December 15th (A day) and 16th (B day)

Today we celebrated finishing Hamlet! I'm very proud of how hard you've all worked and how well you've done!

Have a fun (and safe!) break! Don't forget to bring Book Review #4 with you when you come back!

December 13th (A day) and 14th (B day)

Today we finished Hamlet!  If you were gone, you'll need to read Act 5, scene 2. When you're done you can check out this silly Facebook version of Hamlet.

After finishing the play and the Act 5 reading guide everyone wrote a 1 pg. letter (on the back of the reading guide) to me telling me what you thought about the play.  What did you like/dislike about it? Was it easier or harder than you expected? Do you feel like you got a message out of it?

December 9th (A day) and 12th (B day)

Journal: Is Hamlet still faking it, or has he slipped into madness?  What evidence do you have to back up your opinion?  1/2 pg.

We read Act 4, scene 7.  Then, we took the Act 4 quiz.  Finally, we started into Act 5.  We read scene 1.  We'll be finishing the play next time!

Everyone got a new progress report.  They are due back:

Thursday, December 15th (A day)

Friday, December 16th (B day)

Dont' forget that Book Review #3 must be turned in before the break to get credit.  Book review #4 is coming up soon (checkout the countdowns on the right panel)!  And, all work for term 2 must be turned in by Friday, January 6th.!

December 7th (A day) and 8th (B day)

After reading, students acted out Act 4, scene1, scene 2, scene 3, and scene 4.  If you were gone, you need to read each of these scenes and then write a short summary of each one  to make up the points for acting them out.

Then, as a class, we read Act 4, scene 5 and scene 6.

Next time, we'll be finishing up Act 4 and taking the quiz.

December 5th (A day) and 6th (B day)

Today, we read Act 3, scene 3, and scene 4.  Then, we took the Act 3 quiz.  Make sure you come make it up as soon as you can if you missed it.

Then, we broke into groups.  Each group is responsible for reading one of the first 4 scenes of Act 4.  The groups will act them out next time for the class.

B6 also read Act 3, scene 2.

December 1st (A day) and 2nd (B day)

Today in class we read Act 3, scene 2 and scene 3.

Then progress reports were passed out.  They are due back with all highlighted missing work by:

Thursday, December 8th (B day)

Friday, December 9th (A day)

Then we had some advisory time. :)

November 29th (A day) and 30th (B day)

Journal: "Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.  Do you agree with this quote?  Why or why not?

We read Act 3, scene 1.  Then, we read the parody of Hamlet's famous speech, "To Snooze, or Not to Snooze."  Then, we wrote our own parodies of the speech.  Your speech should be between 14-18 lines.  It should follow the same format as the to be or not to be speech:

1. Introduce the decision to be made.  To  ________   or not to _________.
2. Describe what would be good.
3. Describe what would be bad.
4. Explain which choice you make.

This is a student example of what your assignment should look like.

B2 is a little bit behind.  They finished reading Act 2 and took the quiz.

November 22nd (A day) and 28th (B day)

Journal: Characterize yourself as a "thinker" or a "doer." In this respect what character in the play are you most like?  How would you like to be different, or would you like to be different?

Finish reading Act two, scene 2 (from the part where Hamlet meets up with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern).

Take the Act 2 quiz.

November 18th (A day) and 21st (B day)

Today, we took a quiz on Act 1 of Hamlet.  If you were absent, please come in before or after school or during lunch to take it.

Then, we read Act 2, scene 1, and the first part of scene 2 (up until Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find Hamlet).

Then we had some advisory time to work on reading and missing work.  Don't forget that book reviews are coming up soon!

B2 has only read up to the end of Act 1.

November 16th (A day) and 17th (B day)

Journal: How common do you think the act of revenge is in everyday life?  Give evidence to support your opinion.  (1/2 pg.)

Today we covered Act 1, scene 2, scene 3, scene 4, and scene 5.  Click the links to go to the reading.

Be sure to catch up on your reading; we'll have a quiz on Act 1 next time!

November 14th (A day) and 15th (B day)

There are two options for topics for the journal for today.  Pick one and write one half page about it.

1. Do you believe in the supernatural?  Why or why not?
2. Describe the worst day ever.  (Real or imagined.)

Watch the clip on this website that introduces the characters and premise of Hamlet.

Read Act 1, scene 1 here.  B day classes also ready Act 1, scene 2.

November 10th (A day) and 11th (B day)

Our journal today was to complete a survey of opinions.  Then, students wrote 1/2 pg. about the issue they had the strongest feelings about.

Then, we looked at sonnets to help us get used to Shakespearean language.  If you were absent, pick one of the six sonnets.  Read it and identify the main idea or the theme (for example true love lasts forever or real beauty is within).  Then, list three other books, movies, or songs that have that same theme or idea in them.

Then, students received their first progress report for the term.  They will be due back with all late work:

Thursday, November 17th (B day)

Friday, November 18th (A day)

November 8th (A day) and 9th (B day)

Today students presented their Make Your Own Inferno projects.  If you were absent for this assignment, please come see me for instructions.

After the presentations, we started our study of Hamlet by watching Hobart's Shakespeareans.  It is not required to make up the viewing of this movie, but I would strongly suggest it.  If you want to make it up, email me or stop by and we'll set up a time for you to watch it.

November 4th (A day) and 7th (B day)

We spent the class period working on the Make Your Own Inferno Projects.  They will be presented next time!

ALSO, don't forget that the 3rd book reviews are due:

• Wednesday, November 30th (B day)
• Thursday, December 1st (A day)

November 2nd (A day) and 3rd (B day)

• Finish reading The Inferno and complete the reading guide.  If you need access to the online textbook please email me and I'll send you a login and password.
• Listen to the song "Ghost Riders in the Sky" by Johnny Cash.  Then, write 1/2 pg. about the connections/archetypes you see between the song and The Inferno.
• Watch "High School Inferno" (link to come...)
• Begin working on the Make Your Own Inferno Project.  The project can be done alone, but is meant to be done with a group.  If you were absent, try to find some other people who were gone to work with.  Next time, we'll finish this project and present them to the class.

October 27th (A day) and 28th (B day)

We looked at the interactive map of Dante's Inferno and completed this worksheet.

Then, we completed part of the reading guide. We wrote the poem and reviewed the introduction material and answered all of those questions.  We also read Canto I and answered those questions.  If you were gone, complete the poem and introduction material.  Then, you can complete the reading you missed during free reading time the next class period.  If you would prefer, you can email me for a login to the online textbooks.

Then we had some advisory time to check grades and catch up on anything that was missed this week.

October 25th (A day) and 26th (B day)

A day classes turned in their book reviews.  Both classes did the following...

We reviewed the principle of cause and effect by discussing Newton's 3rd Law of Motion- To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.  Then, we read If You Give a Pig a Pancake to see cause and effect in literature.  After a game to review the idea one more time, we started with the background information to Dante's Inferno.

To start with, we read the introduction in our textbook on pg. 656.  After reading, we answered the following questions:

1. Who did T. S. Eliot compare Dante to?

2. Where was Dante from?

3. What happened to Dante in 1302? Why was this even important?

4. What language did people usually write in at this time? What language did Dante use?

5. Define allegory.

Then, we watched a short video about The Inferno.  The video is available online and can be found here.

October 24th (B day)

Today we...

1. Finished our myth responses and turned them in. (Response should be 1/2 pg. and discuss archetypes you saw in your myth, whether or not there was a moral, and which gods played a role in your story.)
2. Turned in and discussed book reviews.
3. Turned in late/hall passes.
4. Read and annotated the article about Color-coded IDs.  Then, we wrote 1/2 pg. in response and described why we thought this was a good or bad system.

Oct. 19th (A day)

Today we took our term final (TMU).  If you missed today, you need to come take your test as soon as possible.  Please remember that you cannot receive a passing grade without passing this test.

We also finished up the Greek myths and then shared them with the class.  Afterwards, we compared Beowulf, a Greek hero, and a hero of your choice. The worksheet for that is available in the assignment sidebar.

Don't forget book reviews are due next time!

Oct. 18th (B day)

Here's what we did today...

• We took our term final/TMU.  If you missed class, you need to come take this test as soon as possible.  Remember that you cannot receive a passing grade if you do not pass the test.
• We watched a short video clip about the Greek gods.  You can find it at youtube.com by searching for "Gallery of the Gods."  It's the 12 minute version.
• Then, we broke into groups and read a Greek myth.
• Finally, we wrote 1/2 pg. responses about the myth we read.
• What archetypes did you see in your myth?
• Was there a moral?
• Which gods were important to the story?
• What did you think of it?

October 17th (A day)

• We reviewed for the test (which is next time).  The review is available under the resource tab in the sidebar.
• Then we watched a short movie clip about the Greek gods.  You can find it on youtube.com by searching for "Gallery of the Gods."  It's the 12 minute version.
• Then, we broke into groups and read some Greek myths.  Next time, you'll be sharing the myth you read with students who read other myths.
• Finally, we wrote a 1/2 pg. response about the myths.  Your response should discuss the archetypes you saw in the myth, if there was a moral, and which gods were part of your myth.

Oct. 14th (B day)

After a test review, we had a lot of advisory time.

Don't forget that the 2nd book reviews are due on Oct. 24th and 25th!  NO late work will be accepted after the 25th.  Don't procrastinate!

Test Review

Remember, our final (TMU) for term one will be next Tuesday/Wednesday.  Here's a powerpoint to help you review.  Please let me know if you won't be in class so we can set up a time for you to take it.

Oct. 13th (A day)

1. Commonly confused words- write one sentence using each of the commonly confused words.

2. Finish reading Beowulf.

3. Respond (1/2 pg.) to one of the following prompts:

• What did you think of the ending of Beowulf?
• How does Beowulf compare to our modern day super heroes?
• Why do you think the story has stayed important after so much time?

Then, we had some advisory time to get caught up on missing work.

Oct. 12th (B day)

Journal: Describe someone from your life that you consider to be a hero. 1/2 pg.

Commonly confused words practice- write 1 sentence using each of the commonly confused words.

Finish reading Beowulf.

Write 1/2 pg. response about:

1. What you like/dislike about the graphic novel format.
   
2. How Beowulf fits the hero archetype.
   

Oct. 11th (A day)

• Silent reading
• Then, we had a review of book review expectations and a few tips (the powerpoint for this can be found in the sidebar).  Remember, the next book review is due on October 25th.
• We reviewed archetypes by listening to the song "O Valencia" by the Decemberists and finding as many archetypes in it as we could.
• Then, we had a short preview to the language and culture of Beowulf. 
• Then we read book 1 of Beowulf (you can make up any missed reading during our silent reading time).  A3 was a little ahead, so they also read book 2.
• Finally, we wrote 1/2 pg. response about reading a graphic novel.  How is it different than a regular book?  Do you like it or dislike it?  Why?

Oct. 10th (B day)

Journal: "Behavior that's admired is the path to power among people everywhere."  Do you agree or disagree with this quote?  Why?  1/2 pg.

Then we briefly reviewed the requirements for book reviews and I gave some tips on how to do really well on the next ones (due two weeks from today).  The powerpoint is available in the sidebar.

Then, we reviewed archetypes by listening to the song "O Valencia" by the Decemberists and finding as many archetypes in it as we could.

Then, after a short introduction, we read book one of Beowulf as a class.

Oct. 7th (A day)

I had a conference, so with the substitute, you did the following things.

Journal: "Behavior that's admired is the path to power among people everywhere."  Do you agree or disagree? 1/2 pg.

Article of the Week (AoW): Read and annotate the article "Many US schools adding iPads, trimming textbooks". Then, write a 1/2 pg. response.

A few of the classes started reading Beowulf.  We'll have time to catch up with that in class, though.

Oct. 6th (B day)

Journal: What makes a hero? What makes a villain? 1/2 pg.

Then, we shared and turned in our 1001 Nights personal narratives.

We reviewed the concept of archetypes by reading comic books and finding archetypes in them.

Then progress report #3 was passed out and we had some advisory time. Remember, progress report #3 is due next Friday along with all missing work.

Oct. 5th (A day)

Journal:  What makes a hero? What makes a villain?  (1/2 pg.)

We shared our 1001 Nights personal narratives in small groups.  If you didn't bring your story today, please be sure to turn it in soon with a late pass.

We did a practice worksheet for commonly confused words (it can be found in the sidebar).

Then, we introduced the idea of archetypes.  If you were gone, or need a review, please refer to the powerpoint under the "resources" tab in the sidebar.  If you have any questions, please come talk to me.

Then, to practice finding archetypes, we broke into groups and each read a comic book and identified 2 archetypes.

Oct. 4th (B day)

For our journal today we read and annotated the article "Many US schools adding iPads, trimming textbooks." Then, we wrote a 1/2 pg. response about it and discussed it in class.

Then, we did a practice activity for commonly confused words (in the sidebar).  For this worksheet, circle the correct word from the commonly confused word set.

Finally, we began learning about archetypes.  The powerpoint that introduces the material is under the resource tab in the sidebar.

Oct. 3rd (A day)

Today was Westlake's college preview day, so we didn't have class. Don't forget to bring your 1001 Nights stories next time!

Sept. 29th (A day) and 30th (B day)

Today we spent a lot of the time talking about books. Book reviews were due the 28th and 29th. They may still be turned in with a late pass as long as it is within the next two weeks.

The journal for today was: Tell me about your experience of writing a book review. What was easy? Hard? Do you have questions for next time? (1/2 pg.)

We discussed the books that people wrote their reviews on and (hopefully!) got ideas for the next book review. Remember the 2nd book reviews will be due:

Monday, October 24th (B day)
Tuesday, October 25th (A day)

After our discussion, we started learning about some commonly confused words. A blank worksheet can be found in the sidebar. Use a dictionary to look up the words and record their definition. If you are uncertain of the differences between the sets of words, please come see me and I'll help you with that part. Being able to distinguish between and correctly use the commonly confused words will be a big part of your TMU at the end of the term.

Sept. 27th (A day) and 28th (B day)

Today we had a guest speaker speak to us about scholarships and financial aid.  No matter which college you plan on attending, you'll want to fill out your FAFSA, and it's probably a good idea to look at scholarships that are not specific to the school you plan on attending.  A few good places to checkout are Fastweb and Zinch.

Our presenter also pointed out that you are going to need to be able to write a good essay to get a lot of the scholarships that are available.  That really makes it worthwhile for you to be practicing those writing skills this year in class.

Sept. 23rd (A day) and 26th (B day)

For our short classes on Friday and Monday we did a peer review of our 1001 Nights personal narratives.  If you were absent, or if you were not prepared you will need to have a friend or family member review your paper for you.  Then, use their feedback to improve your paper.  The peer review sheet is available in the sidebar.  Remember, the 1001 Nights personal narratives are due:

Wednesday, October 5th (A day)

Thursday, October 6th (B day)

Then we had some advisory time to work on any missing work or get help with anything that has been confusing in class.

Please don't forget that book reviews are due this Wednesday (B day) and Thursday (A day)!

Progress Reports

Progress reports will be sent home today and tomorrow. They need to be signed by a parent and returned:

Thursday 9/29- A day
Friday 9/30- B day

Please remember that you are only able to turn in missing work from each progress report period for one week after you receive it. That means all late work is due the same day as the progress reports.

Sept. 21st (A day) and 22nd (B day)

All classes have now finished reading The Fisherman and the Jinnee and should have turned in the reading guide (found in the sidebar).

After looking at some example personal narratives, we began writing up our own stories.  The assignment sheet is off to the left, but here's the gist.  The story should be based on something that really happened to you.  It should be at least 2 pages, but no more than 5 pages, and should follow MLA guidelines.  The most important part is that it should pass the "Scheherazade test."  Is it interesting enough that it would keep you alive if you were in her situation?

Next time, we'll be doing a peer review activity.  You must have a hard copy of your rough draft with you in class to participate.  If you are not prepared to participate, you will not be able to fully make up the points you miss.

Sept. 19th (A day) and 20th (B day)

Today we...

Took our test on the topics we reviewed in our writing expert groups. Be sure to come in to take the test if you missed it! If you wait too long, you won't be able to take it.

We finished (almost finished for A days) reading The Fisherman and the Jinnee. Then, we started thinking about our own stories. If you had to tell a story from your own life under the same high stakes situation as Scheherazade, which story would you tell? Be ready to start writing it next time!

Sept. 15th (A day) and Sept. 16th (B day)

Here's what we did in class.

First thing, we wrote the journal, "what makes a story good?" (Remember it must be 1/2 page to get full points.)

Then we finished up our genre review and book recommendations. Also, remember that there is extra credit available for attending an author visit at local libraries. There is more information on the back bulletin board.

After that, we read the background information of our first in class reading, "The Fisherman and the Jinnee" from The Thousand and One Nights (found on page 84 of your textbook). We talked about how the story is a frame narrative. This basically means it's a story within a story. One way to think of it is like these Russian nesting dolls.

Photo from: bestgiftexpress.com

There is one main story with a smaller story inside of it. Ours actually has 4 stories total. If you know it's coming, it won't be too confusing. Some people have said it's kind of like Inception, so that might be a good way to think of it too.

We started reading the story, but we will be finishing it next time.

Progress report #1 was due today, as well as ALL of the late work from that progress report. Another progress report will be coming home soon.

Sept. 13th (A) and 14th (B)

Today, we (except for A2) started out class by reading and responding to the article "Ethics in the Classroom: What You Need to Know". You should read and annotate the article, then write 1/2 page in response. Do you agree with it? Would this work to help prevent cheating? What else could be done to help?

A2 finished their last group presentation.

We all reviewed for the test on writing basics. You can click here to get to the game we used to review with. Please let me know if you have questions. Remember the test will be:

Monday 9/19 (A)

Tuesday 9/20 (B)

Then, we started to review the different genres that are part of the Fantastic 50 Reading Challenge.

Sept. 9th (A) and 12th (B)

Today in class...

• We discussed how to write a book review.  There is a handy guide posted in the sidebar.  Also the dates for the book reviews are:
• 1st Book Review
• September 28th (B day)
• September 29th (A day)
• 2nd Book Review
• October 24th (B day)
• October 25th (A day)
• We finished up the remaining writing presentations.

Be reading!

Sept. 8th (B)

Things were a little bit different today, depending on which class period you're in.

Everyone:

• Got points for bringing their reading book. If you didn't have it today, please make sure you have it next time. You can still get 1/2 points on it.
• Got their 1st progress report. The signed (by a parent) progress report and ALL missing work from the progress report are due next Friday. Remember that you get extra credit if you turn it in early, but that you need to keep it to work with if you have missing work.

B1- We had a mini-lesson about semi-colons and then went to the Josten's assembly.

B2- We had a mini-lesson about semi-colons and colons and then we began talking about ethics in American high schools.

B4- We had mini-lessons about commas and semi-colons/colons.

If you missed any presentations please talk to someone in class to get the information or familiarize yourself with the info from the sidebar.

Sept. 7th (A)

Today was a little bit different depending on which class period you're in. In all of the classes, however, we had our first book check. If you didn't bring a book, bring one next time to get back 1/2 of your points. Please, please, please make sure you've found a book you're interested in reading and you're bringing it to class with you.

ALSO, all classes today received the first progress report. It is due back with a parent signature next Thursday, although if you return it next time you will receive extra credit. Remember that ALL missing work from this progress report is also due by next Thursday. It will NOT be accepted after that time.

A1: We had the comma presentation as well as a lesson on colons and semi-colons. Like last time, if you were absent please review these materials with someone from class or go over the resources on that topic in the side bar.

A2: We read the article "Ethics in the Classroom" and wrote a one page response. If you were gone, print the article and annotate it (that means to take notes about what you're thinking as you read, underline things that stick out to you, etc.). Then, your response should explain what you think about what you read. Don't summarize!

A3: We had the comma, sentence structure, and colons and semi-colons presentations. Like last time, if you were absent please review these materials with someone from class or go over the resources on that topic in the side bar.

Sept. 2nd (A) and 6th (B)

Here's what you missed...

Journal: What is your personal code of conduct? Or, in other words, what rules do you have for yourself to help you be the best person you can be? (1/2 pg.)

The capitalization expert groups presented their lessons, and a few of the sentence structure groups presented as well. If you missed a presentation, make sure you go over the material they taught with someone in class, or check out the resources on that topic over in our side bar.

We also began talking about ethics in high school. We all agree that we want to be our best selves and help build a good image of WHS.

Aug. 31st (A) and Sept. 1st (B)

Today was a work day to create lessons and materials for the writing review expert groups. The assignment sheet is in the sidebar. The presentations will be:

A Day:

Capitalization- Friday, September 2^nd

Semi-colons /Colons and Commas and Sentence Structure - Wednesday, Sept. 7^th

Paragraph Structure and Essay Structure- Friday, September 9^th

B Day:

Capitalization and Sentence Structure- Tuesday September 6^th

Semi-colons /Colons and Commas- Thursday, September 8^th

Paragraph Structure and Essay Structure- Monday, September 12^th

If you were gone today, or if you will be gone for the presentation, please come talk to me to get an alternative assignment.

Aug. 29th (A) and 30th (B)

The journal for today was "What is the difference between being a kid and being an adult?" Remember that all journals need to be 1/2 pg. long to get full credit.

Then, we reviewed our class policies and procedures. If you were absent, you'll need to come talk to me and get your hall and late passes for the term.

We reviewed text connections (the "Making Connections" worksheet is in the sidebar). Remember:

• Text-to-Self Connections are when you connect what you're reading to something in your personal life.
• Text-to-Text Connections are when you connect what you're reading to something else you've read (like a book or news article), a movie, tv show, or song.
• Text-to-World Connections are when you connect what you're reading to current events, historical events, or your knowledge or world cultures.

On the worksheet, write the definitions. Then, read the article and make two connections for each connection category. Just write out a short description and then the abbreviation. For example, "My grandma is a lunch lady. TS."

Last of all, next time, we will be working in groups to teach a writing/grammar concept to the rest of the class. Please come see me to join a group so that you can get credit and be ready to go next time.

1st Days of Class (Aug. 23rd-26th)

On our first day of class 9Aug, 23rd/24th), we tried to get to know each other and get excited about what we'll be learning this year. After introductions, we had a world cultures trivia competition. Among other things, we learned that the English love Cheese Rolling, Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world, and the citizens of Tomatina, Spain have a giant tomato throwing free for all once a year. If you find some interesting facts about the world, please share them with our class!

We got down to business on the second day of class (Aug. 25th/26th). The first assignment for the year is to write an introduction letter to me. Instructions can be found on the assignment sheet. The letter is due Aug. 31st (A day) and Sept. 1st (B day).

We also went through the disclosure document. The signature portion is due back to me, also by Aug. 31st (A day) and Sept. 1st (B day).

We discussed the Fantastic 50 Reading Challenge. There is a tracking sheet in the assignments bar. Look on Facebook for more information, or talk to me in class.

Last, of all, if you were absent, you'll need to write and turn in the journal entry: What are some things I've accomplished in my life? The entry must be 1/2 pg.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Welcome to Senior English!

It's finally here, your senior year! You're almost done... but, not quite.

This blog will be very useful to you over the course of this school year. There will be summaries of what we did in class in case you missed a day. There will be review materials, and most assignments will be available in the sidebar on the right.

If you are absent or you lose an assignment, come here first, then come see me if you need help. Also feel free to leave comments or email me as well.

I'm excited to work with all of you this year!