Posted by Amy Kalmar on Saturday, May 5, 2012,
In :
Assignments
You need to have the note taking portion of your research nearly completed
by next class -- don't forget to use the template distributed in
class. We will begin to talk about outlining and paper writing, and if
you do not have your research done, you will waste your own time.
At the following link, you can find the blank note taking template, as well as a list of suggested sources to investigate to use in your project.
Also, don't forget that your outside reading assignment is due May 1... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, May 1, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Go to the following link:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ax1c7n3uqkqwxu6/2z4_exTpPWand read the selection of passages from The Plague that could be considered existential or somehow controversial in nature. (Email me immediately if you have troubles opening the files -- telling me about your computer troubles on the day I check homework is not an acceptable excuse.)Please note that the link also contains copies of the blank notetaking template, and a study guide for your final exam.2. Make a l... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, April 23, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Find two internet sources on the topic of EXISTENTIALISM (philosophy). Print a copy (at least part of the article, if possible... you will not be able to print a video, for example) to bring to class, and also post links to your sources on our class blog (in the comment section of this post).
2. Read the following excerpts from The Plague: pp. 7-17, 36-47, 61-63 (beginning at "About this time" at the bottom of the page), and 67-77.3. Lesson assessment (writing assignment) in class on the 2... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, April 5, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Finish the bottom STEAL chart on the back of your "Character Interpretation" notes, using one of the character's you will be acting out in your acting company.
2. Read Act V of AMND Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, April 2, 2012,
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Assignments
Finish up the four-part
chart we began in class (AMND SparkNotes vs. Reading AMND Quietly vs.
acting it out in class, vs. watching the movie version) Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, March 30, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Read Act IV and be prepared for a reading quiz.
2. Finish up the four-part chart we began in class (AMND SparkNotes vs. Reading AMND Quietly vs. acting it out in class, vs. watching the movie version) Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, March 30, 2012,
In :
Assignments
Finish the "Verbs: Practice with Tenses" WS Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, March 27, 2012,
In :
Assignments
Using my Act I & II guides as a model, create a guide for Act III. Your guide should have blanks (at least ten), and include... -- all important plot points -- a meaningful quote (important to theme, etc) from each scene -- some sort of visual element (a diagram, pictures to represent plot events, etc) Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, March 15, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Read Act III of A Midsummer Night's Dream.2. Enjoy break! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, March 14, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Figurative Language FA next class. Use our jeopady game to start your studying:
http://jeopardylabs.com/play/figurative-language306 2. Read all of Act II and complete the Act II guide Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, March 14, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. You will have a figurative language FA next class. If you want to review, you could start with this Jeopardy game: http://jeopardylabs.com/play/figurative-language3062. Together in class, we went through one example of a figurative language analysis and then did another one in pairs / on our own. Please do another analysis for homework. Steps 1 & 2 can be handwritten, but I would like your "Possible Conclusions" to be typed.3. Make sure you've read through Act II & complete the Act II g... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, March 8, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Read to the end of Act II and prepare for your role. Make sure you read your part aloud before coming to class -- it will be easier for the audience to understand, and you'll look composed and professional!2. Use Acts I & II to fill out the figurative language chart on the back of your Act I guide. Make sure you fill it out completely... all four columns, and all ten rows. You need to include at least one example of each type of figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification, sy... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, March 7, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Make sure you've read Act I. Fill out the "Act I Guide" (both sides -- "Athenians" and "The Mechanicals"). Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, March 7, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Final drafts of paragraph #4 are due (Shakespeare)2. Read through Act II, scene i in AMND and prepare for your assigned role! Make sure to read your part out loud before you get to class so that you can do it dramatically and effortlessly.3. Finish the "Act I Guide" (front side only) that was handed out in class Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, March 6, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Read all of Act I in A Midsummer Night's Dream
2. Rough draft #4 ("Should HS students read Shakespeare?") due Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, March 2, 2012,
In :
Assignments
Read Act I, scene i of A Midsummer Night's Dream and prepare for your role (given in class) Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, March 2, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. A Days: Final version of theme paragraph
2. Read Act I, scene i of A Midsummer Night's Dream and prepare for your role
3. Make sure your Figurative Language graphic organizers are filled out through personification. The first four columns should be filled out -- we will fill out the AMND column together as we go through the play. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, February 29, 2012,
In :
Assignments
Write a well-structured thesis statement which answers the question, "Should high school students read Shakespeare?" Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, February 27, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Rought Draft #3 (comparing themes) due
2. Thesis statement #4 - "Should HS students read Shakespeare?"
3. Final revisions for #1 - March 6th/7th Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, February 24, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Bring in a copy of the lyrics of three (3) of your favorite songs.2. 4B: Rough draft paragraphs (comparing themes) due on TuesdayLater dates:Wednesday, the 29th - rough draft paragraphs (comparing themes) due for A-Day classesMarch 6th/7th - last day to turn in revisions for "Death in Sumerian culture" paragraphs Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, February 21, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Performance Assessment next class (comparing epics, close reading of a text, citing evidence, writing thesis statements)2. Thesis Statement due: compare and/or contrast one or more themes in Beowulf and Gilgamesh3. Final Paragraph due: comparison/contrast between Sumerian & Anglo-Saxon culture4. Final Revisions due by March 6th - death in Sumeria paragraph Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, February 17, 2012,
In :
Assignments
Finish the chart we began in class, answering the question, "Is Beowulf a good king?" We set it up in two columns:
Qualities of a good king: Does Beowulf have this quality? (w/ textual evidence)1234Make sure that you evidence is specific and contains QUOTES from the text as well as their page numbers. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, February 16, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Turn your thesis statement from last class into a paragraph. Your paragraphs will be graded according to the following categories:Focus (narrow, manageable topic; all details relevant to main point)Organization ("Bring it up - Back it up - Sum it up")Content (interesting, debatable topic; original ideas; plenty of textual support)Usage (grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation; formatting - typed & MLA style)Style (interesting diction, varied sentence construction, writing "flows")2... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, February 16, 2012,
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Assignments
Read pp. 94-98 of Beowulf ("For the youthful warrior" and ending at "of life and lordship I have long held") and create a story board -- a series of pictures with summaries and page numbers describing the most important events in the story. For each box (you should have at least six), including a drawing, a summary in your own words of what happens, and the page number on which it happens. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, February 15, 2012,
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Assignments
1. A DAYS: Complete a Venn diagram (or other organizer) comparing and contrasting Anglo-Saxon and Sumerian culture, using evidence from Beowulf and Gilgamesh respectively. You have many avenues to explore -- religion, values, economics, warriors, social status, qualities of a good king, etc, etc, etc -- so I should see more than three bullet points!4B ONLY: You are going to use the "Council of the Gods" organizer to compare and contrast Gilgamesh and Beowulf as heroes / good kings. You are ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, February 13, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Complete the back of the "Metacognition: Troubleshooting" Worksheet.2. Use some of our reading comprehension strategies to work your way through the first two pages of the Beowulf handout that I gave you in class. Circle unfamiliar words, mark passages you're struggling with, write comments and questions in the margins, etc. Be sure to read slowly, identify if you're understanding what you're reading, reread confusing passages, and try to work out words using context. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, February 10, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Read the second translation of Beowulf (by Michael Alexander) I handed out in class. Annotate your text, showing me that you made use of some of the strategies we discussed in class for reading difficult texts.2. Fill out the back side of the "Metacognition: Troubleshooting" worksheet. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, February 8, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Finish up your graphic organizer comparing and contrasting Sumerian and American culture. Make sure you support all of your claims with evidence -- from Gilgamesh, from your personal life, from the modern media, etc...PRE-AP ONLY
2. Read the selection I gave you from the end of Beowulf (when the elderly Beowulf slays a dragon). As you read, please:- keep a running list of plot points. Please don't do this afterwards... you'll forget what happened. Make the list as you read.
- Comment on the ...
Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, February 6, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Your first biweekly PowerSchool printout is due this class. Print out your English grades from PowerSchool, and bring them in to show me.2. Complete the "Know Thyself" worksheet. Here is the link to the quiz: http://www.literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html3. Remember that if you want to take AP English, you need to submit a paragraph to me by Wednesday which explains your motivations for taking this rigorous course and why you believe you're a good candidate for the cla... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, February 2, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Vocabulary collage -- 10 words, 10 pictures, 10 definitions (on the back), and 1 quote about words2. If you are interested in taking AP English next year, please write a paragraph explaining why you want to take AP and why you believe you're a strong candidate for this extremely rigorous class. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, January 31, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Revise one of your theses (re: death/funereal traditions in Sumeria) 2. Research (write a definition in your own words) the following terms: requiem epitaph lament elegy dirge Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, January 27, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Final versions of Sumerian culture paragraphs2. Research the following: requiem, lament, elegy, epitaph, dirge. Include: - definition in your own words - examples drawn from literature or pop culture (songs, movies, etc) Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, January 26, 2012,
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Assignments
Fill out three rows of your culture analysis chart. In the left hand column, you should formulate a hypothesis (or thesis statement!) about traditions surrounding death in ancient Sumerian culture. In the right hand column, come up with both textual evidence (including page numbers) to support your hypothesis, and examples of counterarguments that might make us question our conclusion. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, January 25, 2012,
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Assignments
Write a substantial (with evidence, explanation, analysis, etc) and impeccably structured paragraph about what Gilgamesh might be able to tell us about death/funereal traditions in ancient Sumeria. Remember to make sure that your thesis is narrow and focused! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, January 24, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Brainstorm 10 (ten) traditions associated with DEATH in America. Try to come up with examples of art, movies, music, etc., that represent these traditions as well. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, January 20, 2012,
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Assignments
1. You will have a short (5 minute) assessment on lesson two (Epic Style) on Tuesday. Here is a link to the PPT we were using to review the epic conventions in class if you want to use it to help you study: http://www.mediafire.com/file/5sbgtr1kpimvwty/4.2.2 - Epic Style PPT - Modern Examples.pptx 2. Bring in a list of ten of your favorite words! They can be words you like the sound of, which look interesting, which have weird meanings, etc. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, January 20, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. You will have a short -- roughly five minute -- formal assessment (FA) on lesson two (Epic Style) at the beginning of the next class. 2. Aesir, Vanir, Hrimthursar (A Days): Using four epic conventions and the first ten vocab words of Unit 5, write a story/paragraph/poem/etc. Eldjotnar (B Day): Bring in a list of ten words that are fun to say, look interesting, have funny meanings, etc. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, January 18, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Finish the third column (Modern Examples) of your "Epic Style Worksheet."2. 3B ALFAR ONLY: Finish all your worksheets for Gilgamesh (1-6, 7-9, 10-12) and be ready to turn them in for a grade. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, January 18, 2012,
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Assignments
1. You'll have a formal assessment on Lesson 1 (qualities of an epic hero / epic quest) at the beginning of the next class.2. Make sure you're an expert on your assigned epic conventions (two each)... do additional research if you need more clarification, and then: a.) Find excerpts from other epics that illustrate each of your conventions.b.) Find a song for each of your conventions and post it (preferably a YouTube link, but just the name will work) in the comments section of this post. ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, January 11, 2012,
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Assignments
1. Write a short "epic," which includes all of the elements of the epic hero and the epic quest. Try, as best as you can, to imitate some of the style of Gilgamesh (i.e., the frequent repetition, the serious/important-sounding writing, etc). You can write about any subject you want, as long as you incorporate those elements. 2. Finish reading Gilgamesh (Tablets X-XII) 3. Finish Tablet VII-IX worksheet Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, January 11, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Your presentations are due at the beginning of the next class
(details at the bottom of this post). You need to submit a typed script
to me, and are welcome to bring in props, costumes, etc. to contribute
to your creativity & effort grade (although this is not mandatory). 2. Finish reading Gilgamesh (Tablets X-XII) 3. Finish Tablet VII-IX worksheet ************
EPIC
HERO PRESENTATIONS (30 Points)
Your groups must turn in a (typed) script and
present a 3-5 minute presentation of an oral ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, January 9, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Have your parents/guardians read and sign the "Second Semester Reminders and Updates."
2. Make sure you have all the materials you need for class, including a three-ring binder, loose leaf notebook paper, a folder for portfolio items, and a pack of sticky notes.
3. Read Gilgamesh, Tablets 7-9. Work on the worksheet for Tablets 1-6 (distributed in class). Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, January 5, 2012,
In :
Assignments
1. Read Tablets 1-6 (pp. 3-36) in Gilgamesh. Think about the following questions: In what ways is Gilgamesh a hero? In what ways is he not? What does the portrayal of Gilgamesh tell us about the culture that produced him?2. Make sure you bring a book for silent reading! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, December 7, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Your short stories are due! Please remember to consult your rubric (which you can find under "Current Assignments" on my LINKS page on this website), MLA guide (under "General Resources"), and peer editing questions (also under "Current Assignments").Please also take a few minutes to look at PowerSchool to see if you have any quizzes or tests to make up, or any other grades that you're concerned about. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, December 5, 2011,
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Assignments
Continue to work on your short stories! They are due on Thursday (for A day classes) or Friday (for B day classes). Make sure you have your drafts with you in class so that we can work on the process of REVISION! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, November 30, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Study for your Unit IV vocabulary quiz! Utilize online resources, especially the website we looked over together in class: http://quizlet.com/6715632/sadlier-oxford-vocabulary-workshop-level-e-unit-4-flash-cards/ 2. Your short stories will be due on Thursday (8th) and Friday (9th) of next week... you will get your drafts back next class, and may want to begin working on the final versions even before we've finished our in-class revisions. 3. Be prepared for a performance assessment on the w... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, November 28, 2011,
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Assignments
DANES ONLY:Study for your pronoun requiz on Wednesday.
EVERYONE:"Show, Don't Tell Vocab." In class, we talked about how effective writing "shows" the audience rather than "tells," using vivid imagery, dialogue, direct action, and interesting diction. "Telling," on the other hand, is just making boring, straightforward factual statements, without creating a vivid image for the reader. Pick ten (10) vocab words from Unit IV (I recommend choosing words you
struggle with -- give yourself extra... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, November 17, 2011,
In :
Assignments
We read an interesting selection of short stories during Unit III, and I know plenty of you did some grumbling about a few of them ("In the Penal Colony," anyone?). Well, it's time for you to prove that you're more than a match for Kurt Vonnegut or Franz Kafka... the last thing we'll be doing in Unit III is exploring the five-step writing process and writing our own short stories!The five steps of the writing process are:I - Invent (brainstorm, muse, dream, ponder, explore)O - Organize (plan... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, November 15, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Pronoun Review Worksheet (distributed in class)2. Study for your pronoun quiz! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, November 11, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Finish steps two and three of the Short Story Analysis Assignment. This will help you study for your test!2. Study for your test!Resources:1. "Richard Cory" (http://www.bartleby.com/104/45.html)2. "Spark Notes" style write up on "In the Penal Colony" -- not perfect, but there are a lot of good thoughts in this article. You might find the "themes" section particularly useful. (http://www.shmoop.com/penal-colony/)3. Unit III Study Guide --> Click on "Files" at the top of this web page, an... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, November 10, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Complete all six items under "Step One" of the Short Story Analysis Assignment, handed out to you in class. CP: "By the Waters of Babylon" Pre-AP: "In the Penal Colony" Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, November 8, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. a. Create a diagram of Prince Prospero's seven colored chambers, labeling each chamber with its color and a list of associations/connotations associated with that color. (story on pg. 495) b. Create a list of vivid images (words and phrases which appeal to the five senses and create "mental pictures" for a reader) that Poeuses in "The Masque of the Red Death" (story on pg. 495). Be sure you note the page number! c. Create a list of interesting words which help create the mood of "Th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, November 7, 2011,
In :
Assignments
EVERYONE:#1. Remember that the handouts for your group projects about analyzing elements of short stories must be emailed to me (or given to me in hard copy) by 7 AM on Wednesday morning!#2. Waegmundings & Scyldings Only: Finish up your vocabulary sentences for Unit IV (first ten words).#3. Short stories for next class by class...
DANES:Read and annotate "By the Waters of Babylon" (textbook page 174). Annotation includes:- indicating important points;
- writing comments & questions;
- indicating unfa...
Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, November 4, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Make flashcards for vocabulary Unit IV. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, November 2, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Read "The Masque of the Red Death" (textbook pg. 495) and be ready for a reading quiz. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, November 1, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Create a colorful visual representation of the seven chambers in Prince Prospero's palace in "The Masque of the Red Death" (textbook page 495). For each chamber, label:1. The color (with the page number where you found this information)2. The contents of that room (with page number)3. Any vivid imagery associated with the room itself or any actions which take place inside of the room (with page numbers)4. Any connotation, significance, meaning, or connection you can think of for that color/r... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, October 31, 2011,
In :
Assignments
#1. Complete the blog assignment found at the following link: http://englishii.yolasite.com/class-blog/due-28-31-october-blog-assignment-everyone- #2. Finish the diction chart for "The Raven" which we began working on in class. Include a meaningful discussion of at least six (6) words. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, October 28, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. There will be a quiz on Unit III vocab next class. This quiz will NOT contain any grammar -- just the words! 2. Please read Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" (textbook pg. 495) and create a diction chart like the one we did for "The Raven." Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, October 28, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Finish reading "Lamb to the Slaughter" and be prepared for a reading quiz! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, October 26, 2011,
In :
Assignments
In honor of Halloween, our blog assignment for next class is inspired by
the work of Edward Gorey, an amazing American illustrator and author
noted for his use of the macabre, which is a type of art with a dark,
grim atmosphere that often deals with death and decay... think Edgar
Allan Poe, Tim Burton's The Night Before Christmas and Corpse Bride, etc.
Gorey wrote and illustrated a "children's" book called The Gashlycrumb Tinies,
about twenty-six children (one for each letter of the alp... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, October 20, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Everyone: Read the short story "Lamb to the Slaughter," by Roald Dahl (textbook page 379). You may (or may not) be quizzed on the contents of the story next class.Geats: Please remember that your persuasive essays are due in class on Wednesday, October 26th!Enjoy Fall Break! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, October 19, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Please note that the assignments vary by section, again!
Everyone: There is going to be a character analysis assessment next class. Please bring your textbooks to class.
Danes: 1) Persuasive essays now due Thursday, the 20th; 2) Unit III Vocab flashcards... word on one side, definition + an illustration on the flip side
Geats: 1) Persuasive essays are due on Tuesday, the 25th; 2) Finish "Harrison Bergeron" character organizer
Ylfings: 1) Persuasive essays are due on Thursday, the 20th
Wae... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, October 17, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Apologies, guys... I forgot to post this on Friday. The homework today varies by section, so please pay close attention!Danes: Persuasive essays due Tuesday.Geats: Vocab flashcards for Unit III -- word on one side, definition and an illustration on the backsideYlfings: STEAL poster (see previous post for details)Waegmundings: NoneVolsungs: Persuasive essays due WednesdayScyldings: Vocab flashcards for Unit III -- word on one side, definition and an illustration on the backside Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, October 13, 2011,
In :
Assignments
[Update: Please note that the Geats' due date was pushed back until Tuesday the 25th!]
Please note that due dates for these papers are scattered over the
course of the next two weeks! Be sure you get these papers to me on
time -- major assignments carry a penalty of one letter grade taken off
per day late!Danes: Tuesday, October 18thVolsungs: Wednesday, October 19thYlfings: Thursday, October 20thWaegmundings, Scyldings, & Geats: Tuesday, October 25thPlease
feel free to see me at any time ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, October 10, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Due Dates:
Danes & Geats - October 14th Volsungs, Waegmundings, Scyldings - October 17th Ylfings - October 18th
Understanding
literature helps us to understand ourselves.
Let’s think of ourselves as the protagonists in a story written by God…
what would our own character analysis look like?
For next class, make
a poster about yourself using the S.T.E.A.L. acronym as a guideline.
Speech: What is your
favorite quote (or one you really like)?
Thoughts: What do
you believe strongly in... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, October 6, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Read the short story distributed in class ("Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.). If you were not there to get a copy, come pick one up or print from the following link: http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harrison.html.Provide an annotation of the story, including the following elements:While reading...1. Write comments & questions in the margins of the text.2. Underline phrases, quotes, etc., which reveal character.3. Write unfamiliar vocabulary words on a sticky note, index card, or smal... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, October 5, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Write a short story about anything... the only requirement is that it has to be at least two pages long (i.e., the front and back of a piece of paper). You do not have to use vocabulary words. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, September 30, 2011,
In :
Assignments
#1. [College Prep Only] If you did not finish your flashcards in class, I will check them before the test next class.#2. Study for your quiz on Unit 2 Vocab and Grammar (Nouns)! Make good use of the flashcards we made!#3. Finish your persuasive essay graphic organizer and rough draft. Your draft should be at least six (6) healthy paragraphs in length. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, September 27, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Please write a rough draft of the introductory paragraph of your persuasive essay for next class. Make sure you format your paragraph according to the guidelines we went over in class. Your paragraph must include:#1. An attention-grabbing opener... PLEASE don't send me to sleep with your essays!#2. Elaboration on your topic, background on the issue, a discussion about why this issue is significant, etc.#3. A strong thesis statement summarizing your opinion AND the three major points you wil... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, September 21, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Vocab DramaUsing all twenty (20) vocabulary words from Unit II, write a skit/play/drama about any topic. Make sure you use the words in context Your play should be formatted something like this:
MS. KALMAR: My sophomores have developed an insidious plan to convince me to stop giving them Viking facts every day!
VIKING: Alas, I feel bereft of all happiness in this life now that you've told me this!(Points Possible: 20)2. Optional Extra Credit (5 Quiz/Test Points)
As you all know, as ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, September 19, 2011,
In :
Assignments
You have a test on Unit 2 -- "Truth & Lies: What is real? (Nonfiction). This test will not include any vocabulary or grammar concepts. Fair game: COLLEGE PREP Types of nonfiction Considerations for reading nonfiction Nonfiction strategies (annotation, KWL charts, etc.) POV, Audience, Bias, Motive "How to Win an Argument" (Four Steps) Pathos / Logos / Ethos Counterarguments PRE-AP All of the above + analyzing arguments for weaknesses (fallacies, weasel words, hyperbole, understatement, etc.) ** Study a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, September 14, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Choose what you believe are the six most difficult vocabulary words from UNIT TWO. Make a picture/illustration for each of these words, and below the image write 1) a definition in your own words and 2) one synonym for the word. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, September 14, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Browse through the following Wikipedia article on logical fallacies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fallacies. Choose one fallacy that we did not talk about in class, and be ready to explain it for the class and provide an example of this fallacy.
2. Using the topic you chose for your persuasive essay, write a paragraph making BAD/FALLACIOUS ARGUMENTS for your position. Use at least THREE logical fallacies in your paragraph -- either those we discussed in class, or fallacies taken f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, September 12, 2011,
In :
Assignments
You have a quiz on Unit 1 Vocabulary (#1-20) and Grammar: Parts of Speech at the beginning of class on Wednesday/Thursday!
For vocab, you should be able to:
- provide or identify a definition for the word
- provide or identify synonyms/antonyms
- use the word in an original sentence
For grammar, you should be able to:
- define and identify all eight parts of speech (noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, interjection)
- create an original sentence using specified...
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Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, September 8, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Please note: The Scyldings have an additional assignment listed below!1. Write a short essay (three paragraphs) on your chosen persuasive essay topic... arguing from the opposite perspective. (I.e., if your position is "Homework should be abolished," you would write a short essay about the importance of daily homework.) Make sure you include at least three (3) well-reasoned arguments and include examples of logos, pathos, and ethos. Please note that this is the first assignment you are submi... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, September 8, 2011,
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Assignments
1. Prepare for a short quiz on Monday/Tuesday on the following topics: Point-of-View Audience Bias Motive Please remember that you will be asked to do more than merely DEFINE... you will be given a text/image/video/etc and asked to apply your knowledge of these concepts. Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, September 6, 2011,
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Assignments
#1. Please have a parent/guardian sign the Video Release form that I handed out in class. #2. Write a story about anything using the second half of the vocabulary words for Unit One (#11-20). Make sure that you use the words in context so that I know that you know what the words mean. I.e., "I am ambidextrous" is not sufficient because ambidextrous could mean almost anything in that sentence. On the other hand (har!), "I am ambidextrous because I can write my name with either hand" shows me... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, September 1, 2011,
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Assignments
(Please note: College Prep & Scyldings have additional assignments at the bottom of this page.)#1. Write a sentence for each of the first ten (10) vocabulary words in
Unit One of your vocabulary books. You must use at least seven out of
the eight parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) in each
sentence! E.g., " The savage (1. adjectives) Vikings (2. noun) pillaged (3. verb) the village (noun) thoroughly (4. adverb) on Saturday (5. prepositional phrase) because (6. conjunction) they (7... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, August 30, 2011,
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Assignments
#1. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting POV, audience, motive, and bias in Kohn ("From Degrading to De-grading") and Rose ("I Just Wanna Be Average"). You don't need to touch on all four elements. Write a healthy paragraph (at least six sentences) about what really strikes you as similar/different about their respective worldviews. #2. Read pp. 7-10 in your vocabulary books and be prepared for a small quiz! #3. Cover your textbooks! Be sure to bring the books to class so that I can c... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, August 30, 2011,
In :
Assignments
#1. Fill out the right-hand section of the KWL chart you started for the Kohn article ("From Degrading to De-grading") -- "What I Learned." [2B VOLSUNGS ONLY: Finish marking up the article that we began in class. Put a "T" next to topic sentences, underline or highlight main points, write notes and questions in the margins, put boxes around unfamiliar words, and summarize the article at the end.]#2. Complete a second grammar four-square (you can write on the back of your first one) with def... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, August 25, 2011,
In :
Assignments
#1 - Fold a piece of paper into four squares/quadrants. In each quadrant, write a definition, three (3) examples, and an illustration for each of the following parts of speech: - Noun
- Verb
- Adjective
- Adverb
#2 - Don't forget your submissions for "A Lie a Day"! Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Thursday, August 25, 2011,
In :
Assignments
#1 - Submit a paper to me with definitions, illustrations, and three (3) examples for all eight parts of speech:
- Noun
- Pronoun
- Verb
- Adverb
- Adjective
- Preposition
- Conjunction
- Interjection
You can go any direction you'd like with your illustrations -- just come
up with some sort of visual symbol to represent this grammatical
category.
#2 - Please read "I Just Wanna Be Average," by Mike Rose, for next
class, and be prepared to take a reading quiz on the text. You can find
the text at the following ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, August 23, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Look over the article "From Degrading to De-grading," by Alfie Kohn. 2.
Fill out the first two sections of a KWL ("Know Already," "Want to
Know," "Learned") chart. What do you already know about the topic
(grading)? What questions do you have about the topic before you begin? 3.
Look at the headings, italicized items, bulleted lists, sidebars, etc.,
and make a prediction about what the author is trying to prove in this
article. **BRING YOUR ASSIGNMENT IN HARDY COPY TO NEXT CLASS (= th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Tuesday, August 23, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. At the beginning of class, please turn in an annotated version of Alfie Kohn's article, "From Degrading to De-grading." You should include: -- a list of your previous knowledge on the topic; -- questions you have about the topic/text before reading; -- a prediction about the point the author is trying to make; -- highlighting/underlining in the text; -- comments and questions written in the margins; -- a brief (2-3 sentence) summary of the entire piece at the end.2. Please find a nonficti... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, August 19, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Read and/or watch the speech which Erica Goldson gave at her high school graduation in 2010:Text: http://www.lewrockwell.com/pr/valedictorian-against-schooling.htmlVideo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M4tdMsg3tsIn the comment section of this post, please react to the video. Your reactions do not have to be in paragraph form, but they should be logical and grammatical. You may write as little or as much as you like as long as you demonstrate real thought (i.e., "I thought it was dumb" isn'... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Friday, August 19, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Please watch the video found at the following address ("RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms"):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4UTranscript: http://dotsub.com/view/58707cf2-f861-46dd-95c3-62020b4ec8c8/viewTranscript/engFor your assignment, respond to this video in the form of a well-written paragraph (at least five sentences). Where you want to go with this assignment is up to you... did you agree with it? Disagree with it? Respond emotionally? What was Robinson's best point... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Wednesday, August 17, 2011,
In :
Assignments
1. Please leave a link to one of your favorite songs** in the comment section of this post.
Your Name
Section
Link2. Watch one of your classmates' videos and click "reply" to their comment. Write a one-sentence theme for that song.Your Name
Section
One-sentence theme**Please note that songs MUST be appropriate for a Catholic school! Foul language or inappropriate themes are not permissible for this assignment. If you leave an inappropriate link, it will be removed and we'll have an uncomfortabl... Continue reading ...
Posted by Amy Kalmar on Monday, August 15, 2011,
In :
Assignments
Pick one of the story lines from The Bean Trees (i.e., Taylor's move from Kentucky to Arizona, Turtle's back story, etc) and explain how Barbara Kingsolver employs archetypes (plot, setting, and/or character). For full points, explain how she particularizes the universal archetypes in her story. College Prep Length Requirement: three sentences Pre-AP Length Requirement: a healthy paragraph Points Possible: 5 Continue reading ...
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