Homework: April 30

Listing homework is complicated today, with field trips, and missed classes, and everything. Bear with me!

Honors English 11 ALL: Today's journal response is provided here. Please complete it! (If you were in class, you already completed this...as I'm sure you know...) The homework for each class is listed below.

JOURNAL: Rank the following characters according to their morality and/or integrity. Then, choose one and write about why you ranked him/her where you did: Daisy, Tom, Jay Gatsby, Jordan, Nick, Myrtle, and George Wilson.

Honors English 11 BLOCK 1

• Today in class, we talked about your Gatsby/"Prufrock" comparisons. You had some time to look at and discuss some examples, and you'll write a revision of that piece. Make sure you bring both in with you tomorrow to class.
• You should also read the article titled "An Introduction to Literary Criticism for Students." You have the option of annotating the text, OR taking notes using the Cornell notes method we learned the other day in class. Use whichever of these strategies will help you learn and retain the information included in the article.
• So, to recap: Due tomorrow= Completed mind map, revision of Gatsby/"Prufrock" comparison, and reading/notes on "Lit Crit" essay.

Honors English 11 BLOCK 3

• Today in class, you worked on developing your mind map, using the guidelines provided on the assignment sheet. 
• Once you've completed the mind map, you'll work on writing a one-page response. Check yesterday's homework post for a picture of the prompts (it's under block 1's homework from yesterday). 
• You should also read the article titled "An Introduction to Literary Criticism for Students." You have the option of annotating the text, OR taking notes using the Cornell notes method we learned the other day in class. Use whichever of these strategies will help you learn and retain the information included in the article.
• Tomorrow, you'll read the critical essay titled "The Jazz Age" (it's the first one in the packet of critical essays). You must either annotate or take notes using the Cornell notes method. Again, use whichever strategy will help you learn the most.
• So, to recap: All of this is due Thursday, so budget your time effectively (especially if you'll be out at the guidance meeting during our block tomorrow)=Completed mind map, one-page informal response, "Lit Crit" article read (annotated, or notes taken), "The Jazz Age" article read (annotated, or notes taken).

English 12

• We're working through Frankenstein! Today, we had an interesting conversation about what it means to be human, and you wrote about whether you consider Victor's creation to be human or not. There were some interesting arguments, for sure!
• Tonight, you'll read Chapter 20. A LOT happens here...read carefully!

Homework: April 29

Honors English 11 BLOCK 1

• Today in class we worked on your mind maps. They're looking good! You'll use them to develop your idea for your Gatsby essay. Tonight, your homework is to write a one-page, informal response, in which you address the topics below:

This is a really nice photo of the instructions I wrote on the board..

Honors English 11 BLOCK 3

• Because our schedule is going to be all kinds of crazy for the next couple of days, I gave you all a bunch of things to do. Here's a quick run-down:
• For all of you, your homework is to revise your paragraph that you wrote about connections between "Prufrock" and Gatsby. You looked at some model papers in class, and you worked with a group to annotate. Use the notes you made to revisit your own response and make it better!
• For those of you who will be out tomorrow at the college fair: 
• Check back tomorrow afternoon...I'll post an update about what we did. You should work on the Mind Map assignment--that's something we'll definitely do in class tomorrow.
• We'll also write the one-page response (the homework assignment that Block 1 is doing tonight). 
• You'll read about literary criticism...it's going to be great!

English 12

• Your job tonight is to read Chapters 18 and 19 in Frankenstein. Look for the specific things I noted in class today (you should have them written down in your notes).
• We're getting toward the end of the novel! Hooray! Remember, we talked about how you'll want to be on the lookout for current day connections (think major themes, topics like identity development, nature v. nurture, scientific discovery). You'll need an interesting connection for your Frankenstein  project!

Frankenstein and society

In the context of reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and discussing identity development, we watched Shane Koyczan's TED Talk. He's a poet, and he writes about the influence of society, and self, on the ways we develop our own identities and the impact our actions, and the actions of others, have on us. It's a powerful, and challenging, speech:



We also took a look at his website, which is full of other poems, most of which have been animated or accompanied by short films. Check it out here.

Homework: April 26

English 12

• You have two tasks this weekend, both involving Chapter 17 of Frankenstein.
• Task 1: Fill in the chart that we developed at the end of class on Friday. It asks you to talk about the arguments for and against Victor's creating a lady friend. 
• Task 2: Complete the "emotion timeline" that we started on that bluish-green piece of paper. Your going to work through chapter 17, and chart out how Victor's emotions fluctuate. We'll carry this chart through to the end of the story.

Honors English 11

• Today in class, we had some great conversations about the poem "The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot. We talked about imagery, themes, and ideas that are similar in "Prufrock" and The Great Gatsby. 
• Your homework is to write an analytical paragraph in which you make an analytical connection between the two texts in the topic statement, then develop that statement with proof and analysis from both "Prufrock" and Gatsby.
• Here's a recording of Anthony Hopkins reading "Prufrock"--he's the guy who played Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, so try not to get too creeped out: 

Vocabulary practice

You can use this link: https://www.vocabulary.com/lists/257649 to access our class vocabulary list. In order to use the "Learn the List" feature, you'll need an account (you can use your Facebook account!). You can find all kinds of lists to study--and the site will keep track of your progress. Use it!!!

Homework: April 25

Honors English 11

• Tonight, you're going to read one of the most famous, and most analyzed, poems in American literature. It's called "The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock." It's awesome, and weird, and the kind of thing that you might feel like you totally "get" and totally don't get, all at the same time.
• As you read "Prufrock," you should annotate it. Make notes about images, ideas and themes that you see that connect to The Great Gatsby. Even though this poem isn't about Gatsby per se, there are many potential connections. Once you've finished annotating, write down some of your observations on a separate sheet of paper.
• Don't worry if you feel like you don't entirely understand what the poem MEANS. No one does. Or, everyone does, but everyone has his or her own idea. Just enjoy it for the images, the ideas, and the understandings you take away.

English 12

• Tonight, you'll read Chapter 17 in Frankenstein. It's short, but important, so read it carefully. Victor's creation has requested, nay DEMANDED, that Victor create for him a lady friend. What do you think he should do?
• Here's the TED Talk we watched today. Remember, there was a method to my madness...a reason for showing this talk while we're discussing Frankenstein. What is it, do you think?

Homework: April 24

Honors English 11

• Today, we chatted about the book--lots of ideas and opinions! Tomorrow we'll talk symbolism, and we'll start thinking about your own essays that you'll write.
• Tonight, read the essay "A Whole Heap of Ashes." It's from a book called Twenty-Five Books that Shaped America by Thomas C. Foster. Make notes on it, annotating the significant ideas and noting the places where you agree, disagree, or have questions about the author's idea. We'll chat tomorrow.

English 12

• We're reading along through Frankenstein. Today, we clarified the whole story of Safie and her family. This isn't the first family in this book that has fallen into poverty and ruin, right? As you read chapters 15 and 16, you're going to find out a LOT about the Creature and his story. Look for:
• A "meeting"
• A violent act
• A request

Gatsby! Video game!

If that trailer posted below is a little too flashy for you, perhaps you'd rather watch a run-through of the Nintendo video game that was based on Gatsby?

Gatsby! Trailer!

We're all pretty excited about The Great Gatsby movie that will be released in a couple of weeks. Here's the trailer we checked out today:

A song and another song...

Honors English 11 folks, I provide for you two resources: "Daisy's Lullabye" and a flow chart of "Total Eclipse of the Heart." You're welcome.

Homework: April 23

Honors English 11

• We're working through The Great Gatsby, putting together mind maps and preparing to write about the book. Many of the mind maps you created in class today show a lot of insight into the book! We'll talk more about these maps tomorrow.
• For homework, your job is to write a formal analytical paragraph, analyzing the connection between the song that you chose and an aspect of the book. Remember, I showed an example today using "Float On": 
• EXAMPLE TOPIC SENTENCE: The song "Float On" by Modest Mouse represents the carefree attitude displayed by those who attended Gatsby's parties.
• In that paragraph, I would then go on to develop the proof from both the song and the book, and to analyze how the song connects to the story. Get it? Go for it!
• If you're not sure what song to use, you could use "Float On" by Modest Mouse, "Boy in the Well" by REM, "Guest Room" by The National, "End of the Movie" by Cake, or "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance" by Vampire Weekend. Those might be some of my choices...

English 12

• Today in class, we had a great conversation regarding the MONSTER in Frankenstein. You talked about the way the creature sees himself, and the ways that his own identity is molded (or, not molded) by his dear old "dad." Here's what it looked like when we were done talking:

• Tonight, you'll read Chapter 13 and 14. Remember, you're focusing on this new character, Safie, and her connection with the DeLaceys. What's her story? Does she remind you of any other characters or situations from the story.

Homework: April 22

Welcome back from vacation!

Honors English 11

• Your homework is to complete the "opinionniare" assignment that was handed out in class today. Make sure you write a justification for each of your responses, and include quotations. We'll have a discussion in class tomorrow, and you'll need the evidence!
• Block 3, thanks for being patient with the (lack of) wireless in the room today. If you were not able to complete your portfolio update in class, please do so tonight or some time over the next couple of nights. Please complete the survey (link below) as well--just do it once!
• If you're looking to entertain yourself tonight with something that could be considered relevant to class, check out this Gatsby game. It was made for the original Nintendo system, and you can play it online now! 

English 12

• Complete the "MONSTER" handout that was provided in class today. You should do some brainstorming about the way the word monster is relevant in class, and then you should write 1-2 informal paragraphs. Tomorrow in class, we'll discuss your responses, and then you'll do some writing!

Survey Link

Today in the lab, I'm asking for your feedback. Once you finish your portfolio work, and before you start your Gatsby opinionnaire, please take some time to carefully consider and respond to the questions on THIS SURVEY.

Homework: April 12 (yes, there's homework...)

So, homework assignment number 1=have a safe, fun, and restful break!

Honors English 11

• Finish Gatsby! Take note of how it all resolves, and check out that amazing final image.

English 12

• Read Chapters 11 and 12 of Frankenstein. It's the creature's turn to talk! Keep these questions in mind as you read the creature's story:
• How has he survived?
• How did he "grow up"?
• How does he tell his story?

Homework: April 11

Honors English 11

• Read Chapter 8 of Gatsby! What happens next, after, you know, the craziness that happened in chapter 7?

English 12

• Read chapter 9 and 10 of Frankenstein. (You should have read 9 in class, and then 10 for homework.) Consider these questions:
• For Chapter 9: How does Victor deal with his grief and his guilt?
• For Chapter 10: What do Victor and the creature talk about when they finally come face to face again?

Homework: April 10

Honors English 11

• We're getting into the CRAZY DRAMA of The Great Gatsby. Chapter 7 has a lot to offer in the crazy department, so read it carefully! Keep in mind that you should be looking at the text (what people are saying) and the subtext (what people mean when they say something) when reading the chapter. (Remember, "text/subtext" is like this: You text "k" to a friend. You really mean "I'm annoyed at you because you didn't respond quickly enough/invite me/give me the right answer/pay attention to what I asked..." You get the picture. We live our lives in text/subtext--the "subtext" is what's underneath--sub--the original text.)

English 12

• We're moving through Frankenstein! 
• Today in class, we read chapter 7. You're on the lookout for: A death, a return, and accusation and some guilt. 
• Tonight, read finish chapter 7 if you need to, then read chapter 8. Look for: A trial, a confession, more guilt, knowledge withheld, and consequences.

Homework: April 9

Honors English 11

• So, you've already seen some shirts thrown about (imagine that in 3D!) and witnessed the reunion of two long-lost lovers. What could possibly happen next, with only four more chapters left in the book? Oh, so much.
• Tonight, read chapter 6 of Gatsby. It gives a lot of important background information. You're going to learn a whole lot of story!

English 12

• It's alive! Hooray! Victor has animated his creature, thus achieving his goal and totally freaking him out. His next move? RUN AWAY!!!
• Your homework tonight is to read Chapter 6 of Frankenstein. Annotate it carefully. There's a lot to find out about here.

The American Dream, Gatsby, and MTV

Today, we took a look at an episode of MTV's Cribs. In it, Carmelo Anthony (formerly of the Denver Nuggets, currently on the New York Knicks) shows off his house and shoe room. We compared this to Chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby--what might be the "original" Cribs episode, albeit a written version. Gatsby shows off his house, his possessions, his fountains, his cars...and, 75 years later, Carmelo shows off his house, his possessions, his fountains, his cars. We talked about what they're REALLY showing here, and discussed the idea of the American Dream, and the role of wealth, in our society.

Get More: MTV Cribs, Full Episodes

We also looked at the 1974 scene where Gatsby flings shirts about, and where Daisy cries for some unexplained reason. And then there's that whole "push you around in a pink cloud" situation...what a great chapter of the book!

Homework: April 8

Hooray for Monday! Go Michigan! Go Louisville! Go Sox!

Honors English 11

• As I told you in class today, you have the privilege tonight of reading what I like to call "The Most Awesomely Awkward Chapter in Literature." That's chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby, in case you missed the memo.
• As you read, keep an eye out for those categories on the Scavenger Hunt handout--jot a note to yourself when you find one!
• Also as you read, keep an eye out for that awesome vocabulary from the handout I provided last week. Learn those words--they're good ones. Don't believe me? Ask Mrs. Wallingford when you see her for SAT prep.

English 12

• Frankenstein starts off slowly, I know. Letters from the Arctic...blah blah blah...Victor Frankenstein's whole background...family...school...alchemy...science...blah blah blah. You people want action! (I mean, I might argue that an Arctic adventures, scientific discoveries, and family joys and tragedies all fit the bill, but I digress...) Today in class, we found the action--Victor Frankenstein figured out how to create life from death! And now he'll talk about what he did with that information! Now THAT's action, for sure. 
• That paragraph was a really wordy way to say this: your homework is to finish chapter 4 of Frankenstein. Keep an eye out for the 6 "signposts" that we talked about today in class, and add anything to your chart that you find in Chapter 4. 

Homework: April 5

Honors English 11

• Read and annotate chapter 4 of Gatsby! Remember, this time you're paying attention to characterization; specifically, look for the way that Fitzgerald uses dialogue to develop each character.
• You also have a Weekly Article assignment due on Monday.

English 12

• Read and annotate chapter 3 of Frankenstein. This part describes Victor's experiences at school. 

Homework: April 4

Honors English 11

• Read Gatsby! Chapter 3! Remember, pay attention to FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE here. It's not just about what Nick says, it's also about how he says it, right?
• Keep working on your Weekly Article assignment. You should have read and annotated by now, I think. Also, hopefully you're working on finding a connected source.

English 12

• Read Chapter 2 of Frankenstein. Remember to make notes on your character chart as you go--you need to keep track of these people!

The Great Gatsby! It's grrrrreeeeeaaaattttttt!!!

The book's great, anyway. We don't know just yet about the guy...or do we...?

Here are a few resources for you. First up, pictures of our conversation today. We looked at six different things to Notice and Note (thanks, book by the same name by Beers and Probst), and talked about the chapter. 

Then we watched the slightly-manic-but-very-insightful John Green video about Chapter 2. The link is below, as is his video about Chapter 1. Enjoy!

Ideally, you should only watch the first 2 minutes here; we'll watch more as we go ahead and read the book!

Homework: April 3

Honors English 11

• Read Gatsby, chapter 2! Focus in on setting--how does Fitzgerald establish the setting (time and place) of the story?
• Remember, you should also be working on your Weekly Article assignment. This one's all about "How Children Succeed." If you haven't yet read the article and marked it up, you should! The whole assignment is due on Monday.

English 12

• Complete the organizer for Frankenstein, Letters 1-4.
• Read Frankenstein, chapter 1. Be ready to write about it in class tomorrow!

Gatsby--location

The story of The Great Gatsby takes place in New York, mainly on Long Island with some excursions into the big city. Though "the Eggs" don't exist per se, they are based on real-life geography. Check out this little Google map I put together of some of the locations of the book (and of Fitzgerald's house). You can move around within the map using the little Google person...it's a little weird, for sure, but helpful to get your bearings in the setting of the story. The blue taxi represents Manhattan; pull the map to the left to see the "Eggs." (It might take a minute to load.)



View Gatsby locations in a larger map

Homework: April 2

Honors English 11

• We've started reading Gatsby! Hooray!
• Your homework for tonight is to carefully read and annotate chapter 1 (we started in class). Remember, in addition to normal annotation (observations, questions and connections), you're also focusing on NARRATIVE VOICE. Our narrator is Nick Carraway. Will he be a good narrator, do you think? Why/why not? Keep in mind that our narrator will control how we "meet" other characters. Pay attention to those introductions...

English 12

• We've started reading Frankenstein! Hooray!
• Your homework for tonight is to carefully read and annotate Letters 2 and 3. Additionally, jot down notes on the handout--there's an organizer there to help you keep track of the story.

Homework: April 1

Wouldn't it be funny if I wrote this post and said, "You have no homework....APRIL FOOL'S!" Hahahahaha...

You do have homework, no foolin'. Here it is:

Honors English 11

• Write your "character sketch" of our current day world. Remember, it should be 1-2 pages, and should show off some details that are unique to our present lives and experiences. You might create a couple of characters who have a conversation, and work in some current-day slang. You might include details about how people are communicating with each other, or the types of stories they're seeing on the news. Have fun with this assignment!
• If you're interested in completing the extra credit assignment, your comment needs to be posted by 7:30 tomorrow morning. Check out post for details!

English 12

• Tomorrow, we'll start reading Frankenstein. Look out!
• In order to prepare, you should read pages 9-11 of the handout I gave you in class today. Annotate it, make some notes, and we'll talk tomorrow. 

The Great Gatsby!

We're starting to read Gatsby in Honors English 11. It's perfect timing, since the newest iteration of a film version comes out in May.

Here's one of the trailers for the film...what do you think?