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.)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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."
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.
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.
Friday, September 24, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, September 20, 2010
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.
Friday, September 17, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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.
Friday, September 10, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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