HW for Wednesday, 5/30

IRP Summary:

Use your knowledge of HOW A PLOT DEVELOPS (remember this from The Westing Game?)  to write a 4‐5 paragraph summary of your book. Type and double‐space. Edit for grammar and spelling and follow the formatting guidelines (see the link in the upper right hand corner of this page for a reminder). Make sure you cover the following (a strongly suggested paragraph structure is in parentheses) . . . .

• Who the author is? (paragraph 1)

• What kind of book is it? (Fiction? Non‐fiction? Mystery? Drama? Biography?) (paragraph 1)
• Write about the exposition! Setting, characters, and situation (paragraph 2)

• What happens in your book? Give a fairly detailed description of the inciting incident (what are the external and internal conflicts?).  (paragraph 3)

• Tell about the rising action (including the climax) and falling action. (paragraph 4)

• What are your thoughts about the book? (paragraph 5)

HW for Friday, 5/25

Work on IRP (it's due next Friday) -- you can use this weekend to get a head start on the summary.

And . . .

Romeo and Juliet

Act II, scenes 3-6 questions

Please answer all 10 of the following questions in complete sentences,

on a separate sheet of paper.

Scene III

1)What details in the friar’s speech casually suggest that these herbs and flowers have qualities that can heal or kill? Where does the friar remind us that good can turn into evil, and evil turn to good?

2) In these times, it was not at all unusual to form alliances and settle disputes by arranging marriages. How does this explain Friar Lawrence’s decision to help the young people?

 3) Romeo has gotten what he wants and he dashes offstage. But how do the friar’s last words                                      leave us with a sense that danger lies ahead?

Scene IV
4) What warning does the Nurse give Romeo, and why do you think she does this?
5) The Nurse becomes confiding as she rattles on and on. But what trouble for Romeo and Juliet does she talk about? W hat is Juliet’s feeling for Paris now?

Scene V
6) Juliet has either run on stage or is standing on the balcony. What is her mood as she waits for the nurse’s return?
7) At last the nurse tells Juliet what she has been waiting for. What do you see Juliet doing as she hears the news?

Scene VI
8) We are reminded of for the steps Romeo and Juliet might take if they are separated. What does Romeo say here to remind us again of how desperate their love is?
9) What warning does the friar give about passionate love? What fear does he express for the future?
10) What do you think the friar’s tone is in this last speech?

HW for Wednesday, 5/23

IRP 6

Type, label and date your response to the following question:

What is your (detailed) plan for your independent reading project? How is it interactive? (200+ words).  See the details below if you need help figuring out what to do.

Creative Project:

Come up with some way to visually present your book. This will not be presented orally. You will post this in the classroom gallery‐style. Your creative project should include a gallery card –with one typed paragraph that briefly summarizes your book and a second paragraph that gives your project a creative title and explains your projects’ significance to the book. Your gallery card should also include any necessary instructions for the viewer on how to interact with your work.

Some ideas . . .

• a diorama of a particular scene

• if there’s a movie version of your book, choose a short scene to que up; you should also print the exerpt from the book and your gallery card should explain how the two scenes (movie and book) are similar and/or different

• create a website about your book that students can go through on their own

• a power point presentation that students can go through on their own

• a board game that two students could play on their own—directions should be simple and printed out

• if food is important in your book, cook something that’s mentioned and bring that in for everyone to try—make sure it is clear why this is relevant to the content of your book

• draw portraits of the main characters or draw important scenes from the book

These projects should be neat and well‐put together, not something you work on the night before it’s due!

HW for Tuesday, 5/22

Romeo and Juliet

Act II, prologue through scene 2 questions

(not all line numbers will match)

Please answer all of the following questions in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper.

Prologue
1) According to the Prologue, what has happened to Romeo’s old love? What is his new problem? What line of the Prologue suggests what the love of these young people is based on?


Scene I
1) What is Benvolio’s tone here? W hy would Romeo be angry at Mercutio’s remarks?


Scene II
1) Romeo has heard all the joking. Whom is he referring to here, and what kind of “wound” is he talking about?
2) Romeo and Juliet rarely talk of each other in straightforward prose. What are some of the metaphors and images that Romeo uses to express his love here?
3) Juliet does not know Romeo is standing beneath her balcony. What has Romeo now learned about her feelings for him?
4) The two lovers will repeatedly remind us that they prefer death to separation. What does this speech tell us of Romeo’s intentions? Do you think he is seriously thinking of death here, or is he being impulsive and exaggerating----as many people are when they’ve fallen in love?
5) Why is Juliet afraid of having Romeo swear by the moon?
6) Romeo is quick with vows and promises. Why has Juliet become fearful and cautious?
7) What terrible future event does this line foreshadow?
8) Why is parting “sweet” to Juliet? Is she enjoying this prolonged farewell?

HW for Monday, 5/21

IRP 5

Please type your answer. Include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.

Week 5 Question: What morals or lessons do you think the author intends his/her reader to find in this book? (200 words)

AND

Bring independent reading book!

HW for Friday, 5/18

If you missed class today, you will have to read these scenes on your own. Please see the links for Tuesday, May 15 to access the play.


Act I, scenes 4-5 questions

Please answer 10 of the 14 questions below.  Answer in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper.

Scene 4
1) The stage is lit with torches and filled with masked men. It is night. The mood is one of excitement. As we see Romeo, what does he say in the next speeches to indicate that he is still heavy-hearted?
2) Line 13 Mercutio is a key character. He and Romeo speak about love. In their dialogue, how do Mercutio and Romeo differ in their attitude toward love?
3) In what ways does Mercutio show that he is a good friend to Romeo? Would you want to be Mercutio’s friend?
4) Line 53. Mercutio is a ringleader and a born entertainer. As he tells this story about Queen Mab, everyone stops and listens in fascinated silence. How is Mercutio in his famous speech trying to get Romeo’s mind off serious thoughts about dreams and their significance? According to Mercutio, what does Queen Mab have to do with Romeo?
5) Romeo again expresses feelings that something terrible will happen. Does he give any reasons for his fears? Which words in this speech suggest that he is going to the party because he is in the hands of fate?

Scene 5
1) What has happened to Romeo as soon as he has seen Juliet?
2) Why would we feel a sense of fear when we see Tybalt stepping onto center stage again?
3) What is Capulet’s sensible reply to Tybalt’s hostility?
4) Line 95 In contrast to the raging Tybalt is Romeo, now on center stage with Juliet. Romeo takes Juliet’s hand and in their next 14 lines, the two lovers speak works from a sonnet. What does Romeo pretend to be to describe Juliet’s beauty?
5) Romeo and Juliet bring their palms together. What in their words suggest that this is what they are doing?
6) As the two kiss, what would the audience fear as they watch this?
7) What do we know about the Capulet’s plans that Romeo does not know?
8) Who interrupts the dance?
9) At the end of this scene, what has Juliet just realized?

HW for Wednesday, 5/16

IRP 4 
Please type a 200 word response to the following question. Make sure to label the assignment with your name, the title of the assignment, and the date
What aspects of the plot or story can you relate to your own experiences? Describe how.


Also, please bring your IRP book to class tomorrow.

Links to Romeo and Juliet -- to help with tonight's hw

Here are links to the . .  .
Prologue: http://www.shakespeare-navigators.com/romeo/P1.html
And Act I, scene i: http://www.shakespeare-navigators.com/romeo/T11.html

Or, if you prefer the version we used in class today (which doesn't have line numbers):
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwynne.hunterlang.com%2Fppt%2Frandj.pdf

HW for Tuesday, 5/15

Romeo and Juliet
Act 1, Prologue and Scene 1 Questions

Answer 10 of the 13 questions below.  Please answer in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper!

Prologue
1) What will the “two hours o f traffic” of this stage be about?

Scene 1
1) Following Line 32 W hat is Sampson doing when he says “Quarrel! I will back thee.”?

2) Line 58 How does Gregory change when he spots Tybalt in the distance?

3) Line 65 What action is Benvolio involved in here?

4) Line 70 This is a key speech. What is Tybalt’s mood? How is he shown to be opposite in nature to Benvolio?

5) Line 77 In the midst of the tension over Tybalt, we have a comic touch. Why is Lady Capulet talking about crutches?

6) Prince’s Monologue. What has been happening in Verona? What is the Prince’s warning?

7) Line 143 Romeo has been described by his father and friend. What do we know of him so far?

8) Line 16 9 Romeo blurts the truth. What is the cause of his strange behavior?

9) Line 182 All of these are contradictions, things that are really the opposite of the way they are described. How does Romeo bitterly relate these to the love he feels?

10) Line 195 What things does Romeo compare to love?

11) Line 225 What vow has the young woman made?

12) Line 237 Why won’t looking at other women help Romeo?

HW for Monday, 5/14

Read Romeo and Juleit packet 1 (including the notes about the characters).  Write 10 quiz questions (with answers) and be prepared for a quiz tomorrow.

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 5/14

Now that you've had a bit more experience with Shakespeare's language, try this game again:
http://www.canadianshakespeares.ca/Speare_full_free_Folder/speare.html

HW for Friday, 5/11

Please read Tempest packet #2 and write 10 quiz questions (with answers) about it.

HW for Wednesday, 5/9

IRP week 3


(Please type your response, and include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)


Week 3 Question: Describe the character(s) you most identify with. Why or how do you relate to him/her or them? (200 words)

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 5/8

Please start watching this:
http://archive.org/details/The_Tempest

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 5/7

Do any of the warm-ups from this session.

HW for Monday, 5/7

Please answer the following questions about "The Tempest" in complete sentences.

1. What did Prospero do for Caliban when he first came to the island?
2. How did Caliban respond to Prospero’s treatment of him?
3. Why does Caliban feel that he owns the island?
4. What happened when Prospero took Caliban into his own lodging?
5. What does Prospero do to punish Caliban for his behavior?
6. How has Caliban benefited from learning a language?
7. What is Miranda’s first impression of Ferdinand?
8. What is Ferdinand’s first impression of Miranda?
9. What is Prospero’s false accusation of Ferdinand?
10. Why does Prospero accuse Ferdinand falsely?

HW for Friday, 5/4

Explore this website and write 10 quiz questions (with answers):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/english/shakespeare_summaries/the_tempest/revise1.shtml

HW for Thursday, 5/3

Please answer the following questions about Act I of "The Tempest."  Your answers must be in complete sentences! (If you missed class today, you can read the first Act here: http://nfs.sparknotes.com/tempest/page_2.html; you can read a summary of Act 1 here: http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/tempest/section2.rhtml; or you can try searching for "The Tempest"Act 1, scene 1" on youtube and watch a presentation.)

THE TEMPEST

READING QUESTIONS
ACT ONE
1. Act One, Scene i shows the "tempest" of the play's title. How do the different characters react to crisis?
2. Who is Miranda? What is her reaction to the scene she has just witnessed?
3. Who is Prospero? How does he know that everyone has survived the storm?
4. How did Prospero and Miranda come to be on the island?
5. Who is Ariel? Why should he be grateful to Prospero, and just do what he's told?
6. Who was Sycorax? How does Prospero feel about her? Are there any parallels between Sycorax's story and Prospero's?

Daily Warm Up for Th, 5/3

Please watch these videos, and write at least 5 quiz questions, with answers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwUMSMz43aQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G045h-FSE0U&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_Tb6pmipt8&feature=relmfu

HW for Wednesday, 5/2

IRP Week 2

(Please type and double-space your response. Be sure to label it with your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.) 

Week 2, Question 1: Are you liking the book so far? Why or why not? (100 words)

Week 2, Question 2: Describe in detail where and when the book takes place. Cite sections of

the book or lines that give you a sense of place. (150‐200 words)

Today's Classwork

The Language of Shakespeare

HW for Tuesday, 5/1

Before we begin "Romeo and Juliet", we're going to get a little taste of Shakespeare by studying his last play, "The Tempest".  We'll read some summaries, get to know the characters, get comfortable with the language, and watch some movie versions of the play.
To start, please answer these questions on a separate sheet of paper:


The Tempest ANTICIPATION QUESTIONS:
1. List two facts you know about the life of William Shakespeare.
2. List the titles of as many Shakespearean plays as you remember.
3. Using the play you remember most clearly, list three things you remember about it.
4. If you have seen a Shakespeare play performed, what was the play and what did you enjoy about the performance?
5. If you have seen a Shakespeare play in a movie version, what was the play and what did you enjoy about the production?

6. Describe what you think when you hear the phrase “Elizabethan or Shakespearean language.” List words or phrases that come to mind when you think of Shakespearean language. What words that we use today do you identify with the Elizabethan period?

7. The Tempest was first performed in 1611, the seventeenth century. List three facts you know about this historical period.
8. What do you already know about the play The Tempest ?
9. Just looking at the title, what might you suspect this play is about?
10. This play is often classified as a romance. Knowing that, what might you suspect will happen in the play?

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 5/1

Go to this site and read:
http://voices.yahoo.com/a-quick-guide-reading-shakespeare-6596796.html

Then, go to this site and read pages 1 and 2.
http://www.shakespearehigh.com/classroom/guide/page1.shtml

Be prepared to answer some basic questions about what you read!

HW for Monday, 4/30

Finish your Shakespeare Scavenger Hunt!

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 4/30

Work on your Shakespeare Scavenger Hunt.

HW for Friday, 4/27

Complete the worksheet I gave you in class by going to this site:
http://dana.ucc.nau.edu/~lam37/romeo_juliet/page3.htm#Shakespeare


The possible literary devices for each passage:

Alliteration

Allusion

Metaphor

Personification

Simile

If  you need help looking up some of the Shakespearean words, try these sites:


http://www.shakespeareswords.com/Glossary.aspx
http://absoluteshakespeare.com/glossary/a.htm

HW for Thursday, 4/26

Study for tomorrow's vocab quiz.

Classwork for Thursday, 4/26

Click here for the scavenger hunt.
You can type your answers into the sheet (I'll instruct you how to do that).

HW for Wednesday, 4/25

Independent Reading Project Week One:

Please answer the following question about your independent reading book. Be sure to follow the paper formatting guidelines we discussed in class.

Week 1 Question: What book did you choose? Why did you choose this book? If someone chose it for you, why did you agree to it? (100 words)

AND

If you have your book, bring it with you to class! Otherwise, bring something you can read.

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 4/25

This game, apparently, has gone viral!  Check it out:

http://www.kokogames.com/games/71/action-games/149/romeo.htm

HW for Tuesday, 4/24

Read the handouts called "The Globe" and "Special Effects" and answer the questions.  Please do the Extended Writing section on the first page, as well.

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 4/24

Get to know some Shakespearean language!
Choose "Juliet's Dagger" or the "Star Crossed" options.
http://www.canadianshakespeares.ca/Speare_full_free_Folder/speare.html

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 4/23

http://www.folger.edu/education/sfk_kids/

HW for Monday, 4/23

Shakespeare!

Did you know, it is believed that William Shakespeare was born and died on APRIL 23?  That's today's date!

For HW tonight, read the handout on the Elizabethan Age and on Shakespeare's Home and Family and complete the questions on a separate sheet of paper.

HW for Wednesday, 4/11

IRP due tomorrow!  Be here early to set up!

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 4/11

http://www.quiz-tree.com/SAT_main.html

HW for Monday, 4/9

IRP due Thursday!  Don't forget the gallery card (see the link from the weekend's hw for help).

AND

Keep in mind, your Westing Game skit is due Friday!

HW for Friday, 4/6

Due Monday: the Book Report Helper (for your IRP book) and the summary (see below) . . .

Summary:

Using the Book  Report Helper (click here if you need a copy of it) we completed in class, as well as your knowledge of HOW A PLOT DEVELOPS to write a 4‐5 paragraph summary of your book. Type and double‐space. Edit for grammar and spelling and follow the formatting guidelines (see the link in the upper right hand corner of this page for a reminder). Make sure you cover the following (a strongly suggested paragraph structure is in parentheses) . . . .

• Who the author is? (paragraph 1)

• What kind of book is it? (Fiction? Non‐fiction? Mystery? Drama? Biography?) (paragraph 1)
• Write about the exposition! Setting, characters, and situation (paragraph 2)

• What happens in your book? Give a fairly detailed description of the inciting incident (what are the external and internal conflicts?).  (paragraph 3)

• Tell about the rising action (including the climax) and falling action. (paragraph 4)

• What are your thoughts about the book? (paragraph 5)

HW for Wednesday, 4/4

IRP 6

Type, label and date your response to the following question:

What is your (detailed) plan for your independent reading project? How is it interactive? (200+ words).  See the details below if you need help figuring out what to do.

Creative Project:

Come up with some way to visually present your book. This will not be presented orally. You will post this in the classroom gallery‐style. Your creative project should include a gallery card –with one typed paragraph that briefly summarizes your book and a second paragraph that gives your project a creative title and explains your projects’ significance to the book. Your gallery card should also include any necessary instructions for the viewer on how to interact with your work.

Some ideas . . .

• a diorama of a particular scene

• if there’s a movie version of your book, choose a short scene to que up; you should also print the exerpt from the book and your gallery card should explain how the two scenes (movie and book) are similar and/or different

• create a website about your book that students can go through on their own

• a power point presentation that students can go through on their own

• a board game that two students could play on their own—directions should be simple and printed out

• if food is important in your book, cook something that’s mentioned and bring that in for everyone to try—make sure it is clear why this is relevant to the content of your book

• draw portraits of the main characters or draw important scenes from the book

These projects should be neat and well‐put together, not something you work on the night before it’s due!

HW for Monday, 4/2

Complete book report helper.

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 4/2

Try this activity:
http://www.freeonlinegames.name/en/games/sherlock-holmes.html

HW for Friday, 3/30

Watch these videos and write 10 quiz questions, with answers, based on them:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xifx23_the-life-and-career-of-alfred-hitchcock_shortfilms
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xs111uH9ss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPFsuc_M_3E&feature=relmfu

Daily Warm Up for Friday, 3/30

1) FINISH storybook!
2) Explore this site, do any of the activities, read some of the stories: http://www.mysterynet.com/

Activity for Th, 3/29

If you've completed #'s 1-3 on the board, go to this site and read some classic mystery short stories:
http://www.hornpipe.com/mysclas.htm

Take note of which ones you read and I will give you extra credit tomorrow if you can answer one simple question about each of them . . .

HW for Thursday, 3/29

Priority #1 is to catch up with the reading.  If you haven't finished the book, do that tonight.  We'll be discussing the book in detail on Friday, so if you haven't finished, you won't be allowed in class. If you miss class, you'll miss the review of the book and won't do as well on the final test next week.

#2: Finish any outstanding work on your AA form.

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 3/28

1) Take the short quiz on Chapters 23-30.

2) If you haven't done so already, finish your portrait.  See me if you'd like to do another one for extra credit (which would be a good idea if you have been failing quizzes!).

3) Try this: http://www.learn4good.com/games/adventure/huntsville/play_mystery_case_files_huntsville.htm

HW for Wednesday, 3/28

IRP 5


Please type your answer. Include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.

Week 5 Question: What morals or lessons do you think the author intends his/her reader to find in this book? (200 words)

HW for Tuesday, 3/27

Read Chapters 27-30 and complete the Comprehension Review.  There will be a brief quiz on Chapters 23-30 tomorrow.

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 3/27

1) Take brief quiz for Chapters 16-22.

2) Finish your portrait, if you haven't done so already.  If you have, seem me about doing an extra one for extra credit.

3) If you're not doing an extra credit portrait, go to the warm-up for 3/21 and continue trying to solve those mysteries.

HW for Monday, 3/26

First, WELCOME to our class fish, Atticus!

Read "Westing Game" Chapters 23-26.

AND, if you did not take or pass the vocab quiz today, study for tomorrow's re-take (which we'll do at lunch). If you need a list of the words, click here.

HW for Thursday, 3/22

Study for Monday's vocab quiz -- if you need a copy of the words, click here.

Read through Chapter 22 of "The Westing Game" and complete the comprehension worksheet.

HW for Wednesday, 3/21

IRP 4 
Please type a 200 word response to the following question. Make sure to label the assignment with your name, the title of the assignment, and the date
What aspects of the plot or story can you relate to your own experiences? Describe how.


Also, make sure you've read through Chapter 18 of "The Westing Game"!

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 3/21

Can you solve this mystery?
http://www.eduweb.com/pintura/

How about these?
http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/mspot/

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 3/19

Try your hand at this mystery game:
http://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/expositions-exhibitions/detective-investigator/en/game/index.php

If you finish that, explore the stories on this site:
http://kids.mysterynet.com/

HW for Friday, 3/16

1. Read Chapters 9-12 of The Westing Game.
2. If you have not turned in your order form, bring that in on Monday.
3. Raemeisha, Ariel, Bryant, David, Rakicia, Nicholas -- please write a 5 sentence summary of "The Solitary Cyclist" to boost your quiz grade.
4. AND finish your storybook, if you haven't done so already.

HW for Thursday, 3/15

Read through Chapter 8 of "The Westing Game" and be prepared for a quiz tomorrow.
Also, complete any make-up work listed on your AA form.

Daily Warm Up for Thursday, 3/15

If you've finished laying out your novel, explore this site:
http://kids.mysterynet.com/

HW for Wednesday, 3/14

Read Chapters 1-4 of "The Westing Game".  Enjoy!

HW for Tuesday, 3/13

IRP week 3


(Please type your response, and include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)


Week 3 Question: Describe the character(s) you most identify with. Why or how do you relate to him/her or them? (200 words)

HW for Monday, 3/12

Read "The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist" and be prepared for a brief quiz tomorrow.
Here's a link to the audio:
http://ia700309.us.archive.org/15/items/shortmysterycoll005_0908_librivox/shortmyst005_09_solitarycyclist_se.mp3

Have you figured out the clues?

Remember, I've given you a clue every day this session, except for this past Thursday and Friday.

My extra clues . . .
It's there in the beginning, but not in the end.
I'm playing a mysterious game with you.

You can quote me on that!

HW for Friday, 3/9

Read "The Signal-Man" by Charles Dickens.
Here's a link to an audio version -- I highly recommend listening to this and reading along:
http://ia600603.us.archive.org/27/items/lock_key_library_1104_librivox/tlakl_02_hawthorne_64kb.mp3

There will be a short quiz on the story on Monday!

HW for Wednesday, 3/7

IRP Week 2

(Please type and double-space your response. Be sure to label it with your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.) 

Week 2, Question 1: Are you liking the book so far? Why or why not? (100 words)

Week 2, Question 2: Describe in detail where and when the book takes place. Cite sections of

the book or lines that give you a sense of place. (150‐200 words)

HW for Tuesday, 3/6

1) Go to this site:
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002344/?tqskip1=1

2) Read "History of the Mystery" and "Anatomy of a Mystery" and write 10 quiz questions (for a quiz TOMORROW) based on those pages.  Be sure to include answers!

3) Complete the "Mystery Scavenger Hunt" -- write down the answer at the bottom of your quiz questions for extra credit!

HW for Monday, 3/5

Finish "The Phantom Coach".
Click here if you'd like to listen to the story and read along.

HW for Friday, 3/2

Finish editing and revising your novels.  If they're on google docs, I will go into them this weekend and do some editing, as well.

HW for Thursday, 3/1

Read "The Cask of Amontillado".
It's not an easy story, so consider reading it online, here: http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo/poe1.htm .  I found it very helpful!
BE PREPARED FOR A QUIZ ON THE STORY TOMORROW, AS YOUR WARM UP!

HW for Wednesday, 2/29

Independent Reading Project Week One:

Please answer the following question about your independent reading book. Be sure to follow the paper formatting guidelines we discussed in class.

Week 1 Question: What book did you choose? Why did you choose this book? If someone chose it for you, why did you agree to it? (100 words)

HW for Tuesday, 2/28

Pick 2 poems that you would like to submit to the Parkmont Poetry Festival -- these may be poems you've written for this class or ones you've written at other times.  Your two poems must be typed and on 2 separate sheets of paper.

HW for Monday, 2/27

Read "The Monkey's Paw" and be prepared to answer questions about it tomorrow -- Tuesday's warm-up will be a brief quiz on the reading.

What's going on in session 4? (Some clues, and your warm up.)

We're more than halfway through the year!  Congratulations!
This session, we're focusing on mysteries . . . oooooh!

We'll start with some short stories, then move on to a novel . . . I won't tell you yet what it is, but I'll give you some clues this week and next, so pay attention . . .

For today's warm up, let's review some literary techniques from last session, and see how familiar you are with this session's techniques.  Try out these warm ups . . .

This one first:
http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz1068229a8.html

Then this:
http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz2309931a72b00.html

Once you've done all of that, try this:
http://zone.msn.com/en/bookworm/default.htm?intgid=gb_FreeOnlineWordTrivia+List_3_book

HW for Wednesday, 2/15

1) Study for your vocab quiz tomorrow.  If you need the words, click here.

2) If you have not completed all three anthology checklists, do that.
Here they are:
Checklist 1
Checklist 2
Checklist 3

3) And remember, IRP is due Friday. See instructions from last Friday.

HW for Tuesday, 2/14

Complete everything on today's anthology checklist.

Daily Warm Up/Instructions for Tuesday, 2/14

By now, you should have completed everything from yesterday's checklist.

So pick up a copy of today's checklist . . .

Work on that during class today.

HW for Monday, 2/13

Complete the checklist!

AND

IRP due Friday!

Daily Warm Up/Directions for Monday, 2/13

Pick up a checklist and go through it step by step.

By the start of class tomorrow, you should have completed all of the steps on the checklist, including the introduction to your anthology -- 250 words (typed, double-spaced, CAREFULLY EDITED), talking about your collection of poems, addressing whatever it is that drove your to choose the poems you did.

HW for Friday, 2/10

Look at today's Warm Up/Directions.  Did you get through step 3?  If not, complete that step this weekend.

AND

Work on your IRP! It's due Friday, 2/17 (we'll do the vocab quiz on Thursday next week so we'll have plenty of time to do the IRPs on Friday).

(PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THE IRP SUMMARY -- the 4-5 paragraph summary of the book -- THIS SESSION.  HOWEVER, YOU MAY DO IT FOR EXTRA CREDIT.)
See detailed project instructions below:
Don't forget the gallery card (here's a link to a sample gallery card).

Creative Project:

Come up with some way to visually present your book. This will not be presented orally. You will post this in the classroom gallery‐style. Your creative project should include a gallery card –with one typed paragraph that briefly summarizes your book and a second paragraph that gives your project a creative title and explains your projects’ significance to the book. Your gallery card should also include any necessary instructions for the viewer on how to interact with your work.

Some ideas . . .

• a diorama of a particular scene
• if there’s a movie version of your book, choose a short scene to que up; you should also print the exerpt from the book and your gallery card should explain how the two scenes (movie and book) are similar and/or different
• create a website about your book that students can go through on their own
• a power point presentation that students can go through on their own
• a board game that two students could play on their own—directions should be simple and printed out
• if food is important in your book, cook something that’s mentioned and bring that in for everyone to try—make sure it is clear why this is relevant to the content of your book
• draw portraits of the main characters or draw important scenes from the book

These projects should be neat and well‐put together, not something you work on the night before it’s due!

Daily Warm Up/Directions for 2/10

Go through these steps, in this order (if you've completed some of these steps already, keep moving forward until you find one you haven't yet done):

1) Compile all 14 of your poems in your google doc (10 poems in the MY FAVORITES category, 2 PEER FAVORITES, 2 ADULT FAVORITES).

2) Label the poems as we've discussed:

#
Category (See above, in all caps)
Name of Poem
by __________

And then, the poem . . .

  You can't move on to the next two steps until I've checked your work on the first two!  

When I say you're ready, move on to step 3 . . .

3) Find/create images to go along with each of those poems.  You may find those on the internet, create them yourselves, or bring images from home.  Each poem will need an image to go with it.  I suggest creating a separate google doc with the images (labeled, so you know which poem they match up with).

4) Write 3 sentence responses to all 14 of the poems -- see previous blog posts for directions.  These responses must be free of grammar/spelling errors.

5) Decide which two poems of your own you would like to include in the anthology.  See Nijole to work on editing those.  Include the edited version in your google doc. (If you get this far, you're ahead of the game!  Good job!)

HW for Thursday, 2/9

All of the poems in your anthology -- except for the ones you wrote -- must include a brief written response following the poem, explaining why you like the poem (or why the adults/peers your talked to liked it), what you notice about it (in terms of poetic techniques), and any other thoughts you have about it.  Each response must be 3 sentences long.  Tonight, please write 5 of those responses in your google doc, after the corresponding poems.  Make sure to carefully edit each response -- points will be taken off for grammar/spelling errors.

Daily Warm Up/Directions for Thursday, 2/9

Please make sure that your google doc now includes . . .

10 poems in the My Favorites category
2 poems in the Peer Favorites category
2 poems in Adult Favorites category

They must be properly labeled -- see the instructions from earlier this week for a reminder as to what that means.  If they aren't properly labeled, you will not get credit for having done the assignment.

If you've done that, begin to compile the pictures for each of the poems.  You may make original pictures, use ones from home, or find images on the internet.

Daily Warm Up/Directions for Wednesday, 2/8

IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED YOUR IMAGE POEM, PLEASE WORK ON THAT.

If you have finished it, you may work on the anthology.  FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS:

Step 1:
Continue compiling your anthology poems in the "Anthology Poems" google doc.  By the end of class today, your google doc should include
10 poems in the "My Favorites" category
2 poems in the "Peer Favorites" category.
1 poem in the "Adult Favorites" category.

Step 2:
When that is done, you will conference with me about which 2 poems of your own to include.  You may need to edit your poems to make them stronger.

Step 3 (or 2):
Once you've done that OR if you're waiting for me to conference with you, you can begin writing your responses to the poems you/your peers/your adult picked.  Each response must be at least 3 sentences long, and should say why you picked the poem (be specific!!!), what you like about it (be specific!!!), etc.

HW for Wednesday, 2/8

TWO THINGS:


1) Ask one more adult what his/her favorite poem is and why.  Bring a copy of that poem in to class tomorrow

2) IRP 6

Type, label and date your response to the following question:

What is your (detailed) plan for your independent reading project? How is it interactive? (200+ words).

HW for Tuesday, 2/7

Finish compiling the 10 poems you want to include in your anthology (not the adult/peer favorites, nor your own writing).  Make sure to include those in the google doc that is mentioned in the instructions for today's daily warm-up.

Daily Warm Up/Directions for 2/7

If you haven't finished your image poem, please do that as your warm up.

Once you've done that, please follow the following instructions on how to start compiling and keeping track of the poems for your anthology.
1.  Create a new google doc and title it "Anthology Poems".
2. Share that document with me (ngedutis@gmail.com).
2.  Once you have a poem you want to include in your anthology, type or copy and paste it into the document as follows:

# (1-10)
Category (My Favorites, or Adult Favorites, or Peer Favorites, or Poems I Wrote)
Title
Poet

Poem!

For example,

#1
My Favorites
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
by T.S. Eliot

Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question. . .
Oh, do not ask, "What is it?"
Let us go and make our visit.

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 2/6

Work on the image poem we started on Friday.
We've crossed out unnecessary words.
Now, write out the words that are left.
Then, put in some line breaks.
Then, you can go through and add NO MORE THAN 7 words!
Be prepared to share!

HW for Monday, 2/6

Ask 2 of your peers to tell you what their favorite poems are.  Be sure to also ask why they like those poems.  Find copies of those poems online and be prepared to share them in class tomorrow.

HW for Friday, 2/3

Read through the poetry prompts below. You will choose 2 of the 3 and write 2 poems. Your poem should be typed and carefully checked for spelling errors.



Each poem must include at least 2 of the techniques we’ve studied – alliteration, rhythm, images, similes, metaphors, personification, onomatopoeia, assonance. Extra credit for including vocabulary words!



Also, keep in mind what we did in class today (Friday) – you can edit your poem. Take out extraneous words! Change broad words like “nice” to specific, more compelling words.



Color. 

1. Chose a color, perhaps navy blue or burgundy or steel grey.

2. Take a 10-to-30-minute walk, noticing everything of that color. If you can't walk, look out the window or look through art books.

3. Now write your poem, using lots of strong verbs. Try to incorporate all of your senses into the poem.



Picture of You. 

Find a picture of yourself that is at least 10 years old and write a poem describing it in detail. Think about the way we did it in class – take out extraneous word, use lots of sensory details.



If/Then. 

1. Write a stanza of 4 to 8 lines where each line begins with the word “If.”
2. Write a similar stanza where each line begins with the word “Then.”



How To. 

Write a poem about “HOW TO” do something. For example, “How to write a poem” or “How to eat a pickle” or “How to tell the difference between me and my best friend.”



We’ll share these (at least one each) in class on Monday.

HW for Thursday, 2/2

Study for tomorrow's quiz!

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 2/1

Continue exploring the humuments site from yesterday's warm up.  Do not print anything!  Find your favorite humument and be prepared to share it with the class!

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 1/31

Go to this site and explore the galleries of "humuments".
Choose a few that you really like and be prepared to share one with the class.