Wednesday, December 14, 2011

FOR THURSDAY: 

Study for World Religions Review Session

FOR FRIDAY:

WORLD RELIGIONS EXAM (HINDUISM)


SELF-EVALUATIONS DUE

Friday, December 9 - Sunday, December 11, 2011

7^th Grade Lit: 

For Monday: Read “Super Toys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldis

For Monday: Graphic Narratives

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

7^th Grade Lit: 

For Friday: Read chapters 29 – 36 PINOCCHIO

For Monday (12/12) - Graphic Narratives Due

Friday, December 2nd - Sunday, December 3, 2011

7th graders:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5th - 5 Paragraph Skeletons Due for AMERICAN BORN CHINESE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12th - Graphic Narratives Due

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Look over notes for AMERICAN BORN CHINESE and get ready for a great, exciting and energetic discussion tomorrow.

Karma Books should be in play until Wednesday.

God/Goddess Projects Due Thursday.

First Draft Stories Due Friday.

Thursday, November 24 - Sunday, November 27

For Monday:

Finish ABC - Type up 3 points (as usual).

Finish outlining Chapter 3 - World Religions textbook.

For Wednesday: God/Goddess Presentations - Please be ready to present your project on this day.

For Friday: 1st Draft stories due - You can email story early to me if you want feedback quickly.

For December 12th - Reading Bowl #3 Due

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

7^th Grade Literature

 

AMERICAN BORN CHINESE Read pages 87- 130 twice – one for pleasure, one for analysis

Type up 3 DEVELOPED points

7^th Grade World Religions 
Begin Outlining Chapter 3 - World Religions Textbook

Get Started on your God/Goddess Project

Projects Due the Week of November 28th 

7^th Grade Writing

1st Draft of Stories Due the Week of November 28th - Final Deadline Friday, December 2nd.

Friday - Sunday, November 11-13

DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14^th

7^th Grade Literature: GODLESS Analytical Paragraphs Due – Final Draft, plus Second Draft signed by your editor and First Draft with Greg’s Feedback

GODLESS Vocab Quiz on Monday

DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER  15^th

7^th Grade Writing: Type up our WANT/NEED questions

1)   What does your protagonist WANT? Why does your antagonist WANT to prevent your protagonist from getting what he/she/it WANTS?

2)   Why do you NEED to tell this story? What are you exploring by writing this story?

 

7^th Grade Literature

AMERICAN BORN CHINESE Read pages 43-84 twice – one for pleasure, one for analysis

Type up 3 DEVELOPED points

Thursday, November 11, 2011

DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th

World Religions Exam

Prepare for World Religions Review Session


DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14th

Final Draft of Analytic Paragraph Due -- You must turn in three different documents: 1) Your first draft containing my feedback and comments - 2) your second draft proofread and edited by an editor of your choice - 3) your final draft.

GODLESS VOCAB QUIZ 

DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15th

American Born Chinese - Read pages 43-84


DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th

World Religions Exam

Prepare for World Religions Review Session


DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14th

Final Draft of Analytic Paragraph Due -- You must turn in three different documents: 1) Your first draft containing my feedback and comments - 2) your second draft proofread and edited by an editor of your choice - 3) your final draft.

Godless Vocab Quiz

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

DUE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10th

American Born Chinese - If you need to continue working on your points covering pages 7-40, please do so. In addition, type up your answers to the following questions:


1) What is the message contained in the Old Chinese parable found on pages 23 and 24?


2) What is the point of the herbalist's wife's message to Jim Wang?


3) List all the examples of sexual/cultural/gender stereotypes in the book so far.


4) What is internalized racism? Ask an 8th grader. What is an example of internalized racism in the book so far?

Story Paragraphs Due
Prepare for World Religions Review Session


DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th

World Religions Exam

Prepare for World Religions Review Session


DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14th

Final Draft of Analytic Paragraph Due -- You must turn in three different documents: 1) Your first draft containing my feedback and comments - 2) your second draft proofread and edited by an editor of your choice - 3) your final draft.

GODLESS VOCAB QUIZ

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

DUE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9th

American Born Chinese - Read 7-40
Read once for pleasure, a second time for analysis

Remember your WHY? questions
Type up 3 points for discussion










DUE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10th

Godless Vocab Quiz
Story Paragraphs Due
Prepare for World Religions Review Session




DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th

World Religions Exam

8th Graders Assignment for Week of Nov. 8

Wednesday, Nov. 9  Harlem Renaissance Projects

Thursday, Nov. 10  Read Oppression Fact Sheet and answer 10 questions

Friday, Nov. 11   Find an article about race or race issues. Read it thoroughly. Post a citation and summary on the Race Wiki for News Bowl(next Tuesday, Nov. 15). 

The link to the Wiki is: http://rcgnewsbowl.wikispaces.com/News+Bowl+on+Race

Monday, Nov. 14   Revision of lit essay due
                               Timeline assignment due
                               Answers to histories project timelines due

Tuesday, Nov. 15  News Bowl competition

Friday-Monday, November 4th-7th

NO SCHOOL MONDAY 

7th GRADE - LITERATURE 

DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd
GODLESS - Analytical Paragraphs Due - Must Include One Quote from Book
   

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4th
Reading Bowl # 2 Due

NO SCHOOL MONDAY

DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd
GODLESS - Analytical Paragraphs Due - Must Include One Quote from Book
 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

DUE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd
GODLESS - Thesis Statement and 3 Supporting Points

DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4th
Reading Bowl # 2 Due

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

READING BOWL #2 DEADLINE EXTENDED
NOW DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4th

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

WORLD RELIGIONS: 

DUE TOMORROW - 2-page Response to your Shape/Word Combination

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

7th Graders - LITERATURE

DUE WEDNESDAY (Tomorrow):

GODLESS - Pages -149-179  - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion


 THESIS STATEMENTS FOR GODLESS - Due Tomorrow


WORLD RELIGIONS: 

DUE THURSDAY - 2-page Response to your Shape/Word Combination


READING BOWL: 


DUE FRIDAY: 2nd Reading Bowl Book Response - Choose 5 quotes and explain their significance to the novel or narrative

Friday - Sunday, October 21st - 23rd

7th Graders - LITERATURE

DUE MONDAY:

GODLESS - Pages -111-148  - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion

For MONDAY:

For World Religions, read the rest of Chapter.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

7th Graders - LITERATURE

DUE TOMORROW:

GODLESS - Pages 83-110 - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion

Tomorrow - VOCABULARY QUIZ

GODLESS (Chapter 1-9)

quavering (p. 3)

falsetto (p. 3)

capered (p. 3)

gyroscope (p. 4)

florid (p. 4)

sardonic (p. 10)

narcolepsy (p. 10)

scabbard (p. 14)

mired (p. 17)

disciple (p. 18)

impalpable (p. 19)

manifested (p. 20)

gape (p. 20)

exuberance (p. 23)

ineffable (p.29)

acolyte (p. 31)

sanctity (p. 34)

perforated (p. 34)

blasphemy (p. 42)

visage (p. 43)

vindictive (p. 43)

sodden (p. 44)

insufferable (p. 46)

fervor (p. 48)

garish (p. 61)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

7^th  Graders

For Tomorrow

Read for World Religions - Chapter 2 - pages 26-28






Literature For Friday:


Vocab Quiz
GODLESS - read pages 83-

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

7^th Grade Literature

DUE TOMORROW:

GODLESS - Pages 50-82 - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion

Think about why the author chose the names Peter, Magda and Henry for major characters in the book. What is their connection to religion, the Bible or Christianity?

Monday, October 17th

7^th Grade World Religions

DUE TOMORROW


Walkabout Response = 1 page, doublespaced, 12-point font



7^th Grade Literature

DUE WEDNESDAY 10/19:

GODLESS - Pages 50-82 - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion

Wednesday - Sunday, October 12-16th

  7^th Grade Literature

DUE MONDAY 10/17:

GODLESS - Pages 1-49 - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion

 

 7th Grade Writing
Great Opening Lines - Due Monday


7th Grade World Religions

Map Exercise

Due Monday, October 17^th 

Walkabout Exercise

Due Tuesday, October 18th

 8th Grade Literature:

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES
Chapter 13


Due Monday 10/17 - Preliminary Essay Topic


RCG - Work on finding research sources for your project

Great Opening Lines Website

MONDAYS are Great Opening Lines Days

www.greatopenlines.wikispaces.com

No maximum number of entries

8th Graders' assignments for Wednesday

WEAR CLOTHES APPROPRIATE FOR GARDENING.  We are ammending the soil during 4th and 5th periods.

Literature:  Chapter 12

RCG:  Wikispace for group project.  Send link to Martha.  Complete project planner online.

Write a response to today's fish bowl.  Focus on what we can do to change things. (Due Monday)

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

7^th  Graders

Literature Exam-Wednesday

Read for World Religions - Chapter 2 - pages 21-26 



DUE MONDAY 10/17:


GODLESS - Pages 1-49 - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion.

WORLD RELIGIONS

Map Exercise

Due Monday, October 17^th

Explore Oceania.

On the attached maps, find and label the following geographical elements.

AUSTRALIA MAP

10 largest cities

Territories

Surrounding bodies of water

Deserts

The location of Mount Ayers

The Island of Tasmania

Tasmania’s largest city

OCEANIA MAP

The continent of Australia

New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

East Timor

Solomon Islands

Marshall Islands

Fiji

Tonga

Cook Islands

Philippines

The largest city in each of the above.

Please be as creative as possible. (For example, different colors for different elements.)

Monday, October 10th, 2011

7^th  Graders – Literature Exam -  Wednesday

DUE MONDAY 10/17:


GODLESS - Pages 1-49 - read twice, take notes, prepare for quiz & discussion.

WORLD RELIGIONS

Map Exercise

Due Monday, October 17^th

Explore Oceania.

On the attached maps, find and label the following geographical elements.

AUSTRALIA MAP

10 largest cities

Territories

Surrounding bodies of water

Deserts

The location of Mount Ayers

The Island of Tasmania

Tasmania’s largest city

OCEANIA MAP

The continent of Australia

New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

East Timor

Solomon Islands

Marshall Islands

Fiji

Tonga

Cook Islands

Philippines

The largest city in each of the above.

Please be as creative as possible. (For example, different colors for different elements.)

8th Graders

1.  Monday we will discuss the next chapter in lit.
2.  We are also leaving campus to visit Oakhurst Community Garden.  Please pack food in case we don't get back by lunch. 

Friday - Sunday, October 7-9, 2011

7th Graders - 

2nd Draft Speeches Due Monday - Please remember to attach the 1st draft to your 2nd draft. 

Please get World Religions Test signed by parent.

Literature Take Home Exam

Due Monday, October 10th, 2011

Read “How the Nurse Feels.”

Write a two-page formal analysis that begins with the prompt:

In the short story “How the Nurse Feels,” the author explores the theme of ______.

The rest of your essay should use specific evidence from the story to prove your point.

Your response must be TYPED, DOUBLESPACED and at least TWO PAGES in length.

Note: This will be the final exercise of this nature. Please redouble your efforts on this assignment. It will count more than the other literature response papers that you have completed.

7th Graders' Homework

World Religions Test - 1st Period Friday

2nd Draft Speeches Due Monday

Lit Take Home Due Monday

8th graders' assignments

1.  Literature - next chapter

2.  RCG:  See Baby Disccriminate

3.  Clearing for the garden 

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

LAST DAY OF IOWAS TOMORROW – 6^th and 7^th periods

7^th Graders – World Religions Exam Friday

Review Session Tomorrow

7^th Graders – 2^nd Draft of Speeches Due Monday

7th Graders - LITERATURE

Take Home Exam

Due Monday, October 10th, 2011

Read “How the Nurse Feels.”

Write a two-page formal analysis that begins with the prompt:

In the short story “How the Nurse Feels,” the author explores the theme of ______.

The rest of your essay should use specific evidence from the story to prove your point.

Your response must be TYPED, DOUBLESPACED and at least TWO PAGES in length.

Note: This will be the final exercise of this nature. Please redouble your efforts on this assignment. It will count more than the other literature response papers that you have completed.

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

IOWAS TOMORROW - 4th & 5th Period

7th Graders - World Religions Test FRIDAY

Monday, October 3, 2011

Greg’s Literature

Homework for Tuesday, October 3rd

We have approached the pilot episode of FREAKS AND GEEKS as a narrative that can be interpreted, complete with a conflict, symbols, character growth and a thematic message (or two).

Think about the narrative of FREAKS AND GEEKS. Provide a one-page analysis of the episode, solving the mystery of what writer Paul Feig and producer Jake Kasden are trying to say.

Please structure your response as an argumentative essay. Begin with a statement of your main idea – what you believe the theme of the episode is. Then support that idea with evidence. A suggestion: In the pilot episode of FREAKS AND GEEKS, Paul Fieg is exploring the theme of ____________.” Then provide proof of your idea.

Think about the following questions, which will generate evidence that you can use for your essay.

1)     What is Lindsay struggling with in this episode? What is the central conflict of her storyline? What is her super-objective? How does she change from the beginning of the episode to the end? What incident or experience has led Lindsay to question herself and her world? In other words, what is the inciting incident?

2)     What is Sam struggling with in this episode? What is the central conflict of his storyline? What is his super-objective? How does he change from the beginning of the episode to the end?

3)     What is the wisdom given to Lindsay or to Sam and who provides this wisdom? In other words, who are the voices of wisdom here?

4)     What are the symbols used in the story? Think about Lindsay’s army jacket, Nick’s drum kit and the experience of dancing.

5)     What are the specific and important scenes that the camera concentrates on or lingers on?

Please TYPE and DOUBLESPACE your response. My expectation is a ONE-PAGE response from everyone.

7th Grade World Religions

Exam on Friday, October 7th

Who is Carl Sagan?

Carl Sagan is a popular singer and comedian who also happened to discover the high surface temperatures on Venus.  To see one of his famous music videos, click here.

Bonus Question on Bar Exam

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

BAR EXAM TOMORROW

Monday, September 26, 2011

7th Graders - please review Charles Baxter's GRYPHON for tomorrow

CLASS SOCIAL AT LUCY'S HOUSE - SUNDAY, 5:30 PM.

We're the only class in the school that invites students to the parent social.  It's always super fun, so don't miss it.  And bring your parents!!!

Homework due Monday

Everyone - 25 Question practice bar exam on laws.  Bring to class to exchange with your buddy.  Please print it out before class!

8th Graders - Write up answers to native garden grant application questions.

                        Literature:  Read Chapter 7 of Secret Life of Bees twice.  Bring 3 points to class.

Friday-Sunday, September 23-25, 2011

READING BOWL #1 - Book and Question Sheet - Due Monday


Greg’s Literature

Homework for Monday, September 26, 2011

Read Charles Baxter’s “Gryphon.”

Read it again:

1)     Making notes in the margins.

2)     Circling and defining your vocabulary words.

Write a one-page formal analysis that begins with the prompt:

In Charles Baxter’s short story “Gryphon,” the author explores the theme of ______.

The rest of your essay should use specific evidence from the story to prove your point.

Your response must be TYPED, DOUBLESPACED and at least a PAGE in length.

IN ADDITION AND ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER:

1) Identify ONE simile in the story.

2) Identify ONE metaphor in the story.

3) Identify ONE symbol in the story.

4) Identify ONE motif in the story.

REMINDER: As always, there will be a 6-question quiz at the start of the discussion period.

ONE FINAL THING:

On the story, please write THREE points you would like to bring up in class. These points should be written in complete sentences and be as thorough as possible so that you will earn points by contributing to the class discussion.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

FIELD TRIP TOMORROW
Bring your lunch
Dress nicely 


COURT QUIZZES DUE

All Students -

Write a response to the film MISS REPRESENTED -- which includes not only your thoughts on and feelings about the film but also one thing that you CAN DO now to promote change.

Due Thursday, September 22, 2011

All Students - 

Send me several more 6-word memoirs for our CHILDREN INSPIRING HOPE projects. We will be making our gifts for Ghana on Friday.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

All Students -

Write a response to the film MISS REPRESENTED -- which includes not only your thoughts on and feelings about the film but also one thing that you CAN DO now to promote change.

Due Thursday, September 22, 2011

Greg’s Literature

Homework for Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Read Stephen King’s “The Man in the Black Suit.”

Read it again. Think about the structure of the story, identifying:

• the beginning, middle and end
• the ordinary world
• the inciting incident
• the rising action
• the complications
• the super-objective
• the climax
• the dénouement (resolution)

Also, identify both the physical conflict and the emotional conflict.

Finally, analyze the story by interpreting the theme of the story. Here’s a question that might help with your investigation of the narrative:

• How does the Man in the Black Suit function as a symbol? In other words, what abstract concept does he represent in the story?

You do not have to respond with a written analysis but I do want you to make plenty of notes on the pages of your story and be ready to discuss your thoughts during Wednesday’s class. Everyone must participate. I will call on you if you try to hide behind another student.

Remember: we will also be having a quiz (6 questions) on the story at the beginning of class. The purpose of the quiz is to evaluate your comprehension of the narrative. A good way to prepare for the quiz is to write your own quiz.

Monday, September 19th, 2011

7th Grade Literature

Homework for Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Read Stephen King’s “The Man in the Black Suit.”

Read it again. Think about the structure of the story, identifying:

• the beginning, middle and end
• the ordinary world
• the inciting incident
• the rising action
• the complications
• the super-objective
• the climax
• the dénouement (resolution)

Also, identify both the physical conflict and the emotional conflict.

Finally, analyze the story by interpreting the theme of the story. Here’s a question that might help with your investigation of the narrative:

• How does the Man in the Black Suit function as a symbol? In other words, what abstract concept does he represent in the story?

You do not have to respond with a written analysis but I do want you to make plenty of notes on the pages of your story and be ready to discuss your thoughts during Wednesday’s class. Everyone must participate. I will call on you if you try to hide behind another student.

Remember: we will also be having a quiz (6 questions) on the story at the beginning of class. The purpose of the quiz is to evaluate your comprehension of the narrative. A good way to prepare for the quiz is to write your own quiz.

8th grade literature:

Wednesday:  Read chapter 5 twice and develop three discussion points.  Research Black Madonnas.  Choose one to write a one-page report on and write it.  Bring a picture and be prepared to tell the class about your Black Madonna.

Friday:  Read chapter 6 twice and develop three discussion points

Court:

7th and 8th grade:

Friday:  Bring in a 25 question test on the constitution (procedures and jobs).  You  and your buddy will exchange tests, take them during class and check them.

Monday:  Bring in a 25 question test on the constitution (laws).  You and your buddy will exchange tests, take them during class and check them.

Wednesday, September 28:  Bar Exam, Part 1 (Procedures and Jobs).

Monday, October 3:  Bar Exam Part 2 (Laws).

Friday - Sunday, September 16-18, 2011

 

NEXT WEEK 

Grandma/Grandpa Chic Week!! - Prizes for those who best personify the style.

Here's the article on the newest fashion trend. Click Here!



8th Graders - RCG - COLOR OF FEAR Response Paper

8th Graders - LITERATURE - The Secret Life of Bees - Chapter Four


7th Graders - LITERATURE - Lyrics Presentation Due Monday - You must use three/four note cards for your presentation.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

 

7th Graders - Review Chapter 1 - WORLD RELIGIONS textbook - pgs 11-18 - Make an Outline of the Chapter using the bolded words and sentences



7th Graders -- Lyrics Paper Due Friday, September 16th - One page, double-spaced, typed

Should include your main idea/thesis/theory and at least three pieces of specific proof

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

 

7th Graders - DUE TOMORROW - Read Chapter 1 - WORLD RELIGIONS textbook - pgs 11-18 - Be sure to HIGHLIGHT




7th Graders -- Lyrics Paper Due Friday, September 16th - One page, double-spaced, typed

Should include your main idea/thesis/theory and at least three pieces of specific proof

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

7th Graders - 

Begin Working on your Lyrics Project -- DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th

8th Graders -  

SECRET LIFE OF BEES - Due Wednesday, 9/14 - Chapter 2, Pages 34-56

Secret Life of Bees Syllabus

8th Grade Literature w/Martha
Secret Life of Bees

Syllabus

The dates indicated below are the dates the readings will be discussed in class, so you need to have the assignment completed by the due date.

 DUE DATE                                     WHATS DUE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, 9/12                                Chapter 1, Pages 2-33

Wednesday, 9/14                           Chapter 2, Pages 34-56

Friday, 9/16                                   Chapter 3, Pages 57-66

Monday, 9/19                                Chapter 4, Pages 67-81

Wednesday, 9/21                           Chapter 5, Pages 82-101

                                                      Black Madonna report

Friday, 9/23                                   Chapter 6, Pages 102-114

Monday, 9/26                                Chapter 7, Pages 115-135

Wednesday, 9/28                           Chapter 8, Pages 136-164

Friday, 9/30                                   Chapter 9, Pages 165-188

Monday, 10/03                              Chapter 10, Pages 189-213

Wednesday, 10/05                         Chapter 11, Pages 214-231

Friday, 10/07                                 Chapter 12, Pages 232-256

Monday, 10/10                               Chapter 13, Pages 257-276

Wednesday, 10/12                          Chapter 14, Pages 278-302

Monday, 10/17                               How to write a literature essay

Wednesday, 10/19                          Discuss essay topics and points

Friday, 10/21                                  Essay Q/A’s

Monday, 10/24                               Essays due

                                                       Book cover art project due

You are expected to read the material twice and turn in at least three points you want to discuss in class on each assigned reading.  There will be a 5-question quiz at the beginning of class each day. 

You will be assessed in the following areas:

1.    Reading quiz average

2.    Quality of written points

3.    Quality of participation in discussions.

4.    Quality of final essay

5.    Attitude: completion of assignments and enthusiasm for learning

Monday, September 12, 2011

7th Grade World Religions

By tomorrow, make sure you know all the Belief-o-Matic terms.


7th Grade Literature

Homework for Tuesday, September 13th

Read Mary Oliver’s “Spring in the Classroom.”

Read it again. Think about the author’s use of image in this poem. Read a third time and think about what the author is saying about these students and their teacher.

Remember: Two levels exist for every narrative (yes, poems can be stories): the literal level, or in other words, what is happening; and the subtext, which is the level underneath the story or plot The subtext refers to the thematic region of the story, or in other words, what the narrative or story means.

In this exercise:

1) Identify at least three (3) symbols and explain what each represents.
2) Interpret the theme/message of the poem. What is the poet trying to say? Do not just summarize the poem here – go deeper, get beyond what is happening in the poem.

As always, type and doublespace. My expectation is for a one-(full)-page response to this exercise.

Friday-Sunday, September 9-11, 2011

8th Graders - Literature
For Monday: Read 1st Chapter of THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES and bring in three written discussion points

8th Graders - RCG
For Monday: Interview your parents (and/or other family members) about your family history.  What are the cultural origins of your family?  When did they first come to the U.S.?  What countries are represented in your family tree?  What religions?  Are there interesting stories about your ancestors?


7th Graders - 1st Draft Speech Story Due Monday, September 12th


7th Grade - Greg’s Literature

Homework for Monday, September 12th

1) Select your song for the song lyrics project. On Monday, make sure Greg deems your choice appropriate.

2) Read Brady Udall’s “The Wig.”

Read it again. Think about the author’s use of symbols in this short piece. Read a third time to search for symbols.

Remember: a symbol is a concrete object that represents an abstract element or idea.

CONCRETE OBJECT=ABSTRACT ELEMENT/IDEA

In this exercise, identify at least three (3) symbol equations and explain your equations.

For example (from Alice Walker’s THE FLOWERS):

Flowers=Innocence

EXPLANATION: The child Myop is gathering flowers before she discovers the dead man and the noose. After she sees death and violence, represented by the body and the rope, she lays down her flowers. She begins the story as an innocent girl but ends the story knowing the world around her contains terrible things. Laying down her flowers, she has lost her innocence.

Here is list of possible objects contained in “The Wig”:

the wig

the green paisley tie

the cereal

the garbage

the funnies

the window

the mist outside the window

Please write on at least three (3) of these. You can write on all seven (7) if you would like. Or you can come up with something not on the above list. Please type and doublespace your response. Please avoid one or two sentence explanations.

Remember: There is no wrong or right in this literature class. I welcome all ideas BUT you must thoroughly explain your answers.

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

7th Graders 1st Draft of Speech Story Due Monday


8th graders - Keep working on Final Drafts of Speech



7th Grade Literature

Homework for Friday, September 9th

Read Alice Walker’s ‘The Flowers.”

Read it again. Think about what the author is trying to say by telling us this short narrative about Myop and her experience near the stream. Explore the deeper meaning, or theme, the author is exploring.

Remember: a theme is a unifying or dominant idea in a work of art; a message or abstract idea in a story; the deeper meaning of a given narrative

In this exercise, analyze “The Flowers” by writing a paragraph on what theme the author is exploring. Begin your essay with a statement of your idea and then provide several pieces of SPECIFIC evidence that prove your theory.

For example (from Mary Oliver’s FARM COUNTRY):

THEORY: Mary Oliver’s FARM COUNTRY explores the importance of empathy.

EXPLANATION: In the poem, the “I” voice speaks to another character about what he/she must do in order to provide food for the other. While one character sits with a bowl of chicken soup, the other describes walking—with knife and apron -- out of the safety of the house into the henhouse where a chicken will be killed. The speaker believes that the person eating the soup thinks that life is “chicken soup, served in blue willow-pattern bowls…”, or in other words, that life is easy. But the speaker knows what it takes to provide that soup and through the poem, asks the “you” character and the reader to have empathy and begin to understand what the experience of making the soup/killing the chicken is really like.

Make sure that your concept of the theme describes an abstract idea rather than a specific moment of the plot. Here, in “Farm Country,” the theme deals with empathy and understanding. The theme is not killing a chicken to make chicken soup (that’s the plot).

Please type and double space your response. Please avoid one or two sentence explanations.

Remember: There is no wrong or right in this literature class. I welcome all ideas BUT you must thoroughly explain your answers.