Thursday, March 31, 2011

"All Animals Are Equal"


 What is ironic about how the "Seven Commandments" on Animal Farm are used by the animals? Give at least two examples.
Finish Chapter 2 and read Chapter 3

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

"Ring the Alarm!!"

Today in class we viewed the parody of "Ring the Alarm". For homework, find an example of a parody (song, video, commercial, etc.). Describe the example (what's it called, what is the original work, etc.) and what makes it a parody, and explain the intended purpose of the parody.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Lion, The Bear, The Fox

Read "The Lion, The Bear, and The Fox"

Rewrite the fable's ending in the style of the Brothers' Grimm. Use elements of a fairy tale, but the moral lesson must be the same!
(One paragraph)

Monday, March 28, 2011

"Mirror, Mirror, on the wall...."

Read the Grimm Brothers' version of "Little Snow White" (here).

Identify and explain at least FIVE  fairy tale elements within the story.


Write in complete sentences, in paragraph form!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

These ____ of mine...

Reread the poem "Homage to My Hips" by Lucille Clifton

What message did Lucille Clifton want to convey through this poem? What feature of your own might convey a similar message? Give two reasons in your answer.

Progress reports will be given tomorrow!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

RAFT, Research, Bonus

Read the poem "Booker T. and W.E.B." by Dudley Randall

Complete the RAFT assignment:
ROLE: Scientist OR Cook
AUDIENCE: Booker T. and W.E.B. DuBois
FORMAT: Email/Letter [minimum one paragraph] OR Poem [minimum 10 lines]
TASK: Argue why your job is as important as the other job (In other words, as the Cook, you would argue why your job is as important as a Scientist's; as the Scientist, you'd argue why your job is as important as the Cook's)

Reminder that your Research Paper is due TODAY! Email or share your paper via Google Docs by today.

Bonus Projects due TOMORROW!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Thanks to everyone who has sent me your papers! I will be back in tomorrow, and your research paper is due by email tomorrow. Bring research folders to hand in!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Eeeek! Spiders!

Reread "When All of My Cousins Are Married"

Explain why you believe or do not believe the author is really "above" traditional Indian marriages. Give two examples to support your answer.

Research papers are due Wednesday, March 23!

Bonus assignments are due Tuesday, March 22  Thursday, March 24!

Friday, March 18, 2011

You're welcome....

The deadline for your research papers has been extended to Wednesday, March 23!!!!

Please use your time wisely! Papers should be submitted electronically to me (Gmail: mshoffler) by Wednesday!

BONUS Projects are due Tuesday, March 22!!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Open Catchily!

Finish your Outline for your research paper!

Write a catchy opening for your paper. (1-2 sentences)

Write your thesis statement. Remember it should generally answer your three essential questions.

Remember to continue doing research!

You should have:
  • a folder to keep all your research work
  • three sources, of which ONE must be selected by you, and a source card for each source
  • your outline, with your opening statement and thesis statement
  • all the notes you have taken as you have done research!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Gathering evidence

Select your THIRD source for your research topic. Create a source card for it, and continue gathering information for your essential questions.

Don't forget to get a two-pocket folder, if you haven't gotten one!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Research Paper Plan

Please complete the Research Paper Plan for your topic and focus. Your plan should include the sources you are considering, why you chose the topic and focus, and what you hope to learn from your research.

Write three essential questions for your research. [You can do it on the back of your handout]

Friday, March 11, 2011

"killing a mockingbird"

Finish the book (Read CH 27-31)

Describe what happened the night of the Halloween pageant that led to Jem's broken arm.

Why didn't Sheriff Tate want to report the incident? How would it have been like "killing a mockingbird" if he did?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

17 shots

Read Ch 25 & 26

Explain why you think Tom Robinson gave up hope. Would you have done the same in his situation? Give two examples from the novel to support your response.

Interims will be distributed tomorrow!

Monday, March 7, 2011

[Not?] GUILTY!

¡By Thursday:
¡Read Chapters 21-24!
¡Create a QNT chart to compare and contrast your reactions to the verdict with those of each character: Jem, Scout, Atticus, Bob Ewell
¡
QUOTE
NOTE
THOUGHT
Quote reflecting character’s reaction to the verdict
Interpret character’s reaction
Compare/contrast with your own reaction

"I got something that'll settle your stomach"

¡Read Chapter 19-20
¡Explain who Mr. Dolphus Raymond is, and what makes him a major or minor character. Use two examples from the novel in your response.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Court's in Session

Read through Chapter 17

Describe the mood in Maycomb as people head to the courtroom. Contrast how the mood changes when Sheriff Tate and Bob Ewell take the stand. Write one paragraph with three examples.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

"I'm sorry, Aunty."

Read Chapter 14

Finish each sentence:
I can tell Aunt Alexandra cares about Scout and Jem...
Proof of this is...
In addition...
These reasons show that...

Remember that the second and third sentences should be evidence from the chapter(s)!

Progress Reports will be distributed tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

"It's the same God, ain't it?"-Calpurnia

Finish reading Chapter 12

1. Create a Venn Diagram or a T-Chart that compares Calpurnia's character traits in each setting:

  • The Finch Household
  • Her Church
2. Explain what conflicts motivated Calpurnia to behave the way she did in church. Give three examples from the chapter.