The paper that was going to be due tomorrow for peer review will now be reviewed in class on Tuesday.
Ernesto threw off my lesson plans.
Sorry, and thanks in advance!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Thursday, August 31, 2006
The last day of August. . .and it all went so fast!
All seniors will meet in the Guidance office today to go over their college plans with their respective counselors. Don't be late and bring something to read or work on; some of you will take all period, while others will only need a few minutes.
Gifted English II, periods 3 and 6--Whew! Goodness, that was close. Welcome back to our happy learning families. We will go over the vocabulary terms for this week and vote on shifting some deadlines for you, after which we will go back into Antigone. Bring your copy of The Count of Monte Cristo with you tomorrow for your first reading day, and bring bottled water or a 20-ounce soda (with a cap! No cans!) as popcorn will be provided.
All seniors will meet in the Guidance office today to go over their college plans with their respective counselors. Don't be late and bring something to read or work on; some of you will take all period, while others will only need a few minutes.
Gifted English II, periods 3 and 6--Whew! Goodness, that was close. Welcome back to our happy learning families. We will go over the vocabulary terms for this week and vote on shifting some deadlines for you, after which we will go back into Antigone. Bring your copy of The Count of Monte Cristo with you tomorrow for your first reading day, and bring bottled water or a 20-ounce soda (with a cap! No cans!) as popcorn will be provided.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
THANKS, ERNIE, FOR MESSING UP THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR.
And as it turns out, we barely knew ye.
No school today. OCPS employees rec'd paychecks, though, so that's kind of neato.
And as it turns out, we barely knew ye.
No school today. OCPS employees rec'd paychecks, though, so that's kind of neato.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
We are in the Cone of Uncertainty.
AP English: Two major handouts and related conversations: a review packet of allusions for your delectation, and a group of the FRQs from past AP exams for our communal deconstruction.
Gifted English IV: Shelley review, followed by questions 2-8 for "Wind" and a transition into Keats.
Gifted English II: Antigone, "Prologue" and "Parados". Each of you has a collection of questions to answer as we read the play together in class.
AP English: Two major handouts and related conversations: a review packet of allusions for your delectation, and a group of the FRQs from past AP exams for our communal deconstruction.
Gifted English IV: Shelley review, followed by questions 2-8 for "Wind" and a transition into Keats.
Gifted English II: Antigone, "Prologue" and "Parados". Each of you has a collection of questions to answer as we read the play together in class.
Monday, August 28, 2006
ALL SENIORS: We are going to Guidance on Thursday to get SAIRs and preliminary transcripts, which begs the question: Where are you in your application process? I will be in the Writing Center during A lunch during much of the week, and I am already meeting with Chelsea D. after school today and tomorrow to go over her app. Get in soon if you need something from me.
AP Literature and Composition: Oediquiz today, followed by a rousing discussion of the ethical implications of the play.
Gifted English IV: Shifting into Shelley; notes on "Ozymandias" and "West Wind."
Gifted English II: Lecture/discussion on Sophocles to prepare for Antigone (found in your textbook beginning on page 686.) You have grammar homework tonight and a brief essay due Friday (it was Thursday, but Ernie got in the way.)
AP Literature and Composition: Oediquiz today, followed by a rousing discussion of the ethical implications of the play.
Gifted English IV: Shifting into Shelley; notes on "Ozymandias" and "West Wind."
Gifted English II: Lecture/discussion on Sophocles to prepare for Antigone (found in your textbook beginning on page 686.) You have grammar homework tonight and a brief essay due Friday (it was Thursday, but Ernie got in the way.)
Friday, August 25, 2006
This is a delayed post (one of a series, actually) due to unforseen circumstances (i.e. lack of sleep and poor health.) Here's what we did:
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: Distribute "Sophocles and the Plague of Modernity" to first period; distribute and go over the focus paper assignment to all classes; various discussions of themes and questions connected to ORex. Keep reading. . .keep reading.
Gifted English IV: Finish "Rime" and take major Coleridge quiz. College essay assignment, due next Friday.
Gifted English II: Literary vocab quiz #3, followed by the rest of O'Brien's "Charming Billy."
Information Society meeting after school today; we're breaking into small groups to go over all sorts of things.
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: Distribute "Sophocles and the Plague of Modernity" to first period; distribute and go over the focus paper assignment to all classes; various discussions of themes and questions connected to ORex. Keep reading. . .keep reading.
Gifted English IV: Finish "Rime" and take major Coleridge quiz. College essay assignment, due next Friday.
Gifted English II: Literary vocab quiz #3, followed by the rest of O'Brien's "Charming Billy."
Information Society meeting after school today; we're breaking into small groups to go over all sorts of things.
Tropical Depression Ernesto
I had thought I'd be able to go to Barnes and Noble today for some free teaching time, but I can't due to the following circumstances:
I don't feel well.
I don't feel well.
I don't feel well.
A thousand apologies to all and sundry, and I promise to catch up the assignment blog (Friday, Monday, and yesterday) as soon as I can. Stay safe from the increased wind and rain, and I will see everyone tomorrow at BHS.
Reminder--Seniors, report directly to Guidance; sophys, bring your lit book; anyone interested in going to Paris for Spring Break sign up as soon as possible due to complications with ordering plane tickets re: Homeland Security. See me if you have questions; I think I only have two or three seats open.
All the best, everyone. See you tomorrow.
I don't feel well.
I don't feel well.
I don't feel well.
A thousand apologies to all and sundry, and I promise to catch up the assignment blog (Friday, Monday, and yesterday) as soon as I can. Stay safe from the increased wind and rain, and I will see everyone tomorrow at BHS.
Reminder--Seniors, report directly to Guidance; sophys, bring your lit book; anyone interested in going to Paris for Spring Break sign up as soon as possible due to complications with ordering plane tickets re: Homeland Security. See me if you have questions; I think I only have two or three seats open.
All the best, everyone. See you tomorrow.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Thursday, August 25, 2006
AP Literature and Composition: Discussion of ORex, and distribution of the following supplementary materials: Sophoclean biography, "Sophocles and the Plague of Modernity" essay, and a cool sheet about oracles. Discussion points: Are you still responsible for a crime if you commit it without intention? Does Oedipus qualify, since he didn't do ALL he could to avoid his fate? Allusion to "Appointment in Samarra" by W. Somerset Maugham while we're at it.
Gifted English IV: Finish "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" in class today. QUIZ TOMORROW!!!
Gifted English II: Tim O'Brien as Author of the Day, which is appropriate since we are reading his "Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?" in class today. We will be making a transition into Greek drama very soon. . .
Gifted English IV: Finish "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" in class today. QUIZ TOMORROW!!!
Gifted English II: Tim O'Brien as Author of the Day, which is appropriate since we are reading his "Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?" in class today. We will be making a transition into Greek drama very soon. . .
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: Reading Oedipus Rex and constructing Cornell notes on the play while reading. Good times.
Gifted English IV: Reading Frankenstein while devouring popcorn. Better times.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day is Margery Kempe; we need to go over the new vocabulary list preparatory to this Friday's vocab quiz. #41-60.
Gifted English IV: Reading Frankenstein while devouring popcorn. Better times.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day is Margery Kempe; we need to go over the new vocabulary list preparatory to this Friday's vocab quiz. #41-60.
AP Lecture Notes: Sophocles etc.
We begin our study of Greek tragedy with Oedipus Rex, and in order to facilitate our understanding of this play we need to understand a few things.
1. Sleeping with your mom is not a good idea.
2. Nor is having excessive pride and stubbornness.
3. Brooch pins, when wielded by grieving son-husbands, can cause ocular injury.
In other words, this play would NOT make a good pop-up book, although it would be very interesting.
Here are some things we went over in class today:
Aristotilean tragedy is categorized by several elements:
1. The protagonist must be of noble birth.
2. The protagonist must have a character flaw (hamartia) that is often pride (hubris).
3. The play will feature a metaphorical fall from a great height--the protagonist will lose prestige, position, power, and possibly life.
Some Greek dramas adhere to the sense of Aristotilean unities as well--unity of space (one setting), unity of action (one central plot with no subplots), and unity of time (taking place within a 24-hour period.) Sophocles was considered by many of his contemporaries to be a master dramatist, and his Theban trilogy his masterpiece.
Sophocles led a multi-faceted life, serving in the Senate and military and becoming a wealthy landowner. You can read a more thorough biography of him in your anthology, but be sure to ask me about the significance of Oedipus at Colonus used as a defense in a trial held to determine his competence.
The Theban trilogy focuses on the fall of Oedipus and his offspring, and begins with Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King.) In this play, a plague has descended on the city of Thebes, killing its people, and King Oedipus sends his brother-in-law (uncle, really) to the Oracle at Delphi to determine the cause. The oracle reveals cryptically that the murderer of former King Laios must be brought to justice before the plague can abate, and Oedipus devotes himself to uncovering the murderer's identity only to discover the sordid truth.
In order to read this play from a 21st century perspective, you must adopt what Coleridge called "the willing suspension of disbelief." In other words, you are going to have to accept some outrageous coincidences at face value, and look at a society with different mores with as objective a gaze as possible.
Other elements of note:
Dramatic irony: Ancient Greek audiences did not rely on suspense to carry them through a performance; they already knew the storyline and wanted to see the characters undergo their epiphanies. This form of irony can serve as a substitute for suspense and is integral to understanding Greek tragedy. We already know Oedipus is doomed, and why--our enjoyment/curiosity comes from watching him figure it all out.
Thespis: the first actor; he adapted the Dionysian rituals for performance purposes.
Aeschylus: the innovator who added a second actor, thus creating the opportunity for conflict.
Sphinx: (I drew such an amazing Sphinx on the board! You should see it. And those are forelegs, not anything obscene.) The part-man, part-eagle, part lion beastie who held the city of Thebes in captive thrall for many years.
Oedipus: "swollen foot," which could refer to a congenital club foot or the injury sustained when the infant's feet were pinned together.
Jocasta/Iocasta: his mommy-wife. In other words, time for a psychological complex DELUXE.
Laios: His father and the former king. Oedipus killed him long before this play opens, not knowing his identity.
Kreon/Creon: Jocasta's brother and the man who uncovers what had gone horribly wrong.
Eteocles, Polyneices, Ismene, and Antigone: the inbred offspring of Oedipus and Jocasta. Not good marriage material.
1. Sleeping with your mom is not a good idea.
2. Nor is having excessive pride and stubbornness.
3. Brooch pins, when wielded by grieving son-husbands, can cause ocular injury.
In other words, this play would NOT make a good pop-up book, although it would be very interesting.
Here are some things we went over in class today:
Aristotilean tragedy is categorized by several elements:
1. The protagonist must be of noble birth.
2. The protagonist must have a character flaw (hamartia) that is often pride (hubris).
3. The play will feature a metaphorical fall from a great height--the protagonist will lose prestige, position, power, and possibly life.
Some Greek dramas adhere to the sense of Aristotilean unities as well--unity of space (one setting), unity of action (one central plot with no subplots), and unity of time (taking place within a 24-hour period.) Sophocles was considered by many of his contemporaries to be a master dramatist, and his Theban trilogy his masterpiece.
Sophocles led a multi-faceted life, serving in the Senate and military and becoming a wealthy landowner. You can read a more thorough biography of him in your anthology, but be sure to ask me about the significance of Oedipus at Colonus used as a defense in a trial held to determine his competence.
The Theban trilogy focuses on the fall of Oedipus and his offspring, and begins with Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King.) In this play, a plague has descended on the city of Thebes, killing its people, and King Oedipus sends his brother-in-law (uncle, really) to the Oracle at Delphi to determine the cause. The oracle reveals cryptically that the murderer of former King Laios must be brought to justice before the plague can abate, and Oedipus devotes himself to uncovering the murderer's identity only to discover the sordid truth.
In order to read this play from a 21st century perspective, you must adopt what Coleridge called "the willing suspension of disbelief." In other words, you are going to have to accept some outrageous coincidences at face value, and look at a society with different mores with as objective a gaze as possible.
Other elements of note:
Dramatic irony: Ancient Greek audiences did not rely on suspense to carry them through a performance; they already knew the storyline and wanted to see the characters undergo their epiphanies. This form of irony can serve as a substitute for suspense and is integral to understanding Greek tragedy. We already know Oedipus is doomed, and why--our enjoyment/curiosity comes from watching him figure it all out.
Thespis: the first actor; he adapted the Dionysian rituals for performance purposes.
Aeschylus: the innovator who added a second actor, thus creating the opportunity for conflict.
Sphinx: (I drew such an amazing Sphinx on the board! You should see it. And those are forelegs, not anything obscene.) The part-man, part-eagle, part lion beastie who held the city of Thebes in captive thrall for many years.
Oedipus: "swollen foot," which could refer to a congenital club foot or the injury sustained when the infant's feet were pinned together.
Jocasta/Iocasta: his mommy-wife. In other words, time for a psychological complex DELUXE.
Laios: His father and the former king. Oedipus killed him long before this play opens, not knowing his identity.
Kreon/Creon: Jocasta's brother and the man who uncovers what had gone horribly wrong.
Eteocles, Polyneices, Ismene, and Antigone: the inbred offspring of Oedipus and Jocasta. Not good marriage material.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Advanced Placement Literature: After a fabulous, award-winning, limited edition lecture on Sophocles, I encourage you to read the introductory essay beginning on page 1247 in your lit anthology to prepare you for the rigors of reading Oedipus Rex. (You might also want to refer to the essays on irony in all of its subtle forms on page 353, as well.) If you missed the fabulousness of the lecture, you can click on the next blog entry for the notes. You will, however, miss my fantastic drawing of the fangorious Sphinx.
Gifted English IV: Quiz on Part I of "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and chart for the elements of figurative language in the poem as a whole--allusions, visual imagery, auditory imagery, etc. We will work through Part IV today.
Gifted English II: Tragically, today is Underclassperson Picture Day, so half of our class will involve cavorting to the gym for pictures. When we return, a cultural literacy-brain puzzle activity will be followed by an amazing post-it note quiz on "The Cold Equations" by Tom Godwin, pg. 8 of your lit book. If you have not already done so, please make plans to acquire The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas--either the Barnes and Noble paperback edition or the Signet would be the best choices. (Make sure you get abridged, unless you long to read five hundred extra pages repeatedly describing the French countryside.)
Gifted English IV: Quiz on Part I of "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and chart for the elements of figurative language in the poem as a whole--allusions, visual imagery, auditory imagery, etc. We will work through Part IV today.
Gifted English II: Tragically, today is Underclassperson Picture Day, so half of our class will involve cavorting to the gym for pictures. When we return, a cultural literacy-brain puzzle activity will be followed by an amazing post-it note quiz on "The Cold Equations" by Tom Godwin, pg. 8 of your lit book. If you have not already done so, please make plans to acquire The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas--either the Barnes and Noble paperback edition or the Signet would be the best choices. (Make sure you get abridged, unless you long to read five hundred extra pages repeatedly describing the French countryside.)
Monday, August 21, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
AP Literature and Composition: First period will read "Preludes" by Eliot/creative writing opportunity/transition into tragedy. Fourth and fifth will finish "Preludes" and go over the multiple choice sections we forgot to do last week. Actually, not "we forgot," but more like "I forgot/repressed."
Gifted English IV: Coleridge vocabulary; begin "Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
Gifted English II: Vladimir Nabakov as A of D; appositive phrase review for grammar; quick-quiz on non-fiction elements; transition into fiction/genre; HW tonight is to read "The Cold Equations" on p. 8 of the new lit book.
Gifted English IV: Coleridge vocabulary; begin "Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
Gifted English II: Vladimir Nabakov as A of D; appositive phrase review for grammar; quick-quiz on non-fiction elements; transition into fiction/genre; HW tonight is to read "The Cold Equations" on p. 8 of the new lit book.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Happy birthday to me. I'm 35 and officially in the Older Demographic (at least according to my insurance company.) At any rate, I am leaving right after sixth period today to go revel with my friends (yes, teachers do have friends) so I won't be available for any college conversations after school. Go hang out at the Latin Club meeting instead.
AP Literature: Eliot, Eliot, Eliot/assign 2nd focus paper and go over rubric. I love Prufrock. Not the man, the poem. If we have time I'd like to look at "Preludes" as well before we start the transition next week into Sophocles.
Gifted English IV: Review "Tintern Abbey" elements and start to shift into Coleridge. If the democratic vote has been so arranged, last 40 of the period for Frankenstein.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day today is Douglas Adams, and then we have an amazing vocabulary quiz opportunity. Our study of non-fiction is going to culminate today in a timed writing assignment of an expository or persuasive nature--your choice.
AP Literature: Eliot, Eliot, Eliot/assign 2nd focus paper and go over rubric. I love Prufrock. Not the man, the poem. If we have time I'd like to look at "Preludes" as well before we start the transition next week into Sophocles.
Gifted English IV: Review "Tintern Abbey" elements and start to shift into Coleridge. If the democratic vote has been so arranged, last 40 of the period for Frankenstein.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day today is Douglas Adams, and then we have an amazing vocabulary quiz opportunity. Our study of non-fiction is going to culminate today in a timed writing assignment of an expository or persuasive nature--your choice.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
AP Literature: Return focus papers. No crying allowed. First period needs to finish looking at Prufrock, and fourth and fifth will go into futher depth. I have critical essays on the poem that I know you are just dying to read. . .
Gifted English IV: "Tintern Abbey" by Wordsworth, followed by a fascinating Romantic deconstruction. Also--do you need a reading day for Frank? We'll take a purely democratic vote.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day is Yukio Mishima. Reminder that you have a vocab quiz tomorrow. We'll finish "On Warts" today and read the non-fiction essay on hair and its customs/significance in the new textbook.
Gifted English IV: "Tintern Abbey" by Wordsworth, followed by a fascinating Romantic deconstruction. Also--do you need a reading day for Frank? We'll take a purely democratic vote.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day is Yukio Mishima. Reminder that you have a vocab quiz tomorrow. We'll finish "On Warts" today and read the non-fiction essay on hair and its customs/significance in the new textbook.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Snakes on a Plane comes out in two days!!! Now, I realize that it is not only a rated-R film, but quite possibly a bad one, but I just can't resist the title. I am a fan of intriguing titles; Pride and Prejudice has terrific alliteration, and Heart of Darkness is mysterious and compelling. And then there's Snakes on a Plane--plot summary, yes, but simple, powerful, and direct.
AP Literature: Review multiple choice passages (period one) and dig into "Prufrock," with more Prufrockian depths explored in periods four and five. I drew such an amazing work of art on the board today. Thanks go to Juan for sassing it up a bit with further artistic expression.
Gifted English IV: Frankenquiz, pp. 1-45, followed by distribution of the "Tintern Abbey" writing assignment, which is due Friday.
Gifted English II: Quick-quiz on "RMS Titanic," followed by Mark Leyner as Author of the Day. We dug more into non-fiction, discussed the Nuns in Canada phenomenon, and started Lewis Thomas's "On Warts." Focus papers due today by three p.m.
AP Literature: Review multiple choice passages (period one) and dig into "Prufrock," with more Prufrockian depths explored in periods four and five. I drew such an amazing work of art on the board today. Thanks go to Juan for sassing it up a bit with further artistic expression.
Gifted English IV: Frankenquiz, pp. 1-45, followed by distribution of the "Tintern Abbey" writing assignment, which is due Friday.
Gifted English II: Quick-quiz on "RMS Titanic," followed by Mark Leyner as Author of the Day. We dug more into non-fiction, discussed the Nuns in Canada phenomenon, and started Lewis Thomas's "On Warts." Focus papers due today by three p.m.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
All seniors go to College and Career today. Meet in 313 first and we'll walk over together.
3rd period Gifted English II: Author of the Day will be George Gordon, Lord Byron. Afterward, we will go over the questions from The Stranger and take a look at a cool thing in your textbook. You'll love it; you'll laugh, you'll cry, it's better than Cats.
6th period Gifted English II: Same lesson as third, pretty much, but in addition to the curriculum we also have an emotionally stirring fire drill. Remember to go out the back door of the 300 hall and find safety and shelter in the football stadium.
3rd period Gifted English II: Author of the Day will be George Gordon, Lord Byron. Afterward, we will go over the questions from The Stranger and take a look at a cool thing in your textbook. You'll love it; you'll laugh, you'll cry, it's better than Cats.
6th period Gifted English II: Same lesson as third, pretty much, but in addition to the curriculum we also have an emotionally stirring fire drill. Remember to go out the back door of the 300 hall and find safety and shelter in the football stadium.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Welcome to the second week of school! One down, 35 to go!
AP Literature: First muliple-choice practice session. Bring a pencil. You will be reading four passages: two poetic, two in prose. Good luck! Don't panic!
Gifted English IV: Transition from Blake into Wordsworth.
Gifted English II: Give back quizzes and tests, and work through the thought questions on The Stranger. Distribute textbook. Go over literary terms #21-40.
AP Literature: First muliple-choice practice session. Bring a pencil. You will be reading four passages: two poetic, two in prose. Good luck! Don't panic!
Gifted English IV: Transition from Blake into Wordsworth.
Gifted English II: Give back quizzes and tests, and work through the thought questions on The Stranger. Distribute textbook. Go over literary terms #21-40.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
AP Literature: Group discussion of "The Hollow Men" by Eliot; distribute senior newsletter; discuss thematic links between Eliot and Conrad.
Gifted English IV: Finish Romanticism study guide; Blake's "Lamb," "Tyger," and "The Chimney Sweep." First reading deadline for Frankenstein: next Wednesday.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day: Carl Hiaasen. Vocabulary Quiz #1, followed by peer edit of Stranger paper.
Gifted English IV: Finish Romanticism study guide; Blake's "Lamb," "Tyger," and "The Chimney Sweep." First reading deadline for Frankenstein: next Wednesday.
Gifted English II: Author of the Day: Carl Hiaasen. Vocabulary Quiz #1, followed by peer edit of Stranger paper.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: TP-CASTT of "The Hollow Men" and reading among four critical essays on Eliot.
Gifted English IV: Romanticism study guide and a first look at Blake and Rousseau.
Gifted English II: 3rd period will have the sophomore assembly; 6th period will finish the existentialism handout and work on the first focus paper.
REMINDER: Information Society meeting will be tomorrow after school in 313.
Gifted English IV: Romanticism study guide and a first look at Blake and Rousseau.
Gifted English II: 3rd period will have the sophomore assembly; 6th period will finish the existentialism handout and work on the first focus paper.
REMINDER: Information Society meeting will be tomorrow after school in 313.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Our first short day!
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: Brief discussion on college application essays, followed by a continuation of yesterday's work with Achebe's indictment of the novel. I asked you to bring your summer packet with you so that we could work with the character description of the Accountant. Good times, people. Good times. How's that focus paper coming along?
Gifted English IV: Distribute textbooks and take a look at its layout, followed by a riveting lecture/discussion on Romanticism from 1798-1832.
Gifted English II: Rip through the last vocabulary words together with speed and alacrity; existential thought in a nutshell. Don't forget your first draft, due Friday in class!!! Third period--you will check in with me tomorrow, then go to the Sophomore Class Assembly.
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: Brief discussion on college application essays, followed by a continuation of yesterday's work with Achebe's indictment of the novel. I asked you to bring your summer packet with you so that we could work with the character description of the Accountant. Good times, people. Good times. How's that focus paper coming along?
Gifted English IV: Distribute textbooks and take a look at its layout, followed by a riveting lecture/discussion on Romanticism from 1798-1832.
Gifted English II: Rip through the last vocabulary words together with speed and alacrity; existential thought in a nutshell. Don't forget your first draft, due Friday in class!!! Third period--you will check in with me tomorrow, then go to the Sophomore Class Assembly.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Thank you for making yesterday a good, productive day in spite of the air conditioning problems. Hopefully those problems will be rectified by the start of classes today.
AP English Literature: Go over the quizlet from yesterday, a.k.a. Why Ya'll Failed It, and transition into a review of literary analysis tools. I asked you to bring the Foster text with you to help us parse out Conrad, and we may even get to Chinua Achebe's perceptions of the novel.
Gifted English IV: No class today, due to senior assembly. Bring your brain tomorrow, ready to work!
Gifted English II: Check-reading test on Death of a Salesman and The Stranger, followed by review of the first twenty literary terms. We'll finish today with a discussion of existential philosophy leading into our deconstruction of Camus.
AP English Literature: Go over the quizlet from yesterday, a.k.a. Why Ya'll Failed It, and transition into a review of literary analysis tools. I asked you to bring the Foster text with you to help us parse out Conrad, and we may even get to Chinua Achebe's perceptions of the novel.
Gifted English IV: No class today, due to senior assembly. Bring your brain tomorrow, ready to work!
Gifted English II: Check-reading test on Death of a Salesman and The Stranger, followed by review of the first twenty literary terms. We'll finish today with a discussion of existential philosophy leading into our deconstruction of Camus.
Friday, August 04, 2006
The First Day of School: August 7, 2006
Welcome back to Boone High School, team! Here we go:
AP Literature and Composition: Quiz (har har), syllabus, review the requirements for the first focus paper, discuss whether or not Marlow is a reliable narrator. Oh, and that school paperwork that we all have to do on Day One.
Gifted English IV: Distribute Frankenstein, distribute syllabi and other school-related forms, discuss Why We Care About Dead White People. Note: You have a senior assembly tomorrow during this class; report here first and then I will walk you over to the auditorium.
Gifted English II: A veritable river of handouts today--syllabi, literary terms lists, essay assignments, style sheets, and other Fun Things. You have a check-reading test tomorrow in this class on The Stranger and Death of a Salesman. Bring a pencil!!!
The sophomore assembly will be on Thursday during 3rd period.
Also, the first meeting of my club--INFORMATION SOCIETY--will be Friday after school. This is a club for the "intellectually curious" students who would like to usher with the Orlando/UCF Shakespeare Festival, travel to foreign countries, participate in charitable drives, and go to chocolate-making parties. In other words, the best club on campus. There are no dues and everyone is an officer, so I hope to see you after school on Friday!!!
AP Literature and Composition: Quiz (har har), syllabus, review the requirements for the first focus paper, discuss whether or not Marlow is a reliable narrator. Oh, and that school paperwork that we all have to do on Day One.
Gifted English IV: Distribute Frankenstein, distribute syllabi and other school-related forms, discuss Why We Care About Dead White People. Note: You have a senior assembly tomorrow during this class; report here first and then I will walk you over to the auditorium.
Gifted English II: A veritable river of handouts today--syllabi, literary terms lists, essay assignments, style sheets, and other Fun Things. You have a check-reading test tomorrow in this class on The Stranger and Death of a Salesman. Bring a pencil!!!
The sophomore assembly will be on Thursday during 3rd period.
Also, the first meeting of my club--INFORMATION SOCIETY--will be Friday after school. This is a club for the "intellectually curious" students who would like to usher with the Orlando/UCF Shakespeare Festival, travel to foreign countries, participate in charitable drives, and go to chocolate-making parties. In other words, the best club on campus. There are no dues and everyone is an officer, so I hope to see you after school on Friday!!!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
SENIORS ONLY
Dear Class of 2007,
You should have received a letter at home by now, but in the event that you haven't:
You can come to BHS on Friday, August 4, from 2-4 p.m. and do the following:
You should have received a letter at home by now, but in the event that you haven't:
You can come to BHS on Friday, August 4, from 2-4 p.m. and do the following:
- Select your locker in the 100 hall (bring a lock)
- Pick up your schedule ahead of time
- Get your parking decal at a kiosk outside the Media Center
Hope to see you there!
Finish your summer reading! Remember--SparkNotes=Evil!
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