Friday, December 24, 2010

Wednesday, December 22 (E9)

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.

Wednesday, December 22 (E10)

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)


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


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.

Tuesday, December 21 (E10)

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)


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


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.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday, December 20 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence one another.




Today's SAT Word: Fretfully (adj.): With worry or anxiety

"People in the courtroom fidgeted fretfully waiting for the verdict from the jury."



Today's Warm-Up Question: How important is the testimony of a witness?



Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: To Kill a Mockingbird (Chapter 20)



Tonight's Homework: Finish reading chapters 21 and 22.

Monday, December 20 (E10 4A)

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 In-Class Reading Assignment:

"Initiation" by Sylvia Plath (L.O.L. p. 398)



Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.




Tonight's Homework:

ALL CLASSES: Review your new vocabulary for a quiz next class.

Monday, December 20 (E10 3A)

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.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Friday, December 17 (E10)

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.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Thursday, December 16 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence on another.


Today's SAT Word: Infer (v.): to learn from something that isn't explicitly stated.

"Atticus questioned the witness in a way that lead the jury to infer that she was lying."


Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: To Kill a Mockingbird, (review key passages) chapter 17-19.


Tonight's Homework:

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.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Thursday, December 16 (E10 3A)

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?


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework:
Read "Getting a Job" by Maya Angelou (L.O.L. p. 412). Vocab quiz next class.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesday, December 14 (E10 4A)

Today's Objective:

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 Lesson Notes:
Click here.


Tonight's Homework: None

Tuesday, December 14 (E10 3A)

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 In-Class Reading Assignment:

"Initiation" by Sylvia Plath (L.O.L. p. 398)



Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.




Tonight's Homework:

ALL CLASSES: Review your new vocabulary for a quiz next class.

2B: Write a one-paragraph BCR in which you explain Millicent's reason for not joining the sorority. Defend your answer using evidence from the text!

Tuesday, December 14 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence on another.


Today's SAT Word: Congenital (adj.): inherited from your family.

"The Ewell children were prone to all sorts of congenital diseases due to years of incest and inbreeding."


Today's Warm-Up Question: Which character has been the biggest influence in the book so far? Defend your answer!


Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: To Kill a Mockingbird, chapter 17


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework:

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.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Monday, December 13 (E10)

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 In-Class Reading Assignment:

"Initiation" by Sylvia Plath (L.O.L. p. 398)



Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.




Tonight's Homework:

ALL CLASSES: Review your new vocabulary for a quiz next class.

2B: Write a one-paragraph BCR in which you explain Millicent's reason for not joining the sorority. Defend your answer using evidence from the text!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Friday, December 10 (E10)

Today's Objective:

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 Lesson Notes:
Click here.


Tonight's Homework: None

Friday, December 10 (E9)

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?


Today's Lesson Notes:
Click here.
.


Tonight's Homework:

Read chapters 14-15.

If you are using the audio book, we left off on part 52 (posted below)
For next class, you will need to be finished up to (and including) part 63.



There will be an open notes quiz WITH YOUR PARTNER for next class.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thursday, December 9 (E10)

Today's Objective:

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 Lesson Notes:
Click here.


Tonight's Homework: None

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wednesday, December 8 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence one another.


Today's SAT Word: Incest (n): having relationships (or babies!) with your own blood relatives.

In backwoods southern towns, there are often cases of incest.


Today's Warm-Up Question:
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “conscience?


Today's Lesson Notes:
Click here.


Tonight's Homework: Read chapter 13. There will be an open notes quiz WITH YOUR PARTNER for next class.

Wednesday, December 8 (E10)

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 In-Class Reading Assignment:

"Birches" by Robert Frost
"Patrolling Barnegat" by Walt Whitman
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework: None.

Tuesday, December 7 (E10)

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 In-Class Reading Assignment:

"Birches" by Robert Frost
"Patrolling Barnegat" by Walt Whitman
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework: None.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Monday, December 6 (E10 4A)

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)

*An electronic copy of each of these poems is also available online.

Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework:

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!

Monday, December (E10 3A)

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)

*An electronic copy of each of these poems is also available online.

Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework:

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!

Monday, December 6 (E9)

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.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Friday, December 3 (E10)

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)

*An electronic copy of each of these poems is also available online.

Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework:

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!

Thursday, December 2 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence one another.


Today's SAT Word: Mockingbird (n): a small, black songbird which is most well-known for its singing ability.

Atticus tells Scout that it is a sin to kill mockingbirds because these creatures never cause harm to anyone.


Today's Warm-Up Question: Which character in the story do you believe has changed the most thus far? Explain your answer!


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework: Finish reading chapters 10-11. There will be a quiz on the material next class.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Thursday, December 2 (E10)

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)

* A digital copy of each of these selections can also be found in today's lesson notes.


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework:

Which of the five poems we read in today's class speaks to you the most? Defend your answer in a complete paragraph!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Wednesday, December 1 (E10)

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)

* A digital copy of each of these selections can also be found in today's lesson notes.


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework:

Which of the five poems we read in today's class speaks to you the most? Defend your answer in a complete paragraph!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tuesday. November 30 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence one another.


Today's SAT Word: Character sketch (n): An outline that points out a character's most important traits.

Writing a character sketch helps you understand the people in the story.


Today's Warm-Up Question: Have you been keeping up with the reading for this quarter?

If YES -- where do you think this story is headed to next?

If NO -- do you plan on catching up on the reading any time soon? And if not, how will you possibly pass this quarter?



Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework: Read chapter 9. There will be a quiz on the material next class.

Tuesday, November 30 (E10)

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!


Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: "Sweet Potato Pie" by Eugenia Collier (p. 240-249)


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


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!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Monday, November 29 (E10)

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!


Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: "Sweet Potato Pie" by Eugenia Collier (p. 240-249)


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


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!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Tuesday, November 23 (E10)

Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze two sonnets.


Today's SAT Word: Gratitude (n): thankfulness

"I showed my gratitude when I gave my mom a big hug."


Today's Warm-Up Question: What things are you most thankful for in your life?


Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:

William Shakespeare, "Sonnet 18" (L.O.L. p. 234)
Edna St. Vincent Millay, "Sonnet 30" (L.O.L. p. 235)


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework: Have a great holiday!

Monday, November 22 (E10)

Today's Objective: Students will read and analyze two sonnets.


Today's SAT Word: Gratitude (n): thankfulness

"I showed my gratitude when I gave my mom a big hug."


Today's Warm-Up Question: What things are you most thankful for in your life?


Today's In-Class Reading Assignment:

William Shakespeare, "Sonnet 18" (L.O.L. p. 234)
Edna St. Vincent Millay, "Sonnet 30" (L.O.L. p. 235)


Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework: Have a great holiday!

Tuesday, November 23 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will continue reading To Kill a Mockingbird to determine how characters influence one another.


Today's SAT Word: Gratitude (n): thankfulness

"I showed my gratitude by giving my mother a big hug."


Today's Warm-Up Question: What things are you most thankful for in your life?


Today's In-Class Reading Assignment: To Kill a Mockingbird (Ch. 6)


Tonight's Homework: Click here.

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.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Friday, November 19 (E9)

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 Lesson Notes: Click here.


Tonight's Homework: Finish chapter five of To Kill a Mockingbird. There will be a quiz on the material for next class.

Friday, November 19 (E10)

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).

A digital copy of the poetry portfolio guidelines is available online
.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thursday, November 18 (E10 4B)

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).

A digital copy of the poetry portfolio guidelines is available online
.

Thursday, November 18 (E10 2B)

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).

A digital copy of the poetry portfolio guidelines is available online
.

Thursday, November 18 (E10 1B)

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).

A digital copy of the poetry portfolio guidelines is available online
.