Hi My Fun AP Class!
I'm sorry. I have not done a good job at posting on your blog. Grades just took so much time! But we're back on track:
Thursday: Class was shortened due to the Activity Period and so we briefly talked about MLA and Editorials. Here is a link to the MLA Handout Review Guide and this is a great website for MLA. Hopefully we will have time in class to review MLA this Thursday.
Monday: We introduced Peer Review and why it's important. We did a game where we guessed how many pieces of candy were in a big jug. Some students proclaimed them selves as experts. Then we averaged everyone's guesses together. The result was that the class average came much closer to the actual number than either of the "experts." Thus we see, that when we work together our work improves! I have tried to design an effective peer review process--and I hope you will take it seriously. You will receive points for peer reviewing a classmate's drafts and also for having your drafts peer reviewed.
Tuesday: Today, we did peer review! Many of you did not come prepared with your draft completed. It is now your responsibility to switch with someone in the class who needs to peer review also, so you can get those points, and more importantly receive feedback on your writing so that you can improve it!
We also began talking about the next component of the portfolio assignment: The Personal Essay. For Thursday, you were given a packet of model personal essays to read like a writer. Please come see me to get that packet and assignment. I don't have electronic copies of the essays, so I can't post them online, sorry.
As always, please email or call if you have questions!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
1 April 2008: Welcome AP Class
Hello AP Class! I am excited to work with you for my last 2 weeks. We have a lot to do, but you will manage. And you will do it brilliantly of course.
This is what we did in class today:
First we talked about the topics you have been following in the paper and online. We talked about how to turn your topic into an issue (with at least two sides) by turning your topic into a yes/no question. That will ensure your topic is an issue. To do this see the practice worksheet and be sure to turn this into me on Thursday.
We talked through the first portion of your portfolio assignment: Two Editorials. See the assignment sheet for more details. Come and see me to get the assignment sheet.
Then we read pages 61-67 in the AP textbook to look at why you will be doing the Editorial assignment, and how you will begin thinking about the Editorial assignment. You will want to read through these pages to make sure you understand why it is important to synthesize sources and research in editorial writing.
Finally, we talked about a reading strategy you will use while you do your reading homework for the next two weeks: Reading Like A Writer.
Reading like a writer makes you a better reader and also a better writer. What you will do is examine how effective writers use rhetorical devices to make their writing effective. This enables you to analyze how you can use these same devices in your writing.
So, your homework for Thursday is to (1) read the following packet on editorials and complete the reading like a writer strategy for each of the model Op-Eds and (2) bring all of your articles on your topic to class on Thursday!
If you have questions, please come and see me!
This is what we did in class today:
First we talked about the topics you have been following in the paper and online. We talked about how to turn your topic into an issue (with at least two sides) by turning your topic into a yes/no question. That will ensure your topic is an issue. To do this see the practice worksheet and be sure to turn this into me on Thursday.
We talked through the first portion of your portfolio assignment: Two Editorials. See the assignment sheet for more details. Come and see me to get the assignment sheet.
Then we read pages 61-67 in the AP textbook to look at why you will be doing the Editorial assignment, and how you will begin thinking about the Editorial assignment. You will want to read through these pages to make sure you understand why it is important to synthesize sources and research in editorial writing.
Finally, we talked about a reading strategy you will use while you do your reading homework for the next two weeks: Reading Like A Writer.
Reading like a writer makes you a better reader and also a better writer. What you will do is examine how effective writers use rhetorical devices to make their writing effective. This enables you to analyze how you can use these same devices in your writing.
So, your homework for Thursday is to (1) read the following packet on editorials and complete the reading like a writer strategy for each of the model Op-Eds and (2) bring all of your articles on your topic to class on Thursday!
If you have questions, please come and see me!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14th
Today we talked about The Great Gatsby chapter 8 and we completed Peer Review.
If you missed class here's what you need to do:
1. Write a well developed paragraph to answer the following prompt: Write about a time when you wanted something so you deceived someone to get it, but it backfired.
2. Answer the following questions for Chapter 8:
a. Look at the passage on pages 148-149 where Nick talks with Gatsby before going to work. What do we learn about Gatsby's dream? Why does Nick think Gatsby's dream is dead?
b. Look at the passage on page 153-154 where Nick is leaving Gatsby's mansion to go to work. While Nick is leaving he says, "'They're a rotten crowd'...'You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.' I've always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from beginning to end." Explain Nick's statement. Nick admires Gatsby, but has disapproved of him from beginning to end, how does this work?
3. You will need to print off the peer review sheet (or come get one from me) and have another student in our class peer review your paper and you will want to peer review another student's paper in order to receive points.
Homework for Tuesday:
1. Read The Great Gatsby chapter 9 (the last chapter!)
2. Bring all of your multigenre materials to work on in class on Tuesday.
If you missed class here's what you need to do:
1. Write a well developed paragraph to answer the following prompt: Write about a time when you wanted something so you deceived someone to get it, but it backfired.
2. Answer the following questions for Chapter 8:
a. Look at the passage on pages 148-149 where Nick talks with Gatsby before going to work. What do we learn about Gatsby's dream? Why does Nick think Gatsby's dream is dead?
b. Look at the passage on page 153-154 where Nick is leaving Gatsby's mansion to go to work. While Nick is leaving he says, "'They're a rotten crowd'...'You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.' I've always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from beginning to end." Explain Nick's statement. Nick admires Gatsby, but has disapproved of him from beginning to end, how does this work?
3. You will need to print off the peer review sheet (or come get one from me) and have another student in our class peer review your paper and you will want to peer review another student's paper in order to receive points.
Homework for Tuesday:
1. Read The Great Gatsby chapter 9 (the last chapter!)
2. Bring all of your multigenre materials to work on in class on Tuesday.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday, March 13th
Today we talked about The Great Gatsby chapter 8 and we completed Peer Review.
If you missed class here's what you need to do:
1. Write a well developed paragraph to answer the following prompt: Write about a time when you wanted something so you deceived someone to get it, but it backfired.
2. Answer the following questions for Chapter 8:
a. Look at the passage on pages 148-149 where Nick talks with Gatsby before going to work. What do we learn about Gatsby's dream? Why does Nick think Gatsby's dream is dead?
b. Look at the passage on page 153-154 where Nick is leaving Gatsby's mansion to go to work. While Nick is leaving he says, "'They're a rotten crowd'...'You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.' I've always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from beginning to end." Explain Nick's statement. Nick admires Gatsby, but has disapproved of him from beginning to end, how does this work?
3. You will need to print off the peer review sheet (or come get one from me) and have another student in our class peer review your paper and you will want to peer review another student's paper in order to receive points.
Homework for Tuesday:
1. Read The Great Gatsby chapter 9 (the last chapter!)
2. Bring all of your multigenre materials to work on in class on Tuesday.
If you missed class here's what you need to do:
1. Write a well developed paragraph to answer the following prompt: Write about a time when you wanted something so you deceived someone to get it, but it backfired.
2. Answer the following questions for Chapter 8:
a. Look at the passage on pages 148-149 where Nick talks with Gatsby before going to work. What do we learn about Gatsby's dream? Why does Nick think Gatsby's dream is dead?
b. Look at the passage on page 153-154 where Nick is leaving Gatsby's mansion to go to work. While Nick is leaving he says, "'They're a rotten crowd'...'You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.' I've always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from beginning to end." Explain Nick's statement. Nick admires Gatsby, but has disapproved of him from beginning to end, how does this work?
3. You will need to print off the peer review sheet (or come get one from me) and have another student in our class peer review your paper and you will want to peer review another student's paper in order to receive points.
Homework for Tuesday:
1. Read The Great Gatsby chapter 9 (the last chapter!)
2. Bring all of your multigenre materials to work on in class on Tuesday.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11th & Wednesday, March 12th
Okay, so today we talked about The Great Gatsby Chapter 7. This is the climax of the novel.
We also talked about Peer Review. Peer Review is when you write a paper and have one of your classmates read it and give you feedback. We will be completing a specific peer review process on Thursday and Friday this week.
You MUST have a completed draft of your compare-contrast essay in class on Thursday or Friday.
Remember as part of the process points of your multigenre research paper you receive points for the following:
1) Having a completed draft in class on Thursday or Friday.
2) Having your draft peer reviewed by someone in our class.
3) Peer Reviewing a classmate's paper.
These are easy points! And they are a lot of points, make sure you get them!
To make up the class for Thursday you need to do the following:
1. Write about a dream or goal you have accomplished and the steps you took to accomplish it.
2. Answer the following questions about Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby:
1. Think about the confrontation scene on p.132-134. At the end of this passage Nick states that “only the dead dream fought on as the afternoon slipped away, trying to touch what was no longer tangible, struggling unhappily, undesparingly, toward that lost voice across the room.” How does Nick’s commentary connect to the confrontation scene? What is important about this scene and Nick’s commentary?
2. Re-read the passage on p.144-145 in which Nick finds Gatsby outside Daisy’s house in the dark. Compare this passage to the passage in chapter 1 where Nick sees Gatsby outside at night stretching his arms toward Daisy’s house. What is the significance of Gatsby standing outside Daisy’s house and Nick leaving him there alone?
Homework for Thursday or Friday:
Read The Great Gatsby chapter 8
Bring a Completed Draft of your Compare-Contrast Essay to class!!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday, March 10th
Happy Monday!
Both Odd and Even Classes:
Today was a normal Monday, next Monday will be an odd day!
If you missed class today you will need to do the following assignment to make up the punctual piece and class work:
1. In a well developed paragraph, write about a time when you were really excited about something, but when it actually happened it wasn't as great as you thought.
2. Answer the following questions for chapters 5 and 6 of The Great Gatsby:
Chapter 5:
1. Look at the passage on p. 92-93 beginning “After the house..” and ending “diminished by one…” How does this passage further develop the symbol of the green light as the American Dream?
2. Does the reunion between Gatsby and Daisy live up to either of their expectations? Why or why not? Give specific examples from the text to support your ideas.
Chapter 6:
1. Read the interaction between Gatsby and Tom and the Sloane's on p. 101-103. How does this interaction relate to Gatsby's history as related by Nick just prior to this passage? What does this passage infer about Gatsby's dream of wealth and status?
2. Gatsby can see that Daisy did not have a good time at his party. Look at his conversation with Nick at the end of chapter 6 on p. 109-110. In this conversation Nick and Gatsby disagree on a point about whether or not it is possible to repeat the past. Comment on how this concept relates to Gatsby's dream.
Also for Tuesday or Wednesday (whichever day you have class) read The Great Gatsby chapter 7, and bring all of your multigenre research with you to class.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Friday, March 7th
We are almost done! And you are all doing great.
Today we talked about The Great Gatsby Chapter 4 and the final component of the required genres: the compare and contrast essay. I know it may be a bit confusing, but no worries. Just take it one step at a time.
Your poem for 2 voices should have started generating your thinking for your essay. Now you will want to expand that thinking and decide specifically how your topic from the 1920s relates to what you are comparing it to in our society today.
Then you will need to answer the questions "Why am I comparing my topic from the 1920s with this aspect from our society today?" and "Why is my comparison important?" Your answers to these two questions should give you the focus and thesis of your essay!
Next you will want to select an organizational pattern. There are 2 common ways of organizing compare contrast essays: Block Format and Point-by-Point.
Option 1: Block Format
In Block Format you follow the following pattern:
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
Topic A: give background information and relate the information back to your thesis without mentioning Topic B.
(This section will probably be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
Topic B: now give background information and relate the information back both to your thesis and Topic A.
(This section should be approximately the same number of paragraphs as Topic A)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Option 2: Point-by-Point Format
If you choice the Point-by-Point format, you will follow the following pattern.
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
In this section you will state the similarities between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
In this section you will state the differences between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Okay, so to make up the punctual piece you missed you will need to write a well developed paragraph on the following prompt:
Many critics claim that The Great Gatsby is a novel about dreams and specifically The American Dream. After reading chapter 4 what is Gatsby's dream? Provide at least two (2) specific examples from the text to support your answer.
Now, for Monday:
1. You must have 3 genres: Newspaper article, Poem for 2 Voices, and one Your Choice genre: it could be a photo you find, a picture you draw, a letter, etc. It doesn't have to be difficult.
2. Read The Great Gatsby Chapters 5-6 (this is where it gets really, really, really good!)
3. Complete the Compare/Contrast planning guide using either the Block or Point-by-Point formats, but not both.
(see the sidebar links for all of the compare contrast info!)
Also, writing a compare-contrast essay for the first time can be difficult. Sometimes the thinking part of the paper is the hardest part. Please call me or come see me! I promise we can make it really easy if we work through the thinking portion together.
Today we talked about The Great Gatsby Chapter 4 and the final component of the required genres: the compare and contrast essay. I know it may be a bit confusing, but no worries. Just take it one step at a time.
Your poem for 2 voices should have started generating your thinking for your essay. Now you will want to expand that thinking and decide specifically how your topic from the 1920s relates to what you are comparing it to in our society today.
Then you will need to answer the questions "Why am I comparing my topic from the 1920s with this aspect from our society today?" and "Why is my comparison important?" Your answers to these two questions should give you the focus and thesis of your essay!
Next you will want to select an organizational pattern. There are 2 common ways of organizing compare contrast essays: Block Format and Point-by-Point.
Option 1: Block Format
In Block Format you follow the following pattern:
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
Topic A: give background information and relate the information back to your thesis without mentioning Topic B.
(This section will probably be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
Topic B: now give background information and relate the information back both to your thesis and Topic A.
(This section should be approximately the same number of paragraphs as Topic A)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Option 2: Point-by-Point Format
If you choice the Point-by-Point format, you will follow the following pattern.
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
In this section you will state the similarities between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
In this section you will state the differences between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Okay, so to make up the punctual piece you missed you will need to write a well developed paragraph on the following prompt:
Many critics claim that The Great Gatsby is a novel about dreams and specifically The American Dream. After reading chapter 4 what is Gatsby's dream? Provide at least two (2) specific examples from the text to support your answer.
Now, for Monday:
1. You must have 3 genres: Newspaper article, Poem for 2 Voices, and one Your Choice genre: it could be a photo you find, a picture you draw, a letter, etc. It doesn't have to be difficult.
2. Read The Great Gatsby Chapters 5-6 (this is where it gets really, really, really good!)
3. Complete the Compare/Contrast planning guide using either the Block or Point-by-Point formats, but not both.
(see the sidebar links for all of the compare contrast info!)
Also, writing a compare-contrast essay for the first time can be difficult. Sometimes the thinking part of the paper is the hardest part. Please call me or come see me! I promise we can make it really easy if we work through the thinking portion together.
Thursday, March 6th
We are almost done! And you are all doing great.
Today we talked about The Great Gatsby Chapter 4 and the final component of the required genres: the compare and contrast essay. I know it may be a bit confusing, but no worries. Just take it one step at a time.
Your poem for 2 voices should have started generating your thinking for your essay. Now you will want to expand that thinking and decide specifically how your topic from the 1920s relates to what you are comparing it to in our society today.
Then you will need to answer the questions "Why am I comparing my topic from the 1920s with this aspect from our society today?" and "Why is my comparison important?" Your answers to these two questions should give you the focus and thesis of your essay!
Next you will want to select an organizational pattern. There are 2 common ways of organizing compare contrast essays: Block Format and Point-by-Point.
Option 1: Block Format
In Block Format you follow the following pattern:
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
Topic A: give background information and relate the information back to your thesis without mentioning Topic B.
(This section will probably be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
Topic B: now give background information and relate the information back both to your thesis and Topic A.
(This section should be approximately the same number of paragraphs as Topic A)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Option 2: Point-by-Point Format
If you choice the Point-by-Point format, you will follow the following pattern.
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
In this section you will state the similarities between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
In this section you will state the differences between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Okay, so to make up the punctual piece you missed you will need to write a well developed paragraph on the following prompt:
Many critics claim that The Great Gatsby is a novel about dreams and specifically The American Dream. After reading chapter 4 what is Gatsby's dream? Provide at least two (2) specific examples from the text to support your answer.
Now, for Monday:
1. You must have 3 genres: Newspaper article, Poem for 2 Voices, and one Your Choice genre: it could be a photo you find, a picture you draw, a letter, etc. It doesn't have to be difficult.
2. Read The Great Gatsby Chapters 5-6 (this is where it gets really, really, really good!)
3. Complete the Compare/Contrast planning guide using either the Block or Point-by-Point formats, but not both.
(see the sidebar links for all of the compare contrast info!)
Also, writing a compare-contrast essay for the first time can be difficult. Sometimes the thinking part of the paper is the hardest part. Please call me or come see me! I promise we can make it really easy if we work through the thinking portion together.
Today we talked about The Great Gatsby Chapter 4 and the final component of the required genres: the compare and contrast essay. I know it may be a bit confusing, but no worries. Just take it one step at a time.
Your poem for 2 voices should have started generating your thinking for your essay. Now you will want to expand that thinking and decide specifically how your topic from the 1920s relates to what you are comparing it to in our society today.
Then you will need to answer the questions "Why am I comparing my topic from the 1920s with this aspect from our society today?" and "Why is my comparison important?" Your answers to these two questions should give you the focus and thesis of your essay!
Next you will want to select an organizational pattern. There are 2 common ways of organizing compare contrast essays: Block Format and Point-by-Point.
Option 1: Block Format
In Block Format you follow the following pattern:
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
Topic A: give background information and relate the information back to your thesis without mentioning Topic B.
(This section will probably be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
Topic B: now give background information and relate the information back both to your thesis and Topic A.
(This section should be approximately the same number of paragraphs as Topic A)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Option 2: Point-by-Point Format
If you choice the Point-by-Point format, you will follow the following pattern.
Introduction/Thesis Paragraph
This is where you will introduce your topic from the 1920s and the aspect from our society to which you are comparing it. You will tell your reader why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important (You will be stating your THESIS!)
Body:
Paragraph 1-?
In this section you will state the similarities between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Paragraph ?-?
In this section you will state the differences between Topic A and Topic B on one point. Then you will go onto the next point.
(This section should be at least 2 paragraphs)
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
Now discuss the similarities and differences between the topics and further develop your answer to why you are comparing these two topics and why your comparison is important.
You're Done!
Okay, so to make up the punctual piece you missed you will need to write a well developed paragraph on the following prompt:
Many critics claim that The Great Gatsby is a novel about dreams and specifically The American Dream. After reading chapter 4 what is Gatsby's dream? Provide at least two (2) specific examples from the text to support your answer.
Now, for Monday:
1. You must have 3 genres: Newspaper article, Poem for 2 Voices, and one Your Choice genre: it could be a photo you find, a picture you draw, a letter, etc. It doesn't have to be difficult.
2. Read The Great Gatsby Chapters 5-6 (this is where it gets really, really, really good!)
3. Complete the Compare/Contrast planning guide using either the Block or Point-by-Point formats, but not both.
(see the sidebar links for all of the compare contrast info!)
Also, writing a compare-contrast essay for the first time can be difficult. Sometimes the thinking part of the paper is the hardest part. Please call me or come see me! I promise we can make it really easy if we work through the thinking portion together.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Wednesday, March 5th
Odd Classes:
Wow, today was so much fun! Today we talked about Poems for 2 Voices and reviewed The Great Gatsby chapters 1-3. So you all need to be caught up, because we are moving on right away!
I also passed out a Revised Calendar. There is very important information on the calendar that you are all responsible for! If you do not have 3 completed genres (Newspaper article, Poem for 2 Voices, and a genre of your choice), I will be sending a letter to your parents notifying them that you may fail the course this semester. Please don't make me send a letter home! Get your genres completed. Remember, you receive process points for completing the genres ON TIME! Don't lose the opportunity of getting easy points and my feedback on your genres, so when I grade them in your final project you can get a perfect score!
Here is a link to the revised calendar: http://viewer.zoho.com/docs/zbBDl
We also discussed Poems for 2 Voices. A poem for 2 voices has two columns and is read by two people at the same time. One person reads one column and the second person reads the other column. The lines that are together are read by both people at the same time. The lines that are separate are read individually.
You will need to complete a poem for 2 voices for your multi-genre paper. This will be a pre-writing strategy for your compare and contrast essay. One column will be a voice about your topic from the 1920s. The other voice will be what you will compare your topic to in our society today.
Please come and see me for examples.
I have attached one example that I wrote and a template you may use (but are not required to use) to write your poem for 2 voices (see the links on the right hand side bar).
Here is what you need to do to make up our class today:
1. Write a paragraph describing what the American Dream is. What is your dream? How are you planning to achieve your dream?
2.Come and see me so I can explain Poems for 2 Voices.
3. Complete the study guide for The Great Gatsby chapters 1-3
What you need to do for Friday's class:
1. Complete your Poem for 2 Voices
2. Read The Great Gatsby chapter 4
3. Read Hemingway's "In Another Country" (only 3rd Period)
4. Complete the study guide for The Great Gatsby for chapter 4.
Here's a link for the study guide for chapters 1-4: http://viewer.zoho.com/docs/gbK7bf
If you have questions, please come and see me!!!!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tuesday, March 4th
Even Classes:
2nd Period:
Today we continued to review The Great Gatsby 1-3. So, if you missed you will need to respond to all 8 of the questions on the review guide at this link: http://viewer.zoho.com/docs/mdlbZh
We also discussed Poems for 2 Voices. A poem for 2 voices has two columns and is read by two people at the same time. One person reads one column and the second person reads the other column. The lines that are together are read by both people at the same time. The lines that are separate are read individually.
You will need to complete a poem for 2 voices for your multi-genre paper. This will be a pre-writing strategy for your compare and contrast essay. One column will be a voice about your topic from the 1920s. The other voice will be what you will compare your topic to in our society today.
Please come and see me for examples.
I have attached one example that I wrote and a template you may use (but are not required to use) to write your poem for 2 voices (see the links on the right hand side bar)
This is what you need to do for Thursday:
1. Finish your Poem for 2 Voices
2. Read Gatsby 4
3. Read the Hemingway piece "In Another Country" (see the links on the right hand side bar)
Please come see me!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Monday, March 3rd--Even Classes
2nd Period:
Today we reviewed The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-3.
In order to get participation points for today you will need to do the following:
1. Write about what the American Dream means to you. What is your American dream?
2. Select two of the following questions listed on the following link and turn in your written response: http://viewer.zoho.com/docs/mdlbZh
3. For Tuesday you will need to make sure you have read The Great Gatsby 1-3 and have finished your research notes and your newspaper article.
6th Period:
Today we talked about newspaper writing (see Monday, March 3rd for odd classes for all the specifics).
For Tuesday you will need to read The Great Gatsby chapter 4 and complete your reading role.
Your Newspaper article about your topic is due on Thursday.
Today we reviewed The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-3.
In order to get participation points for today you will need to do the following:
1. Write about what the American Dream means to you. What is your American dream?
2. Select two of the following questions listed on the following link and turn in your written response: http://viewer.zoho.com/docs/mdlbZh
3. For Tuesday you will need to make sure you have read The Great Gatsby 1-3 and have finished your research notes and your newspaper article.
6th Period:
Today we talked about newspaper writing (see Monday, March 3rd for odd classes for all the specifics).
For Tuesday you will need to read The Great Gatsby chapter 4 and complete your reading role.
Your Newspaper article about your topic is due on Thursday.
Monday, March 3rd--Odd Classes
A regular Monday at last!
Odd Classes:
Today we talked about Newspaper writing to prepare you to write your newspaper article. Here are the most important things you need to remember when writing a newspaper article.
Here is what you need to do to make up class work:?
1. Read the following newspaper article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/us/politics/02snl.html?ref=todayspaper and make a list of the characteristics of newspaper writing. What characteristics of newspaper writing make it different from other forms of writing?
2. Come see me or print off the inverted triangle sheet from online to fill in for the article you read.
Here's the link: http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson249/pyramid.pdf
3. Use the inverted triangle to write a newspaper article about your topic from the 1920s. You will write it as if you are in the 1920s and are reporting on it. Your article should have a headline; the who, what, when, where, and why; and at least 3 additional details to elaborate on the 5Ws; and then a final detail.
Homework that is due Wednesday:
1. Read through The Great Gatsby chapter 3
2. Write a newspaper article about your 1920s topic.
3. If you haven't finished your research, do so!
Odd Classes:
Today we talked about Newspaper writing to prepare you to write your newspaper article. Here are the most important things you need to remember when writing a newspaper article.
- The most important information comes first (this is the Headline)
- Then you tell the next most important information: who, what, when, and where
- Next, you give additional details (at least 3) to give more information about the who, what, when, and where and in these details you should explain the why and possibly how.
- Finally, you give your final detail--which is the least important detail.
Here is what you need to do to make up class work:?
1. Read the following newspaper article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03
2. Come see me or print off the inverted triangle sheet from online to fill in for the article you read.
Here's the link: http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson249/pyramid.pdf
3. Use the inverted triangle to write a newspaper article about your topic from the 1920s. You will write it as if you are in the 1920s and are reporting on it. Your article should have a headline; the who, what, when, where, and why; and at least 3 additional details to elaborate on the 5Ws; and then a final detail.
Homework that is due Wednesday:
1. Read through The Great Gatsby chapter 3
2. Write a newspaper article about your 1920s topic.
3. If you haven't finished your research, do so!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28th
Even Classes:
2nd Period:
Today we talked about Newspaper writing to prepare you to write your newspaper article. Here are the most important things you need to remember when writing a newspaper article.
Here is what you need to do to make up class work:
1. Answer the following question about The Great Gatsby chapter 2: Look at the description of the valley of ashes on p. 23-24, what is this place like? How does it differ from the Eggs?
2. Find a newspaper article (or come and get one from me) and make a list of the characteristics of newspaper writing. What characteristics of newspaper writing make it different from other forms of writing?
3. Come see me or print off the inverted triangle sheet from online to fill in for the article you read.
Here's the link: http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson249/pyramid.pdf
Homework that is due Monday:
1. Read The Great Gatsby chapter 3
2. Finish your research and complete your Research Reading charts (they are in your folder on the right hand side): You need to complete one for each of your 4 sources.
3. Write a newspaper article about your 1920s topic.
Please email me or call me if you have questions!!! Let me help you!
2nd Period:
Today we talked about Newspaper writing to prepare you to write your newspaper article. Here are the most important things you need to remember when writing a newspaper article.
- The most important information comes first (this is the Headline)
- Then you tell the next most important information: who, what, when, and where
- Next, you give additional details (at least 3) to give more information about the who, what, when, and where and in these details you should explain the why and possibly how.
- Finally, you give your final detail--which is the least important detail.
Here is what you need to do to make up class work:
1. Answer the following question about The Great Gatsby chapter 2: Look at the description of the valley of ashes on p. 23-24, what is this place like? How does it differ from the Eggs?
2. Find a newspaper article (or come and get one from me) and make a list of the characteristics of newspaper writing. What characteristics of newspaper writing make it different from other forms of writing?
3. Come see me or print off the inverted triangle sheet from online to fill in for the article you read.
Here's the link: http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson249/pyramid.pdf
Homework that is due Monday:
1. Read The Great Gatsby chapter 3
2. Finish your research and complete your Research Reading charts (they are in your folder on the right hand side): You need to complete one for each of your 4 sources.
3. Write a newspaper article about your 1920s topic.
Please email me or call me if you have questions!!! Let me help you!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday, February 27th
Odd Classes:
If you missed today, you need to do the following:
1. Describe East Egg, West Egg, and The Valley of Ashes. How are the settings both similar and different?
2. Write out what your topic for your multigenre research paper is and how it could compare to one aspect of our society today.
3. Complete your homework for Monday:
1) Finish your research for your multigenre research paper: you must have at least 4 sources and you need to complete at least 2 Retell/Reflect Research charts in your folder (there is one for each source).
2) Complete your MLA citation sheet for your sources. Use the Works Cited reference sheet in your folder to ensure you are formatting your sources correctly.
3) Read The Great Gatsby chapter 3 and use the The Great Gatsby reading guide in your folder and find one example for each of the eight columns from chapter 3.
If you have questions, please ask! I can only help you if you ask!
If you missed today, you need to do the following:
1. Describe East Egg, West Egg, and The Valley of Ashes. How are the settings both similar and different?
2. Write out what your topic for your multigenre research paper is and how it could compare to one aspect of our society today.
3. Complete your homework for Monday:
1) Finish your research for your multigenre research paper: you must have at least 4 sources and you need to complete at least 2 Retell/Reflect Research charts in your folder (there is one for each source).
2) Complete your MLA citation sheet for your sources. Use the Works Cited reference sheet in your folder to ensure you are formatting your sources correctly.
3) Read The Great Gatsby chapter 3 and use the The Great Gatsby reading guide in your folder and find one example for each of the eight columns from chapter 3.
If you have questions, please ask! I can only help you if you ask!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 26th
Even Classes:
Today we did a lot! So, if you missed class this is what you will need to do:
1. Make a chart listing the five main characters of the novel (Nick, Gatsby, Tom, Daisy, and Jordan) and list their characteristics. Where do they come from, what are their personalities like, what do we know about them?
2. Read through the "Research Reading" strategy in your folder. (If you don't have a folder, which you probably do not, then you need to come and see me during lunch!!)
3. Write up your MLA bibliography for your multigenre research paper. Use the MLA sheet in your folder to ensure you are documenting your sources correctly. Turn in your bibliography on Thursday.
4. Come prepared to class with your poem memorized, and complete your tone map for your poem. You only need to do one poem!
5. Read Chapter 2 in The Great Gatsby.
Today we did a lot! So, if you missed class this is what you will need to do:
1. Make a chart listing the five main characters of the novel (Nick, Gatsby, Tom, Daisy, and Jordan) and list their characteristics. Where do they come from, what are their personalities like, what do we know about them?
2. Read through the "Research Reading" strategy in your folder. (If you don't have a folder, which you probably do not, then you need to come and see me during lunch!!)
3. Write up your MLA bibliography for your multigenre research paper. Use the MLA sheet in your folder to ensure you are documenting your sources correctly. Turn in your bibliography on Thursday.
4. Come prepared to class with your poem memorized, and complete your tone map for your poem. You only need to do one poem!
5. Read Chapter 2 in The Great Gatsby.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 25th
Odd Classes:
Yay! We got an extra day. We needed one, since we are short about 4-5 odd days this advisory. For those who missed class this is what you will need to do to make up the class:
1. Come see me during lunch to get a detailed explanation of the multigenre research paper.
2. Review the MLA Documentation sheet in your blue folder (if you don't have a blue folder then you need to see me!)
3. Write up your bibliography for your sources for your multigenre research paper in MLA format.
4. Read the "Research Reading" strategy in your blue folder and use the Recall/Reflect sheets to organize your research notes (use one for each source--so you need at least 4 sources for your paper).
5. Practice the research reading strategy by scanning back through the first 2 chapters of The Great Gatsby and recording all of the references to the setting of the novel: Both West/East Egg and The Valley of Ashes.
6. Complete #4 (for at least 2 sources) and #5 for Wednesday!
Yay! We got an extra day. We needed one, since we are short about 4-5 odd days this advisory. For those who missed class this is what you will need to do to make up the class:
1. Come see me during lunch to get a detailed explanation of the multigenre research paper.
2. Review the MLA Documentation sheet in your blue folder (if you don't have a blue folder then you need to see me!)
3. Write up your bibliography for your sources for your multigenre research paper in MLA format.
4. Read the "Research Reading" strategy in your blue folder and use the Recall/Reflect sheets to organize your research notes (use one for each source--so you need at least 4 sources for your paper).
5. Practice the research reading strategy by scanning back through the first 2 chapters of The Great Gatsby and recording all of the references to the setting of the novel: Both West/East Egg and The Valley of Ashes.
6. Complete #4 (for at least 2 sources) and #5 for Wednesday!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Important Schedule Information!
Hello! Just so you know, there has been a schedule change for next week: Monday is an odd day. We will not have the normal Monday schedule in which you attend all of your classes. So, Even classes be sure you have your poem memorized for Tuesday!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Friday, February 22nd
Odd Classes:
Yes, today was icy and snowy, so many of you were late or did not come at all. That means you do have some make up work to do.
1. To make up the punctual piece please answer the following questions for your topic about the 1920s for your project: (1) What do I know? (2) What do I want to learn? (3) How will I find out?
2,Come and see me to get a very important assignment!
3. Look up the vocabulary words: supercilious and extemporizing
4. Write a character sketch (one paragraph for each character) for each of the characters introduced in The Great Gatsby chapter 1: Nick (the narrator), Tom, Daisy, Jordan Baker, and Gatsby.
5. Find at least 5 references to the 1920s society from chapter 1
6. Make sure you solidify your topic on the 1920s and bring 5 sources to class with you on Monday! We will be doing the bibliography on Monday in class, so it is to your benefit to bring your sources so you don't have to do your bibliography at home.
7. Remember to memorize your poem: the class competition is on Wednesday.
8. Have a good weekend :)
Yes, today was icy and snowy, so many of you were late or did not come at all. That means you do have some make up work to do.
1. To make up the punctual piece please answer the following questions for your topic about the 1920s for your project: (1) What do I know? (2) What do I want to learn? (3) How will I find out?
2,Come and see me to get a very important assignment!
3. Look up the vocabulary words: supercilious and extemporizing
4. Write a character sketch (one paragraph for each character) for each of the characters introduced in The Great Gatsby chapter 1: Nick (the narrator), Tom, Daisy, Jordan Baker, and Gatsby.
5. Find at least 5 references to the 1920s society from chapter 1
6. Make sure you solidify your topic on the 1920s and bring 5 sources to class with you on Monday! We will be doing the bibliography on Monday in class, so it is to your benefit to bring your sources so you don't have to do your bibliography at home.
7. Remember to memorize your poem: the class competition is on Wednesday.
8. Have a good weekend :)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thursday, February 21st
Even Classes:
Hi students! Today we did a lot! We talked about the final project that we will be working on for the remainder of the advisory: A Multi-genre Research paper. You are probably not familiar with multi-genre research papers--this means you must come see me before school or during lunch. This project is in place of your final exam this advisory, so if you do not complete it thoroughly or adequately you will not be able to earn above a D grade in the class. Don't wait! Come see me!!! You will not want to get behind or miss class because everything we will be doing builds on each other.
Your homework for Monday is the following:
1. Read The Great Gatsby Chapter 1.
2. Pay attention to the reading questions for chapter 1 because I will choose 4 of the 12 as questions for the punctual piece.
3. Complete the anticipation guide for The Great Gatsby.
4. Finalize your topic for your multi-genre paper and find 5 sources and bring them to class with you on Monday: we will be working on MLA documentation so you will want to have your sources in class.
As always, if you have questions, please ask!
Hi students! Today we did a lot! We talked about the final project that we will be working on for the remainder of the advisory: A Multi-genre Research paper. You are probably not familiar with multi-genre research papers--this means you must come see me before school or during lunch. This project is in place of your final exam this advisory, so if you do not complete it thoroughly or adequately you will not be able to earn above a D grade in the class. Don't wait! Come see me!!! You will not want to get behind or miss class because everything we will be doing builds on each other.
Your homework for Monday is the following:
1. Read The Great Gatsby Chapter 1.
2. Pay attention to the reading questions for chapter 1 because I will choose 4 of the 12 as questions for the punctual piece.
3. Complete the anticipation guide for The Great Gatsby.
4. Finalize your topic for your multi-genre paper and find 5 sources and bring them to class with you on Monday: we will be working on MLA documentation so you will want to have your sources in class.
As always, if you have questions, please ask!
Wednesday, February 20th
Odd classes:
I'm sad you missed class today. Today we took a trip in a time machine back to the 1920s. In fact we will be in a time warp for the rest of the advisory. We are swinging on back to the 1920s. And it is going to be a party!
Here is what you need to do in order to get initiated into our 1920s club:
1. You will need to get notes from one of your class members or come and see me before school or during lunch.
2. You will need to make a list of everything you know about the 1920s.
3. You will need to choose a specific topic about the 1920s that you are very curious about and want to learn more about: write at least 5 questions about things you want to learn more about the 1920s.
4. Make sure you narrow your questions: for example, if you want to learn more about the entertainment of the 1920s, be more specific to the type of entertainment (dance, film, theater, music).
5. Make sure you turn in your list and questions to me asap!
6. Now you need to google your topic and find at least 3 sources of information. Please bring these sources with you to class on Friday because we will be working with them in class!
7. We also introduced the novel we will be reading for the remainder of the advisory: The Great Gatsby. I am so excited about this book! It is a mystery. We are on a quest to discover who the Great Gatsby and why he is so great.
8. With The Great Gatsby you will need to fill out the first column in the anticipation guide: simply follow the directions and put an A if you agree with the statement or a D if you disagree.
9. You will also need to read Chapter 1 in The Great Gatsby for Friday. You will want to look at the chapter 1 questions in order to be prepared for the quiz. There are 12 questions and I will select 4 of them for your quiz/punctual piece.
If you have questions, please email me or call me!! I want to help you.
I'm sad you missed class today. Today we took a trip in a time machine back to the 1920s. In fact we will be in a time warp for the rest of the advisory. We are swinging on back to the 1920s. And it is going to be a party!
Here is what you need to do in order to get initiated into our 1920s club:
1. You will need to get notes from one of your class members or come and see me before school or during lunch.
2. You will need to make a list of everything you know about the 1920s.
3. You will need to choose a specific topic about the 1920s that you are very curious about and want to learn more about: write at least 5 questions about things you want to learn more about the 1920s.
4. Make sure you narrow your questions: for example, if you want to learn more about the entertainment of the 1920s, be more specific to the type of entertainment (dance, film, theater, music).
5. Make sure you turn in your list and questions to me asap!
6. Now you need to google your topic and find at least 3 sources of information. Please bring these sources with you to class on Friday because we will be working with them in class!
7. We also introduced the novel we will be reading for the remainder of the advisory: The Great Gatsby. I am so excited about this book! It is a mystery. We are on a quest to discover who the Great Gatsby and why he is so great.
8. With The Great Gatsby you will need to fill out the first column in the anticipation guide: simply follow the directions and put an A if you agree with the statement or a D if you disagree.
9. You will also need to read Chapter 1 in The Great Gatsby for Friday. You will want to look at the chapter 1 questions in order to be prepared for the quiz. There are 12 questions and I will select 4 of them for your quiz/punctual piece.
If you have questions, please email me or call me!! I want to help you.
Tuesday, February 19th
Even classes:
I'm sad you missed class today. Today we took a trip in a time machine back to the 1920s. In fact we will be in a time warp for the rest of the advisory. We are swinging on back to the 1920s. And it is going to be a party!
Here is what you need to do in order to get initiated into our 1920s club:
1. You will need to get notes from one of your class members or come and see me before school or during lunch.
2. You will need to make a list of everything you know about the 1920s.
3. You will need to choose a specific topic about the 1920s that you are very curious about and want to learn more about: write at least 5 questions about things you want to learn more about the 1920s.
4. Make sure you narrow your questions: for example, if you want to learn more about the entertainment of the 1920s, be more specific to the type of entertainment (dance, film, theater, music).
5. Make sure you turn in your list and questions to me asap!
I'm sad you missed class today. Today we took a trip in a time machine back to the 1920s. In fact we will be in a time warp for the rest of the advisory. We are swinging on back to the 1920s. And it is going to be a party!
Here is what you need to do in order to get initiated into our 1920s club:
1. You will need to get notes from one of your class members or come and see me before school or during lunch.
2. You will need to make a list of everything you know about the 1920s.
3. You will need to choose a specific topic about the 1920s that you are very curious about and want to learn more about: write at least 5 questions about things you want to learn more about the 1920s.
4. Make sure you narrow your questions: for example, if you want to learn more about the entertainment of the 1920s, be more specific to the type of entertainment (dance, film, theater, music).
5. Make sure you turn in your list and questions to me asap!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Our Class Blog!
My lovely students, Hello! Welcome to our blog. Isn't living in the 21st Century amazing? Now I know that none of you want to miss class, but if you are deathly ill and must miss class, then this is where you will check to see what you missed in class and get the assignments that you need to do to make up the class work and homework assignments. If something is not clear, you may post a comment, send me an email, or better yet, come talk to be before school or during lunch! I will try and post handouts on the site as well that you will be able to print off, or of course you can always stop by and see me and pick them up. I am so excited to embark on an adventure with you into the 1920s. We will have a Bee's Knees of a time.
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