All Grades: Winter Break Book Reports (Due before class on January 10th, 2011)

Happy New Year! All grades, please post your book report here.

Grade 8: Good Night, Mr. Tom Book Report (due before midnight, Monday December 13th)

Please post your book report on Good Night, Mr. Tom here! If you are unsure of the guidelines, check Edline under "News."

Grade 10: Lord of the Flies Thesis Statement (Due by midnight Monday, December 6th)

Please post your thesis statement here.

Grade 8: Good Night, Mr. Tom (due before midnight Thursday, December 2nd)

Explain one theme from the book Good Night, Mr. Tom. Be prepared to discuss this theme tomorrow in class.

Grade 8: Plot Map link

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/graphicmap/

Grade 10: Lord of the Flies Final Question (Due before midnight Thursday, December 2nd)

Consider the book Lord of the Flies. Is evil inherent (or born in, natural to) in humankind? Please write a thoughtful, complete paragraph for your response.

Grade 12 IB: Ernest Hemingway Short Stories (due before class Tuesday, November 30th)

Ernest Hemingway said

"If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of the iceberg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. The writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing."

Knowing that Hemingway purposefully omits certain parts from his stories, complete one of the following in at least 400 words:

• Consider the short story "Cat in the Rain." Write the ending that you think Hemingway might have intended.
• Consider the short story "Out of Season." Write the ending that you think Hemingway might have intended.
• Consider the short story "Hills Like White Elephants." Write the beginning that you think Hemingway might have intended.

Be sure that your writing not only reflects the elements of a short story, but also reflects the style of the story that you have chosen. For example, "Hills Like White Elephants" is mostly a dialogue between two characters. It would not make sense stylistically if you wrote the beginning of the story in rich prose. Think about it!

If you need to, feel free to send me a copy to look over before posting.

Grade 10: Lord of the Flies Chapters 10, 11, and 12 (Parts 1, 2, and 3)

Finish the book! Blog posts due before midnight on the 25th, the 27th, and the 28th. Remember these blog posts are not only grades, but are designed to create discussions for you! Use the blog wisely!

For each post, write a reaction (minimum 250 words) to the chapter and three questions. Then, make sure that you answer at least one other classmate's question. I will be posting, too!

Grade 8: Good Night, Mr. Tom (Part 1 due by midnight, November 22nd; Part 2 due by midnight, November 24th; Part 3 due by midnight, November 28th)

Since we won't be in class to have a discussion, we will be having a discussion here online! You may post any time throughout this next week, but you MUST post by the three dates listed here and on Edline.

Part 1: Post three THICK questions.

Part 2: Respond to at least two other students' questions. Please write a minimum of five sentences to answer.

Part 3: Respond to two other students. You may answer a question, write a reaction, clarify an idea, agree, or disagree. These responses must be at least five sentences.

Remember, be thoughtful about what you post! This online discussion is here to help you and generate interesting ideas. I am excited to read what you have to say!

Grade 10: Lord of the Flies Chapter 9 (Part 1 due by midnight Sunday, November 21st; Part 2 due by midnight, Monday, November 22nd)

Part 1: Post a one paragraph reaction to the chapter. Then, post three questions you had while reading.

Part 2: Go back and comment twice on two other posts. One of these comments MUST answer a question. The other comment can either respond to a reaction or answer another question.

Grade 12 IB: The Old Man and the Sea (Due before class Wednesday, November 24th)

Choose one of the following tasks and write at least 400 words. Make sure you consider the structure of the text. Please also skip one line between each paragraph.

• Imagine you are Hemingway and are just publishing The Old Man and the Sea. Write your introduction to the book.
  
• Imagine you are a writer for a local newspaper and The Old Man and the Sea has just been published. Write an article about its release.

Grade 8: Good Night, Mr. Tom Chapters 14-15 (Due by midnight Thursday, November 18th)

First, write a reaction to these two chapters. Then, write at least three THICK questions you had while reading.

Grade 10: Lord of the Flies Chapters 4, 5, and 6 (first part due tonight November 17th, second part due tomorrow November 18th by midnight)

Chapter 4: Aini
Why does Ralph want to make basic rules such as keeping the fire going, using the bathroom in a particular place, using the shelters, and keeping water in the coconut shells?
What does Jack feel after he knows that a ship has passed by?

Chapter 5: Giorgio S.
Why is there a big discussion about having a big assembly in the beginning of the chapter?
Why do the boys decide to have an assembly?
Why does Phil tell his dream to everyone? What effect does it have on the boys? (see p. 84-86)


Chapter 6: Valentina
Why does Ralph, without thinking, say yes to searching for the beast instead of turning back with the other kids?
What brings Simon to remain with Jack and Ralph and to continue the search for the beast?

Ms. Gelso: Consider why Simon has trouble communicating with the rest of the boys. It seems that he has important things to say, why can't he say them?

PART 1: Respond to any one of the above questions in a complete paragraph (at LEAST 5 sentences, including text details) by tonight, November 17th. Make sure that you indicate which question you will be answering.

PART 2: Return to the blog tomorrow night, November 18th, and comment on two of your classmates' posts. In your comment, make sure you indicate to whom you are speaking. In your comment, you can agree, disagree, ask a question, or any combination of these. Each comment must be thoughtful and critical. Simply saying "I agree with you" is not enough! I will be posting comments on the 17th as an example for you.

Grade 12 IB: The Old Man and the Sea (due before class Monday, November 15th)

Read through page 62 of The Old Man and the Sea. Either post here, handwrite, or type up a one page response to the following question:

What do you think is the most important or "golden" line/passage in this first part of the novella? Why? Consider carefully our discussion of Hemingway's iceberg theory as you are choosing and analyzing your line/passage.

Grade 8: Good Night, Mr. Tom Response (due before midnight, Monday, November 8th)

First, identify the most interesting, or "golden" line from the beginning of the book (really these lines can be anywhere in the first 7 chapters). Write the line, the page number, and any necessary context.

Then, in a complete and thoughtful paragraph with opening and closing sentences, explain why you think that line is most interesting.

Finally, post three THICK questions you had while reading (Alessandro's question today in class--Why does Willie's mother want him to live near a church if she openly mistreats him so badly?--is a great example of a THICK question!).

Remember to be completing your vocabulary homework, your bookmark, and your post-it notes!

Grade 10: Lord of the Flies Chapter 3 (Due by midnight, Monday, November 8th)

Make sure you have read Chapters 4 and 5 (with book mark and post-its) and completed Unit 3 vocabulary in addition to answering one of the following:

1. Jack seems to be very comfortable in the jungle. What does this say about him?

2. The Beastie (and snakes in general) have become unmentionable (see page 52). Why is naming things so important?

3. Simon is Hebrew for “listener.” Where does Simon go? What role is he starting to take on in the story?

4. How is the jungle different for Simon than it is for Jack? Consider the contrast between the beginning of the chapter and the end.

5. Consider pages 56-57. How does Golding use light in this section?

Grade 8: Good Night, Mr. Tom Chapters 1-3 (Due by midnight before Thursday, November 4th)

Please respond to the following in at least ten sentences.

Imagine you were taken from your home and had to go and live with a stranger. How would you feel? What would you expect? What would you do?

Then, explore this website about WWII: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/world_war2/world_at_war/
What is the most interesting thing you found in the site?

If you want to look at today's video again, go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abLgfmzTO64&feature=fvw

Grade 10: Chapter 2 Response (Due by midnight Thursday, November 4)

Respond to one of the discussion questions in a complete, well-written paragraph.

1. How are Jack and Ralph characterized? Are Jack and Ralph fundamentally different or is the island changing them?

2. Lord of the Flies is full of symbolism. Consider Piggy’s glasses (“specs”), the conch, the beastie, the smoke on the mountain, the fire, the drum-roll, and even the characters themselves. What do these elements represent?

3. Consider the following line: “Piggy glanced nervously into hell and cradled the conch” (p. 44). Explain the importance of this line.

4. How is William Golding creating tension for the reader?

Grade 12: Death of a Salesman Closing Questions (Due before Thursday, November 4)

Please complete the closing activity on the back of today's handout.

Riccardo and Federico G., please explain how Willy and Biff represent different versions of the American Dream. Considering this, what do you think is Miller's comment on the American Dream?

Please remember that vocabulary is due on Thursday and we will be having a test on the American Dream, Death of a Salesman, and vocabulary.

Grade 10: Lord of the Flies Chapter 2 (Due by midnight, Tuesday, November 2)

What do you think is the most important line (1-3 sentences) of Chapter 2? Why? Start by typing in the line and the page on which it occurs. Then, skip a line and compose your response.

Grade 10: Theme Short Stories (Due by midnight Tuesday, October 26th)

Watch the following videos on essay writing. Which do you think is most helpful? Why?

How to Write a Basic Five Paragraph Essay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRZEQ5oj0Fs&feature=related

Basic Essay Structure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9nq886mOjA

How to Write an Effective Introduction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clPtbFT23Bs&feature=related

Students, I will be in class on Wednesday. We can take a few minutes to go over your essays, so make sure your bring your rough drafts! As I mentioned in class (and on Edline), final typed copies will be due Friday, along with outlines and rough drafts!

Grade 12 IB: Death of a Salesman Weekend Homework (Due before class Tuesday, October 26th)

Look back at the post that was due Wednesday, October 13th. The assignment says: Finish reading Act I of Death of a Salesman. Come up with and post three discussion questions to present to the class about the first act.

Read through the discussion questions that your classmates have posted. Choose one question that you find most thought-provoking and answer it in at least 250 words. Use details from the text in addition to your own ideas and opinions.

Start by indicating whose question you are answering and what the question is. Then go on to give your response.

Please also begin reading Act II of Death of a Salesman. Remember that interactive orals have moved to Tuesday. We will be discussing Act II of Death of a Salesman on Thursday. I will post vocabulary over the weekend on Edline (in addition to upcoming test dates!) if you would like to get started.

Grade 8: October Book Reports (Due by midnight October 31st)

Please post your October book reports.

Grade 10: October Book Reports (Due by midnight October 31st)

Please post your October book reports.

Grade 12 IB: October Book Reports (Due before November 1st)

Please post your October book report.

Grade 10: Weekend Reflection (Due by midnight Sunday, October 24th)

Reflect upon how you are doing so far in our class. Please identify two things you have been doing well. Then, explain one thing that you would like to improve upon and how you will improve it. Finally, explain one thing you like about our class (assignments, set-up, my teaching style, etc.) and one thing you do not like.

Remember that over the weekend you should edit your in-class essays! Use my notes on your rubric, your own editing eye, and even a friend for help. Note that you must also add in at least five vocabulary words from either Unit 1 or Unit 2.

Grade 8: Theme Thesis Statement (due by midnight, Sunday, October 24th)

Please post your theme thesis statement. Below the thesis statement, list out the three things (events, characters, conflicts, etc.) that prove your theme to be correct.

Make sure that you either print this out or write it in your notebook for class on Monday as well. If you forget it, you will need to redo it!

Grade 12 IB: Interactive Oral Resources (Due before Wednesday, October 20th)

Please post a link to one of the four resources you are using for your presentation. Include a brief summary of the resource.

Grade 10: War Poem (due by midnight Wednesday, October 13th)

Not To Keep
By Robert Frost (1917--during World War I)

They sent him back to her. The letter came
Saying… And she could have him. And before
She could be sure there was no hidden ill
Under the formal writing, he was in her sight,
Living. They gave him back to her alive—
How else? They are not known to send the dead—
And not disfigured visibly. His face?
His hands? She had to look, and ask,
“What was it, dear?” And she had given all
And still she had all—they had—they the lucky!
Wasn’t she glad now? Everything seemed won,
And all the rest for them permissible ease.
She had to ask, “What was it, dear?”
“Enough,
Yet not enough. A bullet through and through,
High in the breast. Nothing but what good care
And medicine and rest, and you a week,
Can cure me of to go again.” The same
Grim giving to do over for them both.
She dared no more than ask him with her eyes
How was it with him for a second trial.
And with his eyes he asked her not to ask.
They had given him back to her, but not to keep.


Think about the poem and answer the following questions:

1. What has the man just returned from?
2. What is the relationship between the woman and the man in the poem?
3. Who has given the man "back to her"? Why can she not keep him?
4. How do you imagine the man and the woman are feeling? Why?

Grade 8: "Thank You, M'am" (Due by midnight Wednesday, October 13th; Part 2 Due by midnight Monday, October 18th--Ms. Soteres will explain in class!)

Make sure you have finished reading "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes. Make sure that you have also underlined any conflicts that occur and if you can, label them as either "I" for internal or "E" for external.

Respond to the following questions:
1. Do you think Mrs. Jones agrees with the proverb we wrote about in class today? Why or why not?

2. Read the poem "If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking" by Emily Dickinson at the end of the story. How might the speaker of this poem be similar to Mrs. Jones?

3. Lastly, post your best THICK question that you asked while reading.

If you forgot the story at school, here is a link to an online version: http://acasiday.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/file/view/Thank+You+Ma

Also, if you're interested in learning more about Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance, here is a short (3 minutes, 37 seconds) video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCbBn_X87Xw&feature=related

Grade 12 IB (Due before Wednesday, October 13th)

Finish reading Act I of Death of a Salesman. Come up with and post three discussion questions to present to the class about the first act.

Grade 8: Weekend Homework (due by midnight Monday, October 11th)

First of all, how was the quiz? Was it what you expected? Harder? Easier?

Now, I would like each of you to think very hard about how our class has gone so far (many of you began this activity at the end of class today). What are some things you really like about our class? What are some things you wish would change? Do you feel like it is challenging enough or too challenging? What would you like to happen in our class over the next month?

Answering these types of questions honestly will help to make our classroom a better place! Remember, be honest!

Grade 10: Preparing for your presentation (Due by midnight Thursday, October 7th)

Write one paragraph explaining your section of your group's presentation. In this paragraph, include your group's argument/thesis statement (that's the theme you will be proving!) and your particular analysis of it. This paragraph will reflect your portion of the presentation.

Grade 8: Quiz Preparation (Due by midnight Thursday, October 7th)

Complete one of the following in at least 5 sentences:

1. Summarize the plot of either "I Just Kept on Smiling" or "Harrison Bergeron."

2. Identify at least one character trait for any of the characters in either "I Just Kept on Smiling" or "Harrison Bergeron."

Whichever you choose, you must use details or examples from the text in your response. You must also use at least three of our vocabulary words from this week.

Study hard! Read and respond to one another's responses!

Grade 12 IB: Death of a Salesman (Due before Thursday, October 7th)

Read through page 33 in Death of a Salesman. Choose the lines (1-3 sentences) that you think is the most important in the first 33 pages. Then in 250 words, explain why you feel those lines are most important? What do they reveal?

If you have not yet posted for the last blog assignment, you must complete that also.

Grade 10: "2026: There will come soft rains" (due by midnight Tuesday, October 4th)

Write one cohesive, organized paragraph (with opening sentence, closing sentence, and details/examples from the text) comparing and contrasting on of the following:

–Bradbury vs. Teasdale on the aftermath of war
–Bradbury vs. Teasdale in their characterization of nature
–YOU MUST INCLUDE THE IMAGERY WE DISCUSSED AS PART OF YOUR PROOF!
–YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE AT LEAST THREE TRANSITIONS.

Don't forget to complete Part 1, Unit 2 Vocabulary

Grade 8: "Harrison Bergeron" (Due by midnight Tuesday, October 5th)

As Ms. Soteres and I were looking through your THICK questions, there were several that really stood out. Uchenna, I hope you don't mind, but yours is a perfect example of a THICK question.

Class, read and consider Uchenna's question. Think about your own conlcusions about the author's message in the story and compose a response of at least 5 sentences (NOT counting any quotations you might choose to include).

Uchenna's question: The ending of "Harrison Bergeron" was a bad, sad, and senseless ending. Why did the author choose to end it in this way?

Use our blog space as a place to discuss your ideas and pose other questions to myself and your classmates. Always feel free to add questions or other comments to your response.

Please also remember to finish your journal assignment if you were not able to in class. If it is very messy, you should either rewrite or type it.

Grade 12 IB: Weekend Homework (due by midnight Sunday, October 3rd and midnight Monday, October 4th)

Interactice oral presentations will take place October 18th and 22nd. This weekend, decide on a topic with your group. Note that this weekend's blog assignment has several due dates.

1. By midnight on Sunday one representative from your group must post to explain the topic you have chosen. Please describe the topic, how you chose it, and how you will go about researching for it (i.e. what types of resources do you expect to use and why?).

2. By midnight on Monday the rest of the group members must post in response to other groups' topics. Give the other groups comments, questions, and anything else to think about. If you have recently come across an article that you think may be pertinent, link that group up to the article. Note that comments such as "The project looks great" will not receive credit. You must be critical and thoughtful in a way that will help your classmates.

A little confused? Take this example: Federico posts about 200 words on Sunday explaining what he, Angelica, and Dusan have chosen for their topic. Then, on Monday, Riccardo and Giulio respond to Federico's post giving him suggestions about how his group can narrow down their topic.

Still confused? Email me.

Grade 10: Weekend Homework (due by midnight Sunday, October 3rd)

First, read "August 2026: there will come soft rains" by Ray Bradbury. While reading, take notes on sticky/post-it notes like we practiced in class (I WILL BE CHECKING.).

Then, in one paragraph, explain what you think the story is about. What has happened to the community described in the story?

In a second paragraph, compare "August 2026: there will come soft rains" to Fahrenheit 451. How are they similar? Dissimilar? (HINT: Think in terms of BIG IDEAS, not just what they were about.)

Grade 8: Weekend Homework (due by midnight Sunday October 3rd)

Think about "I Just Kept on Smiling" by Simon Burt.

Write one paragraph answering the following question: Which event do you think is the most important part of the plot? Why?

Write a second paragraph answering this question: If you could change one event in the story, which one would you choose? Why? How would it change the rest of the story?

Each paragraph should be at least 6 sentences. Remember to refer to your list of misspelled words in order to avoid mistakes!

Grade 10: "The Sniper" (due by midnight Wednesday September 29th)

Today in class we discussed the ending of "The Sniper." We wondered why O'Flaherty chose to leave the end a mystery. We also discussed the importance of point of view and perspective when considering "The Sniper." We found that it was told from a third person limited point of view and talked about how we can understand O'Flaherty's own feelings about war through the events in the story.

I would like you to consider all that we discussed and complete ONE of the following creative assignments:

1. Compose a letter that the sniper might have written to his mother explaining what happened to his brother.

2. Finish the end of the story. The sniper has found out that he has shot his brother; what does he do next?

3. Compose a letter that O'Flaherty might have written to his editor about writing "The Sniper." Consider how he might have felt while writing the story and what his opinion might be on war.

Remember, we will also have a quiz on Thursday covering Unit 1 Vocabulary and "The Sniper." Complete Unit 1 Vocabulary. Study it!

STUDY TIPS:
1. Create flashcards! You can make vocabulary flashcards and flashcards to help you remember important facts about the stories (characters, events, conflicts, themes, etc.).

2. Meet up with or call a friend from class! Quiz each other on the vocabulary words. Also, ask each other questions about the stories.

3. Practice yourself! Rewrite the words and their meanings as many times as you need to without looking at the book. Create new sentences with the words to make sure you understand them. Then, examine the elements of a short story with both "The Monkey's Paw" and "The Sniper."

Grade 8: "I Just Kept on Smiling" (due by midnight Wednesday, September 29th)

Finish reading "I Just Kept on Smiling" by Simon Burt. Make sure that you record the thoughts of your inner conversation on your post-it/sticky notes.

After you finish reading, choose one line (1-2 sentences) that you think is the most important line in the whole story. Then, after you have identified that line, explain why you think it is the most important. In your explanation, include details and examples from the text. Please write a minimum of 6 sentences.

Remember also to set up your vocabulary notebook and bring it to our next class.

Grade 12 IB: Introduction to Arthur Miller (due by midnight Tuesday, September 28th)

First, explore the PBS American Masters website found at the link below. On the right-hand side you see the box "Inside This Episode." Read the articles "None Without Sin," "Career Timeline," and "McCarthyism."
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/arthur-miller/none-without-sin/56/

Then, watch this clip from an interview with Arthur Miller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BirqjuayQTA&feature=PlayList&p=B437B62796A55B57&index=0&playnext=1

At the beginning of the video, Miller states that all the great playwrights mentioned by the interviewer share "a moral sensibility which is unquenchable and that they are all burning with some anger at the way the world is." Based on what you learned about him, what anger might Miller be burning with? That is to say, what might have happened in his life to make him angry? Please cite and fully explain at least one thing that would have made him angry (you will discover several) and explain how he might have felt during that experience. How would you feel if you experienced that same thing? Have you ever felt something similar? Minimum 250 words.

Grade 8: Weekend Homework (due by midnight Monday, September 27th)

Remember, we do not have school on Monday. That means Tuesday will be Day 4 and we will be meeting.

For your homework this weekend, finish the following story in any way in at least 300 words. Think about what might have happened to make the narrator's day go so wrong! Think about what else might have happened to the speaker.

The other day I was walking home from school when suddenly it began to rain cats and dogs! What a terrible end to a terrible day! When I woke up this morning, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. But everything changed when...

If you are having any trouble, don't hesitate to email me!

Grade 10: Weekend Homework (due by midnight Monday, September 27th)

Remember that we do not have school on Monday. Tuesday will be Day 4, so we will meet on Tuesday.

For homework this weekend, please read "The Sniper." If you forgot the text at school, here is a link to find it online: http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/sniper.html

While reading, record your thoughts on post-it notes like we practiced with "The Monkey's Paw." You should record at least two thoughts per page. I WILL BE CHECKING!!!

After reading, write an organized paragraph explaining whether you think the main character is static or dynamic. Remember, write an opening sentence that presents your opinion. Follow with sentences that explain your opinion using details and examples from the text. Finally, write a closing sentence that ties your ideas together and shows the point you are proving. Remember also that these types of analytical paragraphs should be written in present tense. Post this paragraph here on the blog.


If you are interested, check out these videos I found of "The Monkey's Paw."
This, while accurate to the story, is a bit surprising in format! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8M6X1vXVdU
This is a clip true to the tone of the story, but with several differences in what actually happens. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXPdKG8jZpM


I forgot to announce in class, but please also complete pages 24 and 25 of your vocabulary book.

Grade 12 IB: I Have a Dream (Due by midnight Thursday, September 23rd)

Choose a metaphor from the "I Have a Dream" speech. First, write the sentence or sentences in which the metaphor occurs. Then, write at least 250 words explaining the metaphor. Most of these metaphors are rooted in history. If you need to do any research, feel free to do so, but include a list of sources at the end of your analysis.

Please use at least three transitions from the guide given to you Monday. They should be three different transitions. Please underline them.

In case you're interested, here is a link for the video we watched today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk

Grade 10: "The Monkey's Paw" (Due by midnight Wednesday, September 22, 2010)

Finish reading "The Monkeys Paw." Make sure that you have written down at least two thoughts per page on your post-it notes.

After reading, answer the following question in at least 250 words. Use ideas from your brain to answer, but also make sure that you use details from the text, showing that you finished reading. What do you think is the most important part of the plot in "The Monkey's Paw"? Why? What happens during this part? What effect does this part have on the characters? What effect does this part have on the rest of the story?

If you finish reading and have questions regarding the text, please send me an email. Or, you can post a question to your classmates on the blog.

Remember to also complete the "definitions" section of Unit 1 Vocab.

Grade 12 IB September Book Reports (Due by midnight, September 30th)

Please post your 600-word book report as a comment here on the blog. Remember to bring your completed reading log to class on Friday, October 1st, to be handed in.

Grade 12 IB (List of vocabulary due in class October 1st)

Grade 8 (Due by midnight Monday, September 20th)

Explore John Boyne's website: http://www.johnboyne.com/ and this website about the Holocaust: www.adl.org/education/edu_students_holocaust.asp

Remember those five questions you wrote for today's independent time at the beginning of class? Choose one of the questions you wrote. Attempt to answer that question using what you learned from the website. In your post, first write the question. Then, write the answer you found. Finally, indicate where you looked on the website to find the answer.

Mihnea and Stavros, use this website for your books:
www.percyjackson.co.uk/site/pj_main.php

Assia and Nikita, read this website for Reunion:
http://us.macmillan.com/reunion
and explore this website for information about the Holocaust: www.adl.org/education/edu_students_holocaust.asp


Everyone: Check back on the blog to read your classmates' responses! Remember also that it's a good idea to first type your response in a Microsoft Word document and then Copy/Paste into the blog.

Grade 10 (Due by midnight Monday, September 20th)

Please review the elements of a short story of the fairy tale or story you wrote about in class today. First, provide a summary of the story you and your partner chose. Then, explain which part of the plot you think is the most important and why.

Make sure that you use proper spelling and grammar. I have noticed that not everyone is using correct capitalization. Always capitalize the first letter of every sentence, proper nouns such as names, titles, and the pronoun "I."

Remember, it is a good idea to write your response in Microsoft Word and then Copy/Paste into the blog.

Grade 12 IB: Compare/Contrast Papers (Due by midnight, Sunday September 19th)

Please post your compare/contrast papers on the videos we watched in class. Make sure that you use details and examples from the videos. Pay careful attention to how your paper is organized, spelling and vocabulary usage, and grammatical conventions.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU SAVE THIS COMPARE/CONTRAST PAPER AS A WORD DOCUMENT, TOO!!!

Here are links to the videos if you need them (if for some reason the links do not work you can search the titles on youtube.com and they should come up!):

NY Times Video "Defining the American Dream"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C48aGtPIuZo

"Will Smith Supports the American Dream"
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=will+smith+supports+the+american+dream&aq=o

"I Believe in the American Dream"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QL64pNdzLk

And if you're interested in seeing another related video for fun:
Jay-Z and the American Dream http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=halYFy9-WdU

Grade 12 IB: What does the image tell you? (Due by midnight Wednesday, September 15th)

Write a dialogue between the man and the woman in the photograph above. Consider not only what the couple might be talking about and their relationship with one another, but also the language they might be using. Minimum 1 page typed, double spaced before pasting it as a comment.

Grade 12 IB: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Due by midnight on Monday, September 13th)

Please explain why you think the book is entitled One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Your response must show that you have read the text, use text details or quotations, and be at least 200 words.

After you have posted, read the posts of your classmates. Comment a second time, responding to a classmate. In this second comment, address the person to whom you are responding.

For example, if Federico is responding to Riccardo, his second post would begin:

Riccardo,

I read your response and I think...

Please also make sure that when you type in your name to leave your comment, you do not use your last name. If someone in our class shares your name simply use the first letter of your last name (example: Federico N. and Federico G.).

Plan your weekend carefully! I will also be posting and commenting throughout the weekend!

Grade 12 IB: For Starters (due by midnight Thursday, September 9th)

Please engage in a test-run in using The Marymount Literary Connection by answering the following questions:

1. Do you have any questions regarding the syllabus or set-up of the course?
2. What is your favorite book and why?
3. What is an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?

Remember, if you are having trouble refer to the directions given to you in class (these directions should always be stored in your notebook) or the directions on the class website.

Grade 10: For Starters (due by midnight Thursday, September 16th)

Please engage in a test-run in using The Marymount Literary Connection by answering the following questions:

1. Do you have any questions regarding the syllabus or set-up of the course?
2. What is your favorite book and why?
3. What is an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?

Remember, if you are having trouble refer to the directions given to you in class (these directions should always be stored in your notebook) or the directions on the class website.

Grade 8: For Starters (due by midnight Thursday, September 16th)

Please engage in a test-run in using The Marymount Literary Connection by answering the following questions:

1. Do you have any questions regarding the syllabus or set-up of the course?
2. What is your favorite book and why?
3. What is an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?

Remember, if you are having trouble refer to the directions given to you in class (these directions should always be stored in your notebook) or the directions on the class website.