Over the Break!

Finish the book and dialogue journals. Any of you needing to resubmit your "Role of Storytelling Essays" need to do it before the end of the semester.

Have a lovely break!

Wednesday:

You need to have a fully typed draft of your folktale for class. I will give you time to work.

You will be presenting folktales on Friday.

We will begin with a quiz on chapters 14-17 in Things Fall Apart.

Following that we will continue by drafting an African Praise Poem.

Period 2:

We will begin class on Thursday by reading. We will discuss chapters 16-20.

 You will continue presenting your folktales to the class.

You will draft and African Praise Poem, final draft due after the break.

English 3-4

Make some traction this weekend on your folktale!

Those of you who are editing Role of the Writer/Reader/Literature/Storytelling should bring your revised drafts to class on Monday. Please see me if you need an extension.

Read chapters 15, 16, and 17 and complete accompanying dialogue journals. Be ready for a quiz on Monday.

Folktales!

This week you will be working with partners to develop your own folktales.

We will listen to folktales, analyze folktales, write and illustrate folktales.

You should be finished with chapter 14 as well as accompanying dialogue journals.

By Monday you should have finished chapter 17. We will have a class discussion on chapters 14-16 on  Friday (we'll be reading 15 and 16 in class).

Monday

Read through chapter 14 in Things Fall Apart, and complete dialogue journals. There will be a quiz on Monday on chapters 10-14.

Thursday/Friday 10-4/10-5

Read chapters 8,9,10 and complete 1 page of dialogue journals for each. Remember, each dialogue journal should have 2-3 quotes and a response on the right side column. At the bottom of each page summarize the chapter in 2-3 sentences.

Homework Over the Break!

Read to the end of Chapter Six and complete dialogue journals for each chapter.

Periods 5,6

Finish annotating "The Body Ritual of the Nacerima" by Horace Miner. Due at the beginning of class.

HW:

Period 2: Finish Chapter 1 of Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe for class on Thursday.

Periods 6 and 7: None.

Scratch that!

We'll be picking up our new books this coming week. No homework unless you have not turned in your role of the writer synthesis essay.

Synthesis Essays on "The Role of the Writer" due!

We will be transitioning into our new unit this week. Your "Role of Literature/Storytelling/the Writer" is due, complete Tuesday and Wednesday at the beginning of the period.

We will be viewing the film "Finding Forrester" as a grand finale to the unit and picking up our new book on Thursday/Friday.

Tuesday November 12 /Wednesday November 13

Bring your polished pieces on the role of the writer/stories. We will finish "Finding Forrester" in class and discuss. We will then be picking up the novel from our next unit.

I look forward to your work!

Wednesday/Thursday

Solid drafts due to be worked on in class!!!! Come with a typed draft for revision.

Due Monday/Tuesday

Periods 2 and 6

Bring a complete draft--700 words on Monday and Tuesday. We will work on self and peer-editing.

Period 7:

Come prepared with a one-page journal write about what stories have meant to you. We will continue the drafting process on Monday.

Remember that Monday is a Friday schedule!!!!

Tuesday/Wednesday

No homework unless you haven't finished the "Say You're One of Them" packet with responses recorded in your notebook.

Homework Periods 2, 5, 6 and 7

Instructions for stories from Say You’re One of Them, by Uwem Akpan.

Due Monday October 28 periods 2,5 and 6. Period 7 due on Wednesday October 30.

You have 2 choices, Basic Criteria or Challenge Criteria. Challenge Criteria does the same thing as Basic Criteria, but it includes and additional story and 2 more questions. Please read the instructions carefully.

Basic Criteria*

1. Finish reading, “An Ex-mas Feast”.

2. Read the interview with Uwem Akpan at the back of the packet.

3. Answer question 1, 2,  and 7. Make sure to answer clearly restating the question and to support your opinion with evidence from the text using quotes around anything you cite.

Challenge Criteria*

1. Finish reading “An Ex-mas Feast”

2. Read “What Language is That?”

3. Read the interview with Uwem Akpan

4. Respond to questions at the back: 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8. Make sure to formulate responses clearly, restating the questions and supporting your opinion with evidence from the text using quotes around anything you cite.

*Basic Criteria meets proficiency for grade-level requirements. Basic criteria is C level work. This level work is complete, accurate, and shows an understanding of the material.

*Challenge Criteria is A/B level work.  Here I am looking for depth of thought, analysis, and exploration of the topic. I expect the work to challenge you. This level work shows ownership of the topic.

Homework Period 2, 5, and 7

Finish Elif Shafak questions and read and annotate the chapter "Sugar" from her book The Bastard of Istanbul, for discussion Thursday.

Finish Questions from Elif Shafak's talk.

Homework due on Monday Periods 2,6,7

Over the weekend write at least one half page (one page is better!) in your journals using vivid character description and dialogue to describe a holiday scene from your life, having to do with food. You should choose a couple of characters to describe in detail. Consider the rules of dialogue as you write.

Period 2, 6, and 7 see below:

Read Alexandr Solzhenitsyn's "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich," and come to class ready to discuss. We will fill in the graphic organizer together. If it helps prepare you do discuss, make notes on a separate sheet of paper about the story.

If you did not finish the Chimamanda Adichie story, "The Thing Around Your Neck,"please do so and complete the accompanying questions (scroll down to see them). Responses should be written in complete sentences, use quotes and offer thoughtful reflection.

Due 10/17-10/18

Homework Questions: Chimamanda Adichie, "That Thing Around Your Neck"

Finish reading "The Thing Around Your Neck" and answer the following questions.

1. List obstacles the protagonist in the story faces.

2. What is "The Thing Around Your Neck"? Explain and offer an example to support.

3. Explain why the relationship between the protagonist and her boyfriend is complicated. Give at least 2 examples and explain the significance of each. (Explanations should be more than 1 sentence long!)

4. What keeps the protagonist from writing to her parents?


Circles of Influence Graphic Organizer: For period 1 or anyone who has yet to complete the assignment.

Create a visual representation of the variety of cultural factors from your brainstormed list that affect you. The visual should be organized, beautiful, and show how you are influenced by being a human, American, Grant student, member of your family, member of your friend group, Oregonian, or Portlander, or member of the human race. Choose at least 4 realms to represent using a combination of drawing and writing. 

For example, if you draw a basketball and you list : "Sports: track, soccer, football, basketball" you should also write 2-3 sentences that say something like, "sports have influenced me as a cultural being by emphasizing the importance of being a team player, of working hard even when it hurts, and by showing me the value of competition--it pushes me to be better and stronger."

If you just want to draw, then there should be a paragraph explaining how the images represent cultural influences in your life.

Due Wed./Thurs. 2 part homework!

Write 1/2 page in your journal about a time when you observed a cultural contrast. This could be a time when you visited a friend's house and observed that they have very different practices/norms/expectations around food or technology, or cleanliness. This could also be a contrast in hour home cultures if you have two houses and your parents "cultures"/expectations, styles of parenting (beliefs and practices), are different. Give examples and vivid detail when possible.

Create a visual representation of the variety of cultural factors from your brainstormed list that affect you. The visual should be organized, beautiful, and show how you are influenced by being a human, American, Grant student, member of your family, member of your friend group, Oregonian, Portlander, etc.

Sophomore English!

You don't have homework over the weekend except to read for joy! Read something and tell us about it when you get back to class.

Your in-class analysis essays need to be finished during tutorial. (Period 6, I am giving you 20 more minutes in class on Monday).

HW: Period 2

Period 2, you should come to class prepared to write your essay on Friday. This may mean that you bring an outline, or a rough draft, anything that will help you write your final draft in class and complete it by the end of the period.

HW: Tues.1/Wed. 2

Period 2/6: Study for your figurative language quiz. If you did not typed up your two poems please scroll down for further instructions.

Period 7: Finish the connotation practice worksheet and bring completed to class on Wednesday. Be prepared for the figurative language quiz.

Summative Assessments for Figurative Language Unit

The following assignments represent the summation of your learning this unit. You will show that you understand and can apply figurative language as well as examine and analyze the effect of purposeful diction in a piece of writing.

1. You should have turned in your vignette and all of its accompanying drafts (was due 9/23)
This assignment shows your ability to apply figurative language to your writing.

2. Two typed, revised poems from your composition notebook. Due Monday 9/30

• Choose from your Alliterative Poem "Happiness Happens" (or other), your Onomatopoeia Poem, your "Ego-Tripping" Poem, or your "Directions" Second-Person Poem. 
• Each poem needs to be on a separate sheet of paper in a font that is legible and suits your poem. On this paper, do not use MLA formatting for you name. 
• Type your name to be on the sheet beneath the poem (no need to place my name or the period on the sheet this time). 
• The poems will be displayed on "Back to School Night" next week!

3. A figurative language quiz 10/1-10/2

4. An in-class essay (beginning (10/1 and 10/2) 

• The essay will examine the use and effect of figurative language on a short story by Gary Soto. In order to show what you know you will make strong notes in the margin, using the CARPE system of note making, followed by the creation of your essay. This will be completed in class.

Next week we move onto a unit entitled, "The Role of the Writer"

Homework Reminder!

Period 2: Finish Ego-Tripping entry in your composition notebooks. This should be as long as the length of your page. Also fill in the box on page 4.  Remember hyperbole is exaggeration to make a point.

Period 6/7: Finish "Directions" poem using second person. Remember that this should be at least as long as the length of one page in your composition notebook.

Period 6! Don't let me forget to collect "The Town Dump" by Wallace Stegner.

Due Monday the 23rd!

• Responses to the Wallace Stegner vignette "The Town Dump"
• Final Draft of the Vignette!
• Be ready to share part of your vignette with the class!

Over the Weekend HW: Sophomores

Over the weekend you will finish a draft of your Name Vignette, based on the Sandra Cisneros piece we read in class Thursday and Friday. Draft (typed) due Monday, 16th. (Final due on Monday the 23rd).

Remember your SSR books every day!

September 11th

Homework Reminder!

Bring SSR books beginning Thursday/Friday!

Period 2 and 6--Bring your annotated Barbara Kingsolver Poem "My Name."

(Period 7, we didn't get to it!)

*if you haven't turned in your signed syllabus please do so ASAP.

Welcome!

Welcome Sophomores!

If you are viewing this post then you are doing a brilliant job of being prepared for class.

You are no longer the newbies, no longer the youngest ones. You are moving into a year in which you retain some of the innocence of your freshmen year and bring some of the savvy you gained from all of the experiences of 2012-13. Thus, you are aptly titled "sophomores". Sophomore, after all, is derived from the Greek, "soph" ( as in philosophy) means wisdom and "more" (as in moron) means fool. You will notice that this title fits--as you continue to grow and change this year. You will still be goofy, but you will also be sophisticated. You will know more than you realize, and, paradoxically you may find that the more you learn the less you really feel like you know. This makes sense too, (and is perfect for you because I'm paraphrasing Socrates the great, Greek philosopher) because we are studying world literature and within that will be considering many different perspectives.

     

It doesn't take much exploration of any culture, historical event, or person to realize that there is SO much more to know! We won't become experts this year, but we will try to learn about the world--how big it is, how many different people and cultures inhabit it, and also that, despite differences, the human experience is comprised of shared themes.

On Monday we will work on your summer reading assignment so your dialogue journals will be due.

You will also need to turn in your signed syllabus showing that you have had a conversation with a parent or guardian about the class (unless you are in period 6 as you have not seen the syllabus yet).

Additionally, your formal letter is due on Monday. It must be typed unless you do not have access to a computer over the weekend in which case you should turn in a very cleanly formatted handwritten letter.

I look forward to our work together!

Ms. Brandy

June 1--THIS POST IS FROM LAST YEAR! NO NEED TO READ FURTHER

Your research papers should be finished--as closely as you can get them, on Monday June 3rd. This includes in text citations and a works cited page.

JUST IN CASE YOU FORGOT the OSLIS username and password:

username: port

password: oslis

We will continue to polish them this coming week but we will also be looking at nonfiction work from WWII. Most of this will be in-class work. Your homework will be to finish the research paper to the best of your ability.

Challenge Criteria Options

*As always, 10,000 grains Free Rice (if you did this last semester, it will have to be 20,000 total).
Remember, this is a website where you can practice your vocabulary. For every answer you get right, 10 grains of rice are donated to those in need. To do this, you must create an account, sign in, and earn (in multiple sessions) the equivalent of 10,000 grains of rice. Your account information will keep track of your total.

*Watch the older film "The Gentlemen's Agreement" with Gregory Peck and write a brief review.

*Watch "Argo" and write a review.

*Read Night by Elie Wiesel and meet in my room, Tuesday the 12th, during tutorial, to discuss as a book group. OR take meaningful notes/write a thoughtful response--whatever you choose. This is something I want every student who feels capable, or compelled to read. If we had more time in the year everyone would be reading it. So, please, please, please, consider this option especially if you are an A or B-seeking student.

Finish Persepolis This Weekend!

Hi All!

Just a reminder that Persepolis should be finished this weekend along with your journal prompts. Journal prompts (15 of the 19) are due Monday. They should be turned in with your spirals. I will be looking over your notes and journal writes from the last unit too (Alchemist). I will be providing feedback for both.

Finishing 19 of 19 will be considered *Challenge Criteria for A-seeking students or extra credit for those who need it.

Please remember that I prefer quality over quantity. I would rather your do a stellar job on a the 15 than a shoddy job on all of them.

We will continue working on the research process next week. Papers are due on Tuesday the 28th for 3rd period and Wednesday the 29th for 5th, 6th and 8th.

 As always, thank you for being brilliant, thoughtful, inquisitive and kind.

Remember to scroll down for information you may have missed and Challenge Criteria!

Period 5,6,8

HW: due Friday

Read to 126 and respond to corresponding prompts.

ALL OF YOU:
Prompt responses are due on Monday as you should be finishing the book over the weekend.

Remember to scroll down for challenge criteria!

HW: Period 3

Period 3--due Thursday

Read to page 126 and address corresponding prompts.
Remember, prompts should average half a page in length. All due next Monday.

Don't forget to scroll down for challenge criteria. A students should show at least twice a semester effort that goes over and beyond the required work either in quality (depth of study) or quantity (taking on another book or another piece of writing or theater).

Spiral Check, for the last two units is due at the beginning of next week. It is worth 250 points and includes your responses to the Persepolis prompts!

HW: Tues./Wed. 14-15

• Read to p. 111 and respond to related prompts--up to "The Cigarette"

• Don't forget to scroll down for challenge criteria and information on our author!

Weekend of May 11-12

Read to page 94 and write corresponding Journal Writes (up to "The Key")

Enjoy the sun!

Challenge Criteria Opportunities:

1. Read Reading Lolita in Tehran, a memoir in four parts, by Azar Nafisi and write a review of the book and take sticky note quotes (1 page typed). 70 points for work well done.
2. Read Samarkand, a novel by Amin Maalouf and write a review/response (1 page typed plus notes on book). 70 points for work well done.
3. Watch Argo, a newly released film, with Ben Affleck and write a review, (1 page typed). 40 points for work well done.
4. Free Rice. 20,000 grains. 40 points for work well done.
5. Read Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah a story about an 11th grade girl who decides to begin wearing the veil while going to an Australian High School. Read, take qualitative notes and write a review/create a project based on the book. See below:

Book Description

The slide opened and I heard a gentle, kind voice: What is your confession, my child? I was stuffed. The Priest would declare me a heretic; my parents would call me a traitor... The Priest asked me again: What is your confession, my child? I'm Muslim, I whispered. Welcome to my world. I'm Amal Abdel-Hakim, a seventeen year-old Australian-Palestinian-Muslim still trying to come to grips with my various identity hyphens. It's hard enough being cool as a teenager when being one issue behind the latest Cosmo is enough to disqualify you from the in-group. Try wearing a veil on your head and practising the bum's-up position at lunchtime and you know you're in for a tough time at school. Luckily my friends support me, although they've got a few troubles of their own. Simone, blonde, gorgeous and overweight - she's got serious image issues, and Leila's really intelligent but her parents are more interested in her getting a marriage certificate than her high school certificate! And I thought I had problems.

6. A student gave me a wonderful book on Friday called, October Mourning, A Song for Matthew Shepherd, by Leslea Newman. I read it in two sittings, less than 24 hours apart--it is that important. The book is comprised of narrative poems related to the murder of Matthew Shepherd, a gay, 21-year-old student and activist attending the University of Wyoming. He was brutally beaten for his sexual orientation and died of injuries. It is an incredibly sad event and a harrowing story that should be heard. I want as many of you to read it as possible. I will offer challenge criteria points for it (50) but mostly I want you to read it thoughtfully and courageously. As a response I want you to consider, in a project of importance to you, how to stop hate crimes.
7. Read Persepolis 2--which can be found at the Multnomah County Library. Draw a 3 page graphic novel version of your own story or growing up, or write a written response (1 page well-crafted). 70 points for a job well-done.
8. Choose a newspaper article of a current event and draw your own graphic novel version of events. One page, 40 points for a job well-done.

Marjane Satrapi--Author of Persepolis

Biography

Satrapi was born in Rasht and grew up in Tehran. Her well-to-do parents were highly educated members of a distinctly westernized stratum of Iranian society. Satrapi reports that she is a great-granddaughter of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, Shah of Iran from 1848-1896. Her parents were both politically active and supported Marxist causes against the monarchy of the last Shah. When theIranian Revolution finally took place, however, they were dismayed and intimidated by the Muslim fundamentalists who took power.

Her parents grew concerned that the young Marjane, a strong-willed and rambunctious teenager, would run afoul of the strict new public codes for women.^[4] They arranged for her to study abroad and in 1983 she arrived in Vienna, Austria, to attend the Lycée Français de Vienne.^[5] According to her autobiographical graphic novel, Persepolis, she stayed in Vienna through her high school years, staying in friends' homes, but spent two months living on the streets. After an almost deadly bout of pneumonia, she returned to Iran. She studied visual communication, eventually obtaining a master's degree from Islamic Azad University in Tehran.^[6]

During this time, Satrapi went to numerous illegal parties hosted by her friends, where she met a man named Reza, a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War. She married him at the age of 21, but divorced him roughly three years later. Satrapi then moved to Strasbourg, France.

Satrapi is married to Mattias Ripa, a Swedish national. They live in Paris.^[4]

[edit]

Week of May 6-10

This week read Persepolis and continue responding to prompts as you go. Read to page 62 by Thursday/Friday.

April 22nd-26th

Bring your permission slips for the field trip to the Hollywood Theater! Make sure I have them ASAP or you will not get to go with the sophomore class.

On Tuesday, please arrive at 8:05 and check-in with me in the large gym. You will need a pen or pencil and a spiral notebook to write on. There will be an assignment to turn in at the end of the day which will count as your record of attendance and participation.

We will continue to work on our writing work samples. I will pass back your reading work samples this week for you to look at.

We are beginning a new Unit--Middle Eastern Lit. and will be focusing on writing a research paper.

Remember Monday is a Thursday schedule--periods 1-4. Drop off your permission slips even if you don't have my class tomorrow!

April 15-20

Praise!
Wonderful job on your Extension Projects for the Latin American Lit. Unit. Your work was thorough, thoughtful, beautiful and thematic. Very nice job.

I am working through portfolios. Many of you will notice that instead of a grade you have an X in edbox. This indicates that I have received the work but have not graded it yet.

If I have not received it you will see a 0. Avoid 0s! They are hard to recover from!

This week we will be focusing on our writing work sample in class.

HW:
No official homework.
The only thing you should do at home is READ READ READ--whatever you wish.

This Week - April 1-5

This week we are working on Dream Narratives (or alternate Alchemist Essay). The Essay is the final piece in your portfolio. I am picking up your Alchemist books to grade and give feedback on your sticky quotes.

Complete portfolios are due April 8th (Monday for 5,6,8 and Tuesday April 9th for 3rd). They will include:

1.Your Mandala (which I will return Thursday (3rd) and Friday (5,6,8)) will be the cover. It should have your name, and Latin American Literature Portfolio written somewhere on it.

2. You will include at least 3 poems in the portfolio
a.  your "I almost..." (choice) poem
b. your ode (after Pablo Neruda)
c. your found poem (the 12 lines formed into quatrains from The Alchemist).

3. The final part of your portfolio will be the Essay/Dream Narrative (at least 3 pages in length, double spaced).

Super-amazing portfolios will include a table of contents, extra poems, or other journal writes pertaining to the book.

The poems should be revised and polished (we will work on this Thursday and Friday).

Extension Activities (worth 100 points) for either the short-story Magical Realism Anthology, or your Companion Novel are due on April 10th (periods 5,6,8) and 11th (3).  There are no extensions or exceptions. This is the end of the quarter.

You will bring a project to class ready to share. It will reflect a deep understanding of the book you read. The project will be accompanied by an artist statement. (We will look at several examples in class April 4th and 5th).

Your artist statement should introduce the theme of the novel as well as describe the significance of your project and exactly how it represents that theme as well as explain why you chose to represent your novel that way. It will be at least two paragraphs typed.

You will also turn in your book/short story packet and your note taking method showing that you have QUALITATIVELY engaged your novel/short story (imagine you are in a college course and the professor has told you to read the entire thing and come ready to discuss the book). You should have at least seven sections marked with a note about your thoughts or questions pertaining to the significance of the passage.

Happy Spring Break!

Just a reminder on dates. 

Portfolios are due on April 8 including your Mandala as the cover, three poems (the Ode, I Almost Poem, and the Found Poem) and finally the Dream Narrative or alternate Personal Legend/theme essay.

I am expecting that we use the week we return to polish the drafts and talk about purposeful revisions. Projects for Companion Novel/Short Stories will be due the 10th and 11th of April (no school on the 12th!) for the Gallery Walk. We will work on Artist Statements before that time to describe how your project relates to the theme of your novel.

Remember that you must show qualitative note taking of your choice with your Companion Novel/Short Story.

Our next Unit is a Middle Eastern Unit. We will be looking at more poetry and graphic novels.

For Wednesday/Thursday

Read your Companion Novel!

Prepare to work on your Dream Narrative or Alternate Essay. If you want to be extra prepared bring a draft to work on.

ALSO. HUGELY important. I am missing no less than 40 TFA Drafts. If you have yet to turn in your edited draft, you MUST do that or your grade will default to a D/F. Beyond that, I will tell Agbala about your missing work and trust me, you don't want that kind of wrath.

I think that it's really inspiring to consider the variety of essays you've worked on this year. You have completed a Formal Letter, a Vignette, a piece of Flash Fiction, an informal Expository Essay on the "Role of the Writer", a Literary Analysis Essay on Things Fall Apart, and a 30-Day Project reflection, and a rough Script.

Be proud of yourselves!

Coming up: Dream Narrative, Poetry, Comparative Essay, Research Paper, Persuasive Essay.

Mandalas!

Mandalas due Monday.  We will also have quiz on The Alchemist through the end of the book.

                                                           Don't forget to scroll down!

Shout-outs!

Nice job Jackie, Will, Dea'Aira and Connor for watching and responding to the film "Il Postino" as challenge criteria. Also big praise to McKinley who went to see the staged presentation of MacBeth. I hear it was a bloody good time. 

By 3/14-3/15

All students should be to page 144 in The Alchemist and be working to finish the book over the weekend. By the end of the novel you should have 24 sticky quotes or the equivalent. 

Companion novels should be started next week to be finished (at the latest) over spring break.

No TFA draft will be accepted after Friday 3/15.

It is time to move on from Okonkwo, but I hope not from the understanding of his complexity as well as the knowledge of how colonization changed cultures. Most of you have engaged in a deep and thorough revision process which I hope has helped you learn about your own writing as you revisited, reworded, reworked and resubmitted (how's that for alliteration?). I am very proud of your efforts, your instinct, and your insight. Very nicely done.

Next week we will be working on more poems and our dream narratives which will be due at the end of next week. At that time we will also discuss your final choice project for your companion novel or your short story series (don't worry, I'll explain it when we get there).

Ms. B

HW: March 11

Period 3: Finish Mandalas (due Tuesday) and read to page 118 by Tuesday

Periods 5,6,8: Finish Mandalas (due Wednesday) and read to page 129 by Wednesday

There will be a quiz.  We will also be considering the theme of the novel as well as the theme of choices.

Also, always remember to scroll down to make sure there is no pertinent information you are missing!

HW: March 9-10

I was so impressed by your thoughtfulness and the conversations you had in class this week. You are very articulate and passionate individuals!

Due on Monday:
1. Read up to page 106 with three more new "Sticky Quotes" (as Nyles calls them).
    There will be a quiz on Monday.
2. Also, work on your personal Mandala (it will be the cover of your Latin American Lit Portfolio). Your Mandala should be symbolic, representing elements in your life that are important to you. To get credit for this assignment, the Mandala should be well designed and drafted (see the rubric I passed out with the reading schedule).

*Reminder: Your companion novel should be chosen by now. You will begin reading it, if you have not already, this week when we finish the Alchemist. Remember it must either be within the Magical Realism genre, OR be similar to The Alchemist in that it is about a personal journey.

Have a beautiful weekend! 

Due Thursday/Friday

Read to page 81 in The Alchemist. Make sure to mark three new passages with responses on sticky notes for discussion.

Definition:

Omen--NOUN:

1. A phenomenon supposed to portend good or evil; a prophetic sign.

Due Monday:

1. Read to page 44 in Alchemist. 3 sticky notes attached to part of the text responding to what you think, notice, like predict or wonder.

2. Record dreams if you have them.

3. Choose your companion novel. Decide whether you will read the companion novel after The Alchemist or at the same time.

*Some students want to know whether they can read ahead in The Alchemist in order to begin the companion novel. The answer is yes, but make sure that you record your responses on sticky notes in the text for each section assigned in class. For example, even if you read to page 58, have 3 sticky notes for pages 1-22, 3 for 22-44, and 3 more for the next section as corresponds to your reading schedule. This will allow you to participate meaningfully in class projects and discussions.


*TFA drafts are being returned with edits. Please spend time revising. You have 5 days from the return date to resubmit with revisions!

Homework!

Read to page 22 by Thursday (3rd period) and Friday (5,6, 8)

Connect to the text using 3 sticky notes, each note attached to the section of text that you are responding to.

Be ready to share.

Also remember to document your dreams if you have them. (You only need 4 total, but if you are interested in keeping a more detailed record of them, by all means, do so!)

* Also, thanks to Sydney, I must correct an error. I have mistakenly been spelling Pa-U-lo Coelho, Pa-O-lo Coelo--the Italian spelling and as you know he is Portuguese, both derivatives of the English, Paul. So, for the record, it is P-A-U-L-O. 
Interestingly enough Pablo, as in Pablo Neruda, our ode poet, is the Spanish derivative of Paul, all meaning "humble".

Challenge Criteria Option

Watch the film "Il Postino", a playful, highly acclaimed movie (with subtitles) involving the poet Pablo Neruda as he "coaches" a young man in the use of the language of love. Write a brief response.

20 points

Alchemist

Homework Due Monday 2/25

An alchemist is a person who practices a form of chemistry from the Middle Ages which was concerned with transforming various metals into gold. (noun)

Alchemy may be considered as the precursor to the modern science of chemistry. This image gallery displays some of the images and pictures associated with alchemy and the history of chemistry.

Some background work on Paolo Coelho:

The following link to the Wikipedia site, will offer you what I think is one of the most interesting descriptions of a writer I have ever read there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Coelho

From the brief biography, answer the following questions in complete sentences in your spiral:

1. When and where was Paolo Coelho born?
2. After research, what did Coelho conclude after researching "what it meant to be a writer"?
3. Where was Coelho sent at the age of 16? Why?
4. How did he explain his parents actions?
5. How do you feel about what they did?
6. What did Coelho end up doing with his early life? List 3 things.
7. How many copies of The Alchemist were originally published? How many have sold to date? Into      how many languages has the book been translated?
8. Name 3 additional facts you find interesting about Coelho.

Assigned 2/19
Spiral Check: Mid-March

Reading Work Sample

Reading Work Samples need to be finished by March 1st--SO, we will be working on them at the end of this week. Thursday and Friday will be devoted to completing them.

Periods 5 and 8 TFA drafts due Monday 2/25

Due Dates: Details below so scroll down!

30-Day Project Representation Tuesday 19th (3rd period)
30-Day Project Representation Wednesday 20th (5,6, and 8)

We will have a chance to showcase our projects if you desire to do so. Remember, it's worth 50 points, so it should be polished.

TFA Typed Final Draft--Thursday 21st (3rd) 200 points
TFA Typed Final Draft--Friday 22nd (5, 6, 8) 200 points

Remember, if it's not an A paper, you will have the option of revising it. If it is below a C (meaning not yet proficient in sophomore level skills), I will require you to revise it.

"Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" questions: (if not finished in class) are due 2/15 (Friday)--40 points. This should be completed in your spiral and will be checked in class.

A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Questions

Due no later than Friday 2/15 in spirals

If you missed this in class or did not finish. The story can be found online as it is a VERY famous story by Marquez, or you may come into class during tutorial or other free-time and use the textbook.

el diablo, by Washington state artist, Gene Flores

lleuve, by Gene Flores

Reading Check (straight from the text, meant to measure your comprehension)

1. What do Pelayo and Elisenda thing the old man is? What does their neighbor think? Father Gonzaga?
2. How does the winged old man change the lives of Pelayo and Elisenda?
3. What miracles are attributed to the old man?
4. What happens when another novelty, a spider- woman, comes to town?

Critical Thinking:
5. Writing that ridicules human behaviors is called satire. What human shortcomings might Garcia Marquez be satirizing in this story? Consider: how Pelayo and Elisenda treat the old man; Father Gonzaga's reactions to him; how the townspeople react.
6. Do you think the old man is a divine figure or and evil one, or neither? Explain your answer using evidence and reasoning. What other possibilities might explain his identity?
7. Do you think this story is intended merely to entertain us, or is there a deeper theme lying beneath its amusing aspects? Do you think the old man might symbolize, or represent, the miracles we wish for but cannot accept whan they happen, or the misunderstood artist whose imagination longs to soar?

Literary Analysis:
9. What details of the story illustrate the style of magical realism--that is, fantastical elements mixed in with the commonplace?

Challenge Criteria Option!

We will be reading Shakespeare's Macbeth later this spring. You have the option of going to see this incredible performance of it this month. Bring a friend! Go with a parent! Don't miss this great opportunity. Write a brief review for credit.

Check out the link here!

http://postfivetheatre.org/shows-and-events/2013/Macbeth

HW: SSR and Typed Drafts of TFA

Hello All of You Brilliant Students!

You have received your Things Fall Apart handwritten essays. It's time to type those babies. You have one week--3rd period I need the typed drafts by Thursday the 14th. 5th, 6th and 8th, I need the drafts by Wednesday the 13th.  I look forward to your revisions. We will peer-edit, and self-edit the typed drafts before you turn in a deeply revised draft to me the following Thursday the 21th (3rd) and Friday the 22th (5th, 6th, 8th).


In the meantime, please remember to bring your SSR books to class everyday along with your journals.

I am so lucky to have you as my students.

Re-posted! Challenge Options!

Challenge Criteria Reminder:

You need 2 by the end of the semester if you are A or B seeking. These are assignments that show you have extended your learning. See 8 options below:
Choose to:

1. Make an appointment this week with Ms. Brandy to be filmed as a group performing your Newscast.

2. Choose an Igbo proverb from the list and illustrate it (beautifully, showing understanding and using symbolism).

3. Read a multicultural novel as an independent book and create a project representing your learning (check with Ms. Brandy about the project first).

4. Write a short narrative (typed and double-spaced) from the perspective of Okonkwo, Nwoye, or Ekwefi.

5. Research some aspect of the book based on a question you have, ie. How did they have guns if they hadn't seen white people before? What is the natural history of the yam? How widespread was its use? Reference at least two sources, cite them and compose a brief report of your findings.

6. Illustrate some aspect of Things Fall Apart, either in a poster or storyboard.  Remember, quality is everything. If it's not meaningful to you, it won't be worth the effort.

7. Free Rice--Spend time on the site and earn 10,000 grains. Once you have done this, take a picture of your score with your phone, or print the image of the screen and turn in.

8. Propose a small project that relates to our unit inspired by your own interests.

Finals This Week

This week come prepared with your completed outline, and or rough draft and be ready to draft your very polished final draft in class Monday (5,6 and 8) and Tuesday (3). You will have the whole period to write and may ask me questions as they arise.

Wednesday and Thursday will be reserved for your short answer exam. Remember that you can use ONE 3x5 card with handwritten definitions from the terms list during the exam.

If there is time at the end of the period I will open up the floor for you to read your short stories aloud for extra credit because we didn't do it yet and they were just fantastic!

We will be starting a new book next after finals so be prepared to begin reading.

Finals (and all that good stuff!)

This week we will be working on your essays. You should come to class with all of the artifacts of your learning ready to use. This includes dialogue journals--worksheets from Things Fall Apart, quizzes, etc. with which you will compose an expository style Literary Analysis paper.  This handwritten piece of work will be preceded by some type of pre-write (you will have several options). You will likely do a rough draft (or at least a detailed outline) and then a handwritten final. This handwritten essay will be 50% of your grade for the final, worth 100 points total.

The other half of the final will be a short answer test covering the terms an concepts listed on the study guide I handed out last week. You are each allowed one 3x5 card to write definitions of terms. You may use both sides of the card but it must be handwritten. If it is typed or copied from another source, you will not be allowed to use it on the final.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

I hope you feel ready to write really beautiful, well-crafted essays. You have done some wonderful thinking about the book and exploring of the expository form.