Today's Objective: Students will review chapters, concepts and characters from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.
Today's SAT Word: Humbug (n.): nonsense, foolishness.
"Ebenezer Scrooge believed that Christmas was a humbug."
Tonight's Homework: Finish reading chapters 23-25 and complete the corresponding homework packet. There will be a quiz on Jan. 4, 2011, and all materials will be due at that time.
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi."
Today's SAT Word: Tangible (adj.): Able to be held or touched.
"My favorite tangible possession is definitely my cell phone."
Today's Soundtrack: "We Three Kings / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" performed by The Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLaughlan
We have chosen this song today because the three kings from the nativity story are also known as the "magi" -- or wise men. In today's story, we read about the gifts of the magi, and a story that was inspired by their actions.
Today's Warm-Up Question: What is your favorite tangible possession?
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: "The Gift of the Magi" (from the ninth grade L.O.L. textbook, p. 152)
Tonight's Homework: Review your second quarter vocabulary terms over the break. There will be a major test on these words when we return in January, 2011.
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi."
Today's SAT Word: Tangible (adj.): Able to be held or touched.
"My favorite tangible possession is definitely my cell phone."
Today's Soundtrack: "We Three Kings / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" performed by The Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLaughlan
We have chosen this song today because the three kings from the nativity story are also known as the "magi" -- or wise men. In today's story, we read about the gifts of the magi, and a story that was inspired by their actions.
Today's Warm-Up Question: What is your favorite tangible possession?
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: "The Gift of the Magi" (from the ninth grade L.O.L. textbook, p. 152)
Tonight's Homework: Review your second quarter vocabulary terms over the break. There will be a major test on these words when we return in January, 2011.
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze Sylvia Plath's "Initiation."
Today's SAT Word: Mythological (adj): Existing in ancient legends or myths
"The phoenix is a mythological bird of fire."
Today's Soundtrack: "Popular" (from the Wicked original Broadway cast recording) by "Stephen Schwartz"
We have chosen this song today because it is written from the perspective of a student who was trying to help another student fit in with the "popular" crowd. Today's story tells of a similar situation.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Which group (or "clique") of students do you believe is the COOLEST in school?
Today's Objective: Students will explore, identify, and apply archetypes and symbolism.
Today's SAT Word: Archetype (n.): An original symbol that is copied again and again in literature.
"By familiarizing ourselves with archetypes, we've learned that a lot of themes repeat themselves in many of the stories we read!"
Today's Soundtrack: "Rocky Overture" by Bill Conti
We have chosen this song today because we began our discussion on archetypes by pointing out how many movies and books draw from the same archetypes in order to tell their stories. The "underdog" archetype is a classic story in literature, and the Rocky movies effectively tell the same story six times in a row.
Today's Warm-Up Question: What kind of things do you see happening again in again in movies all of the time?
Today's Objective: Students will explore, identify, and apply archetypes and symbolism.
Today's SAT Word: Archetype (n.): An original symbol that is copied again and again in literature.
"By familiarizing ourselves with archetypes, we've learned that a lot of themes repeat themselves in many of the stories we read!"
Today's Soundtrack: "Rocky Overture" by Bill Conti
We have chosen this song today because we began our discussion on archetypes by pointing out how many movies and books draw from the same archetypes in order to tell their stories. The "underdog" archetype is a classic story in literature, and the Rocky movies effectively tell the same story six times in a row.
Today's Warm-Up Question: What kind of things do you see happening again in again in movies all of the time? Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.
Tonight's Homework: Review your terms from today's lesson for a quiz next class.
Finish reading chapter 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
If you are using the online audiobook:
We left off on part 78. You will need to have finished up to (and including) part 81. This will take exactly 19:14. Budget your time and plan accordingly.
There will be a quiz on this material for next class.
Today's Objective: Students will review vocabulary, study symbolism, and analyze Maya Angelou's "Getting a Job."
Today's SAT Word: Symbolism (n:) Giving one particular thing (or symbol) a broader abstract meaning than itself.
Today's Soundtrack: "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer
We have chosen this song today because it is one woman's account of how she puts in a great amount of effort to accomplish the job of her choosing. This is the same message as we will encounter in today's excerpt from Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
What was the best job that you ever had? Or what is one dream job that you WISH you could have?
Students will read and analyze O. Henry’s “One Thousand Dollars” to determine story’s theme, then compare it to their own lives.
Today's SAT Word: Connotation (n.): a word's meaning as defined by how it is used in a sentence.
“I didn’t know what the new vocabulary word meant, but when I saw it used in a sentence, I was able to figure it out from the connotation.” Today's Video:
Today's Warm-Up Question:Imagine that you had a long-lost uncle who just died. In his will, he left you $10,000. What would you do with the money?
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:"One Thousand Dollars" by O. Henry (L.O.L. p. 382)
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze Sylvia Plath's "Initiation."
Today's SAT Word: Mythological (adj): Existing in ancient legends or myths
"The phoenix is a mythological bird of fire."
Today's Soundtrack: "Popular" (from the Wicked original Broadway cast recording) by "Stephen Schwartz"
We have chosen this song today because it is written from the perspective of a student who was trying to help another student fit in with the "popular" crowd. Today's story tells of a similar situation.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Which group (or "clique") of students do you believe is the COOLEST in school?
Finish reading chapters 18-19 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
If you are using the online audiobook:
We left off on part 70. You will need to have finished up to (and including) part 77. This will take exactly 53:29. Budget your time and plan accordingly.
There will be an open notes quiz on this material for next class.
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze Sylvia Plath's "Initiation."
Today's SAT Word: Mythological (adj): Existing in ancient legends or myths
"The phoenix is a mythological bird of fire."
Today's Soundtrack: "Popular" (from the Wicked original Broadway cast recording) by "Stephen Schwartz"
We have chosen this song today because it is written from the perspective of a student who was trying to help another student fit in with the "popular" crowd. Today's story tells of a similar situation.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Which group (or "clique") of students do you believe is the COOLEST in school?
Students will read and analyze O. Henry’s “One Thousand Dollars” to determine story’s theme, then compare it to their own lives.
Today's SAT Word: Context Clues (n.): items that provide “hints” to the deeper meaning of a particular word.
“I didn’t know what the new vocabulary word meant, but thanks to the context clues that surrounded it in the sentence, I was able to figure it out.” Today's Soundtrack: "If I Had $1,000,000" by The Barenaked Ladies
We have chosen this song today because it poses a hypothetical
Today's Warm-Up Question:Imagine that you had a long-lost uncle who just died. In his will, he left you $10,000. What would you do with the money?
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:"One Thousand Dollars" by O. Henry (L.O.L. p. 382)
Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence one another.
Today's SAT Word: Caste system (n): a society that is divided into social classes where one group is treated better than the others.
The people in Maycomb are divided into an unofficial "caste system" by race and family reputation.
Today's Soundtrack: "With a Little Help From My Friends" by The Beatles
We have chosen this song today because it talks about how we can all do better in life sometimes if we rely on the strength, support and assistance of those around us. In today's class, students worked with partners to complete a character influences quiz (spanning from chapter 1-13). Working with our friends helps us split the assignment into smaller parts as we learn from one another.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
Who do you think are the “mockingbirds” in this story? What makes you think that?
Students will read and analyze O. Henry’s “One Thousand Dollars” to determine story’s theme, then compare it to their own lives.
Today's SAT Word: Context Clues (n.): items that provide “hints” to the deeper meaning of a particular word.
“I didn’t know what the new vocabulary word meant, but thanks to the context clues that surrounded it in the sentence, I was able to figure it out.” Today's Soundtrack: "If I Had $1,000,000" by The Barenaked Ladies
We have chosen this song today because it poses a hypothetical
Today's Warm-Up Question:Imagine that you had a long-lost uncle who just died. In his will, he left you $10,000. What would you do with the money?
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:"One Thousand Dollars" by O. Henry (L.O.L. p. 382)
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze three poems.
Today's SAT Word: Metacognition (n): The act of thinking about why you think something.
In English class, Mr. Meehan is a stickler for metacognition -- he's always asking us *why* we think *what* we think.
Today's Soundtrack: "November Rain" by Guns 'n Roses
We have chosen this song today because it continues to explore weather imagery and personification. Each of the three poems we read in today's class likewise feature weather imagery and personification.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Read and review the excerpt projected on the board. We will have a critical reading question on it momentarily.
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze three poems.
Today's SAT Word: Metacognition (n): The act of thinking about why you think something.
In English class, Mr. Meehan is a stickler for metacognition -- he's always asking us *why* we think *what* we think.
Today's Soundtrack: "November Rain" by Guns 'n Roses
We have chosen this song today because it continues to explore weather imagery and personification. Each of the three poems we read in today's class likewise feature weather imagery and personification.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Read and review the excerpt projected on the board. We will have a critical reading question on it momentarily.
Today's Objective: Students will read, analyze, and compare three poems.
Today's SAT Word: Emphasis (n): Paying extra or particular attention to something.
When we read poems in class, we put a lot of emphasis on the imagery that the poems contain.
Today's Soundtrack: "Please Don't Stop The Rain" by James Morrison
We have chosen this song today because it makes great use of personification and imagery by comparing a person's feelings to a rain storm. The poems we read in today's class likewise make great use of this same technique.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
Write a comparative analysis between two or more of the poems we read in our last class. You may use your textbooks for reference, and your composition should be at least 10 sentences long.
(Basically - write a BCR where you compare and contrast two or more poems we read in our last class.)
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:
"Tonight I Can Write" by Pablo Neruda (p. 352) "look at this )" by e.e. cummings (p. 648)
Write a one paragraph BCR in which you explain the TONE of each of the poems we read in class today. Don't simply list your answer -- provide details and explain it!
Today's Objective: Students will read, analyze, and compare three poems.
Today's SAT Word: Emphasis (n): Paying extra or particular attention to something.
When we read poems in class, we put a lot of emphasis on the imagery that the poems contain.
Today's Soundtrack: "Please Don't Stop The Rain" by James Morrison
We have chosen this song today because it makes great use of personification and imagery by comparing a person's feelings to a rain storm. The poems we read in today's class likewise make great use of this same technique.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
Write a comparative analysis between two or more of the poems we read in our last class. You may use your textbooks for reference, and your composition should be at least 10 sentences long.
(Basically - write a BCR where you compare and contrast two or more poems we read in our last class.)
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:
"Tonight I Can Write" by Pablo Neruda (p. 352) "The Artilleryman's Vision" by By Walt Whitman (p. 646) "look at this )" by e.e. cummings (p. 648)
Write a one paragraph BCR in which you explain the TONE of each of the poems we read in class today. Don't simply list your answer -- provide details and explain it!
Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence one another.
Today's SAT Word: Morphine (n): a highly addictive painkiller.
Mrs. Dubose struggled with a lifelong addiction to morphine.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Which character in the story do you believe has shown the most bravery so far? Defend your answer! Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.
Tonight's Homework: Finish reading chapter 12. Take notes on the material! There will be a MAJOR quiz on the material next class.
Today's Objective: Students will read, analyze, and compare three poems.
Today's SAT Word: Emphasis (n): Paying extra or particular attention to something.
When we read poems in class, we put a lot of emphasis on the imagery that the poems contain.
Today's Soundtrack: "Please Don't Stop The Rain" by James Morrison
We have chosen this song today because it makes great use of personification and imagery by comparing a person's feelings to a rain storm. The poems we read in today's class likewise make great use of this same technique.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
Write a comparative analysis between two or more of the poems we read in our last class. You may use your textbooks for reference, and your composition should be at least 10 sentences long.
(Basically - write a BCR where you compare and contrast two or more poems we read in our last class.)
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:
"Tonight I Can Write" by Pablo Neruda (p. 352) "The Artilleryman's Vision" by By Walt Whitman (p. 646) "look at this )" by e.e. cummings (p. 648)
Write a one paragraph BCR in which you explain the TONE of each of the poems we read in class today. Don't simply list your answer -- provide details and explain it!
Today's Objective: Students will read, analyze, and compare five poems about love.
Today's SAT Word:
Comparative analysis (n): A process of comparing two or more texts to point out the similarities and differences that exist. In today's class, we worked through a comparative analysis of five different poems.
Today's Soundtrack: "Where is the Love?" by The Black Eyed Peas
We have chosen this song today because it poses the fundamental question of "Where is the love?" In each of the poems we studied in today's class, authors from all races, backgrounds, and walks of life attempt to make sense of this very same question -- and the results are as insightful as they are varied.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Today's class opened with a quiz on the vocabulary from "Sweet Potato Pie." See Mr. Meehan for details.
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: "Simile" by N. Scott Momaday (p. 256) "Moon Rondeau" by Carl Sandburg (p. 258) "Woman" by Nikki Giovanni (p.259) "Love Without Love" by Luis Llorens Torres (p. 347) "The Taxi" by Amy Lowell (p. 348)
Today's Objective: Students will read, analyze, and compare five poems about love.
Today's SAT Word:
Comparative analysis (n): A process of comparing two or more texts to point out the similarities and differences that exist. In today's class, we worked through a comparative analysis of five different poems.
Today's Soundtrack: "Where is the Love?" by The Black Eyed Peas
We have chosen this song today because it poses the fundamental question of "Where is the love?" In each of the poems we studied in today's class, authors from all races, backgrounds, and walks of life attempt to make sense of this very same question -- and the results are as insightful as they are varied.
Today's Warm-Up Question: Today's class opened with a quiz on the vocabulary from "Sweet Potato Pie." See Mr. Meehan for details.
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: "Simile" by N. Scott Momaday (p. 256) "Moon Rondeau" by Carl Sandburg (p. 258) "Woman" by Nikki Giovanni (p.259) "Love Without Love" by Luis Llorens Torres (p. 347) "The Taxi" by Amy Lowell (p. 348)
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze Collier's Sweet Potato Pie.
Today's SAT Word: Reminiscence (n): The act of remembering or recollecting.
My family and I love to get together over the holidays and share reminiscences over the good old days.
Today's Soundtrack: "Family Business" (Radio Edit) by Kanye West
We have chosen this song today because it sings of sharing, talking, and spending time with family. Today's story features an extended discussion of what "family dusiness" is all about and what it means to spend time with family.
Today's Warm-Up Question: What do you think of when you hear the phrase "soul food?" Write as much as you can!
Tonight's Homework: Do you find yourself agreeing more with Charley's point of view or Buddy's point of view? Which character do you identify with most? In a complete paragraph, make your case and defend your answer!
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze Collier's Sweet Potato Pie.
Today's SAT Word: Reminiscence (n): The act of remembering or recollecting.
My family and I love to get together over the holidays and share reminiscences over the good old days.
Today's Soundtrack: "Family Business" (Radio Edit) by Kanye West
We have chosen this song today because it sings of sharing, talking, and spending time with family. Today's story features an extended discussion of what "family dusiness" is all about and what it means to spend time with family.
Today's Warm-Up Question: What do you think of when you hear the phrase "soul food?" Write as much as you can!
Tonight's Homework: Do you find yourself agreeing more with Charley's point of view or Buddy's point of view? Which character do you identify with most? In a complete paragraph, make your case and defend your answer!
Students will complete a review packet on chapters 6-8 of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird over the Thanksgiving holiday break while they read the corresponding chapters in the story. Next week, there will be a major vocabulary quiz.
ALL STUDENTS MUST TURN-IN THEIR COMPLETED HOMEWORK PACKET ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30.
Today's Objective: Students will continue reading Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" to determine how characters influence one another.
Today's SAT Word: Reclusive (adj.): hiding away, shy.
"Boo Radley is reclusive because he stays in his house all of the time."
Today's Soundtrack: "Sneaking Up on Boo Radley" by Bruce Hornsby
We have chosen this song today because it was inspired by the first chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird. In the song and in the text, a group of children sneak up on the mysterious home of a reclusive stranger.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
For our final project, you will need to select ONE character and say how they were influenced by other characters in the story.
What character do you think that you'll be writing about for your assignment? Why did you choose that character?
Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:To Kill a Mockingbird (pp. 42-50)
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze sonnets.
Today's SAT Word: By a majority vote, the class has chosen this song today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed this song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Soundtrack: "Brick" by Ben Folds, "I Do" by Jude, "Canadian Rose" by Blues Traveler, "I'm Going Home" by Hootie and the Blowfish, and "Waiting for Gilligan" by Vance Gilbert
By a majority vote, the class has chosen one of these songs today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed these song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
After listening to these songs, write a BCR in which you address the following items:
1) Who is the speaker of this work? 2) To whom (or what) is this work addressed (a.k.a. "who is the speaker talking to?") 3) What, exactly, is going on in this particular work? 4) What is the tone of this work? Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.
Tonight's Homework: Student poetry portfolios are due Monday, November 22 (B-Day Classes) and Tuesday, November 23 (A-Day Classes).
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze sonnets.
Today's SAT Word: By a majority vote, the class has chosen this song today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed this song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Soundtrack: "Brick" by Ben Folds
By a majority vote, the class has chosen this song today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed this song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
After listening to this song, write a BCR in which you address the following items:
1) Who is the speaker of this work? 2) To whom (or what) is this work addressed (a.k.a. "who is the speaker talking to?") 3) What, exactly, is going on in this particular work? 4) What is the tone of this work? Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.
Tonight's Homework: Student poetry portfolios are due Monday, November 22 (B-Day Classes) and Tuesday, November 23 (A-Day Classes).
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze sonnets.
Today's SAT Word: By a majority vote, the class has chosen this song today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed this song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Soundtrack: "Canadian Rose" by Blues Traveler
By a majority vote, the class has chosen this song today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed this song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
After listening to this song, write a BCR in which you address the following items:
1) Who is the speaker of this work? 2) To whom (or what) is this work addressed (a.k.a. "who is the speaker talking to?") 3) What, exactly, is going on in this particular work? 4) What is the tone of this work? Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.
Tonight's Homework: Student poetry portfolios are due Monday, November 22 (B-Day Classes) and Tuesday, November 23 (A-Day Classes).
Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze sonnets.
Today's SAT Word: By a majority vote, the class has chosen this song today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed this song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Soundtrack: "I'm Going Home" by Hootie and the Blowfish
By a majority vote, the class has chosen this song today from a selection of works that feature rich imagery and figurative language. The class then analyzed this song for today's warm-up listening exercise.
Today's Warm-Up Question:
After listening to this song, write a BCR in which you address the following items:
1) Who is the speaker of this work? 2) To whom (or what) is this work addressed (a.k.a. "who is the speaker talking to?") 3) What, exactly, is going on in this particular work? 4) What is the tone of this work? Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.
Tonight's Homework: Student poetry portfolios are due Monday, November 22 (B-Day Classes) and Tuesday, November 23 (A-Day Classes).
