Fri. Dec. 18, 2015: Novel Study and Reminders for After Break

Today, you were given a copy of your progress report. I also reminded you that the independent novel study is dead-lined for Wednesday, January 6.

Fri. Dec. 11, to Fri. Dec. 18, 2015: Poetry Assignment

In keeping with the expectations of high school objectives, students are to be able to comprehend and respond to various genres of writing with a focus on culture, the people and the landscapes of this nation. Yesterday, the students read and analyzed a poem and answered questions on it. These have been returned. Today and Monday, each student will independently read a poem (two in total), confirm with me that it is being analyzed correctly, and then answer the questions I will then provide. In total, each student will have analyzed three poems. These will then be used cumulatively in "Comprehend and Respond." If a student misses one of these readings, an alternative will be available upon request.
For the duration of next week, students will be working on catch-up and their independent novel study, which is DEADLINED for the end of the day on Wednesday, January 6. There will be no extensions, as students have already had more than three months to complete these assignment.

Thurs. Dec. 10, 2015: Poetry Continued

Today, you were given the poem "Everybody Knows About the Arctic" by Jim Green to actively read. When finished, you were given the questions to answer. This is an in class activity.

Wed. Dec. 9, 2015: Poetry Analysis "Sisters"

Today, we reviewed the analysis students did on their poem "Sisters." Students then formed groups to discuss the answers to the multiple questions. We then reviewed these on the board.

Tues. Dec. 8, 2015: Introduction to Poetry: Continued

Today, we discussed the answers to the poem "1956: Ambition of the Eldest Son." We discussed the importance of using process of elimination when approaching multiple choice questions. I then gave you the poem "Sisters" by P.K. Page to actively reading for tomorrow (as well as answer the multiple choice questions using process of elimination).

Mon. Dec. 7, 2015: Essay due: Intro. to Modern Drama

Your essays are due today.
Today, I introduced the poetry unit to you. We will read a number of poems, practicing active reading steps/processes and tying them to process of elimination skills.
Today, you were given a blue handout entitled "How to Read a Poem." You were also given a copy of the literary devices (though you already have this) as well as the poem "1956: Ambition of the Eldest Son." We will work on this today in class as a practice.
You were then given questions for this poem to answer. These are due at the start of class tomorrow.

Thurs. Dec. 3, 2015: Writing Class/Paragraph Layout

Today, I gave you a sheet explaining how to write a seven sentence introduction for a critical analytical essay (multi source). I then gave back your essays from yesterday and instructed you to fix them so the introduction follows the pattern presented. These are due at the end of class (end of the day if necessary).

Remember to bring your independent novel to class tomorrow as you will be doing your three month check-in.

Wed. Dec. 2, 2015: Writing Revision Class

Yesterday, students wrote a 50 minute essay. Today, they were given class time to type this essay in and then submit. Everyone has now been here for at least one of the two classes. If a student hasn't handed anything in, they are making a choice to not participate.

Tues. Dec. 1, 2015: In Class Essay

Today, students answered an essay question in class. These had to be submitted at the end of the class. Tomorrow, they will be reviewed and revised.