Poetry is creepy

Today we looked at a fairly disturbing poem and did some more practice with analysis. We covered most of the poem in class but then you had some questions to answer on your own. Please make sure you read through the sample analysis as well so you have an idea about what a written poetry analysis entails.
Upcoming: Debate on Thursday!
Vocab test next Friday

Hi Sergio

Work Day

Today was an easy day as you just had the hour to either work with your debate group or work on your letter. Remember the main goal of this assignment is to be persuasive so make sure you use some good techniques and look at both sides of the issue. Also please use the work days when you get them. It's hard for me to justify not doing a lesson when I see several of you just hanging out during the hour or even worse disappearing (Reid).
I'm slowly going through your Crucible papers and should have a better idea of when they'll be done after the mini break this week.
Upcoming: Finish analyzing the Bird and Toad poems for Wednesday and MC due Monday.

Hi Lia!

Poetry Vocab

Today you got your next set of vocab words which deals with poetry terms. If you missed the list or the fantastic video click on the blog title.
After the vocab we briefly talked about how to analyze poetry and we did a practice one with Sandra Cisneros. Remember the main tip with poetry is just to not let it scare you. You can always find something to say about it if you don't let yourself get frustrated.
Upcoming: Practice analysis of poems due Wednesday
MC due 11/29

Vocab Test 3

Today you took your third vocab test and hopefully it was easy points for people. I also collected the Crucible books and papers so if you forgot your book please bring it on Monday. After the test we talked briefly about the outline from the Ben Franklin piece and I will give you a change to rewrite it if you choose. We ended the class talking about the final project for Huck Finn which will be the fabulous debate or the letter to the school board. I always look forward to the debate day.
Enjoy your weekend free of English homework because it rarely happens. Read a good book!

Huck Finnish

The reading of Huck was supposed to be finished for today and then we took a quick reading check quiz. I know they are tough but I need to be sure that people are completing the reading carefully. After the quiz I did some brief commentary on the novel and passed out the discussion questions for tomorrow.
Upcoming: Vocab test and Crucible Final paper due Friday

Return of Benny

Today we looked at a few more interesting pieces from Franklin. We started the hour off with a multiple-choice sample about Franklin talking to his Gout--very weird I know. The selections are already corrected and I would say anything above an 8 is a good score for this point in the year. After the quiz we talked about the Whistle and then started an outline for the convenient essay. Make sure you talk with your partner to have it polished up for tomorrow.
Upcoming: Finish Huck Finn for tomorrow. Yes there will be a quiz so make sure you read! Vocab and final draft due this Friday.

Counselor Day

Sorry folks I realize I've been a bit remiss on updating this. Today in class the counselors just came in an talked about credits and applying for college.
So sadly there was no actual English lesson today but there was homework so all was not lost.
Remember for tonight to read the two pieces from Franklin and make some comments on them. No naked papers!
Upcoming: Crucible final draft due Friday and vocab test the same day.
Finish Huck for Wednesday. Most likely a quiz again so make sure you finish the reading.

The War Prayer

Today we did a little practice with satire and read Twain's "The War Prayer." Satire is sometimes tricky to pick up on so remember to look for the four main elements: irony, humor, exaggeration, and social commentary.
Still no new homework so make sure you are progressing on your Crucible papers. I'm not known for my easy grading of papers so put some time and effort into it.
Upcoming: Huck 1-22 due tomorrow
Crucible paper due next Thursday

Okefenokee Swamp Essay

Today was the first official timed write. It was an analysis essay so hopefully everyone felt okay about it since we've had several practice versions. It's really been pretty light on the homework lately so I hope you are taking advantage of it to work on your paper and enjoy reading Huck Finn.
Upcoming: First half of Huck chapters 1-22 due this Friday