Thursday, June 5, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Gatsby Film 2
No bellringer. Chromebooks have been collected.
Recap: We finished the first Gatsby film, and then we began the new version. Please remember that you will be asked to do a compare/contrast on them on your test next week, and also decide which is the better adaptation of the film.
The papers are looking really good! Keep up this good work!
Recap: We finished the first Gatsby film, and then we began the new version. Please remember that you will be asked to do a compare/contrast on them on your test next week, and also decide which is the better adaptation of the film.
The papers are looking really good! Keep up this good work!
Z
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
The Great Gatsby --Original Film
Bellringer: How do you think the film and the book will compare?
Recap: I collected your research papers today. So far, they seem very good. If you have not submitted your paper, it is late.
We then began watching the original Great Gatsby film. You will be asked to compare the two films in an essay on your final test next week. You will also be asked to decide which adaptation is kept truer to the book.
Have a nice evening. Please hang in there. I know you're ready for the year to be over, but it's more important to finish strong than finish quickly.
Recap: I collected your research papers today. So far, they seem very good. If you have not submitted your paper, it is late.
We then began watching the original Great Gatsby film. You will be asked to compare the two films in an essay on your final test next week. You will also be asked to decide which adaptation is kept truer to the book.
Have a nice evening. Please hang in there. I know you're ready for the year to be over, but it's more important to finish strong than finish quickly.
Z
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Peer Edit
Bellringer: What questions do you have your research papers?
Recap: We worked on our peer edits today, and I answered any questions you might have on the assignment. Your paper is due tomorrow with the peer edit and outline.
Homework: FINISH PAPER!
Have a nice evening!
Z
Recap: We worked on our peer edits today, and I answered any questions you might have on the assignment. Your paper is due tomorrow with the peer edit and outline.
Homework: FINISH PAPER!
Have a nice evening!
Z
Friday, May 23, 2014
Gatsby Research Outlines w/ Quotes
Bellringer: What questions do you have about your research?
Recap: Today I checked your research outlines. You needed to have your 3 claims with the quotes to support. I was also checking those outlines that had incorporated their research so I could make sure the research accurately supported the claims. I saw some very nice outlines, and some that still need a bit more work.
Homework: Enjoy the holiday weekend! Have a rough draft for Tuesday so that we can complete the peer edits.
Papers will be due Wednesday!
Have a great weekend!
Recap: Today I checked your research outlines. You needed to have your 3 claims with the quotes to support. I was also checking those outlines that had incorporated their research so I could make sure the research accurately supported the claims. I saw some very nice outlines, and some that still need a bit more work.
Homework: Enjoy the holiday weekend! Have a rough draft for Tuesday so that we can complete the peer edits.
Papers will be due Wednesday!
Have a great weekend!
Z
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Research Paper Outlines
Bellringer: What did you find most interesting about The Great Gatsby?
Recap: We began today by reviewing plagiarism. I want you all to have a clear understanding of what it is, but more importantly, how you can avoid it. You can review the power point if you would like any further clarification.
We then began our outlines for the research papers. The outline format is similar to the other papers we have done, only I have added a research element into it.
Homework: For tomorrow, please be sure to have a full outline. I need to be able to see the 3 claims you are making, the quotes you are using to support the claims, and the web sites you are planning on using for your research.
In tomorrow's class, I will check citations. Don't forget, you can add EasyBib.com as an extension through the chrome store. Doing this will allow you to immediately cite the information; thus, removing the chance of plagiarism.
Nice work today! Have a nice night!
Recap: We began today by reviewing plagiarism. I want you all to have a clear understanding of what it is, but more importantly, how you can avoid it. You can review the power point if you would like any further clarification.
We then began our outlines for the research papers. The outline format is similar to the other papers we have done, only I have added a research element into it.
Homework: For tomorrow, please be sure to have a full outline. I need to be able to see the 3 claims you are making, the quotes you are using to support the claims, and the web sites you are planning on using for your research.
In tomorrow's class, I will check citations. Don't forget, you can add EasyBib.com as an extension through the chrome store. Doing this will allow you to immediately cite the information; thus, removing the chance of plagiarism.
Nice work today! Have a nice night!
Z
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Gatsby Chapter 9 and Socratic Seminar
Bellringer: How does this quote also represent the American Dream?
“Gatsby’s house, had once pandered in whispers to the last and greatest of all human dreams…”(180).
Recap: We completed chapter 9 today, learning that, though Gatsby was labeled "great," no one arrives to his funeral. His father, though, whom he discredits, does show up. Tom and Daisy have retreated into their money, and do not even acknowledge his death.
Below are the webs for chapter 9.
Period 1/2
Period 7/8
We also conducted our Socratic seminar on the research topics for the book. The transcripts for the conversations are below. Please feel free to look them over, as I feel they will be a big help for your research papers!
Great job with these seminars!
Period 1/2
Period 7/8
***Please note: If you change your mind on your topic, please change no later than tonight. After tomorrow, you will put yourself behind by switching.
Have a nice night!
Z
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The Great Gatsby Chapters 7 and 8
Bellringer: What does Daisy’s quote reveal about Gatsby’s character?
“Oh you want too much. I love you now, isn’t that enough?” (132).
Recap: We reviewed chapters 7 and 8 today, which really are the climax of the novel. Chapter 7 shows us how Gatsby and Daisy's romance has rekindled since their meeting at Nick's house, but now Tom is onto them. Myrtle Wilson's husband also has a feeling she is cheating, so he says they are going to move west. Tom now stands to lose both his wife and mistress.
The group then ventures into the city, where Tom begins to call Gatsby out for being a bootlegger, and for having not attended Oxford. Gatsby tries to tell Tom that Daisy never loved him, but we see by the end that this isn't true, and Daisy goes back to Tom.
Chapter 7 concludes with Daisy driving Gatsby's car back home, when Myrtle quickly runs into the road. Daisy hits and kills her, but shows now remorse for her actions.
Chapter 8 has Nick telling Gatsby to get out of town. Gatsby refuses to leave. George Wilson has information that leads him to believe that Gatsby was both Myrtle's lover and killer, so George sneaks up on Gatsby when he is using his pool, and shoots and kills him.
Below are the webs from today. Nice job!
Period 1/2
Period 7/8
Link to Chapter 8
We also watched a video that gives a great overview of the book. If you'd like to watch it again, because he does an excellent job with symbolism and the American Dream, click here.
Homework: Read chapter 9. Write 1 question for your research paper, and another for a different topic. Socratic seminar tomorrow.
Nice work! Have a great night!
Z
Monday, May 19, 2014
Chapters 5 and 6
Bellringer: What is the significance of this quote?
“The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God” (98).
Recap: We covered two chapters today, and we will be covering chapters 7 and 8 tomorrow. Today we discussed how Daisy and Gatsby finally reconnect after 5 years apart. Gatsby does everything he can to impress Daisy, including slip up by stating that "it took him just 3 years to earn the money to buy his things." Nick remembers that Gatsby had told him his money was inherited, which raises some suspicion with Nick.
In Chapter 6, we finally learn that Gatsby's real name is James Gatz, and he was born to poor farmers in North Dakota. He creates this new persona for himself on his way to rescue Dan Cody when his yacht is stranded. This is Gatsby's first step to overcoming his past. In the present, we also see that Daisy has finally attended a Gatsby part, to which is is underwhelmed, and Tom asks if Gatsby had earned his fortune through bootlegging. This finally reveals to us what Gatsby does.
Below are the webs for the two chapters today.
Period 1/2
Period 7/8
Homework: Read chapters 7 and 8. For Wednesday, have one question prepared for your research topic, and one more question about another topic. We will hold a Socratic seminar Wednesday.
Friday, May 16, 2014
The Great Gatsby--Chapter 4
Bellringer: What does Nick mean when he says, “Even Gatsby could happen” (69).
Recap: We reviewed chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby. This chapter is SO important, as we now learn about Gatsby's motive behind all of the money and parties, but also have an idea of what he does to earn the money.
We also learn about his past with Daisy, as this connection has not been made up to this point, so we understand why Nick becomes just as important to Gatsby.
Below is one of the group webs. Keep up the good work with these!
Homework: Read chapters 5 and 6.
Have a nice weekend!
Recap: We reviewed chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby. This chapter is SO important, as we now learn about Gatsby's motive behind all of the money and parties, but also have an idea of what he does to earn the money.
We also learn about his past with Daisy, as this connection has not been made up to this point, so we understand why Nick becomes just as important to Gatsby.
Below is one of the group webs. Keep up the good work with these!
Homework: Read chapters 5 and 6.
Have a nice weekend!
Z
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Gatsby--Chapter 3
Bellringer: What do we learn about Gatsby based on this first party we see?
Recap: We held our discussion today on Chapter 3, focusing on the idea that Gatsby has now finally been introduced into the book. He subtly slides into the book, just as he subtly slides into the party. He keeps being called away from the party, however, when he receives phone calls from cities. This lets us in on his importance, in addition to the amount of alcohol at the party. The fact alone that he has alcohol there is enough to make him a criminal, but it shows his power by the fact that he had alcohol there.
Recap: We held our discussion today on Chapter 3, focusing on the idea that Gatsby has now finally been introduced into the book. He subtly slides into the book, just as he subtly slides into the party. He keeps being called away from the party, however, when he receives phone calls from cities. This lets us in on his importance, in addition to the amount of alcohol at the party. The fact alone that he has alcohol there is enough to make him a criminal, but it shows his power by the fact that he had alcohol there.
Homework: Read chapter 4. Don't forget to select a research topic.
Nice work today. Have a nice night! Stay dry!
Z
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The Great Gatsby --Chapter 2
Bellringer: What is the significance to the rumors about where Gatsby inherited his money
from?
Recap: We reviewed Chapter 2 of the novel today with group presentations of their web. This also led to discussion of the chapter. The class webs are posted below.
Please examine some of the main ideas from the chapter. The important ideas for you to take away would be how contradictory Tom is. (This will come up again). Also, note the importance of the Valley of Ashes, and how it represents the decline of the American Dream.
Homework: Read Chapter 3. Select a topic for your research.
Nice job today!
Z
Recap: We reviewed Chapter 2 of the novel today with group presentations of their web. This also led to discussion of the chapter. The class webs are posted below.
Period 1/2
Period 7/8
Please examine some of the main ideas from the chapter. The important ideas for you to take away would be how contradictory Tom is. (This will come up again). Also, note the importance of the Valley of Ashes, and how it represents the decline of the American Dream.
Homework: Read Chapter 3. Select a topic for your research.
Nice job today!
Z
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
The Great Gatsby--Chapter 1
Bellringer: How do you think the following quote helps to predict Nick’s character and his role in the story?
“Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone...just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (Page 1).
Recap: We completed a close reading web for Chapter 1 as a class. This was our way of pooling all of your webs together into one complete web. We also did 3 examples of says, means, matters. This is how your group webs should be completed as well.
Period 1/2
Period 7/8
You did a nice job with these, and I can see a lot of thought went into some of them. Please remember that you're group's web will count as a test grade. You can see the project sheet or rubric for any clarification. Don't be afraid to email me with questions, either.
Additionally, we watched a brief clip on the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald. If any of you are considering doing your research paper on the idea that he has included himself into the novel, this would be a great starting point.
Your research paper topics have been shared with you. It's in your best interest to choose a topic by the end of Chapter 2. This will ensure that we do not read too far into the book for you to find information.
Homework: Read chapter 2.
Have a nice evening!
Monday, May 12, 2014
The American Jazz Era
Bellringer: What is the Jazz Era?
Recap: We visited the Media Center to pick up our copies of The Great Gatsby. If you were absent, please be sure to obtain your copy. You may also purchase one if you'd prefer, but borrow one first so that you have it.
We then explored the Jazz Era and the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald to give context to the book. It's critical to understand the Roaring 20's and bootlegging for this novel. These themes will also tie into your final paper for the class. Likewise, one may argue that Fitzgerald has included himself into the text, so we discussed his life as well.
We watched a brief clip of the idea of the American Dream, as well. Some have argued that Gatsby represents America throughout the book; however, the idea of the American Dream, and what people would do in order to achieve that dream, runs rampant throughout the novel. It's the entire basis for it, in fact.
Additionally, we took a brief look at Prohibition. We will be exploring this throughout the week as well.
Homework: We divided into 9 groups today. If you haven't heard from your group, please see me tomorrow, and we will assign you to one. For tonight, read Chapter 1. Each group will submit a neatly done web, complete with Says, Means, Matters. All groups are responsible for reading all chapters; however, your group has one assigned chapter to present. The directions are shared with you for the Gatsby Lit Circles.
I should also have all papers shared with me or in my hands at this time. If I do not, the paper is late.
I missed you all! Have a nice evening!
Recap: We visited the Media Center to pick up our copies of The Great Gatsby. If you were absent, please be sure to obtain your copy. You may also purchase one if you'd prefer, but borrow one first so that you have it.
We then explored the Jazz Era and the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald to give context to the book. It's critical to understand the Roaring 20's and bootlegging for this novel. These themes will also tie into your final paper for the class. Likewise, one may argue that Fitzgerald has included himself into the text, so we discussed his life as well.
We watched a brief clip of the idea of the American Dream, as well. Some have argued that Gatsby represents America throughout the book; however, the idea of the American Dream, and what people would do in order to achieve that dream, runs rampant throughout the novel. It's the entire basis for it, in fact.
Additionally, we took a brief look at Prohibition. We will be exploring this throughout the week as well.
Homework: We divided into 9 groups today. If you haven't heard from your group, please see me tomorrow, and we will assign you to one. For tonight, read Chapter 1. Each group will submit a neatly done web, complete with Says, Means, Matters. All groups are responsible for reading all chapters; however, your group has one assigned chapter to present. The directions are shared with you for the Gatsby Lit Circles.
I should also have all papers shared with me or in my hands at this time. If I do not, the paper is late.
I missed you all! Have a nice evening!
Z
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Socratic Seminar 2 and Argument Outlines
Bellringer: What are your final thoughts on Huck Finn? [Did you like the ending? Think it was anticlimactic? Were hoping it would be different?] Explain.
Recap: We held our final Socratic seminar for Huck Finn, where we focused on tying up any loose ends, and discussed the author's purpose behind ending the book the way he did. Below are the chat transcripts. There was some excellent discussion involved, and taking a look at these transcripts will definitely help some of your papers!
Period 1/2
Group 1 Transcript
Group 2 Transcript
Period 7/8
Group 1 Transcript
Group 2 Transcript
Additionally, some of you have voiced your worries about the paper. It is the same format as the Crucible paper. We are still using Says, Means, Matters, just as we did on the last one. I am providing an outline below.
I. Introduction
A. Summary/overview of topic
B. Use of TAG
C. Thesis with 3 claims
ex: In Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain clearly shows how the time period he was living in was racist, and holds a mirror up to a racist society by using the "n word" throughout the novel, depicting Jim's everyday struggles as a slave, and discussing some of the basic rights slaves didn't have that white people did.
II. Body paragraph 1
A. Claim (This will be the matters)
B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).
III. Body paragraph 2
A. Claim (This will be the matters)
B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).
IV. Body paragraph 3
A. Claim (This will be the matters)
B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).
V. Conclusion
A. Re-state thesis
B. Re-summarize your hook; tie argument together.
C. End on an interesting note
Remember, an argument is showing your opinion on the topic. You don't need to use "I" statements, as this is already understood to be your opinion.
Here is the link to the Peer Edit. This needs to be submitted with your paper as well.
If you are unclear about any of the requirements for the paper, please see the Argument Paper Description that has been shared with you. If you have any questions about how you will be graded, please see your rubric. If you are unclear about any citations, please see the MLA Citations Power Point that I shared with you. Or, visit http://www.owl.english.purdue.edu. Please be sure to also use easybib.com to create your final MLA citations page.
Great work today! Have a wonderful weekend!
Recap: We held our final Socratic seminar for Huck Finn, where we focused on tying up any loose ends, and discussed the author's purpose behind ending the book the way he did. Below are the chat transcripts. There was some excellent discussion involved, and taking a look at these transcripts will definitely help some of your papers!
Period 1/2
Group 1 Transcript
Group 2 Transcript
Period 7/8
Group 1 Transcript
Group 2 Transcript
Additionally, some of you have voiced your worries about the paper. It is the same format as the Crucible paper. We are still using Says, Means, Matters, just as we did on the last one. I am providing an outline below.
I. Introduction
A. Summary/overview of topic
B. Use of TAG
C. Thesis with 3 claims
ex: In Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain clearly shows how the time period he was living in was racist, and holds a mirror up to a racist society by using the "n word" throughout the novel, depicting Jim's everyday struggles as a slave, and discussing some of the basic rights slaves didn't have that white people did.
II. Body paragraph 1
A. Claim (This will be the matters)
B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).
III. Body paragraph 2
A. Claim (This will be the matters)
B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).
IV. Body paragraph 3
A. Claim (This will be the matters)
B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).
V. Conclusion
A. Re-state thesis
B. Re-summarize your hook; tie argument together.
C. End on an interesting note
Remember, an argument is showing your opinion on the topic. You don't need to use "I" statements, as this is already understood to be your opinion.
Here is the link to the Peer Edit. This needs to be submitted with your paper as well.
If you are unclear about any of the requirements for the paper, please see the Argument Paper Description that has been shared with you. If you have any questions about how you will be graded, please see your rubric. If you are unclear about any citations, please see the MLA Citations Power Point that I shared with you. Or, visit http://www.owl.english.purdue.edu. Please be sure to also use easybib.com to create your final MLA citations page.
Great work today! Have a wonderful weekend!
Z
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Argument Paper Outlines
Bellringer: How is the following quote foreshadowing? (Why does Huck not realize the real truth in it?)
“Now, old Jim, you’re a free man again, and I bet you won’t ever be a slave no more” (Ch 40).
Recap: Today we worked exclusively on our outlines for the argument papers. Below is the photo of our notes, and the outline format for your paper.
Additionally, this is the link to the website that has the paper description. Some students have found the different terminology helpful.
I am also including a link to the Purdue Writing Lab if you would like to see how to properly format block quotes. If you have any quotes that run longer than 4 lines, this is how they need to be formatted.
Homework: I would like working outlines for tomorrow; however, 7th/8th period voiced that they would prefer to do their Says, Means, Matters first, and then plug the information into the outline. So...
1st period--Outline for tomorrow
7th--Says, means, matters for tomorrow.
BOTH CLASSES, question for your Socratic seminar.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Z
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Mini Group Discussion Day 2
Bellringer: What does the following quote reveal about Huck’s character?“ It don’t make no difference whether you do right or wrong, a person’s conscience ain’t got no sense, and just goes for him anyway” (ch 33).
Recap: We held another mini group discussion today, as that seemed to work well yesterday. Below are the transcripts from your group. Please feel free to look through them.
Homework: Finish Huck Finn and create a close reading web. You should have no fewer than 3 ideas per category.
Also, have your argument topic selected for tomorrow's class. We will be working on outlines.
Period 1/2
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Period 7/8
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Nice job with this! Have a nice evening!
Recap: We held another mini group discussion today, as that seemed to work well yesterday. Below are the transcripts from your group. Please feel free to look through them.
Homework: Finish Huck Finn and create a close reading web. You should have no fewer than 3 ideas per category.
Also, have your argument topic selected for tomorrow's class. We will be working on outlines.
Period 1/2
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Period 7/8
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Nice job with this! Have a nice evening!
Z
Monday, May 5, 2014
Mini Group Discussions
Bellringers: What is the significance of the following quote?
“I says to myself at last, I’m agoing to chance it; I’ll up and tell the truth this time, though it does seem most like setting down on a kag of powder and touching it off just to see where you’ll go to.” (Ch 28)
Recap: Below is the list of group discussion transcripts. Please feel free to view ones from other classes to see what their thoughts were on a particular chapter.
Period 1/2
Period 7/8
Nice work today! Keep it up! We are going to push through these last few weeks and finish strong! Get fired up!
Z
Socratic Seminar Notes
Bellringer: What are you most nervous for/excited about regarding the seminar?
Recap: Below are the transcripts from your class discussion. Please feel free to look through these for quotes and opinions to support for your argument papers.
Period 1/2
Group 2 Transcript
Group 1 Transcript
Period 7/8
Group 2 Transcript
Group 1 Transcript
Excellent job with these seminars! We will hold another one on Thursday to tie everything together!
Recap: Below are the transcripts from your class discussion. Please feel free to look through these for quotes and opinions to support for your argument papers.
Period 1/2
Group 2 Transcript
Group 1 Transcript
Period 7/8
Group 2 Transcript
Group 1 Transcript
Excellent job with these seminars! We will hold another one on Thursday to tie everything together!
Z
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Huck Finn Chapters 19-21
Bellringer: None today; omit
Recap: I was out during first period today due to a meeting. First period was to use this time to catch up on reading, and to format questions for tomorrow.
Period 7/8 Chapters 19-21
I have also shared an article with you "Everything I Learned in Life, I Learned from Hucklberry Finn." I think this article will be helpful for you for tomorrow. Please review.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Please have fully charged chrome books for tomorrow.
Have a nice night!
Recap: I was out during first period today due to a meeting. First period was to use this time to catch up on reading, and to format questions for tomorrow.
Period 7/8 Chapters 19-21
I have also shared an article with you "Everything I Learned in Life, I Learned from Hucklberry Finn." I think this article will be helpful for you for tomorrow. Please review.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Please have fully charged chrome books for tomorrow.
Have a nice night!
Z
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Huck Finn Chapters 13-18 Part 2
Bellringer: What does Huck do in chapters 19-21 that shows he’s transcendental in thought?
Recap: We continued our discussion and notes from yesterday's class. Please see below post for link to notes.
You were also given your assignments for the Socratic Seminar for Friday. Please see the seminar outline that has been shared with you. Have at least 2 questions or insights per question prepared (4 total). Any quotes that you bring in will be bonus points.
Nice work today. Take a look at your grades. Push hard these next few weeks!
Recap: We continued our discussion and notes from yesterday's class. Please see below post for link to notes.
You were also given your assignments for the Socratic Seminar for Friday. Please see the seminar outline that has been shared with you. Have at least 2 questions or insights per question prepared (4 total). Any quotes that you bring in will be bonus points.
Nice work today. Take a look at your grades. Push hard these next few weeks!
Z
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Huck Finn Chapters 13-18
Bellringer: What are the qualities that make a good teacher?
Recap: We continued our discussion today after our quiz on chapters 13-18. Remember, these quizzes are just meant to keep you accountable to your reading assignments.
Period 1/2 Chapters 13-18
Period 7/8 Chapters 13-18
Homework: Read chapters 19-21, and create a close reading web.
Please keep in mind that just because it is the end of the semester does not mean you should be slacking off now. I have seen too many students put themselves into a predicament by slacking off at this point. We still have this book to finish plus The Great Gatsby. If you are not up to at least chapter 20 by this evening, you will need to dedicate some time to getting caught up.
Have a nice evening!
Recap: We continued our discussion today after our quiz on chapters 13-18. Remember, these quizzes are just meant to keep you accountable to your reading assignments.
Period 1/2 Chapters 13-18
Period 7/8 Chapters 13-18
Homework: Read chapters 19-21, and create a close reading web.
Please keep in mind that just because it is the end of the semester does not mean you should be slacking off now. I have seen too many students put themselves into a predicament by slacking off at this point. We still have this book to finish plus The Great Gatsby. If you are not up to at least chapter 20 by this evening, you will need to dedicate some time to getting caught up.
Have a nice evening!
Z
Monday, April 28, 2014
Huck Finn Chapters 7-11
Bellringer: How has the story changed now that Huck is heading down the river?
Recap: We picked up our discussion today with chapter 7, and continued through 11. You've all been bringing such inquisitiveness and insight to the novel! Keep up the good work!
Period 1/2 Chapters 7,8,9
Period 1/2 Chapters 10,11, 12
Period 7/8 Chapters 7,8,9
Period 7/8 Chapters 10,11,12
If you were absent today, we are reading chapters 13-18 tonight for homework. If you are assigned one of these chapters, please have discussion questions ready for tomorrow's class.
Friday will be our Socratic seminar. Topics will be assigned Wednesday. You will need a chromebook or tablet in order to participate.
Have a nice night!
Recap: We picked up our discussion today with chapter 7, and continued through 11. You've all been bringing such inquisitiveness and insight to the novel! Keep up the good work!
Period 1/2 Chapters 7,8,9
Period 1/2 Chapters 10,11, 12
Period 7/8 Chapters 7,8,9
Period 7/8 Chapters 10,11,12
If you were absent today, we are reading chapters 13-18 tonight for homework. If you are assigned one of these chapters, please have discussion questions ready for tomorrow's class.
Friday will be our Socratic seminar. Topics will be assigned Wednesday. You will need a chromebook or tablet in order to participate.
Have a nice night!
Z
Friday, April 25, 2014
Huck Finn Class Discussion Day 2
Bellringer: What are your initial thoughts of the book, before Huck’s adventure down the river starts?
Recap: We continued our discussion from yesterday, so that we do not fall too far behind. You have all brought some brilliant questions and insight into these discussions, which I am immensely proud of. Keep this up! I think there will be some parts of the book that you don't like, but many parts that you will. Please keep your inquisitiveness alive, just as Huck's is!
Period 1/2 Chapters 7,8,9
Period 7/8 Chapters 7,8,9
We also read two articles about Mark Twain from Time Magazine. The first, "The Seriously Funny Man" shows how Mark Twain was not only the father of the American Novel, but also the father of comedy writing. He was the first man, during a very dry period of writing, to incorporate humor into stories.
The second article, "Getting Past Black and White," further delves into what we have been discussing regarding the novel and race. The book was never intended to be racist; it was always meant to shed light on, and be the mirror for society, highlighting what was wrong with it. Twain was a firm abolitionist, and did not support slavery. This comes through in Huck's voice as well, when there will be a few predicaments where Huck must confront the issues of slavery, and it makes him very uncomfortable. Huck really doesn't see color.
Great discussions! Please remember that for Monday you need to read chapters 10,11 and 12. If you have those for your discussion questions, have the questions ready as well. You'll also need to create a close reading web for those chapters.
Enjoy prom if you're going, and if not, have a nice weekend!
Recap: We continued our discussion from yesterday, so that we do not fall too far behind. You have all brought some brilliant questions and insight into these discussions, which I am immensely proud of. Keep this up! I think there will be some parts of the book that you don't like, but many parts that you will. Please keep your inquisitiveness alive, just as Huck's is!
Period 1/2 Chapters 7,8,9
Period 7/8 Chapters 7,8,9
We also read two articles about Mark Twain from Time Magazine. The first, "The Seriously Funny Man" shows how Mark Twain was not only the father of the American Novel, but also the father of comedy writing. He was the first man, during a very dry period of writing, to incorporate humor into stories.
The second article, "Getting Past Black and White," further delves into what we have been discussing regarding the novel and race. The book was never intended to be racist; it was always meant to shed light on, and be the mirror for society, highlighting what was wrong with it. Twain was a firm abolitionist, and did not support slavery. This comes through in Huck's voice as well, when there will be a few predicaments where Huck must confront the issues of slavery, and it makes him very uncomfortable. Huck really doesn't see color.
Great discussions! Please remember that for Monday you need to read chapters 10,11 and 12. If you have those for your discussion questions, have the questions ready as well. You'll also need to create a close reading web for those chapters.
Enjoy prom if you're going, and if not, have a nice weekend!
Z
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Huck Finn Class Discussion and Analysis Chapters 4,5
Bellringer: What does Huck’s plan for escaping Pap tell you about his intelligence?
Recap: We spent today getting caught up on the class notes, and taking the time to analyze some of the characters and their actions. These discussions are my FAVORITE part about English literature. We can see one thing from so many different angles, and you all had BRILLIANT insight and opinions on this book!
I also wanted to make sure that we don't fall behind on notes, so you don't get confused. In case you missed it, the links to the notes from today are listed below.
Period 1/2--Chapters 4,5,6
Period 7/8--Chapters 4,5,6
I think it's important to engage with and understand these characters early on, so their motives and changes later are better understood.
Please come prepared with questions that you come up with during your own reading, as they add to the discussion and make it fun!
There is no reading assignment for tomorrow. I'm going to use this time to make sure we are all on the same page (wink, wink).
Excellent work today! Have a great night!
Recap: We spent today getting caught up on the class notes, and taking the time to analyze some of the characters and their actions. These discussions are my FAVORITE part about English literature. We can see one thing from so many different angles, and you all had BRILLIANT insight and opinions on this book!
I also wanted to make sure that we don't fall behind on notes, so you don't get confused. In case you missed it, the links to the notes from today are listed below.
Period 1/2--Chapters 4,5,6
Period 7/8--Chapters 4,5,6
I think it's important to engage with and understand these characters early on, so their motives and changes later are better understood.
Please come prepared with questions that you come up with during your own reading, as they add to the discussion and make it fun!
There is no reading assignment for tomorrow. I'm going to use this time to make sure we are all on the same page (wink, wink).
Excellent work today! Have a great night!
Z
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Chapters 4,5,6
Bellringer: What character trait of Huck’s does the following quote show?
“I made up my mind I would fix up some way to leave there” (22).
“I made up my mind I would fix up some way to leave there” (22).
Recap: We examined through our close reading webs today that the author's purpose behind chapters 4,5 and 6 was to show why Huck has this desire for adventure and escape.
We created our class reading web for these chapters, which is posted below.
We also finished up our notes on Chapter 2, and began Chapter 3. I apologize that we are behind on these. I would rather have a thorough discussion that leaves you with a complete understanding than rush through the discussion, making you confused.
Please read chapters 7,8 and 9 tomorrow, creating a close reading web for homework. I will collect them in the morning. If you have discussion questions prepared for today, you will go tomorrow. Students with chapters 7,8 or 9 should have discussion prepared for tomorrow.
Great work today! Keep pushing through to the end of the year! Don't give up now!
Z
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Chapters 1,2,3
Bellringer: What does this quote from Huck reveal about Twain’s personal feelings about the south during this time?
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“They get down on a thing when they don’t know nothing about it” (4).
**Remember, this is the author's way of adding his own personal feelings into the text, and questioning the long-held beliefs of people in the south. He disagrees with their lifestyle, and has been questioning why they are so willing to accept these evils.
Recap: We began with making a close reading web for chapters 1,2 and 3.
This will help us to begin discovering the author's purpose. In these first few chapters, it is to establish Huck's need for adventure, and his willingness to questions everything.
We then held a discussion seminar. The notes for this are posted below, and we will continue with them tomorrow. Nice job!
We will continue this discussion tomorrow. Please be sure to read chapters 4,5,6 tonight for homework. If you are designated to lead the discussion on any of those chapters tomorrow, please come prepared with your discussion questions.
Have a nice evening!
Z
Monday, April 21, 2014
Samuel Clemens AKA Mark Twain
Bellringer: Who is Samuel Clemens?
Recap: As we've discussed before, in order to understand the purpose behind The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, we first need to understand the author. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) incorporated many of his own beliefs and opinions into his work. Huck Finn, in particular, provides many of his opinions towards imperialism and slavery in the south.
We began our exploration into understanding the author by viewing a Mini Bio of Samuel Clemens. This provided a general overview and key ideas that needed to be understood.
We then read through a more in-depth biography on the official web site: The Mark Twain House and Museum. Please read through the Biography, and then, under "the House" take the virtual tour. Clemens became very wealthy in his lifetime, but due to overspending, died a broke man. (This can be seen in his lavish home.)
Clemens lived through the industrialization of the United States, the Civil War, and an end to slavery. All of these ideas becoming prevalent in his writing.
Our exploration was rounded out by reading about his time on the Mississippi River as a Riverboat Pilot. In order to truly comprehend Huck and Jim's adventure down the river, it is best to gain an understanding of the river itself, as it takes on its own character in the story. Please read section II about "Old Times on the Mississippi" as presented in the scrapbook by PBS.
Homework: Please read chapters 1,2 and 3 tonight. We will hold a discussion and seminar tomorrow, so come prepared to take notes. Beginning Wednesday, you will be asked to prepare discussion questions on an assigned chapter and lead a class discussion on your chapter.
Have a nice evening! I've really missed you all!
Z
Friday, April 11, 2014
Dead Poet's Society
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