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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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.
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, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
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):
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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.
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, November 13, 2009
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.
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, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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):
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 10, 2009
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.
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.
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, 2009
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.
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, 2009
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...
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, 2009
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.
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, 2009
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.
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.
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