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.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
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.)
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!
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
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