Tuesday, December 18

English 12A: Today we worked on applying The 10% Solution to your college application essays. You should finish revising your essay using this method tonight for homework and then bring a printed copy of your finished, best essay to class on Wednesday for submission. Read for 20 minutes as well.

English 12B: Today we finished reading Stave IV of A Christmas Carol and will finish the book and your graphic organizers tomorrow. Remember, you should be spending about 30 minutes a night researching your Capstone Project topic and compiling the information you are learning onto your index cards.

Friday, December 14

Sorry this is only the second post this week - crazy week...

English 12A: Today we conducted a peer review of your college application essay. Next week we will perform a revision technique, so you need to be able to access a digital copy of your essay. Revise your essay based on your peers' feedback and read for 20 minutes this weekend.

Englsih 12B: Today we continued with our study of character arcs according the four stages of the hero by studying Dickins's A Christmas Carol and creating graphic novels that show Scrooge's progression through the four stages. You should spend 15-30 minutes per night researching your Capstone Project topic and accruing information about it on your index cards.

Monday, December 10

English 12A: Today we took a quiz on the various introduction techniques we have studied; tomorrow we will study different kinds of conclusions and use them to finish your college application essay. You should read for 20 minutes tonight.

English 12B: Today we focused on Question Based Research Strategy and some places you can go to find information about your topic. Between now and January 9 you should become an expert on your topic and fill out as many index cards as you can with information regarding your topic. Tomorrow we will focus on traditional places to find information.

Friday, December 7

English 12A: We took the summer reading exam. If you were gone, take this Friday night. The code is BHS1955. If you didn't do the summer reading, answer the prompt in response to another text you have read. Read for 20 minutes. We will work on your college application essays next week.

English 12B: We continued to work on your essays about the four stages of the hero and Into the Woods. That is due Sunday by midnight. Due Monday is your proposal for your Capstone Project. It should be printed out on paper.

Wednesday, December 5

English 12A: Today we continued with our study of various introduction techniques. You wrote two more, so by the time class begins tomorrow, you should have a total of three separate introductions, each using a different technique. Finish them for homework, read for 20 minutes, and complete all work for the summer reading assignment.

English 12B: Today we wrapped up our study of the four stages of the hero using Into the Woods. We'll write an essay tomorrow. You have three choices as far as prompts go: Analyze how your assigned character progresses through the four stages of the hero in Into the Woods; Analyze how a character we have not studied in class progresses through the four stages of the hero in a novel, film, or play; or, Analyze how you yourself have progressed through the four stages of the hero at some point in your life. Also, complete your proposal for the Capstone by Monday.

Tuesday, December 4

English 12A: Today we focused on various introduction techniques to try. We covered three: Analogy, Quote, and Anecdote. We then chose one of those three and wrote an introduction for your college application essay assignment. This introduction is due tomorrow, when we will try a few other tricks out. Read for 20 minutes. Complete your summer reading assignment.

English 12B: Today we focused on Stages Two and Three of the Four Stages of the Hero using Into the Woods. You should be working on your Capstone Proposals for Monday.

Monday, December 3

English 12A: Today we focused on a college application essay assignment. Your job tonight is to consider one of the prompts we discussed today and come prepared tomorrow to write in response to it. You are also to read for 20 minutes tonight from your book and bring it to class tomorrow.

English 12B: Today we continued our focus on the four stages of the hero and Into the Woods. Your Capstone proposal is due one week from today.

Friday, November 30

English 12A: Today we continued to work on your analytical essays regarding the film More. You can find the assignment on Canvas. If you didn't finish in class, you have until midnight on Sunday to finish. We also went to the library to hear some book talks from our incomparable librarian, Ms. Bates. Everyone should have a book to read starting Monday during the first ten minutes of class and should read at home for 20 minutes each night, also starting Monday.

English 12B: Today we continued our study of basic hero archetypes and also began a study of the four stages of the hero, the basic cycle all hero figures move through in literature, by watching some of the musical Into the Woods. Continue to think about what your Capstone Project topic will be, and complete your proposal by Monday, December 10.

Wednesday, November 28

English 12A: Good work today - I appreciate your effort. Today we focused on some basic literary analysis by viewing the short film More by Mark Osborn. If you were absent, go to youtube and watch it. Tomorrow, we will discuss and write about the film by addressing the prompt "What is the filmmaker trying to say about dreams and ambition?" Find an outside reading book for Monday and complete your summer reading assignment for 12/5 and 12/7.

English 12B: Great job with focus today. Today we did a basic overview of the Capstone Project and what it entails. Read the whole packet tonight. Begin thinking about potential topics. Your proposal is due 12/10.

Tuesday, November 27

Hello: Happy first day of the new trimester!

English 12A: Today we did all the usual first day stuff - some get-to-know-you activities, the disclosure, and so on. We also discussed the summer reading assignment - the reading and graphic organizer are due 12/5, and the test will be 12/7. To prove you came to the blog as assigned, please comment on this post, listing your first name, last initial, and period number. This, and your signed disclosure, are due tomorrow. If you did not complete the Canvas assignment "Why English..." do so tonight.

English 12B: Today we did all the usual first day stuff - some get-to-know-you activities, the disclosure, and so on. To prove you came to the blog as assigned, please comment on this post, listing your first name, last initial, and period number. This, and your signed disclosure, are due tomorrow. If you did not complete the Canvas assignment "First Day Prompt" please do so tonight.

Tuesday, November 13

English 12A: Today we finished The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and had a few discussions about aspects of the text. We also practiced indirectly quoting material. Your final exam review guide is posted on the blog, and your This I Believe essays are due tomorrow when we begin presentations.

Monday, November 12

English 12A: Today we read pages 77-102 in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, began our next sentence of the week activity, and looked at a few This I Believe essays. Your own are due on Wednesday. The final exam study guide is posted on the blog.

CNF: Today we discussed Chapter 4 and The Tipping Point, as well as Murder on a Sunday Morning.

Final Exam Prep Guide

The final exam will consist of 71 multiple choice questions covering material we have learned this trimester. To prepare for the final, study the following:
1. Introduction and conclusion techniques
2. The 10% Solution
3. Thomas Foster's theories regarding water, blindness, geography, names, physical markings, weather, symbolism, and irony, among other ideas from How to Read Literature Like a Professor
4. Literary concepts and terms like motif, parable, vignette, bildungsroman, symbol, conflict, plot, character, theme, setting, intertextuality, among others
5. Grammar rules that were the focus of the Sentence of the Week activity
6. And, how to correctly cite sources, quote from texts, and use textual evidence.

See me with questions.

Wednesday, November 7

English 12A: Today we read pages 11-30 in The Diving Bell; look on Canvas or the blog for the corresponding pages on the PDF.

CNF: Complete the reading assignments on your own.

English 12A Extra Credit Opportunity: Mind-Body Connection

One of the central ideas running through The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is the relationship we have with our bodies. Go to http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2010/bodys-grace/ and listen to the podcast The Body's Grace with Matthew Sanford. Write a typed, one-to-two page, double spaced essay that analyzes the different ways The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and this interview explore this topic. Include some of your own ideas as well.

working link: https://onbeing.org/programs/matthew-sanford-the-bodys-grace/

Tuesday, November 6

English 12A: Today we concluded viewing the film version of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and read the first two chapters (pages 1-10). See the blog and Canvas for the schedule to get caught up on the PDF. We also picked presentation dates, which start 11/14, so make sure your This I Believe projects are done.

CNF: Today we continued to read from Freakonomics and The Tipping Point.

Thursday, November 1

English 12A: Today we gained some background information to help us read our next book, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

CNF: Today we began a documentary film titled Spellbound.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Reading Schedule and PDF Link

This is our reading schedule for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. If you are ever absent, please go to this website and read the corresponding pages on the PDF version: http://thedisabilitybooks.org/pdf/the-diving-bell-and-the-butterfly.pdf

11/6: 3-10, PDF pages 1-11
11/7: 11-30, PDF pages 11-16
11/8: 31-52, PDF pages 17-22
11/9: 53-75, PDF pages 23-30
11/12: 77-102, PDF pages 31-36
11/13: 103-132, PDF pages 37-end

Wednesday, October 31

Happy Halloween. Remember your Teacher Tax for November 1: I want 25% of whatever chocolate you get tonight trick or treating.

English 12A: Today we worked a bit on Sentence of the Week, finished our discussion of The Alchemist, and then looked at more examples of the end of the trimester This I Believe project.

CNF: Today we concluded Hoop Dreams and researched what's become of the principal figures.

Tuesday, October 30

English 12A: Today we finished reading The Alchemist - do this if you were absent. Remember, your This I Believe essay is due in two weeks. There is a How to Read assignment on Canvas.

Monday, October 29

English 12A: Today we studied the concept of irony, anticipating its role at the conclusion of The Alchemist. We read pages 142-153 today. If you were absent, find the corresponding pages on the PDF - this can be found on Canvas. We also read a This I Believe essay titled "The Ability of Love to Transform." We will conclude the book tomorrow. Finally, you have a new How to Read... assignment posted on Canvas, due Tuesday before midnight.

Friday, October 26

English 12A: Don't forget about the extra credit tied to the school's production of The Addams Family. Today we read pages 123-142 in The Alchemist (see the post on the blog and on Canvas that tells you what pages you should read on the PDF to stay caught up). We then read Chapter 15 in How to Read and did an assignment for it on Canvas. Lastly, we completed this week's attribution practice and shared it with jeffrey.baird@csddocs.org.

CNF: Today we watched the first hour of Hoop Dreams, a great example of the pyramid concept expressed in Chapter 3 of Freakonomics.

Tuesday, October 23

English 12A: Today, along with reading pages 65-79 in The Alchemist (see the schedule to keep up on the PDF), we focused on the Sentence of the Week ideas of front, rear, and middle attribution. If you were absent, or didn't finish, here were the two things we did and that you should complete on your CSDdocs account:

Choose one of the following quotes from The Alchemist:

-Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own (16).

-”...people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of” (23).

-”The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon” (32).

-”Every blessing ignored becomes a curse” (58).

Explain the theme revealed by one of these statements and write a paragraph that does the following things:

1. Set up the quote and provide the reader with context.
2. Correctly format the quote using front attribution.
3. Comment on the quote.  

Example:

Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi is, above all, about the power of stories. It’s protagonist, Pi Patel, advocates we “choose the better story” (64). Pi - and Yann Martel - seem to argue throughout the book that choosing the better story allows us to see the potential of the world instead of its limits.

Choose one of the following quotes from The Alchemist:

-Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own (16).

-”...people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of” (23).

-”The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon” (32).

-”Every blessing ignored becomes a curse” (58).

Explain the theme revealed by one of these statements and write a paragraph that does the following things:

1. Set up the quote and provide the reader with context.
2. Correctly format the quote using rear attribution.
3. Comment on the quote.

Example:

Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi is an adventure story about a young man named Pi Patel who survives for 227 days in the Pacific Ocean aboard a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. In Part III of the novel, Pi is questioned by two men who doubt the truthfulness of Pi’s story. They tell him they are just being reasonable. “So am I… Reason is excellent for getting food, clothing, and shelter… Nothing beats reason for keeping tigers away. But be excessively reasonable and you risk throwing out the universe with the bathwater,” Pi responds (298). What Pi seems to be saying is that intellect alone is not enough - we humans must also have imagination and belief.

CNF: Today we conclude the documentary So Much So Fast and discussed how we are all victims of information asymmetry.

Addams Family/Brighton Drama Extra Credit

Attend one of the showings for Brighton High School's production of The Addams Family. Pick one of the ideas we've read about in Thomas Foster's book How to Read Literature Like a Professor. In a one page essay, explain how Foster's theory is evident in the play. This is due by November 5.

Monday, October 22

English 12A: Today we read pages 51-64 in The Alchemist. You can find the corresponding pages for the PDF version on the blog and on Canvas. We also read a This I Believe essay and did some work on the Sentence of the Week.

CNF: Today we began watching a film titled So Much So Fast as a way to study the concept of information asymmetry.

Wednesday, October 17

English 12A: Today we concluded this week's Sentence of the Week work and viewed parts of The Last Lecture (the first 16 and last 20 minutes) which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo&vl=en

This is a great example of personal legends.

CNF: Today we concluded the documentary Addicted to Plastic.

Tuesday, October 16

English 12A: Today we read the rest of Part I in The Alchemist. That's pages 33 to 46 in the text or pages 14-21 on the PDF version, which you can find on the blog or on Canvas. You were to answer the following prompt: The old King tells Santiago, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” (40). Describe a time in your life when you experienced this.

CNF: Today we began a documentary, Addicted to Plastic. If you were absent, watch the first 40 minutes or so of it, which can be found here: https://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/addicted-to-plastic-2008/

Monday, October 15

English 12A: Today we read pages 21-32 in The Alchemist (see the blog or Canvas for what pages to read on the PDF if you were absent). We also discussed motifs, the most important of which is the journey or quest. On Canvas is an assignment to do in conjunction with this and How to Read Chapter 1, "Every Trip is a Quest..." This is due by midnight.

CNF: Today we read Chapter 2 in Freakonomics as we studied information asymmetry. We also watched a Ted Talk by David Burkus on this topic.

Friday, October 12

English 12A: Today we read through page 21 in The Alchemist and focused on these prompts:

1. Which of the four obstacles Coelho outlines in his Introduction does Santiago encounter in this section?

2. The old King tells Santiago that the world’s greatest lie is “that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate” (18). In other words, the old King believes we are in complete control of our lives. Do you agree? Are we in complete control of our lives, or, are our lives determined, in part, by things that are beyond our control? Explain.

CNF: Today we completed the documentary Dishonesty: The Truth About Lies.

Thursday, October 11

English 12A: Today we began The Alchemist. See the reading schedule on the blog and on Canvas and read what you missed online if you were absent today.

CNF: Today we began a documentary, Dishonesty: The Truth About Lies.

The Alchemist Reading Schedule and Link to PDF Version

If you are ever absent, you should still keep up with the reading at home. You can find a link to a PDF version of the text here: http://mindguruindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MP073_The-Alchemist-By-Paulo-Coelho.pdf

Here is what we will read each day in class, and what you should read on your own on the PDF version if you are absent so that you can keep up:

10/11: Introduction-page 10, PDF pages 1-4
10/12: Pages 10-21; PDF pages 4-9
10/15: Pages 21-33; PDF pages 9-14
10/16: Pages 33-46; Part I seminar; PDF pages 14-21
10/17: Pages 51-65; PDF pages 21-27
10/22: Pages 65-79; PDF pages 27-33
10/23: Pages 80-104; PDF pages 33-44
10/24: Pages 104-123; PDF pages 44-53
10/25: Pages 123-142; PDF pages 53-62
10/26: Pages 142-153; PDF pages 62-67
10/29: Pages 153-167; PDF pages 67-end. Final seminar this date.

Wednesday, October 10

English 12A: Today we had several discussions about key ideas in Life of Pi. Thank you for sharing your great ideas.

CNF: Today we watched the Ted Talk "The Future of Lying" and completed reading Freakonomics chapter 1.

Life of Pi Part III and This American Life Extra Credit

Both Part III of Life of Pi and the episode "How I Got Into College" from the radio program This American Life, deal with individuals who insist "on remembering, and telling, the story of his life" in a particular way, despite those who don't believe or attempt to contradict the stories of their lives (TAL). Go to https://www.thisamericanlife.org/504/how-i-got-into-college and listen to Act II and III, "My Ames is True." This will take 48 minutes. Then, write a two-page essay that analyzes the similarities between how Pi Patel and Emir Kamenica use stories to make sense of their past.

Tuesday, October 9

English 12A: Today we completed Part III of Life of Pi in class.

CNF: Today we watched this Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_ariely_on_our_buggy_moral_code?language=en#t-949067 and read Chapter 1 of Freakonomics.

Monday, October 8

English 12A: Today we spent the period is small group discussion about Part II of Life of Pi. If you haven't finished Part II for some reason, do so before class on Tuesday.

CNF: Today we completed our disaggregation of the cheating survey data we compiled. We also saw a short documentary about cheating and sumo as well as a shocking expose about genni use in MLB!

Friday, October 5

English 12: Finish Part II from Life of Pi for Monday's quiz and discussion. Complete the How to Read assignments for Chapters 12 and 25 tonight.

CNF: We read the Introduction to Freakonomics and the National Geographic article "Why We Lie."

Thursday, October 4

English 12A: Today we read this This I Believe essay: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/20733/ We also did some imitation of AAAWWWUBBIS front branching sentences while writing about Life of Pi. Finally, on Canvas, you can find the assignment from How to Read Chapter 19, dealing with geography and literature. It is due tonight. Finish Part II of Life of Pi for class on Monday.

CNF: Today we focused on Freakonomics-style thinking as we began to explore honesty and cheating, both here at Brighton and out in the world.

Wednesday, October 3

English 12A: Today we focused on how this week's sentences of the week are complex AAAWWUBBIS sentences with dependent clasues that come at the front, followed by a comma and an independent clause; we then read this This I Believe essay as we focused on the notion of chance in Life of Pi: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/14653/ We then read Chapters 90 and 91 in Life of Pi. Finish this for homework.

CNF: Today we completed a final essay about the three tasks in Blink. The prompt can be found on Canvas.

Tuesday, October 2

English 12A: We read this This I Believe essay in class: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/46556/; we also began our Sentence of the Week for this week; lastly, we spent the rest of the period using the 10% Solution on your college application essays. You need to hand in your revised, improved, 10%ed essays in class. Also, we will read Chapter 90 in Life of Pi together in class on Wednesday, so you need to be done with everything through Chapter 89 (page 240).

CNF: Today we took a quiz on Blink and had discussions about multiple parts of the text. Tomorrow, we will take a final essay exam as we wrap up our study of the book and move on to Freakonomics.

Reflections Extra Credit Opportunity

PTSA Reflections program is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents and receive recognition for their participation.
The theme for this year is: HEROES AROUND ME
The categories are: Dance Choreography Film Production Literature Music Composition Photography 2D & 3D Visual Arts
The entry forms and rules for each category can be found at utahpta.org/reflections.

Monday, October 1

English 12A: Today we learned a strategy called The 10% Solution, which is designed to help you improve as both a revisionist as well as a first draft writer. If you were absent, the lesson and the handout are on Canvas. You should take this technique and apply it to your college application essay. Also, read through Chapter 83, page 229, from Life of Pi, due on Tuesday.

CNF: Today we watched a Ted Talk by Dan Airley about irrational behavior and decision making, and took our last day to read from Blink in class. Complete Chapter 6, the Conclusion, the Afterword, and the Acknowledgements for class tomorrow.

Thursday, September 27

English 12A: Today we studied the importance of water in literature, including in the This I Believe essay we read today, which can be found here: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/24321/ There is an assignment on Canvas titled "How to Read Chapter 18 Analysis: 'If She Comes Up...'" which is due tonight. You should read through page 205, Chapter 71, in Life of Pi for Friday's class.

CNF: Today we experimented with facial expressions and their impact on our emotions as we read the end section of Blink.

Wednesday, September 26

English 12A: Today we read a This I Believe Essay (A Reverence for Life), worked on the Sentence of the Week project, and worked on your college application essays. The rubric can be found on Canvas. The essay is due on paper on Monday.

CNF: Today we watched a Ted Talk about body language and facial expressions to help us better understand the final sections of Blink titled "How to Spot a Liar." We then continued to read the final section of the book.

Tuesday, September 25

English 12A: Today we focused on your college application essays as well as what we noticed about this week's sentences of the week. Yesterday, our focus was on a variety of conclusion techniques to use. Your homework is to work on your essay, read through Chapter 59 (page 176) in Life of Pi, and take the Conclusions quiz on Canvas. You must take it tonight to get credit for it.

CNF: Today we continued our discussion about Chapter 5 and began Chapter 6 in Blink.

Life of Pi Visualization Extra Credit Project

Create some sort of artistic visual representation of something that's important from the novel. This is very wide open. I just want to build upon the skill of visualization that we worked on last week. The assignment would be due no later than Friday, October 12, though it can be handed in earlier. Some possibilities for this might include a painting, sculpture, collage, or drawing. You could do something like design a new book cover or a poster for the film. You could incorporate words and visuals if you would like, something like a poem with a visual. As I said, it's very wide open, and the amount of extra credit you earn will be based on how interesting your project is and how much effort it appears you put into it.

Thursday, September 20

English 12A: We read a This I Believe essay, "A Feeling of Wildness," and discussed how the ideas therein and apply to Life of Pi. We also addressed the importance of names and the naming of things in the text. Lastly, we also worked on your college application essays. Read everything through Chapter 51 (page 145) and work on your essays for half an hour or so for Monday.

CNF: Today we read from Chapter 5 in Blink.

Wednesday, September 19

English 12A: Today we focused on the skill of visualization, and read Chapters 46-49 in Life of Pi. Finish with those chapters before tomorrow's class.

CNF: Today we focused on ice cream, spaghetti sauce, peaches, chairs, and everyone's favorite techno/hip-hop/new wave musician, Kenna!

Tuesday, September 18

English 12A: Today we read this essay from This I Believe: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/16598/
We also began our study of grammar through our first Sentence of the Week activity. Lastly, we read from Life of Pi; you should be done with everything through Chapter 45 for tomorrow's class.

CNF: Today we explored why we like certain things and how the context impacts this through our Coke-Pepsi Taste Test Challenge.

Monday, September 17

English 12A: Today we focused on reading the start of Part II from Life of Pi. If you were absent, read through page 111 for tomorrow's class. We also took a grammar pretest in preparation for our Sentence of the Week program; please take this on Canvas if you were absent, found under Quizzes.

CNF: Today we finished Chapter 4 in Blink and had a short discussion on the material.

Friday, September 14

Predictions: 
Utah 24, UW 17
BHS 23, Skyline 3

English 12A: Today we took a quiz, finished Part I in Life of Pi, read this essay: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/24/ , and had a discussion about Pi and Part I. If you're not done with Part I, finish it. We will resume Part II on Monday and resume working on your essays on Tuesday.

CNF: Today we focused on reading Chapter 4 in Blink and will continue it on Monday.

Thursday, September 13

English 12A: Today we read this essay https://thisibelieve.org/essay/31/ and worked on the body of your college application essay. Over the next few days, spend about a half hour working on that essay. You should be done with Chapter 36 (page 86) in Life of Pi for Friday's class. We will take a quiz and have a discussion on Part I that day.

CNF: Today we focused on the relationship between spontaneous decision making and structure as we studied Battlestar Galactica, basketball, improv comedy, and chess.

Monday, September 10

English 12A: Today we began a study of different introduction techniques; your job was to pick one of the first three we studied and write an introduction for your college application essay. We also read from Life of Pi; you should be done with Chapter 13 (page 44) for Tuesday's class.

CNF: Today we took more implicit association tests and will read Blink, Chapter 3 in class tomorrow.

Friday, September 7

First the important stuff. The Bengals are going to roll at Homecoming 24-9, and the Utes will steamroll Northern Illinois 35-10.

English 12A: Today we read some from Life of Pi, and your homework is to read through Chapter 7 (through page 28). We also started looking at potential college application essay topics, and you should come with an idea in mind based on one of the prompts we looked at.

CNF: Today we took the race IAT and will continue with various other IATs on Monday.

Thursday, September 7

English 12A: Today we began reading Life of Pi. Please go to http://bairdenglish.blogspot.com/2018/09/life-of-pi-reading-schedule-2018.html for the complete reading schedule. We read the Author's Note, discussed it's implications, and then began the first couple of chapters. You are to read the first three chapters tonight for homework (through page 12).

CNF: Today we finished reading Chapter 2 from Blink and discussed the notion of rapid cognition, the unconscious, and priming.

Life of Pi Reading Schedule 2018

Life of Pi Reading Schedule 2018

9/6: Read author’s note and pages 1-12

9/7: Read pages 12-28

9/10: Read pages 29-44

9/11: Read pages 44-58

9/12: Read pages 58-71

9/13: Read pages 71-86

**9/14: Read pages 86-93 in class and discuss Part I

9/17: Read pages 97-111

9/18: Read pages 111-123

9/19: Read pages 123-137

9/20: Read pages 137-145

9/24: Read pages 145-159

9/25: Read pages 159-176

9/26: Read pages 177-192

9/27: Read pages 192-205

9/28: Read pages 205-217

10/1: Read pages 217-229

10/2: Read pages 229-240

10/3: Read pages 240-256

10/4: Read pages 256-270

10/5: Read pages 270-286 in class and discuss Part II

10/8: Read Part III in class

10/9: Final discussion on book

Tuesday, September 4 and Wednesday, September 5

English 12A: Tuesday we discussed the story of Emmett Till and the book Mississippi Trial: 1955. Wednesday we took an essay exam on the summer reading.

CNF: Tuesday we thin sliced people's personalities based on their bedrooms, and Wednesday we learned about unconscious priming and began reading Chapter 2 of Blink.

Thursday, August 30 and Friday, August 31

Sorry, forgot to post this yesterday...

English 12A: On Thursday, we continued to prepare for the final project of the trimester by further studying some essays from This I Believe's website. You got a handout to help you with this that's due September 4. Also due September 4 is your summer reading and the graphic organizer that goes along with it. You'll take an essay exam on the text on September 5. For up to 50 points extra credit, attend author Chris Crowe's presentation on September 12 at 7 PM and write a short reflection on the event and how it helped you understand the book.

On Friday, we took a district-wide assessment.

CNF: We learned about and practiced thin slicing by reading Chapter 1 from Blink, taking notes on it, discussing our ideas, and thin slicing some couples' interactions. We will conclude this on Tuesday.

Wednesday, August 29

English 12A: Today we read Chapter 3 in the Tao te Ching; from there we focused on the second major theme of our class, which is that of personal belief. We looked at the end-of-the-trimester project that we will undertake, which involves writing an essay for NPR's This I Believe Project. We will continue with this tomorrow.

CNF: Today we did a few things to help us better understand what we will read in Chapter 1 of Blink: we took the Big Five Inventory personality test, and your homework is to have someone close to you take it about you; we also watched a Ted Talk titled The Mathematics of Love, and will continue to study some of the ideas addressed there tomorrow.

Tuesday, August 28

English 12A: Today our focus was on getting background on the Tao te Ching as a text and work of literature. We had some discussions and took a quiz and began the bell work packet that we will do each day.

CNF: We read the introduction to Blink and had a discussion about the ideas therein.

Monday, August 27

English 12A: Today we began a study of the ancient Chinese text the Tao te Ching. To begin this study, we read the introduction and the students took notes on key words and ideas in the introduction. We will finish reading it in class on Tuesday, and you will be able to use your notes on the quiz we will take on the introduction.

CNF: Today we began reading Blink, focusing especially on our biases about decision-making and the three tasks Gladwell sets out for the reader in his introduction. We will finish the introduction in class on Tuesday and discuss it.

Friday, August 24

English 12A: Today we focused on revision, specifically of your essays about the film More. In class I tried to emphasize the importance of modeling your work after other writers who you feel are effective, and the importance of identifying specific things other writers do that are effective so you can imitate it yourself. Your homework is to revise your essay based on your peer's comments, what you learned from your peer's paper, and what you learned from the sample paper I provided you. That can be found on Canvas. Your essay must be submitted to Canvas no later than Monday morning.

CNF: Today we focused on both decision-making and nonfiction by examining the topic of flight versus invisibility via an episode of This American Life.

Thursday, August 23

English 12A: Today we focused on some basic literary concepts, particularly theme, and then applied these concepts to our reading of Mark Osborn's short film, "More." You completed a think-sheet in class about the concepts and the film and began writing an essay, the instructions for which you can find on Canvas, along with a link to view the film if you need to see it again.

We also discussed the summer reading assignment and how you need to complete it by Tuesday, September 4. A link to the graphic organizer you need to complete by this date can be found here https://brighton.canyonsdistrict.org/docs/Brighton_Reads_2018-2019.pdf and on Canvas under Summer Reading. The test will be Wednesday, September 5.

CNF: Today we studied how non-fiction texts are constructs, just as fiction texts are. Toward that end, we listened to a couple of stories from Radiolab and This American Life and examined how ethos, pathos, and logos were used to manipulate us as listeners.

Wednesday, August 22

English 12A: Today we covered our disclosure statement (which can be found on our course Canvas page), and wrote in response to a few prompts (which can also be found on our Canvas page). Your signed disclosure is due Thursday, 8/23, and your summer reading and the graphic organizer should be complete by 9/4 - there will be a discussion on 9/4 about the summer reading, and a quiz on 9/5. Thanks for a good first day.

CNF: Today we went over our disclosure statement (which can be found on our course Canvas page) and had a basic overview of our course and its primary theme. Bring your disclosure back to class on Thursday. Thanks for a great first day.

Compelling Nonfiction Documentary Suggested Film List

Hi. Before you view any of these, get parental consent. As always, the views expressed in the film do not necessarily reflect my views, nor those of anyone associated with Canyons School District:

-The Last Lecture (view on youtube)
-The Armstrong Lie, Icarus, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Inside Man, Bigger Faster Stronger, Who Killed the Electric Car - all go great with Freakonomics Chapter 1 and Dishonesty: The Truth About Lies.
-Michael Moore's Sicko goes well with Chapter 2 and So Much So Fast. Also recommended is his film, Bowling for Columbine.
-Undefeated and Kicking It are great films about football and soccer respectively, and go well with Chapter 3 and Hoop Dreams and Spellbound. Also recommended, King of Kong.
-The Thin Blue Line is a great film to pair with Chapter 4 and Murder on a Sunday Morning.
-My Kid Could Paint That and Born Into Brothels are great to pair with Chapter 5 and 6 and Buck.

Some other films I like: Supersize Me, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden, The Beauty Academy of Kabul, An Inconvenient Truth, Man on Wire, Grizzly Man, and Chasing Ice.

Monday, May 21

English 12B: Today we began presentations. Today is your last opportunity to upload your research paper to Canvas. If you do not do that today, you will not receive credit for your research paper.

Wednesday, May 16

English 12B: Time is almost up on your Capstone Projects. They are due on Monday. Presentations will begin that day.

CNF: We continued to read from Freakonomics and The Tipping Point. 

Monday, May 14

English 12B: Today in addition to the usual Capstone, Elements, and HCPP work, we also looked at poems written in response to art, just in case that was something you wanted to try for your project. I also distributed rubrics to include in your bound project, which is due in exactly ONE WEEK!

CNF: We continued to learn why crime declined in the 1990s, and watched at Ted Talk by Stephen Pinker who showed us that violence has, in fact, decreased dramatically over the past several centuries.

Friday, May 11

English 12B: Today, Mr. Andersen came into our classroom and taught us a bit about how to create a website for the Capstone Project. We appreciate his time very much. We also did Day 45 of The Elements of Style packet as well as The Hero Catch-Phrase Project.

CNF: Today we talked a bit about Spellbound, and then delved into our study of crime, why it rises and falls, and what happens once a crime has been committed and a person charged. To begin with, we read an article from the desnews.com website about how crime in Utah has risen 17% the past few years, watched a scene from the Freakonomics movie, and began reading Chapter 4 from Freakonomics and a passage from Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point; each text deals with a different theory regarding the drop in crime rates in the mid-1990s.

Thursday, May 10

English 12B: We continued to work on both The Elements of Style and The Hero Catch Phrase Project. We also discussed more techniques to try during the presentation component.

CNF: We finished Spellbound. Man, what a film...

Wednesday, May 9

English 12B: Today we focused on attributes of an effective presenter. See the list compiled on the previous post.

CNF: How do you spell "dramatic," "emotional," and "compelling"? S-P-E-L-L-B-O-U-N-D!

Elements of an Effective Presentation (as defined by periods 1, 3, and 5):

1. Use objects.
2. Speak clearly, loudly, and slowly.
3. Interact with the audience.
4. Use humor.
5. Use statistics.
6. Make eye contact with the audience.
7. Use pictures or other visuals.
8. Quote experts.
9. Tell stories.
10. Use gestures, smile, and move.
11. Be concise.

Tuesday, May 8

English 12B: Today, in addition to the usual, we focused further on your projects. The rest of this week will be spent on the presentation component and the website.

CNF: Today we finished Hoop Dreams and had a discussion about it.

Monday, May 7

English 12B: Today we talked about the way you are going to bind up, publish, and present your work in its final form (see page four of your Capstone packet for more details). We also did more work on The Hero Catch Phrase Project and read from The Elements of Style.

CNF: Today we were all heart-broken while watching Hoop Dreams when William missed that potential game-winner in the state tournament, but Arthur and the Commandos didn't let us down, finishing third in the state. In the words of Arthur's mom, they're "Still Number One!" We'll finish the film tomorrow.

May the Fourth (Be With You)

A long time ago, in a classroom far, far away...

Episode XC (that's day 40, FYI)

A NEW FRIDAY

It is a period of writing. Striking from hidden Chrome Books, students of English 12B, won their first victory against the evil GALACTIC CAPSTONE PROJECT (or at least some of you are close to finishing your research paper).

During the class, a small band of rebel writers read Style Rule 5 in The Elements of Style and drew inspiration from another entry in Mr. Baird's ultimate activity, the HERO CATCH PHRASE PROJECT.

Pursued by the CAPSTONE'S sinister deadline, the students raced home after discussing the various artistic and statistical responses available to them in their final Genre Response as they hoped to graduate and restore freedom to the galaxy...


And in CNF we continued to watch Hoop Dreams in conjunction with Chapter 3 of Freakonomics.

Thursday, May 3

English 12B: Today we did Day 39 of your packet for The Elements of Style, discussed some free verse poems and their elements, and worked further on your project. It is due in 18 days...

CNF: Today we continued to study the idea of "winning the tournament" by watching Hoop Dreams.

Tuesday, May 1

English 12B: Today we focused on Day 37 of your packet for The Elements of Style. We also read Chapter 9 of They Say I Say which can be found here: https://www.iss.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/NC01000579/Centricity/Domain/2741/They%20Say%20I%20Say%20Full%20Text.pdf (starting on page 149 of the PDF). We then took the advice contained therein and worked on our research paper.

CNF: Today we finished watching So Much So Fast as we concluded our study of information asymmetry and began discussing the notion of "winning the tournament," the topic of study in Freakonomics.

Monday, April 30

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

English 12B: Today we completed Days 35 and 36 in your packet for The Elements of Style, completed another entry in the Hero Catch Phrase Project, and then focused on the sonnet form, for those of you who wish to focus poetry in your Genre Responses. Spend at least 30 minutes tonight working on your project.

CNF: Today we watched So Much So Fast as a way to better understand information asymmetry.

Friday, April 27

English 12B: Today we took a quiz on Part IV of The Elements of Style, did another Hero Catch-Phrase entry, and talked about children's books a little more. You should be about done with your research paper and should begin working on your Genre Responses, which we will continue to discuss moving forward.

CNF: Today we finished Chapter 2 of Freakonomics and watched a Ted Talk by Jamie Heywood, who's one of the principal figures in the documentary we will watch next week.

Thursday, April 26

English 12B: Today we could not take the quiz for The Elements of Style due to Canvas issues, so we will do that tomorrow. We did complete section IV of the book and looked at some children's books for those of you that may choose that option for one of your genre responses. You should work on your Capstone every day.

CNF: Today we viewed a Ted Talk about information asymmetry and began reading Chapter 2 from Freakonomics.

Wednesday, April 25

English 12B: Today we completed Day 33 of our packets for The Elements of Style, did an entry in the Hero Catch-Phrase Project, and took a look at another short story, for those of you choosing to do this Genre Response. There is also a new powerpoint on Canvas to help you write your short stories titled Short Story Structure. It will help you write your short story in seven easy steps.

CNF: We concluded the documentary (Dis)honesty, The Truth About Lies.

Tuesday, April 24

English 12B: Today we talked about one of the options you have for a Genre Response for the Capstone Project - short stories. We read a few short stories, discussed some of their elements, and talked about how to connect an idea for a short story to the larger topic your Capstone focuses on. We also did Day 32 of The Elements of Style and continued to write.

CNF: Today we viewed part of a documentary titled Dishonesty, the Truth About Lies.

Monday, April 23

English 12B: Today we did both days 30 and 31 in The Elements of Style packet. We also began the Hero Catch Phrase Project. We concluded class discussing the one universally required Genre Response for the Capstone Project, which is a letter to the editor of The Salt Lake Tribune. See the link on the blog or on Canvas for their requirements. Work on your Capstone for 15-30 minutes tonight.

CNF: Today we finished Chapter 1 from Freakonomics, and read an article from National Geographic titled "Why We Lie." We had a short discussion on these in class.

Capstone Project Letter to the Editor Submission Guidelines

If you want to see The Tribune's address or their submission guidelines, go to https://www.sltrib.com/footer/2017/07/26/contact-us/ (Links to an external site.)

Thursday, April 19

English 12B: Today we concluded our study of the Monomyth and studied how to create a bibliography or works cited page for your research paper (the main difference being a bibliography lists all sources you used, while a works cited page references the works you actually refer to in your paper - I want you creating a bibliography and listing all sources). See Canvas under Assignments under Capstone Project for help with this. Spend at least an hour on your essay this weekend.

CNF: Today we watched a Ted Talk titled "Our Buggy Moral Code," continued reading Freakonomics, and read an article titled "Why We Lie."

Wednesday, April 18

English 12B: Today we completed day 28 of our packet from The Elements of Style, studied the monomyth some more, reviewed various conclusion strategies and picked one to shoot for with the research papers, and wrote. Spend 15 minutes on your project tonight.

CNF: Today we focused on some of the foundational found in Freakonomics, watched a documentary on corruption in Japanese Sumo, started reading Chapter 1.

Tuesday, April 17

English 12B: Today we read more from The Elements of Style, read Chapter 8 from They Say I Say to better understand transitions, and worked on your research papers, which you should spend at least 15 minutes on at home tonight.

CNF: Today we broke down the data from the survey we took on cheating and continued to read the Explanatory Note, Preface, and Introduction for Freakonomics.

Monday, April 16

English 12B: Today, we studied some commonly misused expressions listed in The Elements of Style, studied the seventh stage of the Monomyth, and worked on your research papers. You should be close to done with them by the end of the week so we can move on to other aspects of the Capstone Project.

CNF: Today we watched a Ted Talk titled "The Future of Lying," completed a survey about cheating here at Brighton, and read the Explanatory Note, Preface, and Introduction to Freakonomics.

Friday, April 13

English 12B: Today we read section III of The Elements of Style and took a quiz on it on Canvas; we also discussed the fifth and sixth stages of the monomyth cycle; and lastly, we spent some time working on your research projects. Continue to work on them this weekend, say, for 30 minutes or so.

CNF: We completed our reading of Blink and discussed to what extent Gladwell accomplished the three tasks he laid out in the introduction. We will begin reading Freakonomics on Monday.

Thursday, April 12

English 12B: Today we focused on two more stages of the monomyth, concluded the second section of The Elements of Style and took a quiz (if you were absent, take this on Canvas - you are not allowed to use your book or packet on the quiz), and worked on your Capstone Research Papers.

CNF: Today we talked over a few ideas related to the end of Blink, and tried as well as we could to finish it. We'll wrap it up on Friday.

Wednesday, April 11

English 12B: Today we focused on Day 23 of your packet for The Elements of Style (rule 21). There will be a quiz on the second section of the book on Thursday. We then learned about the first two stages of the Monomyth, and then continued to work on your Capstone Research Papers.

CNF: Today we continued to read from Blink and watched a Ted Talk by Dan Ariely called "Are We Really in Control of Our Own Decisions?"

Tuesday, April 10

English 12B: Today we finished a review of the different kinds of introduction techniques available for your Capstone Research Paper and began writing your introductions - melding them with two chapters from They Say I Say. We read Chapter 7 today, which advocates "stating why it matters" - that is, not assuming that your reader will understand why your topic (and your stance on it) is important. You have to state it outright. And, going back to Chapter 1, we emphasized that you are entering a conversation about your topic. Your introduction should reflect mastery of three things: entering the conversation, stating why it matters, and executing the introduction technique you have chosen. We also read Elementary Rule of Composition 20 in The Elements of Style, and you should expect a quiz on The Elementary Principles of Composition on Thursday. Your homework for the rest of the year is to spend 15 minutes each night working on your Capstone Project.

CNF: Today we watched a Ted Talk, "How to Spot a Liar" and did an experiment with a piece of standup by George Carlin (Gladwell's thesis was drastically refuted...). We also continued to read Chapter 6 in Blink.

Monday, April 9

English 12A: Today we did a number of things. We read Elementary Rule of Composition 19 in The Elements of Style. We formulated thesis statements based on the research you compiled over the last month or so. We ordered the information in such a way that it will make sense for your reader. And we reviewed the different Introduction Techniques we studied last trimester as you prepared to begin writing your own introduction tomorrow. Notice how I used excellent parallel structure as I expressed related ideas in similar form.

CNF: Today we focused on Chapter 6 in Blink and the story of Amadou Diallo and the song Bruce Springsteen wrote in response to it; we also did a little studying of mircroexpressions.

Friday, March 30

English 12B: Today we finished your graphic novel interpretations of how Scrooge moves through the Four Stages of the Hero in A Christmas Carol. We also continued with your research for your Capstone Project. All 20 cards (at a minimum) are due Monday, April 9, and we will start writing your research paper that day. We also read Elementary Rule of Composition 18 today in The Elements of Style. 

CNF: Today we focused on reading the rest of Chapter 5 from Blink and had a discussion on it based on your notes.

Thursday, March 29

English 12B: Today we focused on the Fourth Stave of A Christmas Carol and the Chaos Stage in your graphic novels. We read Elementary Rule of Usage in The Elements of Style and conducted a little research for your Capstone Project. We will have about 30 minutes for this on Friday.

CNF: Today we focused on how packaging impacts purchasing choices and watched Malcolm Gladwell's Ted Talk on happiness and spaghetti sauce. We also began Chapter 5 in Blink.

Wednesday, March 28

English 12B: Today we completed Day 18 of our packet for The Elements of Style. A Christmas Carol is a great example of the rule from today's packet; we read Stave Three from A Christmas Carol and continued to focus on the Initiation Stage. By the time you return from Spring Break, you should have 20 index cards at a minimum with information about your topic and be an expert on it.

CNF: Today we focused on figuring out the right way to discern what people actually like. We did a Coke-Pepsi taste test challenge, debated the best kind of ice cream, peaches, and chairs, and got jiggy-wid-it listening to Kenna.

Tuesday, March 27

English 12B: Today we focused on the Initiation Stage as we read A Christmas Carol. We also completed Day 17 from our packet for The Elements of Style.

CNF: Today we focused on how structure aids spontaneity. We looked at basketball and chess as two good examples, and had a discussion about Chapter 4 from Blink.

Monday, March 26

English 12B: Today we completed Day 16 of The Elements of Style Packet (Elementary Rule of Composition 14). We also began a study of the Four Stages of the Hero by creating a graphic novel version of Dickens's A Christmas Carol. You should be gathering as much research on your Capstone Project as possible.

CNF: Today we focused on completing Chapter 4 and talked a little about how structure aids spontaneity, which we will focus on further tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 21

English 12B: Today you completed Elementary Rule of Usage 11 and took a quiz on Canvas. It closes at midnight. You are not allowed to use notes or the book on the quiz. The rest of the period was spent in research for your Capstone. Remember, your research should be complete by the time we come back from spring break.

CNF: Today we finished reading Chapter 3 from Blink and had a discussion on it.

Tuesday, March 20

BTW - I picked UMBC to upset Virginia...

English 12B: Today the incomparable Ms. Bates came in to teach us about academic research so that you can better find information about your Capstone topic. We will be implementing all that she taught us this week in class and at home as you research your topics and gather information.

CNF: Today we talked a bit more about the IAT. We also read Chapter 3 of Blink and began a written reflection on its contents.

Monday, March 19

English 12B: Today we focused on items 1-5 on our Capstone Project handout under Research Paper starting on page 1. We went to many different websites in an attempt to find sources you may use in your research paper. Some of the places we visited were: Ted, NPR, This American Life, Radio Lab, Science Friday, Freakonomics (podcast and blog), To the Best of Our Knowledge, All Things Considered, PBS, Youtube, Time, National Geographic, CNN, Fox News, Newsweek, and The New Yorker. I also suggested entering your topic + documentary, just to see what comes up.

We also learned about Question-Based Research Strategy. You should spend the next three weeks gathering as much information about your topic as possible. When we return from Spring Break, the expectation is you are an expert on your topic and should be able to begin writing your research paper.

CNF: Today we took several Implicit Association Tests through Harvard University. If you missed it, go to https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html and take at least the Race IAT. Record the results and write a short reflection on what you think or feel about the results.

Extra Credit Opportunity: English 12B

For up to 50 points extra credit, choose one of the following essay options. Your essay should be typed, and is due Monday. In your header, identify the introduction and conclusion technique you are using. Have an interesting title. Completely address the prompt.

1. In an essay, analyze how your assigned character progresses through the four stages of the hero.
2. In an essay, explain how the four stages of the hero is present in your own life.
3. In an essay, show how these four stages are present in a text we have previously studied this year.
4. In an essay, analyze how a character from a text outside our class fits the four stages of the hero (you may not pick one I’ve referred to).

Wednesday, March 14

What's up, Pi Patel fans (3.14!)?

English 12B: Today we studied various archetypes, their attributes, and saw an example of these attributes in the characters we studied in Into the Woods. Speaking of which, I have posted an extra credit opportunity on the blog and on Canvas. Remember to continue researching potential Capstone Project ideas. Your Proposal is due Monday. It must be typed and cannot be late.

CNF: Today we practiced thin slicing - couples, as well as individuals. We will continue thin slicing people based on a photograph of their room tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 13

English 12B: Today we took a quiz on the Four Stages of the Hero and Into the Woods, and also began learning about archetypes. We will continue with this study of archetypes tomorrow. You should continue researching potential Capstone Project topics; remember your Proposal is due Monday, March 19.

CNF: Today we read Chapter 1 from Blink and took some notes on the chapter. If you were absent, you can find a PDF of the text here: http://www.lequydonhanoi.edu.vn/upload_images/S%C3%A1ch%20ngo%E1%BA%A1i%20ng%E1%BB%AF/Blink-%20The%20Power%20of%20Thinking%20Without%20Thinking.pdf

Crucible Extra Credit

Attend Brighton's production of The Crucible and write a one page analysis of how it fits the Four Stages of the Hero that we studied in class and earn up to 25 points extra credit.

Monday, March 12

English 12B: Today we did Day 6 of your The Elements of Style packet and concluded our overview of The Four Stages of the Hero and Into the Woods. There will be a 25 question quiz tomorrow. The lesson overview and the musical's lyrics can be found on Canvas for those of you who wish to study. You should be researching your various potential Capstone Project topics the rest of this week, and your typed Proposal is due next Monday, 3/19.

CNF: Today we studied how seemingly complex things - such as personalities, love, and relationships - can be quickly and easily understood using algorithms that measure the correct data. Your homework is to ask a friend or relative to take the Big Five Inventory, answering questions about you, and compare their assessment of your personality with that of your own. That should be done by Wednesday.

Friday, March 9

English 12B: Today we focused on the third stage of the Four Stages of the Hero and first half of Act II of Into the Woods. We also completed Day 5 of your The Elements of Style packet, focusing on Elementary Rule of Usage #3. It is critical that you spend the next week researching your potential Capstone topics and making sure that the topic interests you and that there are plenty of sources for you to draw upon.

CNF: Today we finished reading the Introduction from Blink, and had a discussion about some of the topics contained within. Be sure to email a photo of your room for a sociological experiment to jeffrey.baird@csddocs.org by Monday. Remember, you don't have to cop to being the room's occupant if you don't want to. 

Thursday, March 8

English 12B: We read "In Praise of the Humble Comma" and wrote about it in your The Elements of Style Packet (which can be found here: http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,149453,00.html). We also concluded the first act of Into the Woods as we continued our study of the Four Stages of the Hero.

CNF: Today we studied decision-making more in-depth, focusing specifically on our subconsious associations with different aspects of decision-making and some of the snap and meticulous decisions we've made. We then read the Introduction to Blink. 

Wednesday, March 7

English 12B: Today we focused on Day 3 of The Elements of Style packet and Stage Two of the Four Stages of the Hero. You should be researching potential Capstone Projects, narrowing your choices and topics.

CNF: Today we focused on the question of which superpower you would choose, flight or invisibility. We listened to an episode of This American Life titled "Superpowers." We focused on how this exercise not only exposes us to different forms of nonfiction but is also practices both Blink-style and Freakonomics-style thinking, as we had to go with our initial choice first, and then sometimes saw it change when examining it more.

Tuesday, March 6

English 12B: Today we reviewed what you should be doing over the next few weeks for your Capstone Project: researching potential topics and seeing how much information is out there and in what form. Your proposal is due on Monday, March 19. It must be typed. It cannot be late.

We also began a study of the way heroes progress and change through stories. We will continue with this the rest of the week. We also completed Day 2 of The Elements of Style packet.

CNF: Today we studied audio nonfiction and the way producers of it can use ethos, pathos, and logos. We listened to an episode of Radiolab titled "Finding Emile" and an episode of This American Life titled "Wonder Woman." We also discussed the role of decision-making in each of these stories.

Monday, March 5

English 12B: Thanks for a great first day of the tri. Read the Foreword and the Introduction of The Elements of Style (completing Day 1 in your packet). We then went over some of the disclosure statement. For homework, finish reading it and have your parents sign it. Return it to me on Tuesday. Then we began talking about the Capstone Project, which will be the primary focus of our trimester. We began thinking about potential topics, and I asked you to read through the packet I gave you, especially the first two pages. Over the next two weeks, I want you to start doing a little research on your potential topics and deciding which one is right for you. In two weeks (March 19), your proposals are due (this is explained in the packet).

CNF: Thank you all so much for taking the class. I am very excited to work with you this tri. We began with an introduction to the kinds of thinking we will be studying, went over the disclosure, and then did a bevy of activities. Bring back your disclosure tomorrow.

Friday, February 23

English 12A: Today we heard some wonderful This I Believe presentations. Your final exam will be Thursday, March 1; your Tao te Ching packet and your Echoes of the Tao assignment are due Wednesday, February 28.

Englsh 12B: Today we heard some more of your outstanding Capstone Presentations.

12A Final Exam Study Guide 2018

Your final exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions, each worth two points. Some of the things the test may cover include, but are not limited to, the following: introduction and conclusion techniques we studied; the 10% Solution; ideas Thomas Foster addresses in How to Read Literature Like a Professor (including, but not limited to, irony, things like rebirth, water, names, quests, symbols, intertextuality and the "one story," and geography), literary and writing terms and concepts we covered (such as irony, various kinds of stories - like memoir - and context) and reading skills we addressed (such as close reading, annotating, visualization, and prediction), and a few basics about the Tao te Ching (such as how old it is and who wrote it) and This I Believe (such as its purpose).

Thursday, February 22

12A: Periods 1 and 2 completed their reading of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly; Period 3 did that yesterday. Period 3 began their This I Believe presentations; Periods 1 and 2 will do so tomorrow.

12B: You continued with your excellent Capstone Presentations.

Tuesday, February 20

English 12A: Today we read several chapters from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and wrote in response to some of the topics. Remember, your This I Believe essays are due soon, so complete those projects ASAP.

English 12B: Today we began your Capstone Presentations. Thank you and good job to those who presented.

Thursday, February 15

English 12A: Today we concluded the film version of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. We also read this essay from This I Believe: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/28381/

I have also posted extra credit on the blog for those that are interested. It is titled Mind-Body Connection Extra Credit.

English 12B: We took our final day to work on your projects in class. They are due Tuesday.

Wednesday, February 14

English 12A: Today we read this essay from This I Believe: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/7365/

We also viewed and read from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

English 12B: Instead of getting into the monomyth structure to close out our study of the hero like I wanted to, I instead gave the class today to work on their projects and will do so again tomorrow. This means that, rather than being due on Thursday as originally planned, your projects are not due until next Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 13

English 12A: Today we viewed more of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, read the first couple of chapters, and read this essay: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/7710/

Be sure to complete your article of the week assignment on strokes; it is on Canvas.

English 12B: Today we explored various hero archetypes and worked on your Capstones. They are due Thursday.

Monday, February 12

English 12A: Today we did some things to prepare to read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. To continue this, go to Canvas and complete the assignment "Article of the Week About Strokes." It is due Wednesday, February 14, by midnight.

English 12B: Today we did a little bit with archetypes as we conclude our study of the hero, and also did some work on your Capstone Project, which is due, bound and complete, by Thursday.

Friday, February 9

English 12A: Today we concluded our discussion of The Alchemist. You should be completing your This I Believe Projects on your own.

English 12B: Today I collected your index cards; continue to work on your Projects. They are due next Thursday.

Thursday, February 8

English 12A: Today we had multiple discussions on the various ideas running through The Alchemist. We will continue with this tomorrow. Continue to work on your This I Believe project.

English 12B: Today we continued working on the Capstone and wrapping up the Hero Catch Phrase Project. Tomorrow will be the last day for that; your Capstones are due in a week.

Wednesday, February 7

English 12A: Today we concluded reading The Alchemist, and we read these two This I Believe essays: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/i-am-better-than-i-used-to-be/ and https://thisibelieve.org/essay/88035/. We also practiced blending citations more effectively, and you have an assignment on Canvas titled The Alchemist Theme Citation Practice that you should complete tonight.

English 12B: Today we completed another entry in the Hero Catch Phrase Project, worked on the Capstone Project, and discussed the requirement for publishing (i.e. handing in) your Capstone, which are listed below:

Capstone Publication Criteria (50 points)

One element of publishing your Capstone is simply turning it in. When you turn it in, your Capstone should have the following components:

1. Your Capstone should be bound nicely in a binder or some other such thing (20 points).
2. Include a Cover Letter that introduces your reader to your Capstone. Tell them briefly about your topic, why you chose it, what your process was like, what difficulties you encountered, what you hope they get out of reading it, what they should notice about your work, and other such things (20 points).
3. All paper items you created for your Capstone should be included in the bound project (including a copy of the letter to the editor you sent in). If something you created for your Capstone is in a medium other than paper, include a single sheet of paper with a URL link to it. Arrange the items you created in a logical order for your reader. Consider the order that best suits each piece of information. How well-arranged your pieces are factors into your grade (10 points). Place your Cover Letter first and your Works Cited page last; in between, use your creativity to arrange your items in a way that is both logical and aesthetically pleasing to your reader.

Friday, February 2

English 12A: Today our focus was on irony, and the three most basic types (verbal, dramatic, and situational). We also read pages 104-121 in The Alchemist. If you were absent, find the reading schedule on the blog or on Canvas and read the corresponding pages on the PDF. Finally, for homework, you are to go to Canvas and complete the Quiz titled How to Read Chapter 26: Is He Serious? And Other Ironies.

And yes, he is very, very serious. And so am I.

English 12B: Today Mr. Anderson came in and taught us how to build the website component of your Capstone Project. Keep working on that, and the rest of your stuff.

Thursday, February 1

English 12A: Today we read pages 87-104 in The Alchemist (see the reading schedule on Canvas to find out the corresponding pages on the PDF), this essay https://thisibelieve.org/essay/16436/ and spent some time working on your own This I Believe projects.

English 12B: Today we did another entry in the Hero Catch Phrase Project and worked on your Capstone Projects. Tomorrow, we will talk about how to go about creating a website for your project.

Wednesday, January 31

English 12A: Today we read Chapter 55 in the Tao te Ching, read this essay from This I Believe (https://thisibelieve.org/essay/23/), read from The Alchemist (pages 71-87 in our book; check the schedule for the pages on the PDF), and worked for a bit on your This I Believe essay.

English 12B: Today we focused on children's books, for those of you who are choosing that as a possible creative response for your Capstone Projects.

Tuesday, January 30

English 12A: Today our focus was on the reading comprehension strategy of predicting, and making predictions based on textual evidence. It is my intention that you do this as well as you can with The Alchemist. In order to practice the skill, we read the short story "The Lady or the Tiger?" and did an assignment, which you can find on Canvas, and which is due tonight. We also read a This I Believe essay, which can be found here: https://thisibelieve.org/essay/39990/ and read from The Alchemist. See the reading schedule to find out what you missed.

English 12B: Today we focused on short stories, how to craft a short story, and how short stories often deal with social issues, much like the ones you are focusing on in your Capstone Projects. My hope is, these examples will provide you with some ideas about how to craft a short story as one of your creative responses. We also did a quick entry in the Hero Catch Phrase Project, and, as always, read a section from The Elements of Style.

Monday, January 29

English 12A: In response to your incessant begging for more Thomas Foster and more chapters from How to Read Literature Like a Professor, I relented and assigned you to read Chapter One ("Every Trip is a Quest..."). You can find it on Canvas, and yes, you're welcome. It is due tonight. We also read more from The Alchemist - see the schedule on the blog and on Canvas to see what you missed.

English 12B: Today we took a quiz on Part IV of The Elements of Style and spent more time working on your Capstone Projects.

Friday, January 26

English 12A: Today we discussed the chapters we read yesterday from How to Read..., listened to a brief interview with Joseph Campbell about the hero, and read pages 33-47 in The Alchemist to conclude Part I.

English 12B: Today we completed another entry in our Hero Catch Phrase Project and worked on your Capstone Project.