A Child's Christmas in Wales
Online Text Consider sharing this with your parents
Dylan Thomas reading his poem (which is more of a personal narrative)
HOMEWORK: Over Winter Break, finish reading Huckleberry Finn. Yeah, sorry, that's a lot. Actually, in the past some of the honors classes have only read through the end of chapter 31 and then read the final two chapters of the novel. It's ok with me if you do that. I hate saying "don't read the entire novel since novels are something that should be appreciated in their entirety, but in all honesty, not all that much of import happens after chapter 31. I don't think that there is a single question on the reading test that deals with chapters 32--41 (although you should probably ready 39 and 40 to understand the ending).
HOMEWORK: Final draft of essay due Thur/Friday
Heads up on what we will be covering Thur/Friday:
Vocabulary for final exam
Discuss: Archetypes in the novel. Huck and the Hero Quest
Watch Dead Poets.
Huck Finn on Tape
Show Prezi: Inspiration for Huck Finn
Watch Dead Poets Society
Poems used in the film:
Excerpts from all poems and literary references
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
HOMEWORK: Over the weekend, finish reading chapter 15 of Huckleberry Finn
HOMEWORK: Over the weekend finish your rough draft of the Garbage Man Essay. I recommend that you type it since the final draft (due next Thur/Fri) must be typed and it's very easy to revise a typed rough draft. In this draft of your paper, you may only argue for your candidate. In the final draft you will briefly discuss the other candidate, showing him to be an inferior choice, but this draft must be an argument focused solely on your candidate and what makes him a good choice for the position.
Discuss: Archetypes in the novel. Huck's death. The Hero Quest
Portrayal of Jim in the movie.
Prep debate
Write your Garbage Man Essay
Watch Dead Poets.
The importance of being a thinking person--the gullible judge
Huck Finn on Tape
Show Prezi: Inspiration for Huck Finn
Watch Dead Poets Society
Poems used in the film:
Excerpts from all poems and literary references
HOMEWORK: Over the weekend finish your rough draft of the Garbage Man Essay. I recommend that you type it since the final draft (due next Thur/Fri) must be typed and it's very easy to revise a typed rough draft. In this draft of your paper, you may only argue for your candidate. In the final draft you will briefly discuss the other candidate, showing him to be an inferior choice, but this draft must be an argument focused solely on your candidate and what makes him a good choice for the position.
Discuss: Archetypes in the novel. Huck's death. The Hero Quest
Portrayal of Jim in the movie.
Prep debate
Write your Garbage Man Essay
Watch Dead Poets.
The importance of being a thinking person--the gullible judge
Huck Finn on Tape
Show Prezi: Inspiration for Huck Finn
Watch Dead Poets Society
Poems used in the film:
Excerpts from all poems and literary references
Tue/Wed
HOMEWORK: Finsh reading chapter 8 of Huckleberry Finn
Discuss: The description of Pap and his whiteness
The importance of being a thinking person--the gullible judge
Huck Finn on Tape
Show Prezi: Inspiration for Huck Finn
Watch Dead Poets Society
Poems used in the film:
Excerpts from all poems and literary references
Click on the titles (links) to see the entire poem
Discuss: The description of Pap and his whiteness
The importance of being a thinking person--the gullible judge
Huck Finn on Tape
Show Prezi: Inspiration for Huck Finn
Watch Dead Poets Society
Poems used in the film:
Excerpts from all poems and literary references
Click on the titles (links) to see the entire poem
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
French Cute Kid Tells Story
WALDEN POSTER due Monday, December 8th
Poster requirements
A. Choose a quote from Walden. Then take a photo that illustrates the idea in the quote. superimpose/paste the quote on the photo (see examples). No need to print in color. You may draw or paint your picture.
B. Type 3/4-1 page single-spaced explaining what the quote means AND how your picture illustrates that idea. For example, you will likely talk about the subject of the photo and what it, he, she, they are doing and how this relates to the idea of the quote. Sometimes students discuss lighting and other aspects of the photo, which can be very effective. This sheet of paper will be displayed with your quote, so don't go over 1 page.
Often photos are more powerful if the subject of the photo is emphasized by blurring the background. The following apps enable you to do this:
(Instagram)
(InstantSquare)
( Aviary )
(Pixlr)
Check out Huckleberry Finn. We will read in class and discuss the beginning.
Huck Finn on Tape
Show Prezi: Inspiration for Huck Finn
Watch Dead Poets Society
Poems used in the film:
Excerpts from all poems and literary references
Click on the titles (links) to see the entire poem
Ulysses, but Alfred Lord Tennyson
She Walks in Beauty--Lord Byron
WALDEN POSTER due Monday, December 8th
Poster requirements
A. Choose a quote from Walden. Then take a photo that illustrates the idea in the quote. superimpose/paste the quote on the photo (see examples). No need to print in color. You may draw or paint your picture.
B. Type 3/4-1 page single-spaced explaining what the quote means AND how your picture illustrates that idea. For example, you will likely talk about the subject of the photo and what it, he, she, they are doing and how this relates to the idea of the quote. Sometimes students discuss lighting and other aspects of the photo, which can be very effective. This sheet of paper will be displayed with your quote, so don't go over 1 page.
Often photos are more powerful if the subject of the photo is emphasized by blurring the background. The following apps enable you to do this:
(Instagram)
(InstantSquare)
( Aviary )
(Pixlr)
Check out Huckleberry Finn. We will read in class and discuss the beginning.
Huck Finn on Tape
Show Prezi: Inspiration for Huck Finn
Watch Dead Poets Society
Poems used in the film:
Excerpts from all poems and literary references
Click on the titles (links) to see the entire poem
Ulysses, but Alfred Lord Tennyson
She Walks in Beauty--Lord Byron
Monday, November 30, 2015
Monday
Walden Poster activity (click this link if you weren't here: Walden Poster)
HOMEWORK: Read Walden pages 1-53; 54-64; 206-216
HOMEWORK: Monday: All 25 quotes are due, handwritten with pages numbers. See me if you're reading it on Kindle.
Find three quotes by Thoreau to use for the following three writing assignments.
1. Journal: Write1/2 page explaining the point that you think Thoreau is making in one of his quotes?
2. HOMEWORK: Type a 1 page double-spaced response to one of Thoreau's quotes. What point do you think that he is making? To what extent do you agree?
3. WALDEN POSTER due December Monday 8th
Poster requirements
A. Choose a quote from Walden. Then take a photo that illustrates the idea in the quote. superimpose/paste the quote on the photo (see examples). No need to print in color. You may draw or paint your picture.
B. Type 3/4-1 page single-spaced explaining what the quote means AND how your picture illustrates that idea. For example, you will likely talk about the subject of the photo and what it, he, she, they are doing and how this relates to the idea of the quote. Sometimes students discuss lighting and other aspects of the photo, which can be very effective.
Three Dickinson poems
HOMEWORK: Read Walden pages 1-53; 54-64; 206-216
HOMEWORK: Monday: All 25 quotes are due, handwritten with pages numbers. See me if you're reading it on Kindle.
Find three quotes by Thoreau to use for the following three writing assignments.
1. Journal: Write1/2 page explaining the point that you think Thoreau is making in one of his quotes?
2. HOMEWORK: Type a 1 page double-spaced response to one of Thoreau's quotes. What point do you think that he is making? To what extent do you agree?
3. WALDEN POSTER due December Monday 8th
Poster requirements
A. Choose a quote from Walden. Then take a photo that illustrates the idea in the quote. superimpose/paste the quote on the photo (see examples). No need to print in color. You may draw or paint your picture.
B. Type 3/4-1 page single-spaced explaining what the quote means AND how your picture illustrates that idea. For example, you will likely talk about the subject of the photo and what it, he, she, they are doing and how this relates to the idea of the quote. Sometimes students discuss lighting and other aspects of the photo, which can be very effective.
Three Dickinson poems
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Thur/Friday
Crucible Test
Walden Poster activity (click this link if you weren't here: Walden Poster)
HOMEWORK: Read Walden pages 1-53; 54-64; 206-216
HOMEWORK: When you show up on Monday, all 25 quotes are due (handwritten with pages numbers. See me if you're reading it on Kindle).
WALDEN POSTER due December 3rd/4th
Walden Poster activity (click this link if you weren't here: Walden Poster)
HOMEWORK: Read Walden pages 1-53; 54-64; 206-216
HOMEWORK: When you show up on Monday, all 25 quotes are due (handwritten with pages numbers. See me if you're reading it on Kindle).
WALDEN POSTER due December 3rd/4th
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Thur/Frid
HOMEWORK: Learn the following vocabulary words:
Crucible another 20 difficult words
For test Monday 11/16
HOMEWORK: READ Walden pages 1-53. By the end of page 53 you should have at least 15 quotes total. Remember, they must be handwritten with page references.
HOMEWORK: Write a 1 page reflection similar to your Nature walk reflection. What I would like you to write about is your attempt to go three days with no cell phone and to generally live a more free yourself from the same influences in life that Henry David Thoreau attempted to free himself from. Some of you will write about the fact that you are unable to go without your phones or other technology. This is fine. I have had similar struggles and only went 2/3 of the day yesterday without my phone. Why is this? What has changed in the world? What has changed in us? You may write this reflection on the back of your Nature walk reflection and submit it Monday.
Crucible test Thur/Friday next week, the 18th/19th
15 min reflection on your Nature walk (I only capitalize Nature when I'm in a Transcendentalist mood).
Homework: finish The Crucible
Read The Crucible in class--parts. "Oh heavenly Father, release this torment . . ."
"Yellow bird"; Hale's speech, Proctor's speech
End of movie
What is Miller saying about good and evil?
Going off the grid
Read My Life Without a Cell Phone--It's hilarious, mildly irreverent, and very thought-provoking.
Talk to people in person (walk over to their house)
Challenge: No cell phones for three days. (See exemptions below)
This is an optional assignment for students who really want to learn (true learning should change your perspective on life, not just give you facts, by the way) and for students who want to convince me that we should go on a Nature walk in the spring, as well as do generally cool and creative things throughout the year. Do as much of the three days as you can (no, not 3 min, Srikar).
What I would like you to do during this time is to slow down, truly savor life, and reflect on things that matter most.
Write a letter to someone and mail it
Read books
Play board games, Balderdash, etc.
Head off on walks; go for a run (listen to the wind, Cassie, not music ;)
Journalize: record your thoughts. I'm doing this assignment, too, and will likely write about 4 pages and do some drawings in a sketch book. Don't you love those blank sketch pads that can be used as a journal that you illustrate? Very cool
Why Cell Phones are Bad for Parenting (TIME magazine)
Exemptions: Talking with parents (to ask for a ride if you're stranded in the South Bronx, for example); Communicating for vital school related activities (e.g.The Musical)
Crucible another 20 difficult words
For test Monday 11/16
HOMEWORK: READ Walden pages 1-53. By the end of page 53 you should have at least 15 quotes total. Remember, they must be handwritten with page references.
HOMEWORK: Write a 1 page reflection similar to your Nature walk reflection. What I would like you to write about is your attempt to go three days with no cell phone and to generally live a more free yourself from the same influences in life that Henry David Thoreau attempted to free himself from. Some of you will write about the fact that you are unable to go without your phones or other technology. This is fine. I have had similar struggles and only went 2/3 of the day yesterday without my phone. Why is this? What has changed in the world? What has changed in us? You may write this reflection on the back of your Nature walk reflection and submit it Monday.
Crucible test Thur/Friday next week, the 18th/19th
15 min reflection on your Nature walk (I only capitalize Nature when I'm in a Transcendentalist mood).
Homework: finish The Crucible
Read The Crucible in class--parts. "Oh heavenly Father, release this torment . . ."
"Yellow bird"; Hale's speech, Proctor's speech
End of movie
What is Miller saying about good and evil?
Going off the grid
Read My Life Without a Cell Phone--It's hilarious, mildly irreverent, and very thought-provoking.
Talk to people in person (walk over to their house)
Challenge: No cell phones for three days. (See exemptions below)
This is an optional assignment for students who really want to learn (true learning should change your perspective on life, not just give you facts, by the way) and for students who want to convince me that we should go on a Nature walk in the spring, as well as do generally cool and creative things throughout the year. Do as much of the three days as you can (no, not 3 min, Srikar).
What I would like you to do during this time is to slow down, truly savor life, and reflect on things that matter most.
Write a letter to someone and mail it
Read books
Play board games, Balderdash, etc.
Head off on walks; go for a run (listen to the wind, Cassie, not music ;)
Journalize: record your thoughts. I'm doing this assignment, too, and will likely write about 4 pages and do some drawings in a sketch book. Don't you love those blank sketch pads that can be used as a journal that you illustrate? Very cool
Why Cell Phones are Bad for Parenting (TIME magazine)
Exemptions: Talking with parents (to ask for a ride if you're stranded in the South Bronx, for example); Communicating for vital school related activities (e.g.The Musical)
Monday, November 9, 2015
Monday/Tuesday
Crucible another 20 difficult words
For test Monday/Tuesday 11/16,17
Crucible test Thur/Friday next week, the 18th/19th
15 min reflection on your Nature walk (I only capitalize Nature when I'm in a Transcendentalist mood).
Homework: finish The Crucible
Read The Crucible in class--parts. "Oh heavenly Father, release this torment . . ."
"Yellow bird"; Hale's speech, Proctor's speech
End of movie
What is Miller saying about good and evil?
Going off the grid
Challenge: No cell phones for three days. (See exemptions below)
This is an optional assignment for students who really want to learn (true learning should change your perspective on life, not just give you facts, by the way) and for students who want to convince me that we should go on a Nature walk in the spring, as well as do generally cool and creative things throughout the year. Do as much of the three days as you can (no, not 3 min, Srikar).
What I would like you to do during this time is to slow down, truly savor life, and reflect on things that matter most.
Read My Life Without a Cell Phone--It's hilarious, mildly irreverent, and very thought-provoking.
Talk to people in person (walk over to their house)
Write a letter to someone and mail it
Read books
Play board games, Balderdash, etc.
Head off on walks; go for a run (listen to the wind, Cassie, not music ;)
Journalize: record your thoughts. I'm doing this assignment, too, and will likely write about 4 pages and do some drawings in a sketch book. Don't you love those blank sketch pads that can be used as a journal that you illustrate? Very cool
Why Cell Phones are Bad for Parenting (TIME magazine)
Exemptions: Talking with parents (to ask for a ride if you're stranded in the South Bronx, for example); Communicating for vital school related activities (e.g.The Musical)
For test Monday/Tuesday 11/16,17
Crucible test Thur/Friday next week, the 18th/19th
15 min reflection on your Nature walk (I only capitalize Nature when I'm in a Transcendentalist mood).
Homework: finish The Crucible
Read The Crucible in class--parts. "Oh heavenly Father, release this torment . . ."
"Yellow bird"; Hale's speech, Proctor's speech
End of movie
What is Miller saying about good and evil?
Going off the grid
Challenge: No cell phones for three days. (See exemptions below)
This is an optional assignment for students who really want to learn (true learning should change your perspective on life, not just give you facts, by the way) and for students who want to convince me that we should go on a Nature walk in the spring, as well as do generally cool and creative things throughout the year. Do as much of the three days as you can (no, not 3 min, Srikar).
What I would like you to do during this time is to slow down, truly savor life, and reflect on things that matter most.
Read My Life Without a Cell Phone--It's hilarious, mildly irreverent, and very thought-provoking.
Talk to people in person (walk over to their house)
Write a letter to someone and mail it
Read books
Play board games, Balderdash, etc.
Head off on walks; go for a run (listen to the wind, Cassie, not music ;)
Journalize: record your thoughts. I'm doing this assignment, too, and will likely write about 4 pages and do some drawings in a sketch book. Don't you love those blank sketch pads that can be used as a journal that you illustrate? Very cool
Why Cell Phones are Bad for Parenting (TIME magazine)
Exemptions: Talking with parents (to ask for a ride if you're stranded in the South Bronx, for example); Communicating for vital school related activities (e.g.The Musical)
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Nov. 5
The Summer Day, by the American poet Mary Oliver, captures the Thoreavian spirit I believe, and illustrates the perspective on the world that I want you to have as we head out on the nature walk.
Vocab quiz--Mon/Tue Crucible vocabulary Crucible 20 difficult words
Learn all 20 words for Mon/Tue. I will show you which ones I will test (the hard ones}:]
Wikipedia article on medical explanations for "afflicted" girls
HOMEWORK: Read pages 1-12 of Walden. Find more quotes. You should have around seven by that point.
Homework: Read Crucible. By Monday/Tuesday to 112; have the play finished by Thur/Friday, but preferably by Monday/Tuesday.
Over the next two weeks, you will read the first 64 pages of Walden plus the conclusion.
Keep a list of 25 quotes from the book (a handwritten list with page references.) Try to find quotes that speak to you. If you do that, your list will be unique. It's a bad sign when almost all of your quotes are the same as those of your neighbor.
Vocab quiz--Mon/Tue Crucible vocabulary Crucible 20 difficult words
Learn all 20 words for Mon/Tue. I will show you which ones I will test (the hard ones}:]
Wikipedia article on medical explanations for "afflicted" girls
HOMEWORK: Read pages 1-12 of Walden. Find more quotes. You should have around seven by that point.
Homework: Read Crucible. By Monday/Tuesday to 112; have the play finished by Thur/Friday, but preferably by Monday/Tuesday.
Over the next two weeks, you will read the first 64 pages of Walden plus the conclusion.
Keep a list of 25 quotes from the book (a handwritten list with page references.) Try to find quotes that speak to you. If you do that, your list will be unique. It's a bad sign when almost all of your quotes are the same as those of your neighbor.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Tuesday, November 3
We will go on a nature walk Thur/Friday. Bring your coats! We will be outside most of the period.
And bring your books. We will read and study Walden in Nature, as it should be studied.
1. Crucible--read 20 min.
2. Crucible vocabulary Crucible 20 difficult words
Learn all 20 words for next Monday. I will show you which ones I will test (the hard ones}:]
3. Crucible "What really happened"
Why were the girls "afflicted"?
Ergotism theory
Encephalitis theory
PTSD theory
Other
Wikipedia article on medical explanations for "afflicted" girls
4. Walden. Find more quotes.
Homework: Read Crucible. By Thur/Fri to 76; by Monday to 112; have the play finished by Tue/Wed (one week from today)
Over the next two weeks, you will read the first 64 pages of Walden plus the conclusion.
Keep a list of 25 quotes from the book (handwritten with page references.)
4. Check out The Crucible.
Homework: This weekend: read 3-34.
By Tue/Wed read to 45; by Thur/Fri to 76; by Monday to 112; have the play finished by Thur/Fri.
And bring your books. We will read and study Walden in Nature, as it should be studied.
1. Crucible--read 20 min.
2. Crucible vocabulary Crucible 20 difficult words
Learn all 20 words for next Monday. I will show you which ones I will test (the hard ones}:]
3. Crucible "What really happened"
Why were the girls "afflicted"?
Ergotism theory
Encephalitis theory
PTSD theory
Other
Wikipedia article on medical explanations for "afflicted" girls
4. Walden. Find more quotes.
Homework: Read Crucible. By Thur/Fri to 76; by Monday to 112; have the play finished by Tue/Wed (one week from today)
Over the next two weeks, you will read the first 64 pages of Walden plus the conclusion.
Keep a list of 25 quotes from the book (handwritten with page references.)
4. Check out The Crucible.
Homework: This weekend: read 3-34.
By Tue/Wed read to 45; by Thur/Fri to 76; by Monday to 112; have the play finished by Thur/Fri.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Thur/Fri
1. Scarlet Letter reading comprehension test
2. Discuss Emerson--6 quotes
3. Check out Walden--Read pages 1-4
Over the next two weeks, you will read the first 64 pages of Walden plus the conclusion.
Keep a list of 25 quotes from the book (handwritten with page references.)
4. Check out The Crucible.
Homework: This weekend: read 3-34.
By Tue/Wed read to 45; by Thur/Fri to 76; by Monday to 112; have the play finished by Thur/Fri.
2. Discuss Emerson--6 quotes
3. Check out Walden--Read pages 1-4
Over the next two weeks, you will read the first 64 pages of Walden plus the conclusion.
Keep a list of 25 quotes from the book (handwritten with page references.)
4. Check out The Crucible.
Homework: This weekend: read 3-34.
By Tue/Wed read to 45; by Thur/Fri to 76; by Monday to 112; have the play finished by Thur/Fri.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tuesday
Walden 30 Terms Learn first 15 for quiz on Monday. The quiz will start at the opening bell!
Archetypes lecture and notes
Archetypal reading of "When I Heard the Learned Astronomer"
Scarlet Letter Socratic Seminar
Assign groups
NOTE: I recommend (but don't require) that you create a Google Doc for your group and all add ideas to the doc. Ideas will include themes and supporting quotes with page numbers.
To prepare, think of themes in the novel and center your comments on themes.
Be sure to find 3-5 quotes that will help you answer the question. Strong answers are based on evidence in the text. 5 points for notes.
Themes in Literature link
You will have 25 minutes next time to finish preparing your Socratic Seminar. Be prepared to present!
NOTE: Do you think I read sparknotes and similar sites }:/
In other words, smart comments that come from those sites . . .
Archetypes lecture and notes
Archetypal reading of "When I Heard the Learned Astronomer"
Scarlet Letter Socratic Seminar
Assign groups
NOTE: I recommend (but don't require) that you create a Google Doc for your group and all add ideas to the doc. Ideas will include themes and supporting quotes with page numbers.
To prepare, think of themes in the novel and center your comments on themes.
Be sure to find 3-5 quotes that will help you answer the question. Strong answers are based on evidence in the text. 5 points for notes.
Themes in Literature link
You will have 25 minutes next time to finish preparing your Socratic Seminar. Be prepared to present!
NOTE: Do you think I read sparknotes and similar sites }:/
In other words, smart comments that come from those sites . . .
Monday, October 19, 2015
Monday
Minister's Black Veil vocabulary
You will have a short test on Monday. It will cover the words "allegory" to "sagacious"
When I Heard the Learned Astronomer
Characteristics of Transcendentalism
Finish Scarlet Letter. Test next Tuesday; discuss entire book Tue, Thur
You will have a short test on Monday. It will cover the words "allegory" to "sagacious"
When I Heard the Learned Astronomer
Characteristics of Transcendentalism
Finish Scarlet Letter. Test next Tuesday; discuss entire book Tue, Thur
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Wednesday
Minister's Black Veil vocabulary
You will have a short test on Monday. It will cover the words "allegory" to "sagacious"
The Scarlet Letter--Summary
You will have a short test on Monday. It will cover the words "allegory" to "sagacious"
The Scarlet Letter--Summary
The Scarlet Letter-- No Fear Literature paraphrased version
Reading. Try to finish The Scarlet Letter over the weekend
Quiz over pages 239-257
Discuss 58,61, 113, 149. 109, 110, 127, 140 (Minister's B V), 165 (R), 169, 170
Watch movie
Reading. Try to finish The Scarlet Letter over the weekend
Quiz over pages 239-257
Discuss 58,61, 113, 149. 109, 110, 127, 140 (Minister's B V), 165 (R), 169, 170
Watch movie
Monday, October 12, 2015
Monday, October 12th
Minister's Black Veil vocabulary
You will have a short test on Monday. It will cover the words "allegory" to "sagacious"
Write Extra Credit Questions for future tests and quizzes
Read New England Renaissance intro, pages 239-257 in American Experience
As you read, write 5 good quiz questions. You will have a short reading comprehension quiz over the intro Wed/Thur.
Answer this question: "In The Scarlet Letter, in what ways do we see that "the cruelties of human existence might be overcome by the strenth and nobility of the human spirit"?
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Reading calendar. You will have a short test on Monday. It will cover the words "allegory" to "sagacious"
Write Extra Credit Questions for future tests and quizzes
Read New England Renaissance intro, pages 239-257 in American Experience
As you read, write 5 good quiz questions. You will have a short reading comprehension quiz over the intro Wed/Thur.
Answer this question: "In The Scarlet Letter, in what ways do we see that "the cruelties of human existence might be overcome by the strenth and nobility of the human spirit"?
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Finish By date
Ch. 9 Oct 1st/2nd
Ch. 12 5th/6th
Ch. 14 7th/8th
Ch. 17 12th
Ch. 18 13th/14th
Ch. 20 15th/16th
Ch. 23 19th
Ch. 24-end 20th/21st
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Wed/Thur
Write Extra Credit Questions for future tests and quizzes
Read New England Renaissance intro, pages 239-257 in American Experience
As you read, write 5 good quiz questions. You will have a short reading comprehension quiz over the intro Wed/Thur.
Answer this question: "In The Scarlet Letter, in what ways do we see that "the cruelties of human existence might be overcome by the strenth and nobility of the human spirit"?
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Reading calendar. Read New England Renaissance intro, pages 239-257 in American Experience
As you read, write 5 good quiz questions. You will have a short reading comprehension quiz over the intro Wed/Thur.
Answer this question: "In The Scarlet Letter, in what ways do we see that "the cruelties of human existence might be overcome by the strenth and nobility of the human spirit"?
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Finish By date
Ch. 9 Oct 1st/2nd
Ch. 12 5th/6th
Ch. 14 7th/8th
Ch. 17 12th
Ch. 18 13th/14th
Ch. 20 15th/16th
Ch. 23 19th
Ch. 24-end 20th/21st
TEST:
Poem, Scarlet Letter, ch. 1-12
PSAT
Watch The Scarlet Letter
The director of a film makes numerous artistic decisions. Your job is to ask if those decisions are true to the text. For example: Does the mood of the music fit; was it a good idea to change the color of a character's eyes; is the actor capturing the right emotion, or should the character be more . . .
Monday, October 5, 2015
Minister's Black Veil vocabularyYou will have a short test on Thursday. It will cover:
Write four questions for your chapter. Write at least one of each of the following types of questions:
- Your memorized poem, which you will write out from memory
- The first 12 chapters of The Scarlet Letter
Write four questions for your chapter. Write at least one of each of the following types of questions:
- Short answer
- Identify the speaker of the quote
- T/F
NOTE: I know that most of you guys know about Sparknotes, but occasionally someone does not. Let's level the playing field. Sparknotes is particularly helpful for The Scarlet Letter because they have a "No Fear" version (paraphrased--kind of a modern translation, the "Kid in the hall at South Salem High School version")
Here's the standard Sparknotes summary and analysis of The Scarlet Letter: The Scarlet Letter
Here's the No Fear Literature paraphrased version: The Scarlet Letter
For FUN (what a concept. Honors and fun? Oxymoronic?)
What Would Your Puritan Name Be Quiz
Read Hawthorne's short story "The Minister's Black Veil."
Be prepared to answer questions 5, 6, 8 on page 303
Quizlet vocab Minister's Black Veil
Know 1-15 for Monday
Fun stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with anything:
Are you a nerd, geek, or dweeb? (You might find that your parents are even more interested in this than you are!)
Hogwarts Sorting Hat Quiz: What House Would You Be In?
For FUN (what a concept. Honors and fun? Oxymoronic?)
What Would Your Puritan Name Be Quiz
Read Hawthorne's short story "The Minister's Black Veil."
Be prepared to answer questions 5, 6, 8 on page 303
Quizlet vocab Minister's Black Veil
Know 1-15 for Monday
Fun stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with anything:
Are you a nerd, geek, or dweeb? (You might find that your parents are even more interested in this than you are!)
Hogwarts Sorting Hat Quiz: What House Would You Be In?
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The Scarlet Letter
Values of the Puritans
Values of the narrator/author
The first six chapters
Romanticism
Jonathon Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Bereft
Work on memorizing poem for next Thur/Fri. You will write it from memory.
How to memorize:
Reading calendar.
Finish By date
Ch. 9 Oct 1st/2nd
Ch. 12 5th/6th
Ch. 14 7th/8th
Ch. 17 12th
Ch. 18 13th/14th
Ch. 20 15th/16th
Ch. 23 19th
Ch. 24-end 20th/21st
Values of the Puritans
Values of the narrator/author
The first six chapters
Romanticism
Jonathon Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Bereft
Work on memorizing poem for next Thur/Fri. You will write it from memory.
How to memorize:
- visualize each image
- recite with feeling, paying attention to the rhythm and meter
- act it out with hand gestures
- think through concepts and the development of ideas
- practice, using different voices and intonation
- read it very slowly. Bit by bit.
- write it over and over again --Oliver Goodness
- if you're a really big nerd (like Sami) you use crazy voices
Watch The Scarlet Letter
The director of a film makes numerous artistic decisions. Your job is to ask if those decisions are true to the text. For example: Does the mood of the music fit; was it a good idea to change the color of a character's eyes; is the actor capturing the right emotion, or should the character be more . . .
Reading time
Reading calendar.
Finish By date
Ch. 9 Oct 1st/2nd
Ch. 12 5th/6th
Ch. 14 7th/8th
Ch. 17 12th
Ch. 18 13th/14th
Ch. 20 15th/16th
Ch. 23 19th
Ch. 24-end 20th/21st
Monday, September 28, 2015
Tue/Wed
The Scarlet Letter
Values of the Puritans
Values of the narrator/author
The first four chapters
Romanticism
Jonathon Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Bereft
Values of the Puritans
Values of the narrator/author
The first four chapters
Romanticism
Jonathon Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Bereft
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Thursday
SUMMER READING ESSAY DUE AT 11:59 SUNDAY NIGHT
Turnitin.com
1st Period Class ID: 10785031 Password: saxons
7th Period Class ID: 10785045 Password: saxons
The summer reading essay is worth 50 points. I'd recommend that you do the following:
1. Print the following four poems and bring to class next time Autumn Poems
You need to memorize one of the four poems for Oct 8/9.
2. Sonnet 73 Iambic pentameter. Check link for info on different meters
2. Read chapters 3-5 in The Scarlet Letter (remember, 10 pages every day)
HOMEWORK (for Monday)
1. Read chapter 5 of The Scarlet Letter
2. Write 1/3 page of notes telling us what values the Puritans in the story have.
3. Write 1/3 page of notes telling us what values the narrator of the story has.
Note: No need to write in complete sentences. Find examples and cite page numbers. You will use this for a class discussion on Monday. (Automatic 5 points for doing this.)
Here's how to do MLA citations: "Here's your nifty quote" (9). Ending quote mark, parentheses page number parentheses period. It's weird, but the period goes at the end even if the quote itself ended in a period ?:^/ For essays citing more than one work, list the author's name and then page number and any time you switch referenced works, write author's name again. (Hawthorne 9)
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
45 min. Lottery essay
Quizlet list of 24 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday and all 24 next Thur/Friday
Below you will find one of my other favorites poems, this one about poetry itself and the source of poetic inspiration.
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Turnitin.com
1st Period Class ID: 10785031 Password: saxons
7th Period Class ID: 10785045 Password: saxons
The summer reading essay is worth 50 points. I'd recommend that you do the following:
- Pick a thought-provoking title How to Write a Creative Title for an Essay
- Develop your essay using strong transition sentences Transitions
- Have someone proofread your essay (proofreading and editing help is fine; having mom write sentences and paragraphs is not)
1. Print the following four poems and bring to class next time Autumn Poems
You need to memorize one of the four poems for Oct 8/9.
2. Sonnet 73 Iambic pentameter. Check link for info on different meters
2. Read chapters 3-5 in The Scarlet Letter (remember, 10 pages every day)
HOMEWORK (for Monday)
1. Read chapter 5 of The Scarlet Letter
2. Write 1/3 page of notes telling us what values the Puritans in the story have.
3. Write 1/3 page of notes telling us what values the narrator of the story has.
Note: No need to write in complete sentences. Find examples and cite page numbers. You will use this for a class discussion on Monday. (Automatic 5 points for doing this.)
Here's how to do MLA citations: "Here's your nifty quote" (9). Ending quote mark, parentheses page number parentheses period. It's weird, but the period goes at the end even if the quote itself ended in a period ?:^/ For essays citing more than one work, list the author's name and then page number and any time you switch referenced works, write author's name again. (Hawthorne 9)
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
45 min. Lottery essay
Quizlet list of 24 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday and all 24 next Thur/Friday
Below you will find one of my other favorites poems, this one about poetry itself and the source of poetic inspiration.
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Monday, September 21, 2015
Tuesday
Poetry
Homework:
1. Print the following four poems and bring to class next time Autumn Poems
You need to memorize one of the four poems for Oct 8/9.
2. Read chapters 3 and 4 in The Scarlet Letter (remember, 10 pages every day)
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
45 min. Lottery essay
Quizlet list of 25 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday and all 25 next Thur/Friday
Below you will find one of my other favorites poems, this one about poetry itself and the source of poetic inspiration.
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Homework:
1. Print the following four poems and bring to class next time Autumn Poems
You need to memorize one of the four poems for Oct 8/9.
2. Read chapters 3 and 4 in The Scarlet Letter (remember, 10 pages every day)
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
45 min. Lottery essay
Quizlet list of 25 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday and all 25 next Thur/Friday
Below you will find one of my other favorites poems, this one about poetry itself and the source of poetic inspiration.
"Poetry" by Pablo Neruda
Friday, September 18, 2015
HOMEWORK:
1. Start memorizing the first 10 words from the Scarlet Letter vocabulary list, which are found on this Quizlet list of 25 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday and all 25 next Thur/Friday. We learn 10 words per week and have a vocabulary quiz every SCARLET LETTER:
It's time to check out The Scarlet Letter from the library. ACTUALLY, I recommend that you go to Amazon.com and spend $1.99 to but the Kindle version of The Scarlet Letter that is published by Kaplan. We will start reading this week and the sooner you get on it, the better. This is a TOUGH READ. Note: you may skip the 45 page introduction called "The Custom House." Yes, you're welcome :)
2. Tonight you are to read the first two chapters of The Scarlet Letter. We will read 10 pages of the novel (Kaplan edition) per night, including weekends--10 pages of text, that is, not five pages of text and five pages of vocabulary in the Kaplan edition.
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
15 more minutes to finish PSAT Writing Test.
Read The Lottery by Shirley Jackson and annotate as you go.
Over the next three periods you will write an essay (rough draft and final draft in pen). Follow the prompt. The story is intriguing and if you spend a fair amount of time thinking about it before you write, you should be able to write something that we will all want to read. Remember, that is always the objective when writing: write a piece that people will find interesting or insightful and well thought out. B's go to essays that are well supported. A's go to the essays that are well supported AND insightful.
1. Start memorizing the first 10 words from the Scarlet Letter vocabulary list, which are found on this Quizlet list of 25 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday and all 25 next Thur/Friday. We learn 10 words per week and have a vocabulary quiz every SCARLET LETTER:
It's time to check out The Scarlet Letter from the library. ACTUALLY, I recommend that you go to Amazon.com and spend $1.99 to but the Kindle version of The Scarlet Letter that is published by Kaplan. We will start reading this week and the sooner you get on it, the better. This is a TOUGH READ. Note: you may skip the 45 page introduction called "The Custom House." Yes, you're welcome :)
2. Tonight you are to read the first two chapters of The Scarlet Letter. We will read 10 pages of the novel (Kaplan edition) per night, including weekends--10 pages of text, that is, not five pages of text and five pages of vocabulary in the Kaplan edition.
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
15 more minutes to finish PSAT Writing Test.
Read The Lottery by Shirley Jackson and annotate as you go.
Over the next three periods you will write an essay (rough draft and final draft in pen). Follow the prompt. The story is intriguing and if you spend a fair amount of time thinking about it before you write, you should be able to write something that we will all want to read. Remember, that is always the objective when writing: write a piece that people will find interesting or insightful and well thought out. B's go to essays that are well supported. A's go to the essays that are well supported AND insightful.
Sept 17/18
Quiz--poem, 40 literary terms, Young Goodman Brown
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
15 more minutes to finish PSAT Writing Test.
Read The Lottery by Shirley Jackson and annotate as you go.
Over the next three periods you will write an essay (rough draft and final draft in pen). Follow the prompt. The story is intriguing and if you spend a fair amount of time thinking about it before you write, you should be able to write something that we will all want to read. Remember, that is always the objective when writing: write a piece that people will find interesting or insightful and well thought out. B's go to essays that are well supported. A's go to the essays that are well supported AND insightful.
Give points for annotation of summer reading novel.
15 more minutes to finish PSAT Writing Test.
Read The Lottery by Shirley Jackson and annotate as you go.
Over the next three periods you will write an essay (rough draft and final draft in pen). Follow the prompt. The story is intriguing and if you spend a fair amount of time thinking about it before you write, you should be able to write something that we will all want to read. Remember, that is always the objective when writing: write a piece that people will find interesting or insightful and well thought out. B's go to essays that are well supported. A's go to the essays that are well supported AND insightful.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Tuesday
1. Take PSAT Writing section test--30 minutes. I will also give you an additional 10 minutes to finish
section 3 from yesterday.
In order for us to use the same scantron sheet, mark "A" for numbers 49 and 50 and then bubble in
answers for the Writing test starting at number 51 (1 is 51, 2 is 52, etc.)
2. Learn all literary terms by Thursday/Friday (yes, 40, but you already know most)
3. Print Summer Reading Essay and bring it to class Thursday/Friday (17th).
Summer reading essay due Sunday 27th };^}
4. Young Goodman Brown.
Homework tonight:
Print it and bring to class.You will have a reading comprehension quiz over it at the beginning of the period next time and will also have to write out the first three lines of Song of the Open Road. We will combine this test with the literary terms test. 18 points total (5+3+10)
5. Next time, Bring How to Read Literature Like a College Professor AND your summer reading book. You will be sharing ideas from your book and won't have anything to do if you don't bring it. If you didn't hear about summer reading because you went to a different school last year, bring the summer reading book that you have chosen and I will give you reading time. Thanks!
IGNORE THE FOLLOWING. IT'S FROM LAST YEAR For start memorizing the first 10 words from the Scarlet Letter vocabulary list, which are found on this Quizlet list of 25 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday September 24/25 and the remainiing 15 the following Thur/Friday, Oct 1,2. Throughout the year we learn 10 words per week and have a vocabulary quiz every Friday (some of the blog entries you will read have been recycled from the things last year. Anytime you read "due Friday" that means due the last day of the week for your class). It is not my responsibility to remind you that you will be quizzed. NOTE: Many "B" students drop from the "A" because they don't ace all of the vocab quizzes.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Welcome to Honors American Lit!
Welcome to Honors American Lit
S.A.T. I recommend that you all take the SAT between now and January. Because you have taken the PSAT, you are familiar with the format and might do better on the current SAT than you will on the Revised SAT (percentile rating, that is).
--The best books, they don't talk about things you never thought about before. They talk about things you'd always thought about, but that you didn't think anyone else had thought about. You read them, and suddenly you're a little bit less alone in the world. You're part of this cosmic community of people who've thought about this thing, whatever it happens to be. -Tommey Wallach
Class syllabus
Homework:
1. Read syllabus, have parent or guardian read it, sign, and return Monday.
2. Learn all names by Thursday after next.
3. Learn all literary terms by next Thursday/Friday (yes, 40, but you already know most)
4. Finish Getting to Know You handout, including 1/2 page telling me about yourself. Make it interesting and revealing. I want to know the real you, not just typical biographical information--your passions, what makes you tick, things like that. Due Monday.
5. Print Summer Reading Essay and bring it to class next Thursday/Friday (17th). Actually due Sunday 27th };^}
6. Bring your copy of How to Read Literature like a college professor next Tuesday.
7. First three lines of Song of the Open Road by Whitman Monday.
What can I say, I love teaching Honors American Lit where the discussions are lively, the insights keen, and the writing enjoyable to read (please keep it that way :^]
Rather than create a website, I've set up this blog for our class and you will be required to view it from time to time. I prefer blogs to websites because they can be updated so easily and they also give you the opportunity to comment on the things that are said here and to give me input concerning neat and useful links to add to the "Resources" tab and the "Cool Stuff "tab."
My goal is to make this class as stimulating as it is challenging. The works that I've chosen for us to study, as well as the assignments, should give you opportunities to think through challenging issues and to solidify your new ideas as you write your papers and produce creative projects.
_______________________________________
Homework:
1. Read syllabus, have parent or guardian read it, sign, and return Monday.
2. Learn all names by Thursday after next.
3. Learn all literary terms by next Thursday/Friday (yes, 40, but you already know most)
4. Finish Getting to Know You handout, including 1/2 page telling me about yourself. Make it interesting and revealing. I want to know the real you, not just typical biographical information--your passions, what makes you tick, things like that. Due Monday.
5. Print Summer Reading Essay and bring it to class next Thursday/Friday (17th). Actually due Sunday 27th };^}
6. Bring your copy of How to Read Literature like a college professor next Tuesday.
7. First three lines of Song of the Open Road by Whitman Monday.
What can I say, I love teaching Honors American Lit where the discussions are lively, the insights keen, and the writing enjoyable to read (please keep it that way :^]
Rather than create a website, I've set up this blog for our class and you will be required to view it from time to time. I prefer blogs to websites because they can be updated so easily and they also give you the opportunity to comment on the things that are said here and to give me input concerning neat and useful links to add to the "Resources" tab and the "Cool Stuff "tab."
My goal is to make this class as stimulating as it is challenging. The works that I've chosen for us to study, as well as the assignments, should give you opportunities to think through challenging issues and to solidify your new ideas as you write your papers and produce creative projects.
_______________________________________
Class today (actually today and tomorrow):
1. The American Dream
- National Public Radio (NPR) video on the singer Bruce Springsteen and the American Dream. Springsteen's American Dream--Beautiful and Bleak
- Born to Run with lyrics (Bruce Springsteen) Discuss meaning of the song. And a link to the lyrics: Born to Run
- Compare and contrast the poems Song of the Open Road by Walt Whitman, and
- I am Waiting, by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Both deal with the American dream. Which is more similar to Springsteen's Born to Run? Why do you think these poets and singers see the American dream differently?
- As a group, decide what the song Born to Run is saying. Take notes.
- Homework: Write three paragraphs telling me what you think Springsteen is saying. Remember, good writing makes a specific point, supports that point with specific examples, and discusses those examples.
- Another Whitman poem: I Hear America Singing
- Literary terms--Quizlet
My hope is that you'll find the class both challenging and fun.
Homework (to be done tonight)
1. The first thing I'd like you to do is to have your parent or guardian read the syllabus.
2. Start memorizing the first 10 words from the Scarlet Letter vocabulary list, which are found on this Quizlet list of 25 Scarlet Letter words. You will be tested on these first 10 words Thursday or Friday and all 25 next Thur/Friday. We learn 10 words per week and have a vocabulary quiz every Friday (some of the blog entries you will read have been recycled from the things last year. Anytime you read "due Friday" that means due the last day of the week for your class). It is not my responsibility to remind you that you will be quizzed. NOTE: Many "B" students drop from the "A" because they don't ace all of the vocab quizzes.
4. Begin memorizing the names of all students in class. Quiz next Friday. Yes, it's true, I make you memorize everyone's name because we have lots of class discussions and I want you to be able to refer to one another by name. "Yes, I agree with what Jimmy is saying," "You know, Gladys, I have to respectfully disagree with you on this point."5. Do mental calisthenics to make the transition from "kicked back summer mode" to "hardworking, conscientious student and seeker of truth."
6. Memorize the first three lines of Walt Whitman's poem "The Open Road" for this Friday (see link above)
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