Tuesday, December 22

Freshmen: Today we had a seminar on the book Speak. You've got no homework over the break - enjoy yourselves.

Sophomores: We had a seminar on book and film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Over the break, improve your personal legend essays and complete your This I Believe projects.

CNF: Today we finished The Thin Blue Line.

Basketball: Great job getting the win last night. Done today at 5. Next week we practice Monday and Tuesday at 8 AM - 10 AM. Rest up and come ready to play.

Friday, December 18

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam and finished your definition essays. Grandparent project is due Monday; Tuesday Speak is due with your seminar notes.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam and looked at some This I Believe Statements. The book is due Tuesday, and your project is due no later than January 4.

CNF: Today we began a film study of The Thin Blue Line.

Basketball: We are at Monument Park today, 1306 South Wasatch (about 2400 East). Saturday, be to Judge by 10 after 8, and we will finish about 10:45.

Thursday, December 16

Freshmen: Today we practiced writing a definition essay. For homework, keep working on your grandparent project that's due next Monday, voacb is due Friday, and Speak is due next Tuesday.

Sophomores: Today we continued our film study of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Finish the book for Tuesday; vocab is due Friday; your end of the semester project is due any time before January 4.

CNF: Today we had our seminar on Galdwell and the Freakonomic's author's ideas about crime reduction.

Basketball: We're at Sunnyside today, but Friday we're at the Monument Park Ward, located 1306 South Wasatch Drive.

Tuesday, December 14 and Wednesday, December 15

Freshmen: Today we focused on the reading skill of visualization and continued our study of definition essays. Continue to read Speak and finish chapter 7 vocab and your grandparent project.

Sophomores: Today we began a film study of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. You should have 15 notes total for our seminar, covering both the book and the film.

CNF: Today we finished Galdwell's piece on Broken Window's Theory and Chapter 4 from Freakonomics. Have both these read with 15 notes for our seminar on Thursday.

Basketball: Great effort again last night; We'll go until 5:30 the next three nights up at the ward.

Compeling Non-Fiction Semester Final Exam

Hi. You will complete an essay exam for our final. Bring your books to class to help you. You will choose the prompt, and may bring a page of prep notes to the exam to use to help you write the essay. The exam is posted below:

Compelling Non-Fiction First Semester Final Exam

Directions: Choose one of the following essay prompts to answer. Support your answer with evidence from four different sources: Both texts we read this semester, at least one of the films we have viewed, and your own personal experience.

Possible Prompts:

1. Is the statement that “Morality represents how we would like the world to work; economics represents the way it actually does work” a true statement?
2. What ethical obligations must constructors of non-fiction texts adhere to?
3. Is conventional wisdom wisdom? Or is it folly?
4. How can we use our knowledge of incentives to encourage moral behavior and make the world a better place?

2009-2010 World Literature Semester Exam Prep Guide

Hi. Here is your exam prep guide. You may have ONE sheet of paper with notes for the ESSAY EXAM ONLY (yes, Crispo - that means you can write on both sides). You may only use your notes on the essay exam. I encourage you to prep well.

Essay Exam Questions:
Choose one of the following prompts for your essay. Be sure to use evidence from the texts we have read, viewed, and listened to, discussions we’ve had, and class lectures to support your answer, as well as your own personal experience. In your header you must identify the type of lead and conclusion you are using. Craft a compelling title when finished.
1. Explain how all the books we read this semester are essentially Taoist in nature.
2. Explain how all the books we read this semester could be considered parables.
3. Explain how at least one of the books we read this semester acted as both a mirror and a window for you (in other words, explain how one book this semester either taught you about yourself or taught you about other people).
4. Explain a common belief shared among at least three of the main characters that we read this semester (this is not a first person This I Believe essay, but an analytical one that compares and contrasts).

There will also be a 50 question vocab review from chapters 1-7, and a 35 question multiple choice exam that covers material from your notes - focus especially on stuff from your terminology section.

Monday, December 14

Freshmen: Today we began a study of definition essays - read the section on it from Models for Writers. Remember these due dates: Friday = vocab, next Monday = grandparent project, Tuesday = Speak and seminar notes.

Sophomores: Today we composed a letter as if we were in the same situation as Mr. Bauby. We also looked at a few This I Believe statements that go along well with our text. Remember, Friday vocab is due, next Tuesday our book and seminar notes are due, and you should be working on your final project.

CNF: Today we began looking at two texts that examine drop in crime rates in the mid-1990s. Chapter 4 and the supplemental texts are due for Thursday's seminar.

Basketball: Meet today in my room at 3:15. Game is 5:15.

World Literature Extra Credit Option

Hi - Some of you have asked about possible extra credit options. Here is what you can do. Go to www.speakingoffaith.org and listen to The Body's Grace, about a man named Matthew Sanford who, at age 13, was involved in an accident that left him without the use of his legs. He explores the mind-body connection, which is especially important to think about at this point in the semester since we are reading The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. It is about a 55 minute radio program - listen to it, and then write a one page, typed reaction to the interview where you focus on things Sanford and Tippet say and relate it to what you are reading in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. This is due January 4, and is worth up to 50 points extra credit for this quarter.

Friday, December 11

Freshmen: Today we introduced the notion of a Socratic Seminar for Speak, building on the idea of asking good questions from yesterday. You should have 12 good notes, primarily questions, on Speak for our seminar on the 22nd. Be working on vocab and your grandparent project. Finish through the first two marking periods for Monday.

Sophomores: We began The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. We will conduct a seminar on the book and film on the 22nd. Be working on vocab and your end of the semester project.

CNF: We had our seminar on Hoop Dreams today.

Basketball: We're done today at 5. Practice from 8-10 Saturday with breakfast at Jake's right after.

Thursday, December 10

Freshmen: Today we focused on the reading skill of question-asking, particularly looking for disparities in what we read. We read an excellent descriptive essay by Barry Lopez titled "The Blue Mound People" - check it out if you can. We also looked at your letters to the editor - good luck, and let me know when you get published. Read for 20 minutes - The first two marking periods in Speak are due Monday; next Friday vocab chapter 7 is due.

Sophomores: Today we had good seminars on Siddhartha. You need The Diving Bell and the Butterfly tomorrow. Next Friday chapter 7 vocab is due.

CNF: We concluded our study of Hoop Dreams and looked at some pieces that updated us on Arthur and William, their successes and tragedies, since the film's release.

Basketball: We played a great game last night, and the coaches are really proud. We will practice until 5:30 tonight and end at 5 on Friday.

Tuesday, December 8

Freshmen: Today we focused on how illustrative and descriptive essays make abstract concepts concrete. We viewed a documentary where a man attempts to make concrete the sheer number of victims of the Holocaust by attempting to count out 6 million grains of rice. We then wrote an in class essay on the following prompt: In Speak, Melinda feels isolated and lonely. Is her isolation self-imposed, or is it imposed by those around her? We used specific examples from the text to make the abstract concept of isolation concrete.

Sophomores: Today we focused on om/aum, as it contains the key to understanding both the character and the text Siddhartha.

CNF: We nearly finished our viewing of Hoop Dreams - we will conduct a seminar on Thursday for the film.

Basketball: Practice ends at 5:30 tonight. Meet at 5 to 4 tomorrow; bus for Highland leaves at 4. There is no bus back to Judge.

Monday, December 7

Freshmen: Today we began the novel Speak, discussing some of the issues to be aware of as readers and reading some of it. You need to read the first two Marking Periods for next Monday - about page 92. You can use your 20 minutes of reading for this homework, and should bring Speak to class each day and read from it at the start of class. Letters to the editor are due Thursday - it must be in an unsealed, addressed, stamped envelope. You may not use a school envelope - prepare. Your letter must have your address and phone number on it.

Sophomores: Today we focused on the concept of irony. Finish Siddhartha for Thursday - we will have our seminar on that day. You need a copy of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly on Friday.

CNF: We continued our study of the film Hoop Dreams.

Basketball: Meet here at Judge at 4:30.

Friday, December 4

Freshmen: We took a vocab exam and looked at your awesome Letters About Literature - mark it down - there is a good shot someone from our class wins the state competition. Read for 20 minutes this weekend. Have a copy of Speak in class on Monday; letters to the editor are due on Thursday.

Sophomores: We took a vocab quiz as well as one about Siddhartha and discussed the text. Due for next week: Monday = Letters about Literature (with stamped envelope and entry form); Thursday = finish Siddhartha and have 12 items for discussion that day; Friday have a copy of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

CNF: We continued our study of the film Hoop Dreams.

Basketball: Great job these past two games. Friday we end at 5:30, Saturday, we'll got from 8-11. Monday we are at home against Mountain Crest at 5:30 - we will have a study hall from 3-4 and film from at 4 before getting ready for the game.

Thursday, December 3

Freshmen: Today we had an introduction to using the library. Read for 20 minutes, and due Friday is your letter about literature (www.lettersaboutliterature.org) - be sure to have a stamped envelope, your entry coupon, and be sure your name and address is in your header. Also due Friday: chapter 6 vocab.

Sophomores: Today we introduced the Letters About Literature Contest (www.lettersaboutliterature.org). Your letter is due Monday - be sure to have a stamped envelope, your entry coupon, and be sure your name and address is in your header. Due Friday: chapter 6 vocab and everything through "By the River."

CNF: Today we began a study of the film Hoop Dreams.

Basketball: Meet at East at 4 PM.

Sophomore World Lit End of the Semester Project

As you have seen, or will soon see, all of the novels we read have a philosophy at its core, whether it is the religion and spirituality of Pi, Peekay’s The Power of One, Santiago’s belief in following dreams, Bauby’s belief in the power of the mind and spirit to overcome adversity, or Siddartha’s enlightenment. As we study these novels and philosophies, you will also develop your own personal philosophy, and present it as our capstone project for the semester.

We are going to use National Public Radio’s “This I Believe” as our model and prompt. “This I Believe” is a weekly radio broadcast where “Americans from all walks of life share the personal philosophies and core values that guide their daily lives.” In class and on your own, you will explore NPR’s website, and listen to and read several of these essays, as we will model our project on theirs. You can get a start by going to NPR.org and searching their webpage for “This I Believe.” There are tips on writing your essay that will help you in this process.

Our project will have three phases.

Phase 1: Begin to develop and define your own personal philosophy. You should be able to state it in a sentence, but you should also avoid clichés. You should use the philosophies in our novels as well as the philosophies of people you respect (those you know and those you only know of; those living and those dead) to help you craft your own. Part of the project is acknowledging your influences, just as Peekay acknowledges the influence of Doc, Nanny, Geel Piet, and Hoppie, and just as Pi was influenced by the Mr. Kumars, his priest, his pandit, his imam, and Richard Parker. Take notes in your notebook as your thinking evolves on a separate piece of paper. It will be collected. Use class assignments and discussions to help you with this.

Phase 2: Craft an essay that fits the parameters of NPR’s “This I Believe” submission guidelines and submit your essay to NPR. The guidelines can be found on NPR’s website. You must agree to their conditions in order to participate. You will also submit a paper copy of the same essay to me for a grade. The essay should be submitted to NPR before 1/4/10. You will submit the hard copy of your essay as well as your proof of submission to me on or before 1/4/10. Your proof will be printing the page that says “Thank you for submitting” – you will staple this to the copy of your essay as a cover page. You can hand this in early: I will take the essay any time after today. Submitting the essay is worth 50 points; the essay itself is worth 100.

Phase 3: Present your personal philosophy to the class in a roughly 4-minute presentation, which we will begin on 1/4/10. Your presentation must have the following elements:
• You will read your completed, best copy of your essay to the class, the one you submitted to NPR and to me. Bring another copy – I will follow along on the one you hand in.
• In the background, you will have a photo essay on a slide show that shows pictures while you read. Burn this on a disk or bring it on a jump drive, or email it to yourself. You can do this either here at school in the lab or at home. These might be personal photos, or pictures you find or scan from elsewhere, including artwork. Start this collection now.
• If you don’t have the know-how or capability to do an electronic photo essay like this, you can go “old school” by bringing in photos and figuring out how to display them in another way, guiding your audience through them as you read your essay.
• You don’t need to have a ton of photos because your photos should be coordinated with your essay. In other words, the visuals you provide should be in sync with the words you read, and the connection should be obvious to your audience.
• Your presentation will be worth 100 points and includes your reading of the essay as well as the photo essay.
Good luck, and see me if you have any questions.

Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 2

Freshmen: Today we began a study of descriptive/illustrative essays and are practicing it through the Letters About Literature contest. Your homework is to read the next two nights for twenty minutes. Your letter about literature essay is due on Friday, with a stamped envelope and your entry coupon.

Sophomores: Today we introduced the end of the semester project. It is posted on the blog. We also read, covered some literary terms, explored plot structure, and explored more themes emerging in the Tao. Due for Friday is everything through By the River and chapter 6 vocab.

CNF: Today we finished Chapter 3 from Freakonomics and held our seminar.

Basketball: Team Mass Wednesday, followed by studyhall prior to the game. Thursday, you are on your own until 4 - meet inside East High in the hallway between their two gyms.

Monday, November 30

Freshmen: Today we talked about your interviews and began writing the essays. Homework is to read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow, vocab is due Friday, and the essay is due 12/21. Vocab chapter 6 is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we took a quiz, discussed the reading, and looked at several This I Believe essays that you liked. Tomorrow we will introduce the end-of-the-semester project. Due for Friday is everything through "By the River" (page 100), and vocab chapter 6.

CNF: We read chapter 3 in Freakonomics and took 15 notes. We will have 20 minutes or so next period and then conduct our seminar.

Basketball: Normal schedule until 5:30 Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Wednesday, we will meet right after school for Mass, have a study hall, and then play Provo at 5:30. Thursday, you are on your own until 4 - you need to meet at 4 at East in the hallway next to the main gym. Saturday, we'll practice from 8-10 and watch film from 10-11.

Tuesday, November 24

Freshmen: Today we looked at your interview questions and a sample of the grandparent project. Your interview is due Monday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on reading the text. Part I, your essay, and the TIB worksheet is due on Monday.

CNF: Today we had a seminar on our film. Have a great break.

Basketball: Practice 8-11 on Wednesday, with flu shots for those that want it.

Rico - the Utes will win 38-24, but it won't be that close.

Monday, November 23

Freshmen: Today, we began The Grandparent Project (see post on it for more information). Your 20 questions are due tomorrow. Read for 20 minutes.

Sophomores: Today we began Siddhartha. See post for the reading schedule if you need to. Part I is due Monday, as is your essay.

CNF: We will hold a seminar tomorrow. You need to have your article from the opposing viewpoints resource center for tomorrow as well. Be sure to read it. Go to the JM website, click on academics, library, and there it is.

Basketball: Practice ends today at 5:30, tomorrow at 5:45. 8-11 on Wednesday at Judge. There will be H1N1 shots for those that want it. Cost is 20 dollars.

The Grandparent Project

Objectives:
1. To learn about an older person.
2. To practice interviewing.
3. To improve research skills.
4. To further develop essay writing based on research and interview.
5. To see writing as a gift you can give others.

Assignment:
1. Choose a person aged 60 or over to interview – preferably a grandparent.
2. The topic of the interview is up to you, but I strongly suggest interviewing the person about their experiences at Christmas as a young person. You can then give them a copy of your work as a gift at Christmas, and the whole thing fits together nicely.
3. Arrange to interview him or her beforehand. Target Thanksgiving weekend as the interview date – either face to face or by phone.
4. Write at least 20 questions to ask him or her. Avoid close-ended questions – ones that will end with a yes or no response. Ask questions that encourage the interviewee to tell a story.
5. Take notes during the interview. Leave room under each question for note-taking.
6. Use the notes to help you draft your story.
7. Follow the seven step process we covered earlier this year.
8. Research things that come up in the interview and add at least three facts to help develop the essay.
9. Write a bibliography (remember www.easybib.com).
10. You will hand in one copy to me, and need to bring at least one other copy to class gift-wrapped to show the class.
11. Give your gift-wrapped copy to your interview subject.

Interview Questions:
1. As stated, I recommend focusing on Christmas, but there are limitless possibilities. Ask about childhood, family, school, marriage, carreer, children, faith, opions about current issues, hobbies, past fads, differences between the past and present, and biographical data.

Conducting the Interview:
1. Keep the fact this will be a gift for them a secret, but explain that this is something they will do to help you with school.
2. Be courteous and grateful. Arrange for the interview ahead of time.
3. Ask open-ended questions so the subject does a lot of talking.
4. Be prepared to ask follow-up questions that are not on your list.
5. Thank the person you interview.
6. If you cannot do it in person, you may do it via email or by phone.

Writing the Essay:
1. Remember, good essays are 8-19 paragraphs. Put in the effort this kind of thing deserves.
2. Essay must be typed, double spaced, and so on – follow standard format.
3. Craft a compelling title at the top that is the same size as the rest of your work.
4. You may want to add a dedication page.
5. Your bibliography is the last page.
6. You may do things to spruce up your work if you want – pictures, decorative work, etc.

Assessment:
1. The interview is worth 20 points – 1 for each question with answer notes. All questions should be open-ended.
2. Final copies – 30 points for bringing in the gift for everyone to see and 100 points for the essay you hand in.
3. 150 points in all.

Timeline:
1. Interview due Monday, 11/30.
2. Essay for submission to Mr. Baird and gift essay due Monday, 12/21.

Siddhartha Reading Schedule

11/30 - Part I due.
12/4 - "By the River" due.
12/10 - Book due with 12 items for discussion in seminar held that day.
12/11 - Begin The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

Friday, November 20

Freshmen: We did a trianglulated assessment of your narrative essays. Be sure to have a copy of Speak for after the break.

Sophomores: We had our survey on The Alchemist today. You have an essay and a TIB worksheet due on 11/30. For Monday 11/23 you need a copy of Siddhartha.

CNF: We concluded our film and will have a seminar on Monday.

Basketball: Parent meeting and intrasquad on Monday.

TIB worksheet

This I Believe Quarter 2 Project
Name:

In order for you to get a better feel for what this program is all about, and to expose you to a wide variety of ideas and writing styles, you need to go to the “This I Believe” website at http://www.thisibelieve.org and read and/or listen to five essays this quarter. I would suggest spacing them out over a course of a couple of weeks so that you have time to digest each writer’s individual ideas. On their site, you can search for essays by topic, or you can simply look around and read ones at random. That’s up to you. What you do need to do is fill out the form below and hand it in when I call for it on Monday, November 30.

Essay 1:
Author:
Title: Date Viewed:
Your reaction (what did you think of the essay, what did it cause you to think about it, how did it make you feel, and so on – write a paragraph):












Essay 2:
Author:
Title: Date Viewed:
Your reaction (what did you think of the essay, what did it cause you to think about it, how did it make you feel, and so on – write a paragraph):

















Essay 3:
Author:
Title: Date Viewed:
Your reaction (what did you think of the essay, what did it cause you to think about it, how did it make you feel, and so on – write a paragraph):












Essay 4:
Author:
Title: Date Viewed:
Your reaction (what did you think of the essay, what did it cause you to think about it, how did it make you feel, and so on – write a paragraph):












Essay 5:
Author:
Title: Date Viewed:
Your reaction (what did you think of the essay, what did it cause you to think about it, how did it make you feel, and so on – write a paragraph):

Citing from a text in your writing

Here’s one way to integrate a quote into your writing:
One of the hardest things about growing up is figuring out who you are, and what you want to do with your life. While it’s one of the hardest things about growing up, it’s also perhaps the most important, for as Paulo Coelho writes in his novel The Alchemist, realizing “one’s destiny is a person’s only real obligation” (22).
Here’s another way:
One of the hardest things about growing up is figuring out who you are, and what you want to do with your life. While it’s one of the hardest things about growing up, it’s also perhaps the most important, because, “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only real obligation” (The Alchemist, 22).
How NOT to do it:
One of the hardest things about growing up is figuring out who you are, and what you want to do with your life. While it’s one of the hardest things about growing up, it’s also perhaps the most important. “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only real obligation” (The Alchemist, 22).

turnitin.com info

Here are the class numbers:
Period 1 Freshmen: 2854922
Period 6 Freshmen: 2854923
Period 4 Sophomores: 2854926
Period 7 Sophomores: 2854928
The password is judge.

New users click on new user and then on create student profile. It's pretty simple from there.

Essay on More Sample

Here is a sample of one of the better essays on the film More. Remember the prompt: What is the message, or theme, of the film More? Bear in mind the format of the blog changed the format of the essay, so don't model your format over this one.

November 8, 2009

Wanting More


Mark Osborne’s short film More tells a story that is a scathing indictment of the pressures and illusions of our modern consumption-driven world, but it’s also a story that offers hope. The message is clear: acquiring more never satisfies us, and therefore, there must be something more to our world than the material objects and trappings of success we pursue.
The film opens with images of children on a merry-go-round, and then cuts to the main character being awakened by his alarm clock. It’s unclear if these first images are his dreams, or his memories, but clearly they haunt him as he goes about his day in the gray, industrialized city that is his home. He is haunted, too, by another dream he has, the dream to create something meaningful that will contribute to society.
This idea for a new invention seems to preoccupy him throughout the day, and is underscored by the fact that, so far, it has been an abysmal failure relegated to a box beneath his bed. He leaves his small, dingy apartment to go to his job on an assembly line where he makes the Happy product. On his way to work, like the thousands of other sad, gray, nearly-lifeless beings in his city, he is exhorted to purchase the Happy product and is bombarded by the constant message to Get Happy! Everywhere he looks this message greets him and his brethren, impossible to miss in its pervasiveness, and also because its yellow logo stands out starkly against the grayness of the city.
This world, unfortunately, parallels our own world all too well. We live in a society that constantly bombards us with messages, a constant stream of promises that if we buy these pair of jeans, drive this car, drink this soda, and watch this show, we will be happy. We live in a world that constantly tells us we want and need more, and that happiness can come only from external sources. We live in a society that tries to tear us down so that we will become vulnerable to this message.
The main character in More seems to know better, however. Before leaving for his job, he opens the slot in his stomach and from it glows a powerful light. After being fired from his assembly-line job, he goes into a dressing room and opens that slot again, as if he needs to draw strength from this light. What it is isn’t clear exactly – his soul, his inner-light, his essence – but what is clear is that it’s this light that gives him strength and vitality, what makes him whole.
He returns to his sad little apartment after having purchased the Happy product and takes out his own invention, a set of goggles. From the dust-covered box it’s clear this is an idea he’s had for some time, one he’s grown frustrated with, having made no recent progress toward completing. He breaks apart the Happy product and uses some of its parts to complete his invention. Yet it needs one more thing. He opens the slot in his stomach and takes some of his essence, some of his light, and places it in his invention.
This transforms his goggles, and through the goggles, his world is transformed: His apartment becomes a mansion, the view from his window is not a dead, lifeless city but rather a lush mountain valley with trees and water. He names these goggles Bliss, which is best defined as “perfect untroubled happiness” and “a state of spiritual joy.” Perhaps, it seems, fulfillment can come from external sources, after all. For, with these new goggles, everything seems better. In time we realize that, too, is an illusion, no more real than the images the seen through the goggles.
The main character is named Greatest Inventor Ever, and lauded as a hero. He grows rich beyond imagining. He ascends to CEO of his own company. He seems happy.
We see other characters experience a form of happiness as well. There is a scene of two beings hugging while wearing Bliss, the only form of physical contact we see in the whole film. When the main character yells at a worker on the line just as he had been yelled at previously, the worker simply holds up the goggles and the yelling boss is transformed into a smiling, waving figure.
But this is all illusion, and Osborne seems to be warning us that outside forms of happiness are transitory at best, perhaps even outright dangerous illusions. Drugs, alcohol, material goods – in the end, they don’t fulfill us, they always leave us wanting more.
The main character of the film realizes this. In the final scene, he sits in his large office, behind his enormous power-desk. He is wearing his Bliss goggles. He removes them. His eyes are sad and baggy – clearly he is still not sleeping well, and the momentary happiness he attained through his invention and the trappings of success has fled. He sets the goggles on his desk and opens the slot in his stomach. The light is gone. Though he found worldly success, he lost himself, lost his essence. Osborne’s film couldn’t be more clear – success and happiness, as our culture defines it, is empty. It leaves us wanting more and more, but the pursuit and acquisition of that more can never fulfill us, and perhaps cost us our very souls.
The main character comes to this sad realization, but it is yet not too late for him. He gets up from his desk and goes to his window, where something has caught his eye. He looks out the window and the camera zooms in on a forgotten corner of this sad city: children, colorful and vibrant, laugh and play on a merry-go-round together.
They wear no goggles.

Thursday, November 19

Freshmen: Today we looked at your essays on More and looked at an example of how to do the assignment well. If you choose, you can revise and resubmit for a better grade on Monday. Include your original with your revision to improve your grade.

Sophomores: Today we looked at another TIB essay and introduced an assignment due after the break. We then began an essay assignment due to turnitin.com by 8 am on 11/30. The essay prompt is this: What is your Personal Legend, and how are you going about fulfilling it? Compare your journey to the journey made by the three heroes in the books we have read so far (Pi, Peekay, and Santiago). In your essay, you must do the following: In your header, identify the type of lead and conclusion you are using and cite from each of the three books we have read.

CNF: We continued our film today.

Basketball: Remember, intrasquad and parent meeting on Saturday morning.

Tuesday, November 17 and Wednesday, November 18

Freshmen: Today we looked at more models of narrative essays and began one of our own. Your essay needs to fit the mold of a narrative essay, should be about a personal experience, and should be typed and double spaced. In your header, identify what type of lead and conclusion you are using (they must be from the techniques you learned first quarter), and you should have an interesting title. Remember, good essays are typically 8-19 paragraphs long. This is due Friday. Be sure to read for 20 minutes each night this week.

Sophomores: We watched an interview with Joseph Campbell about the first storytellers and applied the concepts to the books we have read this year. Remember, you need to finish The Alchemist for Friday and have your seminar prep ready for class that day. We will begin Siddhartha next Monday.

CNF: We began viewing a film about the health care industry and applied the concepts about information asymmetry to our viewing.

Basketball: We go Wednesday from 12-3 at the ward.

Friday the 13th

That would make a good movie title...

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam. We began a study of narrative essays, so if you were absent, read pages 321-324 in Models before Monday. Read for 20 minutes tonight.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam. We also looked at Einstein's This I Believe essay and tied his concepts in with the books we've read. We also discussed our book - remember, finish The Alchemist for Friday and have 12 items for discussion that day.

CNF: Read Chapter 2 from Freakonomics and have 15 notes for discussion on Monday. Be sure to elaborate in your notes on your thinking - it should represent a dialogue with the book or yourself (I know most of you talk to yourself - I do, too). Seminar on Monday.

Basketball: Practice tomorrow 7:45-10:30 AM; pictures Sunday at 3.

Thursday, November 12

Freshmen: We concluded our study of rhetorical devices by concluding Spellbound. Read for 20 minutes and bring Models for Writers tomorrow and we will begin a study of narrative essays. Vocab due tomorrow.

Sophomores: Today we practiced both research and reflective writing. You turned 5 facts into a short research paper and wrote a reflection on what your personal legend is. Part I from The Alchemist is due tomorrow; finish the book for next Friday. Vocab exam tomorrow.

CNF: We began chapter 2 from Freakonomics, essentially a study in information asymmetry. We will read tomorrow and conduct a seminar on Monday.

Basketball: Practice begins today; we will be done at 5:30; we will end at 5:45 tomorrow.

Echoes of the Tao

Echoes of the Tao
Name:
As I have said, every book we read will have elements or echoes of Taoism that the careful and attentive reader will notice. One of the things you may be asked to do for your semester final is write an essay that analyzes how every book we read is essentially Taoist in nature. Your task is to look for themes, terms, ideas, concepts, or philosophies that echo Taoism in some way. It may be overt or subtle – it’s your job to make a case for your entries. You must find three for each book we read. This assignment is on-going throughout the whole semester, so you will keep this with you until mid-December so that you see this idea as a whole, rather than a fragment. Keep it in your binder so you don’t lose it. It’s worth 100 points, and will be collected at the end of each quarter.
Life of Pi
Passage from text (write word for word and include page number in parentheses): Echo from the Tao (state concept in your own words and place at least one entry that support your idea):
…to be a castaway is to be caught up in grim and exhausting opposites… (216). Taoism contains many references to duality, high and low, back and front, black and white – and it’s these opposites that allow us to see wholeness (2, 19, 24).















The Power of One
Passage from text (write word for word and include page number in parentheses): Echo from the Tao (state concept in your own words and place at least one entry that support your idea):


















The Alchemist
Passage from text (write word for word and include page number in parentheses): Echo from the Tao (state concept in your own words and place at least one entry that support your idea):















Siddhratha
Passage from text (write word for word and include page number in parentheses): Echo from the Tao (state concept in your own words and place at least one entry that support your idea):















The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Passage from text (write word for word and include page number in parentheses): Echo from the Tao (state concept in your own words and place at least one entry that support your idea):

Tuesday, November 11/10

Freshmen: We continued our introduction to expository rhetorical modes by studying their use in the film "Spellbound." Read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow; chapter 5 vocab is due Friday.

Sophomores: We finished up our reading of The Power of One by writing a This I Believe statement from Peekay's point of view. We also began The Alchemist - see the recent post for your schedule. Chapter 5 vocab is due Friday.

CNF: We had a seminar for the two recent films we watched. We will read Chapter 2 from Freakonomics on Thursday and Friday.

Basketball: Tryouts Tuesday from 3-5 at Sunnyside; get there on your own. Wednesday, we are at Liberty Wells (700 South 400 East) from 5-6:30.

The Alchemist Reading Schedule

Due for Friday, 11/13 - Part I (about 47 pages; 15 per night).
Due for Friday, 11/20 - Rest of book (about 116 pages; 15 per night). Also due this day: 12 items for discussion at our seminar.

Monday, November 9

Freshmen: Today we began a study of how a documentary is the cinematic equivalent of the essay by watching the film Spellbound. As we watched, we took notes on how the seven rhetorical techniques we will learn are used in the film as a preview of how to do it. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow. Vocab is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we concluded our reading of The Power of One with a quiz and a seminar. We will begin The Alchemist next period.

CNF: We finished Who Killed the Electric Car and will conduct our seminar next period.

Basketball: Tryouts begin today. Tuesday we are at Sunnyside from 3-5 and at Liberty Wells from 5-6:30. Practice begins on Thursday.

Friday, November 6

Freshmen: We concluded our reading/study of The Elements of Style - hang on to this book. As Obi-Wan once said, it will serve you well throughout your academic career. We also had a discussion on Mark Osborne's film "More." You are to write an essay that answers the prompt "What is the message of the film More?" Another way to think of this is what is the theme of the film? You should remember the literary concepts of character change, theme, setting, and plot while writing your essay. Summarize what you must to help your reader understand, but more important than summary is interpretation. Also, read for 20 minutes and bring your novel on Monday. Get Speak so that we can begin it after Thanksgiving.

Sophomores: Period 4 - we finished the film Cry, the Beloved Country. Period 7 - we continued improving as writers through examining how certain things in The Power of One are portrayed. Both sections need to finish the book for Monday and have their seminar prep ready; the seminar will be on Monday. Have The Alchemist for next block period.

CNF: We watched more of Who Killed the Electric Car?, and I think we are closer to answering that question. The more important question is who will resurrect it? Imagine the change in our valley if every car were electric rather than gas powered...

Thursday, November 5

Freshmen Period 1: Today we conducted an overview of the modes we will be writing in over the next several weeks. Remember, read for 20 minutes tonight, chapter 5 from Elements is due Friday, as is your essay on Mark Osborne's film More.

Freshmen Period 6: Today we finished our break it down exercise. Search the previous day's blog to learn your assignment (due Monday), and finish chapter 5 for Friday.

Sophomores Period 4: Today we viewed more of Cry, the Beloved Country and discussed your most recent essay. Finish The Power of One for Monday.

Sophomores Period 7: Today we discussed your most recent essay and did a writing exercise. Finish The Power of One for Monday. Your extra credit assignment is due no later than next Friday.

CNF: Today we began Who Killed the Electric Car.

Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4

Freshmen: Here is your essay prompt, due Friday: What is the message of Mark Osborne's film "More"?

Here is what you should do: Complete your Break it Down think sheet. State your thesis early in your essay and then use the details from the film (your observation and analysis) to support your thesis as you synthesize those details. You must use one of the lead and conclusion techniques we have studied in class in your essay, and if you are using outside opinion to support your own, you must cite it according to the techniques you have been taught. Finally, your writing must display clear understanding of the concepts from The Elements of Style.

Also, read for 20 minutes tonight and Wednesday; Chapter 5 from Elements of Style is due on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we began a film titled Cry, the Beloved Country. It is about societal change in South Africa, and fits nicely with The Power of One. We are essentially watching it because both it and our book show how societal change occurs. You must finish The Power of One for next Monday - we will have a seminar on that date and need your prep work (seven questions or comments for discussion). You need The Alchemist for next block period.

CNF: We finished Bigger Stronger Faster and Began Who Killed the Electric Car? We will begin reading Chapter 2 from Freakonomics next week.

Friday, October 31

Happy Halloween.

Freshmen: Today we took two quizzes (scary!), one on chapter 3 from Elements, the other on chapter 4 vocab. Homework: Read 20 minutes twice; chapter 4 from Elements is due next period.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam and discussed how the Tao and The Power of One intersect. Due for next period is everything through Chapter 22 in The Power of One; finish the book for Friday.

CNF: We continued Bigger Faster Stronger; we will finish it next week.

Thursday, October 29

Hi. I am sorry I have been out recently. Here's where we're at:

Freshmen: Today we continued with our analysis-question-synthesis-thesis method of thinking. Due tomorrow is Chapter 3 from Elements and Chapter 4 vocab. We also made one minor change to your prayer assignment next quarter: rather than write out your whole prayer, you will write up an outline. This will help you with eye contact and allow you to speak to us, rather than read to us.

Sophomores: Today we took a look at the TIB essays you looked at the past few weeks. Due tomorrow is Chapter 4 vocab; due next block period is chapters 1-22; the book is due next Friday. The next book you need ASAP is The Alchemist.

CNF: Today we began Bigger Faster Stronger.

Monday, October 26

Freshmen: Today we started working on analyzing, asking questions, synthesizing, and then forming a supportable thesis, which we will then support with evidence (our analysis). Read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow; chapter 2 from The Elements of Style is due on Thursday; vocab chapter 4 is due on Friday.

Sophomores: Today we took a quiz and handed in your essay. Check the blog to keep up on your reading; due Friday are your Echoes assignment and vocab chapter 4.

CNF: I thought we had a good seminar on chapter 1 and will begin some interesting documentaries on cheating later this week.

Thursday, October 22

Freshmen: Today we sent off your letters to the editor - follow The Tribune and alert me if you get published. We also took a quiz on the glossary from The Elements of Style, and you must read Chapter 1 for Monday; feel free to use your 20 minutes of reading for that. You will continue to read from your novel in class during in class reading time. Your Theme for English 9 is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on the wisdom espoused by both Doc and Geel Piet, two seemingly different characters. Remember that Chapters 1-16 are due Monday, as is your essay. Your This I Believe worksheet is due tomorrow, and I will collect your Echoes of the Tao assignment for the quarter next week - you should have two entries from The Power of One.

CNF: Today we began Freaknonomics. Chapter 1 and 15 notes for the seminar are due Monday.

Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 21

Freshmen: Today we played a Jeopardy!-style grammar game. You are to spend your 20 minutes of reading tonight reading the glossary from The Elements of Style. Bring Elements and Models for Writers to class each day with you from now on. Your letters to the editor are due tomorrow as well.

Sophomores: Today we reviewed different lead and conclusion techniques - you must use one of them in your essay that is due Monday. Be working on your reading, vocab, 3EJ, Echoes, and TIB assignment.

CNF: We again had a fascinating discussion about cheating, and your thoughts and efforts are much appreciated. Bring Freakonomics on Thursday.

Monday, October 19

Freshmen: Today we looked at your essay revisions and started writing a Theme for English 9 poem. You are to model your poem after Langston Hughes's Theme for English B. Keep your first five lines the same as his first five, and from there follow the instructor's instructions: Go home and write a page tonight and let that page come out of you, then it will be true. Your typed poem is due on Friday. For next period you need The Elements of Style and Models for Writers. Read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow night.

Sophomores: Today we had a seminar on the first half of The Power of One. Some due dates: This I Believe worksheet due Friday; film essay assignment due Monday; Chapters 1-16 due Monday; vocab chapter 4 due next Friday; keep working on Echoes of the Tao and Triple Entry Journal.

CNF: Today we analyzed the data from the survey we took last week. You will need Freakonomics tomorrow.

Freshmen: Today we finished up our reading game and checked out which publishers you found for your work. Tonight read for 20 minutes and be sure to bring The Elements of Style and Models for Writers to class starting next week, along with whatever book you are currently reading in class.

Sophomores: Today I introduced a film study compare and contrast essay assignment that is due in two weeks, on 10/26. The assignment builds upon the analysis and synthesis method of thinking we began last week and will build our schemas for issues we find in The Power of One. Chapters 1-11 are due next Monday, and you should have 7 notes (comments are okay, questions are preferred) for a Socratic seminar next Monday, 10/19.

CNF: Mawige, mawige is what brings us togever, today. Dat dweam within a dweam...
We will start Freakonomics next week.

Thursday, October 8

Freshmen: Today we focused on eye fixations and how they (and our schema) influence how we read things in a few activities. Read for 20 minutes and be prepared for the vocab test Friday. Due Monday is another copy of your essay in a stamped envelope addressed to a potential publisher.

Sophomores: Today we discussed Hoppie and the paradox our affinity for him presents: He's a great guy, a person to admire, yet he is blatantly racist. That said, how and why do we like him? Due for Friday are Chapters 1-7 and chapter 3 vocab.

CNF: Today we conducted our final seminar for Blink. Bring the text tomorrow for the written exam - it will focus on Blink's three proposed tasks. We will start Freakonomics after the break.

Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 7

Freshmen: Today we finished our study of basic narrative text structure and focused on activating our schema to make connections. The three types of connections we have studied are text to text, text to self, and text to world. As you read this week, actively make connections. Read 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday. Chapter 3 vocab is due Friday. Due Monday is your essay in a stamped envelope, addressed to a potential publisher. Remember, letters to the editor are due no later than October 22.

Sophomores: Today we focused on the thinking skill of analysis and synthesis - breaking things down into their parts to study them and putting them back together to make new meaning. This is the same kind of thinking you engage in when you read, do something like the triple entry journal, the Echoes of the Tao, or the This I Believe assignment you just got. Due for Friday is Chapters 1-7 in Power; Chapter 3 in vocab.

CNF: Finish all of Blink - Chapter 6 and the conclusion - and have 15 notes for the seminar on Thursday. There will be a written exam on Friday. We will start Freakonomics on Monday.

Monday, October 5

Freshmen: Today we focused on some key elements of narrative text structure: plot, character, theme, and setting, and applied those elements to a short story and created a story map. One side of your story map is due next period; read for 20 minutes tonight and Tuesday. Also, for next Monday, you must research and find a place to submit your essay for publication. By Monday, you need a stamped, addressed envelope with a copy of your essay inside so that I can mail it for you. Search the web; search The Writer's Market if you can get a copy at the library for ideas.

Sophomores: Today we talked about our Echoes of the Tao assignment for Life of Pi, and you should be working on it for The Power of One. You also should be working on your 3EJ, as two entries are due for it on Thursday. For Friday, Chapters 1-7 are due on The Power of One as well; we will also have a vocab exam on Friday. I introduced an assignment that requires you to read and write about 5 essays on the This I Believe website - it is due on Friday, October 23.

CNF: Today and next period, we are reading Chapter 6 and the conclusion to Blink and taking 15 notes, using the question stems to prepare for the seminar on Thursday; on Friday, you will have an in-class essay exam that focuses on the three tasks Gladwell set out to accomplish with Blink.

Extra Credit (ALL CLASSES): Attend Wednesday's Director's Night for Rent, and write a 1/2 page typed double spaced reaction and hand it in on Friday for 25 points extra credit.

Friday, October 2

Freshmen: Today we reflected on all the things we have done these past six weeks: you've learned a solid process for writing essays; you've learned how to conduct research based on questions, and turned that research into a coherent piece of writing; you can form and defend thesis statements based on facts; you know how to write a bibliography; you have a number of ways to open and close a paper; and you can perform the 10% Solution on your work to make it more accurate, clear, and brief. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes.

Sophomores: Today we took a quiz and discussed the first three chapters from The Power of One. Chapters 1-7 are due next Friday - that's about 12 pages a night. Don't forget about the ongoing assignments: vocab, Echoes, and the 3EJ.

CNF: Today we did some wrap up of chapter 5/prep work for chapter 6. If you don't have Freakonomics, get it by week after next.

Thursday, October 1

Freshmen: Today we debriefed our 10% Solution experience and moved on to Step 7, with a heavy emphasis on standard form. Your four drafts (first, revised, 10%ed, and final) are due Friday. Read for 20 minutes.

Sophomores: Today we focused on some literary terms and the reading skill of making predictions. Finish Chapters 1, 2, and 3 from The Power of One for Friday.

CNF: Today we had another compelling seminar on Blink. Bring your book - we will do some small groups and writing on Friday and finish it for next week. Get Freakonomics ASAP.

***NOTE: Any student who posts a comment for this entry before Monday will receive 10 points extra credit.

10% Solution Notes

The 10% Solution Cheat Sheet

To find your word count:
1. Click Tools.
2. Click Word Count.
3. Type in how many words your document is below your name.
4. Subtract 10%. The total is your goal (Draft 2 = Draft 1 – 10%).
5. Write down your goal below your current total. Meet or exceed it – don’t settle for close.
6. WHEN FINISHED, BELOW YOUR FIRST TWO NUMBERS, WRITE DOWN THE FINAL WORKD COUNT FOR YOUR DOCUMENT.
To perform the 10% Solution:
1. Click Edit.
2. Click Find.
3. Enter the syllable you are searching for.
For each syllable you search for, ask…
1. Do I keep it?
2. Do I cut it?
3. Do I change it?
*Whatever you decide, the decision should be made with this goal in mind – improving your piece.
**Remember that cutting or changing may require changing other things as well – see the big picture.
Syllables to search for:
-ly
pronouns
were
-ing
was
And (case sensitive)
But (case sensitive)
Because (case sensitive)
How (case sensitive)
of
-ion
very
by
that
was
about

Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30

Freshmen: Today I taught you about Ken Rand's self-editing technique, The 10% Solution. I am posting the cheat sheet here, so you can do it even if you missed class and the notes. You are to 10% your essay tonight (no reading homework for period 1 on Tuesday - period 6, you still have it), and no reading homework for either class on Wednesday, as this process should take you the better part of an hour the first time through.

Sophomores: Today we read for a bit in class and discussed The Power of One. We then moved into a close reading exercise called a Triple Entry Journal (3EJ), which you will do throughout your reading of this book (and the Echoes assignment - don't forget about that). We also looked at a couple of This I Believe essays and did some studying of literary themes, as well as touched on some themes from the Tao te Ching.

CNF: Today we finished chapter 5 from Blink and prepared for our seminar on Thursday. Get a copy of Freakonomics ASAP.

The Power of One Reading Schedule 2009

The Power of One Reading Schedule (not to mention the power of one reading schedule, ha ha - if everyone were on his or her own schedule we'd have mass confusion):
9/28 - begin text.
9/29 - Chapter 1 due.
10/2 - Chapters 1-3 due - about 13 pages a night.
10/9 - Chapters 4-7 due - about 12 pages a night.
10/19 - Chapters 8-11 due - about 12 pages a night. 7 questions to discuss on the first 11 chapters are due this date, as we will conduct a seminar for the first half of the text.
10/26 - Chapters 12-16 due - about 18 pages a night.
11/2 - Chapters 17-22 due - about 16 pages a night.
11/6 - Book due. 7 questions on the second half of the text are due; we will conduct a seminar again on this date.

Monday, September 28

Freshmen: Today we focused on Step 6, which is essentially the revision stage of writing. A second typed, revised and improved, draft is due next period. Period 7, read 20 tonight and tomorrow; period 1, read 20 minutes tonight. Start on vocab chapter 3, and don't forget about your letters to the editor.

Sophomores: Today we introduced The Power of One. See the reading schedule above.

CNF: Today we began chapter 5 from Blink; we will conclude it during the block period. You should have 15 notes, and I would like you to use the question stems I gave you as much as possible. Get Freakonomics as soon as possible.

Friday, 9/25

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam and looked at a couple of essays that have to do with spelling. Remember the findings of the study - spelling is not an accurate indicator of your intelligence, but it is an accurate indicator of your values: if you value what others think of you, you will take pains to spell correctly. And remember - those who make few spelling mistakes don't necessarily know how to spell every word, but do know (usually) when they have misspelled a word and take steps to correct it. Homework: read 20; a typed copy of your essay is due Monday.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam and wrote a This I Believe essay from Pi's perspective as an adult. Remember to have The Power of One for Monday.

CNF: Today we listened to Kenna and watched a scene from All in the Family and tried to figure out who was right about them - the experts, or the fans, and also tried to figure out why a certain chair is or isn't comfortable.

Thursday, September 24

Freshmen: Today we looked at a couple of essays that had to do with spelling. The essential question we focused on is, Is your spelling ability a reflection of your intelligence, edicaction, desire, or something else (yes, I intentionally misspelled education - tell me you read that on Friday and you get 5 points extra credit). The article postulates that our spelling ability is in fact a reflection of our values - the desire to spell well is as important if not more so than our ability to spell well in the first place. Think about that. Read for 20 minutes; vocab is due Friday; typed draft of your essay due Monday.

Sophomores: Today we conducted a seminar on Life of Pi - you did very well. Bring the book again tomorrow. Vocab exam tomorrow; we will begin The Power of One on Monday.

CNF: We conducted another excellent seminar on Blink; show up tomorrow to see what else we'll do.

Tuesday September 22 and Wednesday September 23

Freshmen: Today we focused on Step 5 in the essay process - draft and develop the information into a good essay. We also learned how to cite from our sources according to MLA format. You are required to use at least one blocked and at least one in-text citation in your essay. A TYPED draft is due in class on Monday, September 28. We also discussed what standard format looks like - typed, double spaced, 12 point font, nice looking paper, etc.

Sophomores: Today we finished Part III of Life of Pi and began preparation for our first Socratic Seminar. You are to use the notes I gave you (question stems, and expectations and guidelines for participants) and craft seven authentic questions you would like to pose to the group in our seminar on Thursday. Bring Life of Pi each day to class this week. Get The Power of One ASAP - we start no later than Monday. Vocab chapter 2 is due Friday.

CNF: Today we finished reading chapter 4 in Blink and took a total of 15 notes in preparation for our seminar on Thursday.

Monday, September 21

Freshmen: Today we took a quiz on leads and conclusions to reinforce what we learned last week. Tonight and tomorrow, you need to read for 20 minutes. Be sure to bring all your research to class next period as we will begin to focus on writing the essays. And remember, chapter 2 vocab is due on Friday - we will have a quiz that day.

Sophomores: Today we took some time to read and then looked at your most recent creation myth essays. You were given an assessment that corresponded to the one-pager I distributed earlier this year; if you so choose, you can revise the essay using the one-pager as a guide and resubmit it, along with your original essay and rubric, no later than Friday. Remember, Part II in Life of Pi is due Wednesday, and chapter 2 vocab is due on Friday.

CNF: Today we simply began reading Chapter 4 from Blink. I wanted you to take a total of 15 notes in preparation for our seminar on Thursday; this means you have all period on the block day to read as well.

Friday, September 9/18

Freshmen: Today we focused on which of your two leads was the one to use for your essay, and also discussed conclusion techniques to try (there were six: quote, anecdote, prediction, punched statement, echo, or instruction). You will use one of these conclusions in your essay. And for those of you who check the blog, you get some insider information: there is a pop quiz on the five lead and six conclusion techniques on Monday, so study if you want.

Sophomores: Today we finished up our study of some of Martel's rhetorical devices. Part II is due for next block period.

CNF: Today we did some prep work for Chapter 4, which we'll read in class Monday and block day. Have a good weekend.

Thursday, September 17

Freshmen: Today we learned 5 different lead techniques for writing essays: quote, anecdote, background, news, and announcement. You must pick two of these and write two separate leads for your essay. It must be typed for credit. Tomorrow in class we will decide which lead is the best way to go. Also, be sure to read for 20 minutes. Chapter 2 vocab is due next Friday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on imitating some rhetorical devices Martel uses in Life of Pi, mainly his use of repetition and use of lists. Part II of Pi is due next block, and Chapter 2 vocab is due next Friday.

CNF: I felt we had a fascinating discussion/seminar on Chapter 3 of Blink. We will work toward concluding the book in the next few weeks, so get a copy of Freakonomics ASAP.

Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16

Freshmen: Today we finished our discussion on what good essays look like and moved on to Step 3 in our process - Focus the Data. We looked at all the data you collected and figured out what story it told. Based on that, we formed a thesis statement (a defensible opinion) - for example, Raise the driving age, or, Factory farming is unhealthy for animals as well as consumers. Remember, your thesis is the foundation of your essay - everything must tie into it, so be sure yours is a solid one. Read for 20 minutes these two nights, start working on Chapter 2 vocab (due 9/25), and bring your research with you next period.

Sophomores: Today we did a bevy of fascinating activities: We read; we reviewed vocab chapter 1 test; we learned all about the Richard Parkers out there; we looked at a couple of good This I Believe essays; we looked at the various themes in the Tao te Ching that are emerging; and we looked for echoes of the Tao in Life of Pi. Part II is due next block period. Chapter 2 vocab is due 9/25.

CNF: Today we read Chapter 3 in Blink, took three notes per section, and will discuss it on Thursday.

Monday, September 14

Freshmen: Today we took the chapter 1 vocab exam, though we are counting it only as a practice exam. The next chapter counts for real and is due Friday, September 25. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes and to complete your research on your topic (3x5s showing internet and non-internet print research and survey/interview. All research is due next period.

Sophomores: Today we focused on the reading skill of visualization as we read a few chapters from Life of Pi. You need to finish Part II for the next block period. We also collected your creation myth essays. Chapter 2 vocab is due Friday, September 25.

CNF: Today we discussed the results of your IATs and the issue of race in general. We will read Chapter 3 from Blink next period.

I think all three groups are doing absolutely fantastic - keep up the good work.

Friday, September 11

Hi. Have a great weekend and cheer on the Bulldog football team tonight and the Utes tomorrow night.

Freshmen: Today we concluded reading through the packet of essays and articulating what makes them so effective. Look over your list this weekend and add anything you might have missed. Read for 20 minutes this weekend. Chapter 1 vocab is due Monday and all your research (answers on 3x5 cards for internet and non-internet print research; interview or survey completed) is due in class on the next block period.

Sophomores: It was my hope that you would not procrastinate on your essays, but judging from what I have heard... Oh, well. Today in class we read the first two chapters of Part II from Life of Pi. Read Chapters 37-45 (including chapter 45) for Monday. We will do a crucial reading exercise that day, and you need to be current in the text to really get it. Also, your essay is due Monday.

CNF: We had a seminar today on Chapter 2 from Blink. Remember to take the IAT at Harvard - go to https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/ and click on DEMONSTRATION and take the RACE IAT - I think it is the top on on the list. Take it as often as you want, and feel free to take other ones as well. Write down your results.

Thursday, September 10

Freshmen: Today we continued to focus on what good essays look like. We will continue this tomorrow. Thus, we have moved back a few due dates. Here is your homework: Read for 20 minutes, vocab due MONDAY, research (internet, print, and survey/interview) due NEXT BLOCK PERIOD.

Sophomores: Today we looked at your 3 facts assignments and your summer read essays. Your homework is thus: chapter 1 vocab and Part I Life of Pi due FRIDAY, essay due MONDAY.

CNF: Over the weekend, I want you to take Harvard's Implicit Association Test. Go to https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/ Click on DEMONSTRATION and take the race IAT, as well as any others you may want to do. Write down the results of your IAT.

Tuesday, September 8/Wednesday, September 9

Freshmen: Today we continued Step 2 in our essay process - data collection. For your essay, you need 12 index cards, each with a good question about your topic con one side and very brief answers in bullet form with your source cited on the back. You should use these for your internet and print research. You also need to conduct an interview or administer a survey on your topic. All this data must be collected by Monday, 9/14. Read for 20 minutes, and remember, vocab chapter 1 is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we took a quiz on chapters 1-23 from Pi, and looked at two essays from This I Believe. Your 3 Facts assignment is due Thursday, and due Friday are chapter 1 for vocab and Part I from Life of Pi. Due Monday are your essays.

CNF: Today we did some activities to introduce chapter 2 in Blink and started reading it. We will finish in class on Thursday; you need 5 notes on each of the two sections. We will have a seminar on Friday.

Friday, September 4

Freshmen: Today we focused on the first step of our seven-step essay process by taking the ideas for possible essay topics that you generated yesterday, choosing one, and defining it clearly as a topic. We then began Step 2, talking about all the different forms of information about your topic you need to start collecting: data, stories, quotes, numbers, surveys, just to name a few. New week we will continue with Step 2 and a technique we will call Question Based Research Strategy. For homework, you need to read twice for 20 minutes, work on chapter 1 vocabulary, start gathering sources about your topic, and bring your 3x5 cards next period.

Sophomores: Today we covered some basic literary terms and continued with focusing on schema connections. Here is your homework timeline:
-9/8 = Chapters 1-23 in Pi due.
-9/10 = 3 Facts assignment due.
-9/11 = Chapter 1 vocab due.
-9/14 = Creation Myth Essay due.

CNF: Today we applied some of the concepts from Chapter 1 by thin slicing a few interviews with couples and individuals' bedrooms, and by taking a version of the Big 5 Inventory. Have a good weekend. We will start Chapter 2 next week.

Thursday, September 3

Prediction: Utes 48-USU 14.

Freshmen: Today we started to brainstorm possible essay topics. We called the things that drive your thinking mental itches - those ideas and topics you just can't get out of your head. Writing is a great way to relieve that stress and learn about something that interests you. Your homework is to have at least 12 items in response to the questions I posed in class, 12 3x5 index cards for class tomorrow, and to read for 20 minutes.

Here are some of the questions we considered as we generated possible essay topics:
1. What stand have I taken, or choice have I made, or preference do I have that needs explaining?
2. What point of view needs my powers of persuasion?
3. What phenomena needs exploring?
4. What problem needs solving?
5. What issue needs explaining?
6. What interesting, true story can I tell?
7. What situation needs correcting?

Sophomores: Today we talked about schema connections, and in order to build your background knowledge about critical issues in Life of Pi, you were assigned a 3 Facts research assignment. This assignment is due 9/10. Your vocab and chapter 23 in Life of Pi, and your essay due date has been pushed back to 9/14 (you're welcome).

CNF: We had our first seminar on Chapter 1 from Blink - very stimulating, very interesting. Thank you, and good job. Your homework tonight is to email me a photo of your bedroom for an experiment we will perform in class tomorrow. Take it as is - no cleaning or tampering with the evidence!

Life of Pi Reading Schedule 2009

Life of Pi Reading Schedule:
Date: Chapter Due:
9/1 ; 9/2 - Begin Life of Pi
9/8; 9/9 - Chapter 23 Due.
9/11 – Part I Due. Begin Part II this day in class.
9/14 – Chapter 45 Due – Listen to 46 and 47 this day.
9/22 ; 9/23 - Part II Due. Listen to Part III in class this day.
9/24 - Seminar

***9/28 – We will begin The Power of One this date.

Mr. Baird Freshman and Sophomore First Semester Vocabulary Assignment

Mr. Baird Freshman and Sophomore First Semester Vocabulary Assignment

Each vocabulary chapter is due on the date assigned; a test will be administered that day and your book will be checked. You will generally receive a pass/partial/fail grade for the homework (50, 25, or zero), and the exam will be multiple choice on a scantron answer form. A missing book on the due date will result in a zero for that week’s assignment even if it is done. The majority of the work is to be done as homework, on your own – this means there will be little time in class to do it, and you should not work with another student in any way, shape, or form. Here are the due dates for chapters and quizzes:
9/11 Chapter 1
9/25 Chapter 2
10/9 Chapter 3
10/30 Chapter 4
11/13 Chapter 5
12/4 Chapter 6
12/18 Chapter 7
Semester exam 1-7 review

September 1 and 2

Freshmen: Today we introduced how we will do vocabulary this semester (see the blog entry) and discussed in-depth the three essential questions we focused on yesterday. You are to read 20 minutes tonight and Wednesday, and begin your vocab.

Sophomores: Today we introduced how we will do vocabulary this semester (see the blog entry), and began our first book, Life of Pi. We paid special attention to the author's note at the start of the text and discussed some issues that are applicable to what we are reading. Your homework is reading, vocab, and your essay.

CNF: Today we finished the intro to Blink and read the first chapter, which we will discuss next period. As you read, you are to take at least three notes (questions, comments, reflections, ideas, etc.) on the six sections - in other words, you will have 18 notes overall.

August 31

Freshmen: You need to have at least 12 answers to each of our three essential questions from today: What is writing? Why do people writer? and What does good writing look like? You also should have your vocab books and your binders for next period. And remember, read for 20 minutes and bring your book to class each day.

Sophomores: Today we finished the interview with Joseph Campbell and (I hope) shared some of the creation myths you researched. We also took a quiz on the introduction to the Tao te Ching. You need to have Life of Pi for next period. Here is your first essay assignment:

World Literature 2009 Creation Myth Essay

You must write an essay that attempts to answer as fully as you can the two Essential Questions that were posed the first week: What common traits are shared by most creation myths, and what do those commonalities reveal about humanity?

You should use the information from the Joseph Campbell interview “The Message of the Myth” (you can find parts online if you need to review), your own research and observations, information from the two creation myths you researched on your own, as well the Dinka and Judeo Christian stories I shared and the Basari legend and the story from the Hindu Upanishad that Campbell and Moyers read.

Your essay should be typed, have a clear thesis and compelling title, and include citations of some kind, whether from stories you are referencing or experts you are citing – your call. Because good writing is about depth, not length, I never specify a length. What I am looking for is an effort on your part at very good thinking and writing, and it is impossible to show good thinking in a brief amount of space.

This essay is due at the start of class on Friday, September 11. You will hand in your think sheet from the Campbell interview that day.

CNF: Today we focused on decision making and read the introduction to Blink. Be sure to bring it to class from here on out.

Friday, August 28

Freshmen: Today we took a diagnostic vocabulary exam. Please read for 20 minutes this weekend and bring your book to class on Monday. Also get your vocab book ASAP, as we will begin vocab assignments on Monday. Also, be sure to read several letters to the editor and track which 3 are your top favorites.

Sophomores: Today we continued looking at an interview with Joseph Campbell about world mythology and religion. Your homework is to read and print two creation myths from different cultures for Monday and to get a copy of Life of Pi for next week - we will start on block day for sure. Read the introduction to the Tao, as we will have a quiz on Monday. Get your vocab books ASAP as we will begin assignments for vocab on Monday.

CNF: I crushed period 6 in our Wait Wait game... period 3 got by with a slim win. All and all, pretty good thinking on your part. We will begin Blink on Monday, so be sure you get a copy.

Thursday, August 27

Freshmen: Today we introduced the Letter to the Editor assignment. Your assignment over the next couple of days is to read letters to the editor in the Tribune either in the paper or online, and make note of which 3 are your favorites. You might even post a response to some online. This is due Monday. Your letter to the editor is due anytime to me before Thursday, October 22 - but don't wait until the last minute. We also did a vocabulary assessment - you need your vocab books on Monday. Read for 20 minutes tonight.

Sophomores: Today our essential questions are: What are the common elements of most creation myths? And, What does this reveal about humanity as a species? To answer this we watched part of an interview with Joseph Campbell, and you are to find, read, and print a creation story from two different cultures (this means you find two stories total, right?). The stories are due Friday, and we will conclude the interview then, and from there you will do some writing. You need Life of Pi for Monday. You also must read the introduction for the Tao te Ching for Monday, and we will have a quiz on that day. If you don't have the correct copy, borrow someone's.

CNF: Issue number one: What is your homework? Wrong! Oh - wait, you were correct, it is to prepare for the game we are playing on Friday, and to get a copy of Blink for Monday. Issue number two: What book will we read on Monday? Wrong! I just love doing that.

Today we watched an episode of The MacGlaughlin group, took some notes, debated some things, and in general, had a very intellecutally stimulating time. I hope you're having a good time.

Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26

Freshmen: Today we introduced the Prayer and Great Thoughts assignment and wrote an essay in class about our summer reads. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday and to make sure you have a binder for Thursday.

Sophomores: Today we introduced our class prayer assignment and wrote an essay in class on the summer read. We also took a diagnostic vocabulary exam. Your homework is to get the Tao te Ching (the one translated by Feng and English) for Thursday and Life of Pi for Monday. Be sure you also have a binder for Thursday for class.

CNF: Today we introduced the class prayer assignment and focused on the week's news - what stories are highlighted, why, and how. We also listened to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and began a group assigment for a game on Thursday. Your homework is to finish your questions for the game on Thursday and to have a copy of Blink for Monday.

Monday, August 24

Freshmen: Today we introduced the basic expectations of the course. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes from a book of your choosing, and to bring that book to class next period. You should also go over the disclosure statement with your parents, sign it, and return it next period. Also, bring your summer read books next period so you can use them on your first essay exam, and get a copy of the vocab book.

Sophomores: Today we introduced the basic expectations of the course and started a brief personal belief statement. You should also go over the disclosure statement with your parents, sign it, and return it next period. Also, bring your summer read books next period so you can use them on your first essay exam. If you do not have a copy of The Tao te Ching, get one for this week and get a copy of Life of Pi and the vocab book for next week.

Compelling Non-Fiction: Thank you once again for choosing to be a part of this course - I am very excited about what we will learn and do. Today we introduced the basic expectations of the course. For homework, you need to watch the firs ten minutes of a news broadcast and log what stories they lead with and why. Start to gather up newspapers dating back to last Saturday (8/22) for a game we will play. You should also go over the disclosure statement with your parents, sign it, and return it next period. Lastly, get a copy of Blink - we will begin it next Monday.

Final Post

Thank you to all of you for the good year. I had a really good time in class each day and learned a lot from you. Be sure to prep for your exams, and remember, I will give you extra credit if you donate your books to the classroom - bring them in the day of the final. Have a great summer.

Thursday and Friday - Freshmen:

We will finish presentations next week; be sure to prep for your final.

Wednesday, May 13

Freshmen: Read 20 minutes; finish 11 and 12 vocab.

Sophomores: Finish Act 4; have at least 4 entries in your 3EJ; bring Tuesdays With Morrie to class on Friday.

Tuesday, May 12

Freshmen: We continued presentations... Finish chapters 11 and 12 in vocab and prep for your final.

Sophomores: We read 4.4 and part of 4.5 and continued our study of the monomyth. Finish 4.5 and start prepping for the final.

Freshman and Sophomore Second Semester Final Prep:

Freshmen: Your exam will have two parts: an objective exam and an essay exam. The objective portion will cover everything we we studied related to poetry and argument essays this semester. The essay exam requires you to do some outside research on both sides of the issue. You must come with a maximum of one page of notes (both sides) to support your opinion, and you must cite at least two pieces of evidence in MLA format - one in text an one blocked. Prepare for both sides of the issue - you don't know which side you will be assigned. You must use one of the lead and conclusion techniques you have been taught and identify them on your essay. Here is the prompt: you will be assigned a position the day of the essay:

Argumentative essay: Recently, cell phones in schools have become a hot-button topic, with strong reasons for and against allowing cell phones in schools. Imagine your school is going to ban all cell phones from the campus, even from lockers and backpacks. Anyone caught with one will be immediately suspended, regardless of circumstance. In an essay, argue FOR/AGAINST this ban, citing evidence that you have collected. You must cite the evidence correctly, either in blocked or in-text citation form, as you build your case in order to get credit. You also must use one of the lead and conclusion technique we have studied this year, and if you use a question technique, either in the lead or conclusion, your essay will earn a grade of zero.

Sophomores: You are to read Tuesdays With Morrie once we finish Hamlet. The day of the exam, you will write an essay about the text and then participate in a seminar afterward. The essay will count for 75% of of your exam grade; the seminar will count for 25% of the grade.

Friday, May 9

Freshmen: We continued with some great presentations. Finish chapter 10 for Monday. You will work on chapters 11 and 12 from the vocab book next week.

Sophomores: Today we handed your essays and continued working on your version of Hamlet's soliliquy. Act III is due for Monday.

Thursday, May 8

Freshmen: We continued with some excellent presentations. Read for 20 minutes, finish chapter 10 vocab.

Sophomores: Today we rewrote Hamlet's famous soliliquy from another person's point of view - a valley girl, Yoda, Elmo, Adah, a gansta rapper's, Rush Limbah's... be creative and do a good job. You must capture the essence of what Hamlet was saying as well as how your character would feel about those ideas.

Letter to the Editor Rubric

Letter to the Editor Rubric:
Unsealed envelope with To and Return address: /20
Stamp: /20
Letter is typed: /20
Phone number is included: /20
Letter is well-written and interesting: /20
Total: /100

Wednesday, May 6

Freshmen: We had some presentations and will continue through the duration of the year. For Monday, finish chapter 10 in vocab.

Sophomores: We read 3.1 from Hamlet today; finish Act III for Monday. Your mother essays are due on Friday, and I think if they are positive in nature and well done, they would make a great Mother's Day present on Sunday as well.

Tuesday, May 5

Hello - looks like we're closed today. Since I don't know when we will be back in class, or what the schedule will look like once we are, what I would like is for any freshman who was supposed to have presented already, or is scheduled to present on a date we return to school, to be ready to go the day we return. We will squeeze in who we can that day and then decide where to go from there. I'm sorry to keep you in limbo, but that's the best we can do right now. Stay in good health.

Sophomores: I really think you should just work on your essays and be ready to start Act III when we return.

School Closure Update

Hi everyone - I hope you all are in good health, though I imagine many of you are going through a deep depression missing school, especially English. It's all I can do to keep from weeping as I write this myself. Anyway, please pass this along to your homeboys and homegirls (Ofizzle - holla!) regarding class:

Freshmen: Clearly recent events have compromised our presentation schedule. Here's what I want to do - if your presentation date has been affected by this, be ready to go when called upon. I am going to stick to our schedule, meaning those who are supposed to go Tuesday and Wednesday will go those days, and anyone who's missed is now a floater and must be redy to go when called upon. That is my best solution, for now. We also need everyone to be sure they do not exceed 20 minutes, and as stated, should be able to access their presentation from my account to speed things up. No, your grade will not be adversely affected due to the school closures.

Sophomores: You must finish all of Act II and your essay for class on Wednesday, and we're going to go from there.

Wednesday, April 29

Freshmen Period 6: Today we began presentations; your homework is to read 4.3 of 12th Night and begin Act 5. Letter to the Editor has been moved back to 5/7.

Sophomores: Today we nearly finished Into the Woods (no one saw but in period 7, the person who claims to hate musicals was weeping when the baker's wife died - don't hide that sensitive side!), but mainly we discussed Polonius and began a Triple Entry Journal. You are to read 2.1 tonight from Hamlet, complete your list of 12 memories of your mother, and bring a typed draft of your essay for next block period.

Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29

Freshmen: Periods 4 and 6: We handed in your projects today. Finish 12th Night for Friday, and chapter 10 vocab for Monday. We began presentations. Period 2, your projects are due Friday.

Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24

Freshmen: We processed the presentations we saw, picked presentation dates, and we also read 4.1 and 4.2. Period 4, your projects are due Tuesday, April 28, Period 6, yours are due Wednesday, April 29, and Period 2, yours are due Friday, May 1.

Sophomores: We started reading Hamlet. Act I is due Wednesday, April 29. You have an essay due to turnitin.com Monday at 8 am, and a list of 12 memories of your mother due Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday April 22

Freshmen: Today we had guest presentations; tomorrow we will conclude Act III in 12th Night and pick presentation dates.

Sophomores: We concluded the Hamlet film; you are to take the 21 notes you compiled from the two Bloom essays and the introduction to your text, and write an essay that answers the following prompt: Why read Hamlet, and how should one do it?

Your essay is due by 8 AM Monday, April 27, to turnitin.com. The assignment is Hamlet 1. Period 7, your class number is 2556759. Period 8, your class number is 2440659. The password for both classes is Judge. Be sure you are including information from your notes and referencing Bloom.

Monday, April 20

Freshmen: Today we read 3.3 and 3.4 (period 4 should read 3.3 on their own and we will read 3.4 tomorrow, as we went to the Invisible Children presentation). We also discussed the presentation rubric and will see sample presentations next period.

Sophomores: We continued viewing Hamlet. You should read the next Harold Bloom essay I passed out and take seven notes in it, due Wednesday. Due for Wednesday, then, will be having read two Harold Bloom essays and the introduction on reading Shakespeare from your text, with a total of 21 notes. I will assign an essay based on these Wednesday.

Friday, April 17

Freshmen: Today we fread 3.1 and 3.2. Next weeks we will focus on the presentatoin aspect of your project.

Sophomores: Read the essays by Harold Bloom that I gave you. Take seven notes on teh smae page where you took notes on the intoduction to Hamlet. This is due Monday; I will collect the essays then. In class, we began watching Hamelt.

Thursday, April 16

Freshmen: Today we concluded Act II in 12th Night and went over the rubric that will be used to assess your capstone project. Use the rubric as a guide to ensure you are doing each portion of the project correctly.

Sophomores: Today we did an overview of the plot of Hamlet. You are to read the homework listed on yesterday's blog.

April 15

Welcome back. Do your taxes.

Freshmen: We read 2.4 in 12th Night, discussed how to correctly punctuate dialogue, and worked on your capstone. Remember, they are due soon, so keep working hard.

Sophomores: We started Hamlet today with an overview. You are to read "Shakespeare's Hamlet" and "Reading Shakespeare's Language" - it's about 11 pages. You can stop at "Shakespeare's Life." You are to take notes on the 7 most important ideas in the text. This is due Friday.

Sophomore Extra Credit:

For those of you who are interested, you can do one of the following essay options for extra credit. The amount of credit you earn will depend on the quality of your essay – no minimum is guaranteed, though I think I will go as high as 50 points for something that is really dynamite. Of course, it goes without saying that you should quote often from the text to support your opinion, and that outside research might earn you bonus points, if it is cited correctly. The more difficult the prompt, the more likely you are to earn the full 50 points. Here are the prompts, from toughest to easiest.
1. Each of the four surviving narrators deals with guilt in a distinct way. Examine how each narrator deals with her guilt, as well as the source of that guilt.
2. Each Price daughter has a distinctive relationship to language. Choose one of the girls and analyze how her relationship with language defines her personality.
3. Write an I Remember My Mother essay from the point of view of the daughter your group focused on.
If you wrote all three, I might be persuaded to give you credit for all three of them…

Have a great break. Come forward into the light.

Monday, April 6

Freshman: Today we read Act 2, Scene 1. For homework, read Scene 2. Keep working on your capstone project. We also concluded listening to Billy Collins and looked at another short story model – “Charles”, by Shirley Jackson. Tomorrow, you should have the majority of the period to work on your capstone project.

Sophomores: Today we concluded Book Seven – finish on your own if we didn’t in class. You need seven items for discussion tomorrow – questions, observations, ideas, etc. You will need Hamlet for when we return from break.

Friday, April 3

Freshmen: Today we read Act 1, Scene 5 and Sherman Alexi's "Travelling."

Sophomores: We concluded Act I of Into the Woods; Book Six from The Poisonwood Bible needs to be finished for Monday; Tuesday we will have a seminar. I will post an extra credit option soon.

Thursday, April 2

Freshmen: Today we read 1.3 from Twelfth Night. You should read Act 1 Scene 4 tonight if we did not get to it in class today. We also continued to work on the written portion of your capstone.

Sophomores: You decided that we, in fact, do NOT have too much homework in class (good thing I didn't bet in Vegas or I would have lost a ton), and therefore, you need to finish everything through Book 6 in The Poisonwood Bible for Monday; we will have a seminar on Tuesday.

Sophomores: April 1

Today we went to Lagoon, so if you missed class today, you really missed out. Yes, a lame April Fools' joke, but only a fool would miss class. We took a quiz, had a discussion, and watched another scene from Into the Woods. Finish through 533 for Monday in The Poisonwood Bible for Monday - we'll read the last part together that day and have a seminar on Tuesday.

Freshmen: March 31

Today we did two very important things:
1. I gave you background information about Twelfth Night, the plot, and the major characters. Read Act 1 scenes 1 and 2.
2. We started "writing your essays backward" for the capstone, and if you do this right, it will help you in the long run. Do this:
a. Look at all the research you have collected. Look for patterns, contridictions, emerging stories, surprising facts, and ideas that are linked together.
b. After ideas begin to emerge, state your three best ideas in the form of a thesis statement. Remember, thesis statements are supportable opinions, written in complete sentences, and not written in the form of a question. DO NOT begin your thesis with the word "How".
c. After you have three solid thesis statements, decide which genre fits each particular thesis. Remember, you must have one essay from each of the three categories listed.
d. Begin writing your essays - and your poems and story as well. Your essays must:
-use a lead and conclusion technique that you've been taught this year.
-have a good title.
-have an in-text and blocked citation.
-fit the intended genre: be sure you identify the genre you intend to write in on the essay header, in the table of contents, or in the cover letter.

Monday, March 30

Freshmen: Today we focused on the reading skill of inferring, or making inferences, by reading Hemmingway's "Hills Like White Elephants." We also discussed how the story fit the things we have studied related to writing fiction as well. Tomorrow we will begin Twelfth Night and start writing your capstone work.

Sophomores: Today we finished applying the archetype survey to the major characters in The Poisonwood Bible. Read through page 428 is due for Wednesday, as is your I Remember My Father essay.

Friday, March 27

Freshmen: Today we focused on the seven elements stories, lives, and books entail - one of your two options for preplanning the structure of your story. Two great thoughts are due for Monday, as is Twelfth Night; finish all research for the next block period.

Sophomores: Today we analyzed which character archetype best fits the six major characters from The Poisonwood Bible. Your father essay is due Wednesday, as is everything through page 428 in The Poisonwood Bible.

Sophomores - Wednesday, March 25

Today we focused on different types of character archetypes and took a survey to see which one we identified with the most. We also started writing our I Remember My Father essay. Essentially, what you should do is look at all your notes (your analysis) and ask yourself, "What do these notes reveal about what kind of person my father is and what our relationship is like?" This, then, is your synthesis. The essay is due next Wednesday. Also due for that day is everything through page 428. Remember, we will have a seminar tomorrow on the first half of the book.

Freshmen March 24 and 25

Today we focused on developing a good character using the main character questionnaire. This is something you will do prior to writing your short story and will include it in your final product. Use your 20 minutes of reading homework the next two nights to work on your research.

Monday, March 23

Freshmen: Today we looked at a simple way to structure short stories. It is one of the two options you have to choose from when structuring your own short stories for your capstone. Due next Monday are your two great thoughts and a New Folger Library copy of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Due 3/31 or 4/1 is your capstone research - we will start writing that day in class.

Sophomores: You are to write a list of at least 12 concrete memories about your father. Also, due next period is everything up to Book Four.

Friday, March 20

Freshmen: Today we learned about sophomore registration, listened to a few more Billy Collins poems, and took some time to research. Remember, you can use your 20 minutes of reading homework for capstone research, and you should bring your sources and 3x5s to class each day next week. The majority of your research should be done by 3/30.

Sophomores: Today we took the majority of the time to read and to work on vocab.

Thursday, March 19

Freshmen: Today we spent the period in independent research for the capstone project.

Sophomores: Today we took the period to read and prepare for next Thursday's seminar on the first 2/3s of The Poisonwood Bible.

Wednesday, March 18

Freshmen: See yesterday's post.

Sophomores: Today we took a fascinating look at Love and the Goddess, an interview with the captivating and compelling Mr. Joseph Campbell. You took notes on a think sheet and are to write a typed one page synthesis that synthesizes this information as it applies to The Poisonwood Bible. Due Friday. Think Sheet too.

Tuesday, March 17 and 18

Freshmen: Today focused the majority of our time on Question Based Research, getting a start on the capstone - those of you who brought your sources, anyway. You must have a minimum of 12 3x5 cards for your project, but bear in mind the majority of A and B projects use several dozen 3x5s.

Also, the final change in our prayer and great thoughts assignment was announced: You need to bring two great thoughts - one of your own original construction, and one from a source outside yourself. These are due March 30.

Thursday, March 12

Freshmen: Today we basically covered what the Capstone involves. Due Monday are your four creative responses to art. Read for 20 minutes tonight. Due for next block period are five sources about your capstone project as well as at least a dozen 3x5 cards. We will begin researching your capstone project that day.

Sophomores: Today we continued our close reading/analysis and synthesis exercise. You are to find 3 statements either by or about the character you were assigned that reveal what kind of person your character is. Type these three statements up in 36 point font and bring them to class Friday. There will also be a vocab exam on Friday. Finish everything up to the start of The Things We Didn't Know next block period.

Wednesday, March 11

Sophomores: Today we focused on close reading exercises. Read everything up to the start of The Things We Didn't Know due for next block period. Vocab exam on Friday.

Freshman and sophomore extra credit

The Central Utah Water Conservancy District's essay contest for students ages 9-18.


Essay contest info: http://www.cuwcd.com/essays/
Essay contest form:  http://www.cuwcd.com/essays/Essay%20Contest%20form.pdf

Essay Topic:  Water Conversation, Let's Do It Together
Cash Prizes Awarded.
Entries are due at the CUWCD office by April 3, 2009.
Essays from students ages 16 through 18 should not exceed 750 words.

Copy of essay must be to me Monday, March 16 for 25 points extra credit for 3rd Quarter.

Tuesday, March 10

Freshmen: Today we focused on creative responses, using the motifs detailed in "Heart to Heart." You are to find a work of art that inspires you to write a poem from each of the four motifs we studied. If you wish, you could use multiple artworks and write a motif poem for each of them. That is up to you. These are due Monday, typed, and identify in your header which motif each poem is. Also, read for 20 minutes tonight and tomorrow, and come to class Thursday with 5 good capstone topic possibilities. Remember, no sports.

Friday, March 6

Freshmen: Today we learned about the sonnet. You are to write one, adhering to the conventions of 14 lines, abab etc. rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, and a great turn. Due next period. Read for 20 minutes x 3.

Sophomores: Today we discussed facts about the Congo circa 1960. For next time, have everything through the start of The Things We Learned (page 98, I believe) read.

Thursday, March 5

Freshmen: Today we continued to study haiku. You are to write five more haiku that imitate Basho. Also, read for 20 minutes tonight.

Sophomores: Today we discussed some of the characters in The Poisonwood Bible. You need to finish everything through page 42 for tomorrow and complete the research project listed on a previous post.

The Poisonwood BIble Reading Schedule:

3/4 - Begin book.
3/5 - Page 30 due.
3/6 - Page 42 due.
3/11 - Page 98 due (everything up to the start of The Things We Learned).
3/18 - Page 204 due (everything up to the start of The Things We Didn't Know) (I guess they should have checked the blog, ha ha).
3/25 - Page 311 due (everything up to the start of Book Four: Bel and the Serpent).
4/1 - Page 428 due.
4/7 - Page 533 due (we will read Book Seven that day in class).
4/15 - Begin Hamlet - get the Folger Library version. No "No Fear Shakespeare" allowed in here, you hear?

Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3 and 4

Freshmen: Today we had a seminar on Lord of the Flies. You need to find a new book to read and read for 20 minutes, Tuesday and Wednesday, and bring this book with you to class. Bring in your five haiku on Thursday. We will begin Twelfth Night in a few weeks.

Sophomores: Today we began The Poisonwood Bible and handed in your I Remember Baba essays. Due for Friday: 5 facts about the Congo in the 1960s. Cite your sources.

Monday, March 3

Freshmen: Today we focused on haiku. You are to type up 5 tonight that adhere to the guidelines I laid out in class. You are also to focus on 7 items for our seminar and finish Lord of the Flies for next period.

Sophomores: We conducted a Socratic Seminar for The Kite Runner. You need to bring The Poisonwood Bible and your I Remember Baba essays for next period.