amber Woods


6th Period Winners



Most Comprehensive Synopsis: Christina Lamell


Most Profound Extension: Lillian Hwang


Most Intricate Project: Angela Chang


Most Entertaining Project: Sydney Howard


Most Creative Project: Zoe Maestu

10/30 English 9HP

After meeting briefly in your peer groups, you shared your "Top Ten Lists" for your Totalitarian governments with all of us. We discussed Totalitarian societies, and we connected your ideas with 1984.

Homework:
Finish your Independent Reading Projects (due tomorrow!).
Polish your Kindred essay (due 11/4).
Read Ch. 1-5 of 1984 (due 11/5).

10/30 English 10HP

I presented a basic structure for composing a body paragraph and showed you a color-coded example (Did I mention how much I love the ELMO?). You finished up your topic sentences and began composing the body paragraphs for your Oedipus essay.

Homework:
Finish your Independent Reading Project (the synopsis and the extension)! It's due tomorrow!
Complete your body paragraphs (due 11/3).

10/29 English 9HP

You checked out George Orwell's 1984 from the textbook office. Afterward, you worked with a small group of your peers to determine how you would maintain control of your hypothetical totalitarian societies.

Homework:
Finish your independent reading project (due 10/31).
Polish your Kindred essay (due 11/4).

10/29 English 10HP

Today we reviewed a strategy for determining your topic sentences, your claims. I presented a few tips, and we helped Erin create topic sentences for her thesis. Then I set you free to create your own topic sentences for your revised thesis statement.

Homework: Finish up your independent reading project! (Due 10/31)

10/28 English 9HP

Today I presented a short lesson on comma splices, run-on sentences, and fragments. Afterward, you edited your peers' essays.

Homework: Finish your independent reading project (due 10/31). Make the editing changes on your Kindred essay (due 11/4).

10/28 English 10HP

Today we evaluated and revised your thesis statements on theme of Oedipus, first as a whole class and then in small groups. At the end of the period, you submitted a revised version of your thesis for my approval.

Homework: Finish up your independent reading project (due 10/31).

10/27 English 9HP

I presented a short lesson on writing conclusions, and we read a handout that explains how to incorporate quotations in an essay. We spent the remainder of the period writing!

(Due 10/28)
Homework: Bring a complete draft of your essay for editing.

(Due 10/31)
Homework: Continue to work on your independent reading project.

10/27 English 10HP

We used The BIDLACK/THOMPSON/ANDERSON Three Simple Steps of Literary Analysis to find themes for Oedipus. And you wrote a draft for a thesis on the play, using the following prompt:

Write a well-organized, well-developed essay in which you answer the following question: What is the theme of Oedipus? In other words, what is Sophocles saying about life and the human experience?

(Due 10/31)
Homework: Continue to work on your independent reading project.

10/24 English 9HP

I introduced The Bidlack/Thompson/Anderson Three Simple Steps of Literary Analysis, a framework for finding the theme of a work. It may be helpful to use with your independent book, as your extension should demonstrate your understanding of big ideas and themes. We practiced using the steps with a simple children's book, The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss.

Homework: Work on your independent reading project (it's due one week from today!).

10/24 English 10HP

Another group presented a psychological landscape for Oedipus. Then you CAP'ed an article entitled "How Oedipus Is Losing His Complex (But He's Not Out of the Woods Yet)." We discussed various interpretations of the play included in the article.

Homework: Work on your independent reading project (it's due one week from today!).

10/23 English 9HP

We discussed transitions, words and phrases that help your writing flow. We identified standard devices and paragraph hooks in a sample essay. Finally, you reviewed your essay, identifying and improving your transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

Homework: Work on your independent project!

10/23 English 10HP

I gave you a few minutes to meet in your groups before you presented your psychological landscapes.

(Due 10/31)

Homework: Work on your independent reading project!

10/22 English 9HP

You conferred with two of your peers.

(Due 10/23)

Homework: Using the feedback you received, revise your body paragraphs.

(Due 10/31)

Homework: Work on your independent reading project.

10/22 English 10HP

You worked on your group projects. You present tomorrow!

Homework: Work on your independent reading project (due 10/31).

10/21 English 9HP

You worked on your body paragraphs, and I modeled a peer conference.

(Due 10/22)

Homework: Finish writing your body paragraphs.

10/21 English 10HP

We read a short article, stating Aristotle's take on Oedipus. Then you began working on your small group project, a psychological landscape of Oedipus.

(Due 10/31)

Homework: Work on your independent reading project.

10/20 English 9HP

I presented the structure of a body paragraph, and together, we created a body paragraph for one topic sentence.

Homework: Work on your body paragraphs (due 10/22) and your independent reading project.

10/20 English 10HP

We finished the play! Afterward, we discussed whether or not Oedipus is responsible for what happens to him.

Homework: Work on your independent reading project!

10/17

You created three different leads for your revised thesis.

Homework: If you haven't finished your independent book, please do so! And start your project! It's due two weeks from today!

10/17 English 10HP

Today the ladies came to screen your vision and hearing.

Homework: If you haven't already done so, you should be wrapping up your independent book and getting started on your project. It's due two weeks from today!

10/16 English 9HP

We read the thesis statements you generated yesterday, and you selected statements that peaked your interest. We reviewed how to create topic sentences, and together, we created several for a thesis on Kindred.

(Due 10/17)

Homework: Create at least three topic sentences for one of the thesis statements you recorded in your Reader's-Writer's Notebook.

Read your independent book and work on your project.

10/16 English 10HP

We read scene iv of Oedipus. He persuades the shepherd to tell him the truth, and Oedipus has an epiphany. He finally sees the light! After reading, we discussed the following statement (from scene v): "The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves."

Homework: Read your independent book and work on your project. Be sure to bring your book and / project material to class with you tomorrow.

10/15 English 9HP

I critiqued your group thesis statements aloud, using the ELMO. You went back to the drawing board and revised one of your group's thesis statements.

Homework: Read your independent book and work on your project!

10/15 English 10HP

We finished our agree/disagree discussion from yesterday, responding to two new statements:
1.) There is no justice in life.
2.) Knowledge only brings suffering and destruction.

In subsequent discussions, we'll relate these big ideas to Oedipus and discuss Sophocles' take on them.

Homework: Read your independent book and work on your project!

10/14 English 9HP

After summarizing the epilogue, I introduced the Kindred essay prompts. You worked in topic-alike groups and used the prompts to generate 3-5 potential "high interest" thesis statements.

Homework: Read your independent book and work on your project!

10/14 English 10HP

We read and discussed scene III of Oedipus, focusing on Jocasta's knowledge of the truth. Despite the messenger's "good news," Oedipus still asks for the truth to be "made plain" and considers himself "a child of luck." Upon our completion of scene III, we had an agree/disagree discussion on the following statement: "You make your own luck."

Homework: Read your independent book and work on your project.

10/13 English 9HP

You updated your grade sheets and compared your tally to mine. Afterward, we discussed the list you created on Friday. We noted the biblical allusion in Kindred; both of the names Alice chooses for her children symbolize freedom and hope. After summarizing "The Rope," we analyzed the book's ending, noting the symbolism of Dana losing her arm.

Homework: Read your independent book and work on your two-part project (due 10/31).

10/13 English 10HP

You updated your grade sheets and compared your tally to mine. Afterward, I showed you a student example of an independent reading project (a synopsis and extension). Finally, you looked at your classmates' internal self-external self charts and we discussed general themes. I noted one of the major issues in the play; there is a big discrepancy between how Oedipus sees himself and who he really is.

Homework: Read your independent book and begin thinking about your project (due 10/31).

10/10 English 9HP

I showed you a student example of an independent reading project (a synopsis and extension).

We discussed "The Storm," and you created a list of ways in which Dana and Alice are "two halves of the same woman" in Rufus' mind.

Homework: Review "The Rope" and "The Epilogue." Read your independent book. And start thinking about your project!

10/10 English 10HP

We finished scene II of Oedipus and discussed the double irony of Jocasta's denunciation of oracles. Despite Jocasta's account of her lost child, Oedipus still doesn't quite "see." He needs further evidence and has summoned the shepherd.

After our discussion, you read Ode II silently.

Homework: Read your independent book!

10/8 English 9HP

We discussed the second half of "The Fight," debating whether Rufus truly loves Alice, as he claims, and further analyzing the effects of slavery. By the end of class, we were all sufficiently depressed!

(Due 10/10)

Homework: Review "The Storm" for Friday's class.

And don't forget to read your independent book. Your project is due 10/31!

10/8 English 10HP

We spent the day reading and analyzing scene ii of Oedipus, focusing on the contrast between Creon's rational approach and Oedipus' rash behavior.

(Due 10/10)

Homework: Create a t-chart that includes your external self (how you think you are perceived by others) and your internal self (who you really are).

And don't forget to read your independent book. Your independent reading project is due 10/31.

10/7 English 9HP

Today I attended a norming session with the English Department. Meanwhile, you discussed "The Fight" and submitted a record of your small group's conversation. We'll debrief tomorrow.

Homework: Read your independent book.

10/7 English 10HP

Today I attended a norming session with the English Department. Meanwhile you completed two assignments:
1.) You completed a chart in which you contrasted how Oedipus sees himself with the truth about him.
2.) You read and CAP'ed an article entitled, "Roots of Drama: Rites of Dionysus." We'll discuss the article in class tomorrow.

Oops! I misattributed the quotation: "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates, not Aristotle, said this. Please correct this in your notes.

Homework: Read your independent book.

10/6 English 9HP

We had a Quote-Fest! That's right. I asked you important questions from "The Fall," and you found key quotations from Kindred to support your answers. This format also allowed us to practice analyzing quotations.

Homework: Review "The Fight" for tomorrow's class. And, of course, read your independent book!

10/6 English 10HP

We applied Aristiotle's characteristics of the tragic hero to Oedipus. We discussed two potential tragic flaws: Oedipus' hubris and his impulsiveness/rashness. These flaws lead Oedipus to make a mistake in ignorance (his "error in judgment"). That is, Oedipus' hubris (arrogance) makes him think he can escape his fate; his rashness may have played a role in King Laois' murder. While fate plays a role in the play, characters ultimately make choices. The gods predict the future, but they don't make it happen. They simply know his nature - his character.

Homework: Read your independent book!

10/3 English 9HP

Today we had an agree/disagree discussion on the following statement: Racism is a learned behavior. I defined a few terms that relate to our study of Kindred, including three types of racism (overt, covert, and institutionalized), internalized oppression, and double ceiling oppression. We began applying these terms to Kindred.

Homework: Review pages 77-107 of "The Fall" for Monday's class. Read your independent book!

10/3 English 10HP

Scene I of Oedipus is riddled with irony, so I introduced the three types of irony. We noted Oedipus' failure to see himself clearly, despite Teiresias telling him the truth five times! Denial is a powerful defense mechanism! We saw more evidence of Oedipus' hubris (his tragic flaw???).

Homework: Read your independent book!

English Common Assessment

Today you took the English Department's Common Assessment, a relatively painless multiple choice test. Hopefully, we will get the results back soon so that I can use them to develop lessons on common errors.

10/1 English 9HP

We finally discussed the nuanced meaning of the title Kindred. Like To Kill a Mockingbird, the title has deeper significance and alludes to the book's theme: blacks and whites are kin; they are connected and dependent on each other for survival. Butler deconstructs the myth of separate races, as Dana discovers her ancestors are both white slave owners and black slaves. Dana represents this kinship between blacks and whites.

Homework: Read your independent book!

10/1 English 10HP

Before we read the Prologue of Oedipus, I introduced the sight/blindness motif and the two warnings inscribed on Apollo's temple at Delphi: Know thyself and nothing in excess. I lectured on what happened 20 years before the opening of the play, including the oracle's prophesy and the sphinx's riddle. As we read the play aloud, we noted the sometimes disturbing irony, Oedipus' failure to heed the warnings, and the allusions to sight. Already we see Oedipus' tragic flaw - his hubris - and his inability to see himself clearly. He is determined to find the former king's killer. Does he know he is the killer? We noted a potential Freudian slip (highway man).

Homework: Read your independent book!

9/29 English 9HP

We continued our discussion of Kindred: Dana's fear sends her back to 1976, and she and Kevin discuss the whole issue of survival. They debate whether Dana is equipped to survive that era. Kevin says, "Your ancestors survived that era--survived it with fewer advantages than you have. You are no less than they are" (51). Dana thinks "[her] ancestors had to put up with more than [she] ever could" (51). We discussed whether a modern person, like Dana, is in fact advantaged when traveling to this era. I read an interview with Octavia Butler in which she echoes Dana's perspective and discusses her reasons for writing Kindred: Would a character who has knowledge of the present survive so very well in the antebellum South?

(Due 10/1)

Homework: Reread pages 52-57 of "The Fall." Read your independent book!

9/29 English 10HP

After checking out copies of Oedipus from the textbook room, we had our first agree/disagree discussion, using the statement: "The unexamined life is not worth living." I told you the story of Teiresias, the blind prophet, and we thought about what the story says about the value of finding the truth. His story parallels Oedipus' story in some ways. Oedipus thought he could see, but he was blind to his internal self.

Homework: Read your independent book!

9/26 English 9HP

We continued our discussion of Kindred, discussing the character chart, what we learn from the conversation between Dana and Rufus, the scene Dana witnesses at Alice's cabin, and some characteristics of slave life.

(Due 9/29)

Homework:
Write one full paragraph describing Dana and Kevin's conversation about "survival" (51). What are their ideas?
Write another paragraph on the following: If you traveled back to 1815, what would life be like for you? How would you survive?

Obtain your independent reading book and begin reading!

9/26 English 10HP

I introduced your two-part Independent Reading Project, due on Halloween.

To begin our study of Oedipus and Things Fall Apart, I defined tragedy in classic literary terms. We discussed how almost everyone uses the term "tragedy" loosely. After I presented you with several scenarios, you determined whether each was a tragedy by our definition or a catastrophe, a horrible event that does not fit the classical definition. Finally, we read a newspaper article that explained one of the real-life tragic scenarios.

Homework: Obtain your independent book and begin reading. And don't forget to bring your id card on Monday!

9/25 English 9HP

I introduced your two-part Independent Reading Project, due on Halloween.

We discussed Kindred, its attention-grabbing Prologue and the section entitled "The River," where we get a few hints about Dana's time travel. I noted that much of the book is a flashback; we feel compelled to discover "the truth" about how Dana lost her arm. You recorded an historical timeline in your notes, and you completed a chart, identifying characteristics of some of the book's main characters: Rufus, his mother, and his father.

Homework: Review "The Fire." Finish the chart if you didn't already finish it in class. And if you didn't check out an independent book from the library yesterday, please obtain one no later than Monday. Finally, begin reading!

9/25 English 10HP

Using The Three Simple Steps of Literary Analysis, we determined themes of The Chosen. Afterward, you worked in small groups to develop high interest thesis statements on ideas raised in the article we read about Chaim Potok.

Homework: If you didn't check out a book from the library yesterday, obtain an independent reading book no later than Monday. And if you have one, begin reading!

Independent Reading

I am out ill today with some sort of virus (sigh). I hope to be back tomorrow.

Ms. Bart-Bell, the school librarian, gave a book talk today and helped you select your first independent reading books. For 10HP'ers, these books are tragedies to correspond with our study of Oedipus the King and Things Fall Apart. For 9HP'ers, the books are similar in genre to Kindred, science fiction books that involve time travel or historical fiction. Kindred technically falls into both categories.

Your independent reading assignment will be two-fold: a synopsis of the book and an extension of the material that shows your understanding of its key concepts and themes (more on this to come!). The deadline is Oct. 31, Halloween. So yes, you should begin reading!

Please bring both the core text we are currently studying and your independent book to class with you daily.

P.S. If you did not submit the extra credit, but you showed me a signature to indicate you attended Sonia Nazario's presentation last Thursday, you may still submit your review if you do so by Friday. Otherwise, you won't get any points, and that would be a shame.

Preparing for Back to School Night

You wrote a letter to your parent(s) or guardian, explaining what you are excited / apprehensive about in English class and what they can do to help you succeed this year.

In addition, we found a place in the classroom for your "old" portfolios.

No Homework...I can't wait to meet the important adults in your lives at Back to School Night!

9/22 English 9HP

We had our first agree/disagree-style discussion on the following statement: All (wo)men are created equal. You debated the issue, and we noted two distinct interpretations of the statement.

I introduced the setting of Kindred which is two-fold: Los Angeles during America's Bicentennial (hence the discussion) and the antebellum South, specifically Talbot County, Maryland, where the young Frederick Douglass once lived.

Homework: Bring last year's portfolio if you have it!

9/22 English 10HP

Ms. Wax-Gellis visited our class to inform you about the school's discipline code. You asked clarifying questions about school policy.

9/19 English 9HP

You worked in small groups, reading your baseline essays aloud and reflecting upon three questions:

1.) How did others solve the problems you faced as a writer?
2.) How are their essays similar to / different from yours?
3.) Do the differences make their essays stronger / weaker than yours, and why?

You evaluated your essay, using the SAT rubric, and you set one or two writing goals for the semester.

Reminders: Submit Sonia Nazario presentation review (extra credit) on Monday.
Bring your copy of Kindred on Monday!

9/19 English 10HP

I introduced The Bidlack/Thompson/Anderson Three Simple Steps of Literary Analysis, a tool for discovering the theme of a work:

1. Figure out who the protagonist is, using the four requirements of the protagonist and the PCAM diagram.
2. Figure out how the protagonist changes mentally.
3. From the mental change, figure out the themes.

We practiced the steps with the popular Dr. Seuss story, The Sneetches.

(Due 9/22)

Homework: Do The Three Simple Steps for The Chosen.
Reminders: Submit Sonia Nazario presentation review (extra credit) on Monday.
Bring your copy of The Chosen on Monday!

9/18 English 9HP

Ms. Wax-Gellis visited our class to inform you about the school's discipline code. You asked clarifying questions about school policy.

9/18 English 10HP

You worked in small groups, reading your baseline essays aloud and reflecting upon three questions:

1.) How did others solve the problems you faced as a writer?
2.) How are their essays similar to / different from yours?
3.) Do the differences make their essays stronger / weaker than yours, and why?

You evaluated your essay, using the SAT rubric, and you set one or two writing goals for the semester.

Making Connections

Calvin is ill, so I am home today. I hope to return tomorrow.

Today you made connections between Enrique's Journey and your other summer reading book, The Chosen (10HP'ers) or Kindred (9HP'ers).

Don't forget about the extra credit opportunity: Sonia Nazario speaks tomorrow night at Barnum!

Baseline Essay Preparation

Today I introduced "the gradesheet," an on-going record of assignments you have completed and points you have received in this class. Maintaining your gradesheet is not only your way of keeping track, but it is also your way of communicating with me about any potential discrepancies with my gradebook.

In addition, we had our second fishbowl discussion; everyone has played the "fish" and "researcher" roles.

Due 9/16

Homework: Prepare for tomorrow's baseline essay. You may use your two informal responses to the prompts, your copy of Enrique's Journey, and a prepared thesis and topic sentences. When I collect your essays, I will also collect these items (except for the book, of course!).

Playing Teacher

You scored and evaluated the SAT writing samples. After a lively discussion, I revealed their "real" scores. Our discovery: you are harsh graders!

Due 9/15

Homework: Write one page on each of the baseline essay topics (this an informal exercise to get you thinking about the two topics). Be prepared to discuss your ideas on Monday.

How Is My Thesis True?

After a short lesson, you created topic sentences for one of your revised thesis statements.

Due 9/12

Homework: Read and evaluate the four sample essays on the SAT writing prompt. Write one paragraph (four to six sentences), explaining the numerical grade you assigned each essay. Be prepared to discuss your conclusions tomorrow!

Using the Continuum

Today you worked on revising your thesis statements, using the thesis-opinion continuum. I modeled revision, using our beautiful Elmo! You noted the difficulty of creating a "high interest" thesis statement. On the first try, many of your creations were "opinions," stating the obvious or stating your opinion too generally or too specifically. But we made progress!

The Good News: You will not write the baseline essay until next week. More information to come!