Vocab Test

An easy Friday today (after the test anyway).
Today we just took the vocab test and then practiced some "critical thinking" skills.
I must say that both classes came up with some interesting combinations of words. Although I think shaved hot-dog might have been my favorite.

Upcoming: Crucible Paper due Thursday and don't forget to read your ghost story for Wednesday.

How to analyze like a pro!

Today we went over some basics for how to analyze literature. Analyzing is definetly a skill that takes time and practice but there are some short-cuts. Please make sure you hang on to the sheet I gave you today. I guarantee you will see those things show up in the novels we will read this year.
Upcoming: Vocab Test this Friday--you should be studying every night.
MC is also due Friday--please work with your friends and look up the words
Read TOTS by next Wednesday
And thanks to Zoe your paper is due next Thursday.

Crucible Discussion

Today we had a wrap-up discussion on the play. I thought they went much better this time around and both classes had a pretty good flow almost the entire time. I know discussions are difficult are first so please let me know if anyone feels they are not going well or there is some aspect that needs to be changed. Also just another gentle reminder to try and get more of the quiet people involved. There were several times where I saw people who don't speak much with their hands up and they weren't seen.
Upcoming: Crucible Paper due 11/4 START NOW!
Vocab test and last take home mc due 10/30

Next week we start a new book!!

Winding down with The Crucible

Okay, we finally finished up the play and I hope everyone enjoyed it. Today we talked about some factors that contributed to the hysteria in Salem and in turn influences other examples of hysteria.
I made a master list of the ideas both classes came up with so you have something to refer back when writing your paper.
Isolation
Ignorance
Fear of the unknown
Class issues
Small/close knit community
Boredom--lack of creative outlets
Change occuring in society
Pressure to conform
Afraid to admit wrong--saving face
Reward/Punishment--forced testimony
Unresolved conflicts
Belief in a privilleged society
Power issues
Revenge
Fear of others/outsiders
Commonly held traditions
False assumptions
Divided community

That list should give everyone a good start on thinking about their topics but if you get stuck please come and see me. The commentary sections also are great if you are looking for quotes or connections.

Upcoming:
Vocab test next Friday
Read and make a comparison list of the Jordan articles for tomorrow.

Vocab Day

Today we got our next round of vocab words. Again I apologize for the video quality but at least it's something. This vocab test won't be until Oct. 30th due to the lack of upcoming Fridays!
After the video we started act 3 with some excellent readers today.
Remember the homework for tonight is to read and mark the AP essay prompt.
Upcoming: Puritan Ad for Wednesday.

Vocab Test 2

We rounded off our lovely homecoming week with a wonderful vocab test. Hopefully this one was a breeze for most people as it was the easy matching style. The remainder of the hour we used to finish up act 2.
Next week we get new vocab and don't worry there is a video for this one.
Upcoming: Puritan Ad due Wednesday

Bonus: The first person to tell me they actually read this gets an extra late voucher.

Homecoming

As disappointed as I am about the vandalism that's been going on I have to admit that I'm excited it fits in so well with what we're reading. False accusations, rewards for pointing out others, a few guilty people ruining it for everyone else... The Crucible connections are every where.
Today we spent some time reviewing the vocab words for tomorrow and then we started act two.
Upcoming: Vocab and essay due tomorrow
Puritan Ad due next Wednesday.

Remember if you are stretched for time on the essay feel free to use your late voucher so you have the weekend to make it phenomenal!

See you at the game!

Movie Day

Okay, I'm back and I'll try to stick with it this time. Today was a nice relaxing day. We opened with a little venting session and then talked about the Puritan Ad assignment. For the assignment you need to market a product aimed at Puritans using at least two of the persuasive techniques we've learned.
Then we watched act 1 of The Crucible.
Upcoming: Hurston essay due Friday
Vocab test 2.1 Friday
Puritan Ad 10/14