Monday, November 30, 2009

Chapter 37-39 Reading Questions

1. How is Madame Ratignolle behaving in this chapter?
2. What does Edna discover when she returns from Madame Ratignolle's?
3. Where does Edna go? What does she do?

Sunday, November 29, 2009

SIFT Chart Details

Since I am getting a lot of questions regarding the SIFT chart, here are some clarifications:
1. It will be due December 8th or 9th (depending on ODD or EVEN day).
2. You need to have a total of 20 entries, which include the page number and chapter where you found the quote. The quote also needs to be in the correct category (Symbol, Imagery, Figurative Language, Tone/Theme).
3. Even though it is not a requirement to be typed, points will be given to those who type it.

Extra credit opportunity!
I will give extra credit to students for creating small posters with our SAT words. You must email, post a comment, or speak to me to let me know which set of five words you will do. Do not include the definitions. Include the words with a picture. All posters must be turned in before Christmas break.

Friday, November 27, 2009

The Awakening Reading Questions

Chapters 30-33 questions:
1. What is Gouvernail alluding to when he murmurs the quote "There was a graven image of Desire..."?  (hint: google the quote) 
2.  What did Arobin surprise Edna with?
3.  After receiving Edna's letter Mr. Pontellier takes action.  How does Mr. Pontellier save appearances? 
4.  Who does Edna run into and how does she react?  


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Important Updates

Midterm Exam Schedule:
December 16 - Periods 2 & 4
December 17 - Periods 1 & 5
December 18 - Periods 3 & 6

Progress Reports come out December 3rd.

After the Thanksgiving break:
1. SAT M-P Quiz
2. Group Projects on The Awakening
3. SIFT Charts (20 quotes total, put in the proper category, typed or neatly handwritten with blue/black ink only)
4. Compare/Contrast The Awakening with A Doll's House
5. Definition essay (after the Christmas break)
Don't forget about the SAT Question of the Week.

So if you are failing or in danger of failing there is still time to raise your grade.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Week of November 16-20

Here are the reading questions for Chapters 23-25of The Awakening:
1. Describe Edna's relationship with her father.
2. How does Edna's father criticize Leonce?
3. What happens between Alcee Arobin and Edna?

The onus is also on you to complete the creative writing assignment as follows:
1. Turn in a rough draft (handwritten or typed).
2. A printed copy of the art piece you selected.
3. Final draft typed.
Your grade will be based on creativity, following directions and proper grammar and spelling.
**If you are interested in submitting your writing to the Scholastic Writing Contest please refer to the link for length requirements. Please let me know if you are interested in submitting to the contest before the Thanksgiving Break so I can revise it and register you.

Very Important!!!!!!
If we want to have the pre-Thanksgiving meal I need more people participating. I am willing to give you extra points towards your creative writing assignment if you bring something in. Remember whatever you bring must be enough to share with the whole class (at least 30 people).

Don't forget to continue working on your SIFT charts (worth 20 points). Those are due upon completion of the novel, which should probably be the second week of December.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Creative Writing Assignment

Please have your creative writing rough drafts on Thursday or Friday.
Refer to the following website when selecting a piece of art to write about:
www.fineartprintsondemand.com/search/?q=Realism&submitted=1
http://jssgallery.org/Major_Paintings/Major.htm

You can write a poem, short story or personal essay about the piece of art you select.

You also have the option to write about the following topic:
The Constitution extends freedom of expression as a fundamental right to all U.S. citizens, but it is also a responsibility. It is up to all of us to make our voices heard in support of causes in which we believe. Our democracy thrives when citizens effectively express their opinions. As a creative citizen, using your writing, express what you believe will create a better future for the United States of America.

Have fun and show me how creative you can be with your writing.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Homecoming Week Assignments



Most classes have now read through Chapter 19 of The Awakening.

We have started writing sentences for the M-P words.

1. You will also create a SIFT Chart (Symbol, Imagery, Figurative Language, and Tone/Theme). You will collect 20 examples of these different literary devices from the novel. Make sure to include the page number and chapter for each of your examples. The examples can come from the whole novel.

2. The quiz on the Kate Chopin notes, characters and setting of the novel, and Chapters 1-10 events will be this coming week (November 17 or 18).

3. I would like for Periods 1,3,4, & 5 to have a pre-Thanksgiving feast to discuss the novel as well as share your creative writing pieces. Please post a comment or email me with your name, period and what you would be willing to bring for our feast (food, beverage, utensils, plates, napkins, etc.).

4. This coming week you will be asked to select a piece of art from the Realistic Movement and write a creative piece about it (poem, short story, personal essay). 

Hope you all enjoyed Homecoming Week.
P.S.  If you really want to see New Moon on Friday bring $7 by Tuesday.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Week of November 2nd

Reading questions for Chapter 9 & 10:
1. How does Edna react to Mademoiselle Reisz piano playing?
2. What does Edna learn how to do in Chapter 10? How does this impact her personally?

*The SAT M-P words were also issued and you need to complete the definitions with parts of speech for next class. Sentences will be done in class like last time.

*In class we conducted a comment exchange about our initial reactions and thoughts to the novel. We have also addressed the ideas of Independence/Freedom and what they mean to us.

*You also have until Wednesday to post a comment about the portrait of Madame X. If you can not post a comment you can email me or submit your written answer.

**Chapter 4-6 reading questions were collected. Notes on the main characters, setting, the bird symbol and the concept of unrequited love were explained. There will probably be a quiz on the notes and Chapters 1-10 next week so make sure you understand what's going on so far.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Random

Name that movie line:  "remember, remember, the fifth of November."

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Awakening Reading Questions

Please make sure to answer the following questions regarding Chapters 4-6 for next class.

1. What does it mean when the narrator states, "Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman"?
2. How is the relationship between Robert and Mrs. Pontellier described?
3. What does the sea represent?

You can refer to the following link for the novel online:
http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/ChoAwak.html

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Realism Movement

This piece by John Singer Sargent is titled "Madame X."
What impressions does it give you? What can you say about this woman? Why do you think Sargent painted her?

Unit on Independence

This nine weeks we will focus on the idea of "independence." Our countries independence began with the Declaration of Independence and since then American writers have written about that idea in a plethora of ways. As we focus on our main novel of The Awakening we will also touch upon many other pieces of literature, music, art and film. Some writers include Emerson and Thoreau who were part of the Transcendentalist movement.

We will also continue to work on our writing. This quarter I will teach you how to write a definition essay. Not difficult, but a different form that you should know.
You will also be required to enter either the Scholastic Writing Awards contest or the Fairchild Challenge Opinion paper.

Here are some websites I want you to refer to:
http://www.katechopin.org
http://www.fineartprintsondemand.com/search/?q=Realism&submitted=1
http://www.fullbooks.com/A-Doll-s-House.html