Eng. 11 - Weekly Plan 1/12-1/15

English 11 Weekly Plan: 1/12 – 1/16

 

1/12/15

  1. SSR
  2. La Relacion – De Vaca
  3. Discuss De Vaca’s interaction with natives
  4. Answer questions 4 & 5 in groups and share with class

 

1/13/15

  1. SSR
  2. Discuss Native American discussion post
  3. Levi-Strauss presentation – take notes
  4. Native American stories – Split up into small groups.
  • The Coyote and Buffalo (1/2 the class answer 5 & 6) The World on the Turtle’s Back (1/2 the class answer 4 & 6)
  • Each group shares what the story is about, what stood out to them, what similarities they can see with our stories?

 

1/14/15

  1. SSR
  2. Wrap up from 1/13
  3. Puritans – Split up into small groups.
  • Plymouth Planation (answer 4 and 7) and Sinners in the Hands of God (answer 4 and 6)
  • Each group shares what the story is about, what stood out to them, and discusses what values the Puritans held.

 

1/15/15

  1. SSR
  2. Computer lab – discussion post about Puritans and how their beliefs continue to influence us today.
  3. SOL Practice

 

 

Blogging Assignment

Key ideas and concepts I've learned during this course:

  1. Mail-merge. I knew this functionality existed, but I'd never used it before! It's quite handy for managing communications with parents. 
  2. Relationships and how they are central to everything in education.
  3. The ISLLC standards. I'm starting to become a lot more comfortable with these, though I don't think I've got each one memorized yet.

Look forward to hearing everyone else's feedback on this assignment. Thanks.

English 9 AS Week Plan (31st-4)


Monday 3/31

Class – 1. Lit. Terms Romeo and Juliet 2. Group activity Romeo and Juliet key concepts/contemporary connections.

 Homework – Read/Review Acts 1, 2, & 3. Quiz tomorrow.

Tuesday 4/1

(3rd block Library 4th block Lab 122)

Class – 1. Romeo & Juliet quiz. 2. Class activity act out Romeo & Juliet (Acts 1 & 2) 3. Class discussion.

 Homework – 1. Read Romeo and Juliet Act 4.

Wednesday 4/2

Class – 1. Lit. Terms (Aside, Foil, Dramatic Irony) 2. Class activity act out Romeo & Juliet (Acts 3 & 4).

Homework – Read Romeo and Juliet Act 5.

 

Thursday 4/3

Class – 1. Class activity act out Romeo & Juliet Act 5. 2. Review critical characters and character traits.

Homework – Study for Romeo and Juliet final exam

Friday 4/4 (Lab 123)

Class – 1. Romeo and Juliet Exam.

Homework -  None.

English 9 AS (17th-21st)

Monday 3/17 (snow day)

Tuesday 3/18

Class – 1. Go over presentations (due on Monday 3/24). 2. Read Brent Staples – Black Men and Public Space. 3. Writing Prompt: Staples writes about how black men are treated in public spaces, how are you treated in public spaces in comparison to Staples? Write about your behavior in public spaces and people’s reactions to them. 4. Review Lit. terms

Homework – 1. Listen to the audio file “Harper High School Part 1” under Non-Fiction Resources. 2. Post a response on the discussion board about the episode. Make sure to think about audience, purpose, and effectiveness of content. - Due on Thursday at 10:30am.

 

Wednesday 3/19

Class – 1. Continue making index cards. 2. Watch clips from Freakanomics (impact of names & Roe v. Wade). 3. Discussion of Freakanomics’ argument – what did they use? Ethos, pathos, logos? What devices did they use from our persuasive argument techniques?

Homework – Finish post from yesterday. Due by Thursday at 10:30am.

 

Thursday 3/20

Class – 1. In groups work on SSR group project. The movie trailer, interview with a character, or other project is due at the END OF CLASS. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

Homework – 1. Read the interview with Neil McGregor about Shakespeare’s restless world. Post 3 things you learned and were surprised by in the interview and respond to someone else’s post.

 

Friday 3/21

Class – 1. Review lit. terms for non-fiction unit and unit 2. Complete index cards. 3. Watch in Search of Shakespeare Episode 1

Homework – Watch in Search of Shakespeare Episode 2 - (available on Schoology) take notes. 

English 9 AS Weekly Plan (10th - 14)


Monday 3/10 (Raza out)

Class – 1. Begin doing research on persuasive essay topic. Take notes on topic, and become familiar enough to argue both sides of the topic. 2. Meet in your SSR book groups and plan what you want to do for a book presentation. See video for details.

 

Homework – Post on discussion board to this question - Are there other cases like the Scottsboro Boys trial in the last twenty-thirty years? Or is that type of outrageous behavior no longer possible in our criminal justice system? Google the issue before posting to see what you can find and provide links/summaries of what you find about this issue.

 

Tuesday 3/11 (Raza out)

Class – 1. Work on Persuasive Essay – continue research and continue summaries of articles. For extra credit, I will look over your article summaries. If they are good and well done you will earn up to 25 extra credit points. You need to have summarized all articles for your topic to earn the extra credit. 2. Continue working with your SSR group and create a solid plan of what you will do as your group project. Post those plan online for homework.

 

Homework – 1. Post on discussion board, what your group project’s plan is going to be. Will you interview one of the characters on a talk show? Will you create  movie trailer for the book? Will you

 

Wednesday 3/12 (Raza back)

Class – 1. Discussion of Scottsboro Boys posts and group projects. 2. Overview of how to write effective conclusions. 3. Practice of thesis statements.

Homework – None.

 

Thursday 3/13

Class – 1. Lit. Terms overview (ethos, logos, pathos, ad hominem, and red herring). 2. Index card project for lit. terms. 3. The human capacity for evil discussion – Philip Zimbardo – The Stanford Prison Experiment & our own capacity for evil.

Homework – 1. In composition notebook, write about a time that you were willing to ignore your moral code/compass for selfish reasons. – Think about Raza’s example about friends.

Friday 3/14

Class – 1. Talk about capacity for evil – example of Zimbardo’s graduate student being the only person to question his methods. 2. Share stories written in composition notebook. 3. Review game.

Homework -  Read Brent Staples – Black Men and Public Space & post on discussion board about the reading.


English 9 AS Weekly Plan (3rd - 7th)

Monday 3/3 (Snow Day)

Tuesday 3/4 (2 hour delay)

Class – 1. Essay Rewrite Activity

Homework – Read SSR book. Finish by Monday.

Wednesday 3/5

Class – 1. Introduction to Non-Fiction unit 2. Overview of Persuasive Essay and Presentation for this Unit 3. The Scottsboro Boys Trial introduction.

Homework – Read SSR book. Finish by Monday.

Thursday 3/6

Class – 1. Watch documentary – Scottsboro – An American Tragedy (PBS) 2. Food day for 4th block while watching documentary.

Homework – 1. Post reaction/thoughts to documentary on discussion board. 2. Respond to someone else’s post. (Need a minimum of 2 posts) 2. Read SSR book. Finish by Monday.

Friday 3/7 (No School for Students)

 

English 9 AS Weekly Plan (17th to 21st)

Monday 2/17 (2 hour delay)

Class – 1. Discussion on Have Things Changed Posts 2. SSR

Homework – Read TKAM Ch. 17, 18, & 19. Post on discussion board about TKAM -Do people behave how we expect them to behave?

Tuesday 2/18

Class – 1. Review of TKAM Ch 11-19 (group videos) 2. Works Cited 3. Discussion of Saints/Roughnecks 4. Confirmation Bias in TKAM  

Homework – Read Ch. 20, 21, & 22 of TKAM & Post on discussion board about confirmation bias.

Wednesday 2/19 (Computer lab - Library)

Class – 1. Orientation with Ms. Lively 2. Reading time.

Homework – 1. Read Ch. 20, 21, & 22 of TKAM 2. No discussion posts.

Thursday 2/20

Class – 1. SSR. 2. Lecture on Civil Rights & Scottsboro Boys Trial 3. Book Groups

Homework – Read Ch. 23, 24, & 25 of TKAM. Post TWICE on discussion board – 1. What do you think about the connection between racism, prejudice, and poverty? 2. Respond to other people's postsl

Friday 2/21

Class– 1. SSR (finish ½ of group book by Wednesday of next week). 2. Discussion of posts on Scottsboro Boy Trial & injustices of our time.  3. Weekly Review game 

Homework – 1. Finish TKAM over the weekend. No discussion post. Quiz on TKAM & Lit. Terms on Monday.

 

 

TKAM Essay Topics


To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Topics

Requirements: Write a 3-4 page essay on any of the prompts below. The essay will be graded on the standard essay rubric in the writing section of your class binder. Remember A essays will include the following:

 

·         a counter-argument

·         in-text citations (at least 3)

·         use the PIE writing method

·         a clear thesis statement

·         a minimum of six paragraphs

·         use the 4 steps for in-text citations (introduce, embed, cite, and explain)

·         minimal grammatical and spelling errors

 

 

Prompt 1: Reliable Narrator

The story in TKAM is told through Scout Finch’s perspective. Explore whether Scout is a reliable narrator. Take a clear side on this issue and provide textual evidence to prove your argument. For example, some might argue that children don’t have an accurate view of society and therefore the way Scout portrays events in the novel are inherently flawed. Others might argue that children are not inhibited by the same sense of social norms and therefore Scout’s perspective is more honest than an adult’s perspective.

 

Prompt 2: Social Equality

One of the things that has helped endear TKAM to several generations of readers is how Lee explores social equality in Alabama during the 1930s and the parallels the novel has to the 1960s. In your essay, discuss how Lee demonstrates social equality and inequality. Some ways to complete this essay successfully would be to explore the Finches, Calpurnia, the Cunninghams, Zebo, the African-American church, the Ewells, and Tom Robinson.

 

Prompt 3: Parenting Style

Many people find Atticus to be an admirable figure in TKAM for his role in Tom Robinson’s trial. However, not nearly enough attention is given to Atticus parenting style. In this essay, discuss the effectiveness of Atticus’ parenting style. Explore specific incidents between Atticus, Jem, and Scout to prove whether Atticus’ parenting style was effective or ineffective. Feel free to compare/contrast Atticus’ parenting style with other famous parents (books, movies, or real life).  

 

English 9 AS Weekly Plan (10-14)

Monday 2/10

Class – 1. Essay Map review 2. MLA in-text citation review 3. TKAM Ch. 1-8 quiz 4.TKAM discussion 5. SSR (if there’s time)

Homework – Read Ch. 9 & 10. Post on discussion board (Is Atticus a good father?) use MLA citations.

Tuesday 2/11

Class – 1. SSR 2. Discussion board postings 3. Archetypes & Universal Themes in TKAM

Homework – Read Ch. 11. 

Wednesday 2/12 (Computer lab - Library) EARLY RELEASE

Class – 1. Work on Essay

Homework – (due Friday 2/14) Diagnostic Essay Rewrite - submit on Schoology (only 4th block).

(Due Monday 2/17)

  1. Complete TKAM Essay & submit on Schoology
  2. Complete two posts on Schoology (Ch 11-16 post & Have Things Changed post)
  3. Finish chapter 16 TKAM
  4. Finish at least 1/3 of group book. 

Thursday 2/13 - Snow Day (most likely)

Friday 2/14 Snow Day (most likely)

English 9 AS 3rd Block - Extra Credit

During each six weeks there are two ways for students to earn extra credit. The first is by writing an additional essay on an SOL writing prompt, which I'll provide near the end of the six weeks.

The second is by winning having your team win the Razmania challenge! The challenge consists of weekly contests between teams who demonstrate their mastery over core concepts like literary terms, writing, reading comprehension, and public speaking. The team with the best overall record will earn extra credit points for each of its members. 

Below is the list of teams, captains, and tournament schedule:

Team 1 - Kendall (Captain), Josie Wiegandt, Kensley Bullins, Abby Pearl, Erin Bohannon

Team 2 - Ty (Captain), Stuart Reavis, Clark Moeller, Mason Lavinder, Bryton Dalglish

Team 3 - Maggie (Captain), Paige Overbay, Emma Coman, Brittany Lyle, Savannah Pugh

Team 4 - Ian (Captain), Ethan Peggins, Jacob Honaker, Logan Poff, Corey Keith

Team 5 - Rachel (Captain), Kory Thomas, Hunter Graham, Jacob Davidick, Kourtney Poff


English 9 AS - Snow Day Update

 English 9 AS,

Here's a rough outline of this week (Jan 27-Jan 31)

Homework Due on Monday: Prepare for Anthem test. Have parents sign syllabus and complete binder, prepare for binder check on Monday. 

Monday - Computer lab, Schoology website and app, Anthem test, collect signed syllabus, hand out textbooks, binder check.

  • Homework: Read in text book "The Sound of Thunder" - Ray Bradbury (check table of contents for page number) Post on Discussion Forum in Schoology on your thoughts of the story, what it reminded you of, etc. Post in complete sentences and length 50-150 words. 

Tuesday - Review of "The Sound of Thunder" and Diagnostic Essay.

  • Homework: Complete Plot Structure chart for Sound of Thunder

Wednesday - SNOW DAY (Yay! Also oh no so much to make up!)

  • Homework: 

Thursday - Sound of Thunder plot structure, introduction to SSR books, list top 3 books, and The Sound of Thunder - plot structure.

  • Homework: 1. Read "The Most Dangerous Game", 2. Post on Discussion Forum in Schoology on your thoughts of the story, what it reminded you of, etc. Post in complete sentences and length 50-150 words. Make sure to discuss similarities/differences with "Sound of Thunder." 3. Complete Plot Structure for The Most Dangerous Game.

Friday - The Most Dangerous Game discussion, Plot Structure & dynamic/static character review, Writing exercises - SOL prompt.

  • Homework: 1. Read "The Gift of the Magi" by O.Henry. 2. Post on Discussion Forum in Schoology on your thoughts of the story, what it reminded you of, etc. 3. Complete Plot Structure and state if any characters are dynamic/static.

Begining Your Essay

I hate starting an essay.

I'll avoid starting the essay as long as possible. Sometimes, I'll start cleaning the house to avoid starting an essay. I hate starting essays because I don't know how to start. When I sit down in front of the computer I get writers block. Nothing I type sounds good.

A couple of years ago, I watched an interview with Stephen Spielberg where he talked about the importance of an opening scene in a movie, and it occurred to me that the introductory paragraph is like the opening scene in a movie. Most movies have strong opening scenes, and do a good job of hooking the audience. 

Now, when I struggle to begin an essay I visualize the argument. I think about how this argument would work if I was making a documentary film, and most of the time that visualization process helps me with my writing.

I made the video below for my 9th graders, who often struggle with beginning their essays too. The video uses opening scenes from the several movies (Indiana Jones, Up, The Lion King, Warm Bodies, and Iron Man 3) to help students generate ideas for their introductory paragraphs.

This is a video for my 9th grade class at LBHS. It helps students learn how to write introductory paragraphs by comparing the introduction to the opening scene of a movie. To help emphasize the point, I use the following movies: Up, Indiana Jones & Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Lion King, Iron Man 3, and Warm Bodies.

What's a thesis statement?

Thesis statements can be confusing, especially if you haven't been required to write them before for your papers. Watch the video below for a basic explanation of what a thesis statement is and why thesis statements are important in your papers. 

4-19 English 12 CP - Frankenstein

Hey Class,​

​Here's the video lecture on Frankenstein. You're going to enjoy the book! Keep in mind that you'll need to finish chapter 5 by the end of class, and be finished by chapter 10 by the end of Monday.

There might be a short plot quiz on Tuesday. :)

4-17 English 12 CP Podcast

Hey Class,​

Hope all of you are doing well, and I'm looking forward to being back in the classroom on Tuesday. Here's the brief lecture for today's class, and I've attached the Satire quiz questions below.​

Thanks,​

Mr. Raza

​

Restoration Literature Quiz – Satire

1.     Is A Modest Proposal a successful satire? Defend your answer by using quotes from the text.

  • An A answer will have a clear thesis and use multiple quotes from the text to demonstrate their point. Remember to interpret/analyze the quotes you choose…don’t leave the quote hanging.
  • As always, use complete sentences and proper grammar. This is a formal written response.

2.     Is satire still an effective form of social commentary? Use example from contemporary society to prove your point.

  • An A answer will have a clear thesis and use multiple examples to demonstrate its point. Think about what uses satire today…music, tv, comics, etc.
  • As always, use complete sentences and proper grammar. This is a formal written response.

​

How to submit your work to me?

Hi students,​

​We are going to use a digital submission method in this class for all formal assignments like papers, tests, etc. 

  1. ​Visit http://www.saifraza.com
  2. Click on the "Submit Work" link
  3. It will take you to dropittome and ask for a password, which is "Raza"​
  4. Upload the file (please name it like this "last name - assignment name")​

The process is very simple and also explained in this video below:​

Macbeth Movie Background Music

Hey Class,​

​When you begin your Movie Maker project, you're going to want to add things like background music, sound effects, and on screen effects. If you take a look at these clips from Grey's Anatomy (which is a terrible show...) you'll see that background music is a constant part of the show. ​

​Most movies, plays, and tv shows use music to convey information to the audience. Think about how you can use background music and sound effects to convey information to the audience.

​Here's a clip that details how to find background music for your project. I've uploaded a bunch of things for you on my website.

​

​