Grading Update as of May 1: I am revising the way grading will work in this class. Though you can receive no lower than the grade you had on March 13, your grade will not be higher than the March 13th grade without consistent hard work and commitment to completing all assignments. Thus, you will receive a zero for ALL incomplete work. If this means that your grade appears to go down on schoology, please be advised that your final grade will be adjusted so that it is NO LOWER than the grade you earned on March 13th.Yet, though your final grade cannot be lower than that of March 13, it will not necessarily be higher if you do not continue to complete all classwork at a level that demonstrates mastery of the material. Feel free to submit any late work. Please contact me by email with ANY questions.
CLASS UPDATE Hi all, the new district policy states that no student will receive a final grade of “F” for spring semester. Additionally, no student will receive a final grade lower than the grade they had earned as of March 13. For us, this will mean that all assignments completed by students will essentially be in an effort to raise their grade from the grade they had as of March 13 (or, at lowest, a “D”). Please think of a couple of things before you come to any conclusions about this grading policy: 1.There are skills you are developing through our lessons right now that will be necessary for your next English class. It makes sense that you attempt to continue learning to best prepare yourself for next year and not feel behind. 2.Colleges still do not accept D’s in any course. If you don’t earn a C or higher in this class, you will have to retake the course if you plan to apply to college. (Also, of course, an A in the course is preferable, and attainable, at this point.) 3.Make sure that you focus on the quality of the work you submit in order to demonstrate your mastery of the skill or material. I will still grade the assignments that you turn in—you want the work you submit to help actually raise your grade. 4.You have a unique opportunity to raise your grade! All work is almost like extra credit as your grade cannot be lower than it was on March 13. Take advantage! 5.You all have personal integrity and a drive to learn. Our work together should not just be based on a grade at the end but on the process and what you gain from learning and thinking about academic ideas. Also, we are the teachers you have a relationship with and will be asking for letters of recommendation and such. We want to think the best of you! 6.Consider possible district policy changes or adjustments. Make sure you are always doing your best in all of your classes.
All work for this semester is due by the hard deadline of Tuesday, June 9 so I have time to assess and submit grades.
Monday, June 8, 2020 Final Presentation Due
Friday, June 5, 2020 Work on Presentation
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Work on Presentation
Monday, June 1, 2020 For the end of this course, you will be creating a presentation about your topic AND the bias presented in the media about your topic. This should be 3-minutes MAX. Instructions for recording the presentation: Please create a zoom. in which you are the only participant. Then, share your screen which will put your presentation as the only thing that can be seen. Then hit record. You will record your voice speaking about your presentation while sharing your screen. After you are finished, stop recording and save the file. You will need to put that file in your google drive and then share only the link on our schoology discussion. Let me know if you have any questions about this process!!! Please consult the rubric at the very top of this page--click on the button called "Presentation Rubric." This should guide your work. Make sure that you discuss your topic AND the bias in the way it is shown.
Friday, May 29, 2020 Submit Essay on Schoology. Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Now that you have gathered, read, and evaluated all of your sources, we will write an essay that synthesizes all of your findings into one argument. Please respond to the following prompt: Write an essay in which you discuss the way that the media impacts the audience's understanding of your topic. Hints: Make sure to write a thesis that fully answers the prompt. Make sure to quote and cite evidence from your sources. Make sure that you clearly state the overall bias of your sources in order to "impact the audience's understanding." Good luck!
Friday, May 22, 2020 Submit your final MLA Works Cited Page with 10 sources. Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Research, read, and evaluate the credibility of new sources.
Monday, May 18, 2020 This week you will be working on revising and adding to your research. You want your research to represent a balanced examination of your topic--that means you have to have sources that show multiple perspectives. If you find that all your sources have the same or similar bias, you need to do more research. Now, please edit your sources and find more. Your new and final works cited page should have 10 sources that show multiple perspectives. Friday, May 15, 2020 Submit your credibility/bias analysis for all 6 articles. Wednesday, May, 13, 2020 Work on the analysis of credibility/bias.
Monday, May 11, 2020 This week, you will be working on evaluating the credibility of your 6 sources. You stated their central arguments, now you will decide if the author's bias impacts the credibility of the source. In order to do this, you will need to reread each article and find evidence of rhetorical strategies that create bias. Then you will write a short paragraph for each source proving the author's bias. For instance, you might say "The author is biased against reopening the state too soon. The author uses diction such as "drastic" and "detrimental" to describe the impacts of the virus on states that reopen. Additionally, the author uses pathos by...." You will continue to prove the bias through a discussion of the devices. Email me if you have any questions.
Friday, May 8, 2020 1. Read each of your 6 sources. Write a one-sentence statement of each article's central argument.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 1. Please submit your next 3 sources as MLA Works Cited Page. Read my comments on your first Works Cited Page. Make sure you use MLA format--if it is not correct, you will have to resubmit!
Monday, May 4, 2020 1. Make sure that you read the updated grading policy I posted in red at the top of this page. Spend time this week making up any work you need to.
Friday, May 1, 2020 Begin your research. Please submit your first 3 sources as MLA Works Cited Page. Wednesday, April 29, 2020 1. Please choose a topic for further research about COVID-19. Remember, it should be specific and relate to any issues surrounding the virus, quarantine, economic impacts, social inequalities, health care, governmental response, etc, etc. Please post your idea on this google doc--I will okay it or add suggestions. Make sure it is not the same as anyone who has previously posted. So first come, first serve on the topics. Email me with any questions. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TbFTnWEATS_ZixFWU6y0kNCSfjGZHWGmH31h2mZcdHU/edit?usp=sharing Monday, April 27, 2020 Let's check in--let me know how you are doing. Also, find someone else to respond to, someone you haven't really talked to since we have all been at school.
Friday, April 17, 2020 1. In order to create bias, credibility, and perspective, writers use many rhetorical strategies. The main ones that I want you to focus on now are "diction," "tone," "pathos," "logos," and "point of view." Please make sure you look up these words, especially if you might not remember what they mean (though we learned all of these in class already.) 2. Read the article: US has the most coronavirus-related deaths in the world https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-04-11-20/h_a72b3899f03070ecaad11f4375f1f995 3. In one sentence, please state what the bias is in this article? Then, quote, cite, and label at least 3 rhetorical devices (as listed above) to prove your bias.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 We are going to begin a project now. We will begin this project by thinking about all the information we are absorbing from the media regarding COVID-19 and our global pandemic. This project will focus on a timely topic that obviously impacts all of us right at this moment. You will have the opportunity to think about media and information as well as research and analyze news based on your own interests. 1. I want you to look up the words "bias," "credibility," and "perspective." Please write the definitions and then compose a few sentences that propose how these terms might connect to the news and media right now.
Monday, April 13, 2020 1. Can we please have another check-in discussion? I would like you to post thoughts about being in quarantine, how you are doing, how you feel about your coursework, what you are thinking about, etc. Just let me know what's on your mind.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 The story, The Veldt, ends quite abruptly. For this writing assignment, I would like you to "end" the story. Please write a one-page ending that furthers and/or closes up the dialogue and plot of the story.
Monday, March 30, 2020 A couple of things: Just to let you know, my "office hours" are Monday-Friday 8:30am-3pm during which time I will be answering email within the hour. If you need to talk about anything at all, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Also, remember to do your best to submit all of your assignments on time and demonstrating your best effort and ability. If you need internet, a device, or other help, please let me know! Our expectation is that you will use this time to work and learn, though remotely, and complete your 9th grade year well! 1. On this discussion thread, we will discuss The Veldt using the questions you wrote for the previous assignment. Please either ask a question or post a response. Make sure you use evidence from the text to support your response. Please make sure to post at least 3 different times on this thread. Note: Please make sure that you do not post a new question until the previous question has at least 3 responses. Listing questions is not really "discussing." Thanks! Friday, March 27, 2020 1. Read the story The Veldt by Ray Bradbury. Please respond to the following: 1. What is your immediate reaction to this story? 2. What 5 discussion questions might you want to explore? https://repositorio.ufsc.br/bitstream/handle/123456789/163728/The%20Veldt%20-%20Ray%20Bradbury.pdf?sequence=1
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Essay on Everyday Use Please type and post on schoology Write an essay in which you discuss the way that Walker uses symbolism and other rhetorical strategies to create the theme of this story.
Friday, March 20, 2020 1. On this discussion thread, we will discuss Everyday Use using the questions you wrote for the previous assignment. Please either ask a question or post a response. Make sure you use evidence from the text to support your response. Please make sure to post at least 3 different times on this thread. Thanks!
Monday, March 16, 2020 I hope you are all doing well and taking this time to sleep a little extra and be healthy. Over the next few weeks, you can expect 1-2 assignments per week to be posted on the weebly and submitted on schoology. All discussions will be assignments on schoology. We will be reading and discussing literature that I will post as a pdf. I will provide feedback on your work on schoology. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me about [email protected].
1. Please check in with me on this discussion thread. Let me know how you are doing/feeling about our current COVID-19 situation. Please either post a thought and/or respond to someone else's post.
Friday, March 13, 2020: Submit all work on schoology! 1. Finish 5.3 and Questions: 1. Make a list of all the things that the Friar tells the Prince. 2. Why does the Prince ultimately blame? 3. Make a list of all the characters who have died throughout this play. 2. Essay Prompt: Write an essay in which you discuss the reasons why you agree or disagree with the idea that Friar Laurence is most responsible for Romeo and Juliet's deaths.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1. Act 4.5 2. Questions: 1. Why does Shakespeare include so much of the Capulet family's reactions to Juliet's "death"? 2. How does Friar react to Juliet's death? What 2 main arguments does he make? 3. What is the tone of part with the musicians? Why does Shakespeare include this part? 3. Act 5.1 and 5.2 4. Questions: 1. What is Romeo's plan by the end of 5.1? 2. What specific events lead to his plan? 3. What do we learn in Act 5.2? 5. Begin 5.3 6. Questions: 1. Why is Paris at Juliet's tomb? 2. Why doesn't Balthasar leave when Romeo tells him to? 3. Why does Paris believe that Romeo is at Juliet's tomb? 4. What does the Friar plan to do with Juliet and why? 5. Why does the Friar leave?
Monday, March 9, 2020 1. Act 4.3 and fears
Friday, March 6, 2020 Group Essay Group 1: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1johPBYcsRhd7PQl1QYMTzAazRxYnCoqTb0z7dszoSgU/edit?usp=sharing Group 2: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZbY7C3nMXRLiWGgmOaPEjCxU1s2E5q9ADOZG0ATDsRI/edit?usp=sharing Group 3: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K0_YLAPocXhDNoOGXFa9H4rMkmr8or9TJqlW_PaaLiU/edit?usp=sharing Group 4: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W8vuz6qG9WMcMqXb3r1pkxSrXbpMzZqNCXMZ7Kv3_a4/edit?usp=sharing Group 5: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SBxWF1ARDyjfuazqJBbbHTVslRf149z7rjZ3fc1nXpM/edit?usp=sharing Group 6: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Bw_-2RCnPH_rGyW4b_AI4-kzsw2kKC1YT0UiP7KD58/edit?usp=sharing Group 7: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jJsn6mx50THAblM3AkXtWycTBvrrcVPaOtk251UlJvg/edit?usp=sharing Group 8: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11GYN9FlOwtdgLnpzWNP85mrECVjD2nyW5qrcK8Z5rx4/edit?usp=sharing
Thursday, March 5, 2020 1. Act 3.5 2. Questions: 1. Why is it extremely important to the plot of this play that Act 3.5 opens with this moment between Romeo and Juliet? 2. How does Juliet show her hatred of Romeo to her mom while showing her love of him to the audience? Evidence? 3. What does the Nurse think Juliet should do now? 3. Change Seats 4. Act 4.1 5. Questions: 1. Give 2 examples of ways Juliet insults Paris? Why does he excuse her behavior? 2. What 3 things does Friar tell Juliet to do as part of his plan?
Monday, March 2, 2020 1. Act 3.3 and 3.4 2. Questions
Friday, February 28, 2020 1. Essay and Score
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1. Act 3.1 (in parts) 2. Questions: 1. Who knows about the relationship between Romeo and Juliet? 2. What is Mercutio basically saying on page 43? 3. What does Tybalt mean when he says he loves Romeo? What does Romeo mean when he says he loves Tybalt? 4. Who starts the fight and why? Evidence? 5. What does Romeo try to do while Mercutio and Tybalt fight? 6. Why does Shakespeare have Mercutio repeat "a plague on both your houses"? 7. What dilemma does Romeo struggle with? 8. What does Romeo do after he kills Tybalt? Why? Evidence. 9. What is the irony in Lady Cap calling for the "shed blood of Montague"? 10. What is Lady Cap reaction to Benvolio's story? 11. What is the Prince's punishment for Romeo? 3. Read Act 3.2 Monday, February 24, 2020 1. Discuss the rest of 2.4 2. Act 2.4: 1. In your own words, name three things Mercutio calls the Nurse. 2. What does Peter do to defend the Nurse? What one word can describe Peter? 3. When do Romeo and Juliet plan to get married? 4. Why does the Nurse agree to help Juliet marry Romeo? 3. Act 2.5 Friday, February 21, 2020 1. Read Act 2.3 2. Questions: 1. What is Friar's opening speech called? Explain. 2. What does this speech show about his personality? What do you notice about the style of his speech? 3. What kind of relationship do Friar and Romeo have? Evidence? 4. What is Friar's general reaction to Romeo's news? 5. Find 2 moments of foreshadowing and quote in this scene. 6. what is Friar's attitude toward Rosaline? Juliet? 7. What is Friar's business with the plants/herbs? Bonus: What point is Shakespeare making by indicating that the Friar believes Romeo still loves Rosaline? 3. Read Act 2.4 to page 36 4. Compose questions that you think I might ask Wednesday, February 19, 2020 1. Watch Act 2.2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHoaPLO6Zd8&t=627s 2. Read Act 2.2 3. Questions: 1. What is Romeo's opening speech in this scene called?, 2. At what point in the scene does Juliet know she is talking to Romeo? Quote. Why is this important?, 3. Explain: "Deny thy father and refuse thy name" and "be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet.", 4. What do Romeo and Juliet promise?, 5. Why does Juliet keep reappearing at the window after saying goodnight? What does she want from Romeo? Evidence?, 6. When will Juliet hear from Romeo again?
Friday, February 14, 2020 Group Essay
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Counselors
Monday, February 10, 2020 1. Change Seats 2. Read Act 2.1 3. Questions: 1. Put the sonnet into your own words, line by line, 2. Where is Romeo going?, 3. What do Benvolio and Mercutio say and/or believe about Romeo in their conversation, basically?, 4. What is the purpose of this scene in the play as a whole? In other words, why does Shakespeare include this scene?
Friday, February 7, 2020 1. Prokofiev (listen) 2. Prokofiev (watch) 3. Read Act 1.5 4. Questions: 1. What does Romeo mean by his line, "Did my heart love until now?", 2. What metaphor do R and J use to discuss their hands and lips? Why? 3. Find a line that shows dramatic irony and explain. 5. Review Essay
Friday, January 31, 2020 1. Questions on Act 1.2 2. Read Act 1.3 3. Questions 1. Why does Shakespeare have the Nurse tell the long story about her memories of Juliet? Discuss at least 2 specific reasons for its function in the play. 2. How does Lady Capulet feel about love? Use evidence to prove your points. 3. How does Juliet feel about marrying Paris? Use evidence to prove your answer. 4. Love Connection Handout (inferences) Wednesday, January 29, 2020 1. Finish Act 1.1 and Questions 2. Act 1.2 3. Questions Monday, January 27, 2020 1. Finish your sonnet by the end of the class.
Friday, January 24, 2020 1. Act 1.1: 1. What is the Prince's punishment for the fighting? 2. Why does Shakespeare start the play in this way? What does it help show the audience? In the conversation between Montague, Lady Montague, and Benvolio in Act 1.1, answer the following: 1. What are Montague's concerns about Romeo? 2. Why does he express them to Benvolio? 3. Approximately how old is Romeo? Cite evidence to prove it. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 1. Sonnets
Friday, January 17, 2020 1. Finish presentations 2. Shakespearean goals and context
Thursday, January 16, 2020 1. Present
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 1. Prep Presentation
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 1. Research
Monday, January 13, 2020 1. Change Seats 2. Review Syllabus and Class Expectations/weebly/schoology 3. Intro to Shakespeare 4. Research _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, December 20, 2019 1. Essay Review and Revision 2. Reflection
Monday, December 9, 2019 1. Read Ch 3 2. Summarize the 5 main events in the chapter by listing them in order. 3. By the end of chapter 3, Kino and Juana have very different ideas about the pearl. Explain what each thinks about it and cite evidence to prove your answer. 4. Identify one main way that the pearl changes the doctor. Cite evidence to prove your response. 5. Write 3 High level questions about the chapter.
Friday, December 6, 2019 1. STAR Reading Test 2. Intro to Steinbeck Please click on the button titled The Pearl at the top of this page. Read the document. Take notes on your paper. Then, in a paragraph, reflect on what you learned from this information. In a second paragraph, PREDICT what this book will be about based on the information you read. 3. Read Ch 1-2
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 1. Read Books 22 and 23 2. Discussion--Fishbowl and Reflection 3. Extended Writing The point of view of The Odyssey rarely wavers from Odysseus’s perspective. Nevertheless, other characters’ words and actions hint at what they are thinking. Explore the epic from another point of view through this writing task:
Choose an event and narrate it from The Odyssey from the point of view of your assigned character.
Engage the reader using techniques such as dialogue, imagery, etc. to set up the situation and create a smooth progression of events.
Use precise words and phrases, descriptive details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture.
Monday, December 2, 2019 1. Seminar on Books 9-12 and 17-21 2. Present first 12 lines of text
Friday, November 22, 2019 1. Spoken Interludes Graduation
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 1. Discuss format of story 2. Discuss HL Questions 3. Counselor Visit
Monday, November 18, 2019 1. Read Book 12 2. Questions for Discussion 3. Read Books 17 and 21 Friday, November 15, 2019 1. Spoken Interludes 7
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 1. Essay Sheet 2. Read Books 10 and 11
Summarize what has happened to Odysseus and his men between the Cyclops and Circe's island.
Explain the simile in first stanza--what ideas about the character of Circe are suggested by this simile?
What is Polites's attitude toward Circe and why? What is Eurylochus's attitude toward Circe and why?
Why must Odysseus go to the land of the dead? What does his willingness to do this show about his character?
Give some details that describe the land of the dead. How do those details create the mood of this Book?
What rituals regarding death does Elpenor request?
What is Tiresias's prophecy? Will it come true? Why or why not?
How does Odysseus's conversation with his mother affect his desire to return home?
Friday, November 8, 2019 (SBA Meeting) 1. Spoken Interludes 6
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 1. Change Seats 2. Intro to Odyssey 3. First 12 lines 4. Read Book 9 BOOK 9
How will Odysseus repay the hospitality shown by Alcinous? Why is this vow important?
Provide and cite evidence of Odysseus’s feelings about Ithaca.
Why does Odysseus want to visit the land of the Cyclops? What does this show about his character?
Make a claim about whether Odysseus’s voyage to the Cyclops’ island is a good idea and find and cite evidence to support your answer.
What is foreshadowed in the description of Cyclops’ cave?
Why doesn’t Odysseus kill the Cyclops?
How do Odysseus AND the Cyclops each break the rules of hospitality?
Why would Odysseus include his taunting of the Cyclops and the consequence? How does Odysseus view his own actions?
Why is Polyphemus surprised by the fulfillment of the prophecy? What does this say about his character and/or beliefs?
What would you have done in Odysseus’s place? Why?
Monday, November 4, 2019 1. Myths--Presentation
Friday, November 1, 2019 1. Spoken Interludes 5
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 1. Read and annotate Greek Gods Handout 2. Divide up the gods between your group 3. Read and annotate Myth 4. Prepare presentation: it should include visual, 4 sentence summary, list of main characters and their attributes, central theme.
Monday, October 28, 2019 1. Final Project Assignments 2. Work on Final Projects
Friday, October 25, 2019 1. Spoken Interludes 4
Wednesday, October 23, 2019 1. November Quiz 2. Read December 3. Essay (45 minutes)
Monday, October 21, 2019 1. September Quiz 2. Read October 3. Discuss Essay and Writing--Thesis, topic sentences, and single quote
Thursday, October 17, 2019 Spoken Interludes 3
Monday, October 14, 2019 1. Essay January-August
Thursday, October 10, 2019 Spoken Interludes 2
Monday, October 7, 2019 1. Seminar 2. Change Seats 3. Read August 4. Thesis Work
Friday, October 4, 2019 Spoken Interludes 1
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 1. Seminar 2. Intro to Spoken Interludes 3. Story and Story Sheet
Friday, September 27, 2019 1. Essay Scoring 2. In May, Find and cite at least 3 pieces of evidence to prove that the relationship between Mama and Tita is worsening.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019 1. Essay 2. Read May
Monday, September 23, 2019 1. Reading Test 2. Discuss Essays
Friday, September 20, 2019 1. Previous Rewrite and Rubric 2. Rewrite Essay 3. Tone 4. April and Tone
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 1. Group Essay
Monday, September 16, 2019 1. March 2. HL Questions Friday, September 13, 2019 1. Finish reading January 2. Literary Devices and Magical Realism and HL Questions 3. February Wednesday, September 11, 2019 1. Finish Context of LWFC: Take notes on all 8 of the textual presentations. 2. Discuss Essay: Take notes for rewrite 3. Start Novel: Examine the epigraph 4. Begin reading January
Monday, September 9, 2019 1. Readings about LWFC Friday, September 6, 2019 1. Switch Seats 2. In class Essay
Wednesday, September 4, 2019 1. Writing an Essay: Intros and Body Paragraphs 2. Review Thesis HW 3. Work on Practice Essay in Groups Wednesday, August 28, 2019 1. Application of literary devices 2. Writing an Essay: Prompts and Thesis Statements
Tuesday, August 27, 2019 1. Literary Devices
Monday, August 26, 2019 1. Pictures 2. HL Questions on board 3. Socratic Seminar
Friday, August 23, 2019 1. Finish reading and annotating "The White Umbrella" 2. Write HL Questions Thursday, August 22, 2019 1. Finish reading and annotating "White Umbrella"
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 1. Finish reading and annotate "My Name" 2. Levels of Questions 3. Questions on "My Name"
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 1. Syllabus 2. Weebly 3. Writing: 1. What do you hope to learn in this class this year? 2. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses as a student? 3. Tell me something about your outside of school interests. 4. Annotations 5. Begin reading and annotating "My Name"