All Classes-- Final Grades

English 9 grades are posted, both for the final six weeks and for the semester.  Semester breakdowns can be found in the "Fourth Term" grading period.  Students who need to retake the EOC will have updated grades once retake scores are in (and the exam grade will be the higher of the two).  Remember, if you have not passed the EOC, you are required to come to remediation on Thursday and retesting on Friday.

HN English 10 grades will be posted by noon tomorrow, Thursday.  This includes exam scores.  Any work you would like to pick up will also be available at that time.  I will hold onto all graded work until next Wednesday (6/13) and then it will be recycled.

HN English 10 - All Quiet: The End

Finish reading All Quiet on the Western Front tonight.  You should come to class with an answer to the following question prepared regarding the author's purpose and the conclusion of the novel: 

• Why do you think the author ends the book this way?
• Is it sympathy?  Is it a cop out?  
• How might it relate to his statement of purpose at the beginning of the novel? 

English 9 - Romeo & Juliet Literary Terms

All classes should review their literary term definitions, especially pun, allusion, alliteration, metaphor, simile, and personification.  You will have a term check tomorrow that will have examples of these literary terms from Romeo & Juliet.  You will have to identify them without using your notes.

FIRST PERIOD:  Students should finish the study guide questions assigned for Act II, scene iii (2-9) and collecting one specific example of each of the following literary terms from Act II, scenes ii-iii: metaphor, simile, personification, pun, alliteration.  Extra credit will be given for allusion and foreshadowing. 

FOURTH PERIOD:  Students should answer study guide questions assigned for Act II, scene ii (2, 5-12). 

Separate sheet of paper, complete sentences for all study guide questions. 

Research Project assignments were given out today.  If you have not finished your research notecards (due last Friday: 5 sourcecards, 35 notecards), you will have an opportunity to turn them in along with the rest of your project on Wednesday, May 30. 

HN English 10 - All Quiet Chapter 10 & Poems

For homework tonight, you should read both "Do not go gentle into that good night" and "Flanders Field," answering the four questions provided with each poem. 

You should also complete Chapter 10 in All Quiet on the Western Front. 

You got back your final two vocabulary quizzes of the semester today: All Quiet Voc List 2 & 3.  You have until next Tuesday, May 29 to retake either of those quizzes if you failed with an actual F. 

Your All Quiet test will also be next Tuesday.  A basic study guide was distributed in class today. 

English 9 - Romeo & Juliet Continued

ALL CLASSES:  Tomorrow is Wednesday.  Notecards.

FIRST PERIOD:  Answer study guide questions 4-11 from Act II, scene ii. 

FOURTH PERIOD: Answer study guide questions 1-4 and 7-8 from Act I, scene v.

Separate sheet of paper, complete sentences. 

HN English 10 - Research Notecards DUE

All research notecards are due tomorrow for a quiz grade: 5 (min) sourcecards and 40 (min) notecards, all following the format we went over in class. 

Chapter 10 of All Quiet on the Western Front, as per your reading schedule, is due on Wednesday. 

We picked up Night books from the library today, so you may begin that whenever you like, but it is due next Wednesday, the day after your All Quiet test. 

English 9 - Romeo & Juliet Act I

First Period: Finish reading Act I, scenes iii-v and answering the selected study guide questions (iii: 2-6b, 7-8; iv: 2-4, "6"; v: 1-4, 7-9).  You will have a reading check tomorrow and we will go over important quotations, so bring your notes.

Fourth Period:  Finish reading Act I, scenes ii-iv and answering the selected study guide questions (ii: all; iii: 2-6b, 7-8; iv: 2-5 on the new study guide). 

All classes may use the Librivox audio recording if they wish: scroll down for Act I. 

HN English 10 - All Quiet Symbolism

You should interpret the potential symbolic meaning of the following images in Paul's daydream on page 119-20:

1. monk's cemetery in the cloister garden
2. Stations of the Cross (look this general reference up for cultural literacy and this assignment)
3. the poplar avenue
4. the uniform and the rifle

Remember that symbolism doesn't have to be remote and "deep"-- it can be simple or representative (hence the "symbol" in symbolism).  Some symbols in this passage are more complex than others.

Chapter 7 is due on Friday.  

English 9 - R&J: Act I, scene i

All late vocabulary notecards should be turned in tomorrow for half credit.

Students should finish reading Act I, scene i of Romeo & Juliet and answer the corresponding study guide questions (omitting #9).  As always, all study guide questions should be answered in complete sentences and on a separate sheet of paper.  This link connects to the No Fear Shakespeare online edition, although I announced in class that any students lacking internet access should stop by after second period to pick up a paper copy.  Not all of those students did so. 

Research notecards are due on Friday instead of Thursday, so prepare yourself. 

HN English 10 - All Quiet 4-5 & First Sourcecard

As per the reading schedule, you should have Chapters 4 and 5 read by Monday.  Expect a reading check. 

You should also complete your first green soucecard (as discussed in class).  It needs to be reliable (based on the parameters discussed in class) and an article-style source.  I will collect them on Monday. 

English 9 - Research

All students need to catch up on their research.  As of Friday, 3 sourcecards and 18 notecards taken from those sourcecards were due.  If you have done 0 or fewer than the required number, be advised: you're setting yourself up for failure.  All 5 sourcecards and 35 notecards (minimum) will be due on Wednesday, May 16 and you have put yourself massively behind.  The research project will be handed out next week and without your research, you are also setting yourself up for a 0 on a project.  Not a good idea if you intend on passing this course...

Extra credit projects are also due on Wednesday.

Odyssey Voc 3 and R&J Voc 1 retakes are due by next Friday, May 18. 

HN English 10 - All Quiet Chapter 1

Students should read Chapter 1 of All Quiet on the Western Front.  Your vocabulary notecards are also due.

Tenth graders will all be taking the English 10 Field Test tomorrow morning.  Students should report to the library to find out where they are testing in the morning. 

English 9 - Research Deadline #2

Posted on the board and discussed in class since last week, your second deadline for your research notecards is due tomorrow.  You should have 2 sourcecards (following the format we discussed in class) and at minimum 12 notecards that take notes from those sources.  Your eventual goal will be to have 5 sources and 35 notecards, so going over the limit for the periodic due dates is not a bad thing. 

Vocabulary notecards are also due tomorrow, so notecards all around! 

We discussed ways to save articles as PDFs for students without internet access at home, so that is not an excuse I am willing to accept. 

HN English 10 - Siddhartha Essay Preparation

Tomorrow you will write an in-class essay answering the following question:  For Siddhartha, is solitude necessary for him to find himself? 

The structure of your essay will be as follows:

• The introduction should define your terms--What do you consider solitude?  What does "finding himself" look like for Siddhartha?  How do the two terms relate?  You should then answer the question posed for your thesis-- Solitude, ultimately, [is / is not] necessary for Siddhartha's self-discovery because [broad assessment of why that you will argue in your third body paragraph].
• The first and second body paragraphs should each explore one side of the argument: one should focus on how solitude was necessary; the other why it was unnecessary.  Use specific examples from the story, including quotations, and analysis to prove your point.
• The third body paragraph should solidly state why whichever side you've chosen is the stronger argument, utilizing more specific examples and analysis to develop the argument you posited in your earlier body paragraph.
• The conclusion should conclude, restating why this is a question that could be debated and your ultimate conclusion.  

You should prepare for your essay tonight.  You will be able to use notes and quotes you have collected, but you will not be able to use your computer.

I handed out the reading schedule for the remainder of the semester today in class-- the first All Quiet reading assignment is due on Wednesday, so prep yo'self.   Books are available in the library for you to check out, though you may pick up your own at a thrift store for about $.50 if you would like to be able to mark important quotations. 

English 9 - The Odyssey Part II Test

Students should complete their 28 character cards that go along with the characters on the study guide; epithet sheets were distributed in class today-- you just have to match up the character with their descriptor.  Since you have a test tomorrow, you should also review the other information on the study guide.  

Reminder: each character card should contain the following information--

1. who the character is
2. why they are important/what they did in Part II of The Odyssey
3.  an epithet for them
4. on the front side of the card, at least one picture going along with their identity or importance

Please remember that on Wednesday you have 2 completed source and 12 completed notecards for your research project.  This was announced last week.

HN English 10 - Siddhartha (The End)

Finish Siddhartha over the weekend.  As far as I know, that is all. 

English 9 - The Odyssey Part II Completion & Review

Students who have been absent should complete Books XXIII & XXIV Study Guides to complete all reading assignments for The Odyssey.  You can read along with the audiofile, same as for all books of The Odyssey. 

The Odyssey Part II (Books XIII-XXIV) Test will be on Tuesday, May 8.  A study guide was handed out yesterday in class.  In preparation for the test and for a grade, you will make character review cards.  A plastic bag and 28 colored notecards were handed out in class.  You were instructed to write each of the 28 characters on the review sheet on the unlined side of the card.  On the back (lined) side, you should write 1) who the character is, 2) why they are important to this part of The Odyssey, and 3) at least one epithet for that character.  On the front with the character's name, you should have at least one illustration that goes along with them or their contribution to this part of The Odyssey.  While all of them will be due on Tuesday before the test, 14/28 will be due COMPLETE on Monday.  I will check.  We already did one together in class, so that's 13 for you to complete.

HN English 10- Gilgamesh Test & Siddhartha

You have a Gilgamesh test tomorrow.  I am anticipating it only taking the first half of the class.

You should also read Chapters 5-7 in Siddhartha.  Reading check and discussion to be expected. 

English 9 - The Odyssey Book XXII

Finish reading/listening to Book XXII and complete the study guide handed out in class. Reading check tomorrow (as usual). 

Late notecards should be turned in tomorrow.

Extra Credit project options were distributed in class today.  They are due no later than Wednesday, May 16 at the beginning of class.  If you are absent that day, you should find alternative means to get your project to school because none will be accepted after the 16th.  

Gilgamesh - Mortality Quotations

Tomorrow is Wednesday.  Vocabulary notecards all around!

Complete your Gilgamesh quote worksheet regarding his varying attitudes about mortality throughout the novel. Remember to complete the added section regarding Shiduri and Utnapishtim's attitudes as well.

Gilgamesh test will be on Thursday, May 3.  It will only last for the first half of class.

You also have Chapters 5-7 in Siddhartha due on Thursday for discussion after the test.  Be prepared for a quick reading check. 

English 9 - Book XXI... Prelude to the Beatdown

Tomorrow is Wednesday.  Bring your vocabulary notecards.

Any students who were assigned to finish listening to/reading The Odyssey Book XXI and answering the study guide questions (omitting #2) should do so for homework. 

Audiotexts of all books assigned of The Odyssey can be found on the English 9 Moodle. 

Missing a study guide?  Link to Book XX and Books XVIII & XIX study guides can be found in the previous text. 

The Odyssey Part II Test will be on Tuesday, May 8.

Students should take the following notes into consideration as we approach the end of the semester:

1. Projects are not optional.  Neither are quizzes or tests.
2. If you have a low grade for daily work, do your daily work (homework/classwork).  Many of these are completion grades, so actually complete your assignments.
3. Low vocabulary quiz grade average?  Study for your quizzes.  Retake failed quizzes during the one week time period allowed.  Get help if you don't know how to study.
4. Low test grades?  Study for your tests.  Get help well in advance to help you study.  Oh, and do your daily work since that's what eventually ends up on the tests.  

HN English 10 - Gilgamesh: The Completion

Finish reading the Gilgamesh packet.  You should complete your Quest chart, including the three parts of the Dilmun episode: arrival, story of the flood (no challenges Gilgamesh faces here), and then the sleep/bread event.  More accurately name the snake/flower episode in the next box. 

You may use the study guide distributed in class to guide your reading and there will be a reading check tomorrow. 

Siddhartha Part I (Chapters 1-4) is due on Monday.  Be aware.

English 9 - Beginning Research

Due at the beginning of class tomorrow is the start of your research:  You should have one complete source card and at least five cards of subtopic-grouped notes on that source.

Remember that for items not found on the sourcecard, you need to actually write "not found."

Your topic is the one you selected that is related to your independent reading memoir/biography/autobiography.  If you have not yet selected a topic, well, do so and then do research on it.

HN English 10 - Siddhartha Background Research

Look up the following list of terms (Wikipedia is fine for this assignment, though if you do not understand the definition given on Wikipedia, you should consult other sources).  Remember that all definitions should pertain to that word as it relates to Hinduism:

1. varna & the 4 castes within this system (NOT the larger social hierarchy in Indian society)
2. Four Noble Truths
3. Noble Eightfold Path
4. Nirvana
5. Self
6. dharma
7. the Buddha
8. ablutions
9. Atman
10. the cycle of rebirth
11. karma
12. maya
13. Upanishads

These definitions are due tomorrow.  Part I of Siddhartha (Chapters 1-4) are due on Monday.  You may use the study guide to help structure your reading, but I will not collect it. 

If you did not finish your quest chart that goes along with Books IX-X of Gilgamesh, you should have it done by tomorrow.

Oh, and Wednesday is notecard day.  Behave accordingly.  

English 9 - The Odyssey Loyal/Disloyal List

Today we started preliminary research for the upcoming research projects.  You should have found your first source and begun taking notes according to the way we discussed in class (sourcecard and then notes divided by subtopic within an article).  We have discussed reliable sources in class, so make sure you're following those guidelines.

For homework tonight, those of you who did not complete the Loyal/Disloyal Chart in class today (including descriptions and L or D), should do so. 

Tomorrow is also Wednesday-- vocabulary notecards. 

English 9 - Link for Research Notes Practice

Go to the following website: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57419597/aid-groups-funds-needed-to-fight-africa-hunger/?tag=cbsnewsTwoColLowerPromoArea;fd.morenews

You will use it for the activity we will complete in class today. 

HN English 10 - Gilgamesh Books VI-VIII & Quotation Project

You need to complete the Gilgamesh Books VI-VIII study guide questions if not done in class. 

A reminder that your independent reading quotations and paper are due on Tuesday, April 24.  I will be available afterschool on Monday to help if you need to stay. 

English 9 - The Odyssey Book XVII (337-48)

You need to finish reading/listening along with Book XVII (pages 337 to 248) and answer study guide questions 1-8, and the first "patience" question at the top of the page.  Be sure to answer all parts of each question in order to receive credit. 

Students also have another opportunity to earn extra credit by bringing in a pack of lined notecards for our upcoming research project.  If you have not turned in your three potential research topics, you need to do so by Monday. 

HN English 10 - Gilgamesh Books III and V

For homework tonight, you should complete any late notecards (50 > 0) and read Books III and V in your Gilgamesh packet-- Book IV is mostly omitted, but read the note about its contents. 

Be prepared for a reading check tomorrow.  We will finish our Genesis Creation and Creation of Enkidu comparison tomorrow. 

English 9 - The Odyssey Book XVI

All classes need to turn in any late notecards tomorrow for half credit.  Zeroes are not acceptable for this easy grade.  Please keep in mind for those of you asking for extra credit that you should be doing regular credit in order to not need extra credit.

All classes should also finish reading along with the audio of Book XVI of The Odyssey.  You should answer all study guide questions in complete sentences and on a separate sheet of paper.

Bring your laptop AND CHARGER with you for the next couple weeks-- we will be using them.

HN English 10 - Gilgamesh Books I-II

Today in class we read Books I-II in the Gilgamesh packet and answered corresponding study guide questions, including two additions:

           16.  What does humanity mean in the context of Enkidu's development in the story?
           17.  How does Enkidu help Gilgamesh develop humanity?  (What does Gilgamesh lack at first?  
           What does Gilgamesh gain through his interactions with Enkidu?)

Work on your quotation paper/project tonight-- we have a consulting day on Friday, so prepare yourself.

Notecards due tomorrow. 

English 9 - The Odyssey Book XIII & Reserach Project Ideas

Today we read the majority of Book XIII in class-- for fourth period, those of you who did not finish the study guide questions, they are due at the beginning of class tomorrow. 

First period, you need to come prepared with your three potential research topics based on your independent reading memoir/biography/autobiography.  You should bring your book and laptop to class until instructed otherwise. 

Oh, and tomorrow is Wednesday-- notecards.

HN English 10 - Mortality, Legacy, and the beginning of Gilgamesh

Define the terms "legacy" and "mortality."  Explain how the two are related.

Based on the viewing in class, what do legacy and mortality seem to have with the episode?

Read the prologue and background (p. "68" to 70) of The Epic of Gilgamesh in the packet distributed in class today-- how do the ideas of legacy and mortality appear in that part of the story?

Be sure to write your answers on something that can be turned in if I choose to collect it. 

English 9 - The Odyssey Part I Review

Complete your timeline assignment from class today for homework--

Using the notes from class, create a visual timeline of Odysseus' journey from Troy (#1 on the timeline) to Scheria (#13 on the timeline).  Each location should have 1-2 sentences summarizing the main events that occurred at that location and an illustration to go along with it (13 descriptions, 13 illustrations).  Stick people need to be clothed, and you should use both color and detail (though exceptional black and white drawings will not be poo-pooed). 

Independent reading projects should be handed out in the next two days, so prepare yourself (especially if you didn't finish your book over the break...)

English 9 - The Odyssey Part I Test!

All classes have a test tomorrow (Thursday, 3/5).  You should finish your Odyssey Review Crossword to turn in tomorrow for a grade. 

All retakes for Words to Know 2 vocabulary quizzes must be completed by tomorrow.  For fourth period, your chance to retake The Odyssey Vocabulary 1 quiz expires tomorrow as well. 

Progress reports went home today.  Please take care of missing reading and note checks before the break. 

Students who have not been turning in their Odyssey study guides should take advantage of this one-time credit recovery opportunity: All incomplete or not turned in study guide question sets may be turned in for half credit on Monday, April 16.  All answers must be on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences in order to receive credit.  

Third Period High School Youth Health Behavior Survey

Click on the following link to take the survey:

http://research.zarca.com/k/SsRYVTsRRSsPsPsP

English 9 - The Odyssey Book XI: The Land of the Dead

All classes should read along with Book XI (pages 213 to 234, omitting 220-225, 230-232) and answer the study guide questions on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences.

You should expect a reading check tomorrow.

All classes will have a test on Thursday.  Begin reviewing.

HN English 10 - Ismene & The Choral Interludes

For homework over the weekend, you should answer the following two questions using the metaphoric information provided in the Choral Interludes on pages 136 and 142:

1. Why does Ismene live?  Explain based on the interludes.
2. How is the curse lifted?  Explain based on the interludes. 

You should use specific examples to prove your answers.

Your Antigone test will be on Wednesday, April 4.

Over the weekend, you should also be reading your independent reading novel.  Distributed in class yesterday were assignment sheets for your independent reading project.  It will be due on Tuesday, April 24 at the beginning of class.  Your characterization quotation chart template can be found HERE.  We will have an in-class conferencing day on Friday, April 20.

Your books are due the Monday we return from spring break and you will be responsible for a reading quiz specific to your novel (as discussed in class, know characters, plot, main themes and conflicts). 

English 9 - Odysseus' Story Continues Some More

FIRST PERIOD:  You should finish reading along with the audiofile of Book X of The Odyssey.  You need to answer the corresponding study guide questions on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences.

FOURTH PERIOD:  You should finish reading along with the audiofile of Book IX of The Odyssey.  You are only reading pages 169 to 181, so you need to follow along with your packet.  You should answer study guide questions 2-22 on the Book IX study guide on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences. 

HN English 10 - Antigone Conclusion

Read the final scene of Antigone tonight.  As you read, fill in the blanks on the final scene comprehension check sheet distributed in class (and under the previous link).  You should also be sure to answer the final question regarding the final lines of the Chorus. 

Study for your vocabulary quiz.

Your Antigone test will be on Wednesday, April 4.

Distributed in class today were assignment sheets for your independent reading project.  It will be due on Tuesday, April 24 at the beginning of class.  Your characterization quotation chart template can be found HERE.  We will have an in-class conferencing day on Friday, April 20. 

Your books are due the Monday we return from spring break and you will be responsible for a reading quiz specific to your novel (as discussed in class, know characters, plot, main themes and conflicts). 

English 9 - Odysseus' Story Continues

ALL CLASSES:  Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow.  It will be the last one before spring break.

FIRST PERIOD: Finish reading and listening along to Book IX, pages 178 to 187.  Answer study guide questions 1, 18-30 in complete sentences and on a separate sheet of paper.  I will collect them tomorrow.

FOURTH PERIOD:  Finish reading and listening along to Book V.  Answer all the study guide questions on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences.   I will collect them tomorrow.

English 9 - The Odyssey

ALL CLASSES:  Late notecards are due tomorrow. 

Retakes for failures on Words to Know Vocabulary 2 Quiz, Odyssey Vocabulary 1 Quiz, and Mistakes You Should No Longer Make Quiz are between now and next Thursday (before Spring Break).  I will average the two grades together if it benefits you. 

Independent reading books will be due on Monday, April 16 (the Monday after Spring Break).  

FIRST PERIOD:  Continue reading and listening along to Book IX, pages 169 to 178 (omit the pages specified on the audiotext).  Answer study guide questions 2-17 in complete sentences and on a separate sheet of paper.  Be prepared for a reading check tomorrow.  We will also compile our Odyssey portfolios, so if you are bringing in a notebook or folder for extra credit, do so by tomorrow.

Odyssey Part I Test will be on Wednesday, March 4.

FOURTH PERIOD:  Those of you who did not finish your crossword puzzles, they need to be completed for homework.  You should also, using your notes from class and your Book II Study Guide (summary on the back), complete the half sheet of paper that is the Books II-IV Note Check.

Odyssey Part I Test will be on Thursday, March 5. 

HN English 10 - Antigone Curses & Prophecies (Background & Scene VI)

Complete the following assignment on the same page that you answered the two Interlude V questions from class. 

Read Scene VI.  Expect a reading check (as usual).

For both the background information and the information from Scene VI, you should list the following (be specific):

• 3 curses that have occurred to the city of Thebes: 2 prior, 1 current
• what is the curse?  what is going on when the curse is occurring?
• 2 prophecies that are relevant to this myth: 1 delivered twice, 1 current prophecy
• to whom?  what is it?
• 3 attempts to avoid a given prophecy:2 prior, 1 current (Creon at the end of the scene)
• who is trying to avoid it?  how do they try to avoid it?
• 2 previous results of trying to avoid a prophecy
• who did it?  what did they try to do?

HN English 10 - Antigone Interlude IV, Scene V

Tomorrow is Wednesday.  Your vocabulary notecards are due. 

You should read pages 147 (the bottom) to 151 in your packet.  Prepare for a reading check.

On a sheet of paper that I reserve the right to collect, you should do the following two things:

1. Summarize the Choral Interlude in seven words or less, focusing on the main idea.  I can do it in three.  Make it a sentence, but make it short and direct.
2. Using specific examples throughout the play, identify the qualities that Antigone and Creon separately posses that would potentially qualify them for the title of "tragic hero."  You may create a chart, a paragraph, or a list, but I should see specific examples to support your arguments. 

English 9 - The Odyssey & Notecards!

ALL CLASSES:  Vocabulary notecards are due tomorrow, as they are every Wednesday. 

FIRST PERIOD:  You need to finish reading/ listening along to Book V and answer ALL the study guide questions on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences.

FOURTH PERIOD:  You need to finish answering the Book II study guide questions.  Separate sheet of paper.  Complete sentences. 

HN English 10 - Antigone Interlude II, Scene III

Read Antigone Interlude II and Scene III (pages 135-142).  You should answer the study guide questions as you go along, as they will be where your reading check will come from.  You should also be prepared to answer the following question:  What is the relationship between Interlude II and the scene that follows, especially focusing on the second to last stanza of the interlude ("Great honor is given...")?

Those of you who didn't finish the ethos, pathos, logos activity from class should finish it to turn in on Monday. 

Independent reading novels due in several weeks, but a power read may not be a good idea for these, so start now.

English 9 - The Odyssey Continuation

FIRST PERIOD: Read (and listen to) the assigned section of Book II, pages 23 to 26 (end before Eurymachus speaks).  You should answer the study guide questions and fill out the reading chart.  You will need to use the study guide questions on your reading check on Monday, and you will hand in your reading chart for a grade. 

FOURTH PERIOD:   Listen to and read along with pages 7-14 in your Odyssey Book I packet (stop after Athena flies away).  You should answer study guide questions 17-26 as you go along, as there will be a reading check on Monday.  Also due on Monday is the reading chart for this section.

HN English 10 - Antigone Scene I, Interlude I

Read Scenes I and the Choral Interlude I in your Antigone packet.  Answer the study guide questions.  You will have a reading check tomorrow.  Prep yourself.

English 9 - The Odyssey Book I Beginning

ALL CLASSES:  Late notecards due tomorrow for half credit.

FIRST PERIOD: You should read / listen along to pages 3-10 of Book I of The Odyssey (the packet handed out in class).  Use the tips at the top of your study guide and on the front of your packet to help tackle this text.

Answer ALL the study guide questions as you go along-- you may answer them on the same sheet or on a separate sheet, but you need to have some record of the answers in order to check your comprehension.

FOURTH PERIOD:  You should read/ listen along to pages 3-6 of Book I of The Odyssey (the packet handed out in class).  I STRONGLY recommend that even if you have not been using the audiotexts before that you use them at least at the beginning of this story.  Figuring out HOW to read The Odyssey is half the battle. 

Answer 1-14, and 20 a-c the study guide questions as you go along-- you should answer on a separate sheet, but you do not need to have complete sentences.

HN English 10 - Creation & Flood Story Review + Independent Reading Selection

You will have a double-weighted quiz on Tuesday on the four creation and flood stories we have read over the past week: the Genesis stories (creation & flood), the Popol Vuh, the Ovid packet, and the Rig Veda creation poem.  This weekend, since you have no formal homework, you should review characters, archetypes, and the answers to those focus questions for each story in order to prepare you for the quiz. 

On Tuesday, you also should have book in hand OR proof of book in hand for your independent reading assignment/project.  Students may choose between the following five novels:

1. The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch
2. Crime & Punishement by Fyodor Dostoyevsky*
3. The Count of Monte Cristo (abridged, but not adapted) by Alexandre Dumas*
4. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia-Marquez
5. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe*

Starred novels are available in the school library library for checkout.  The other two should be available at local used bookstores, Amazon, or local libraries. 

Books need to be finished by Monday, April 16 (the Monday after Spring Break).  A project will be assigned next week to go along with the novel.  Other coursework will go on simultaneously, so plan ahead. 

English 9 - Mythology & Independent Reading Project

Your mythology project was due today (Friday).  If you did not 1) bring your required notes or 2) bring your project at all, you may turn them in Monday for a deduction of points.  We will begin presenting next week.  Late projects will receive a 20 point deduction from the total on Monday, as you have been given two additional days to complete your project. 

We have been "telling" the three myths that go along with the events surrounding and during the Trojan War.  If you have missed any of the three myths (the Apple of Discord, the Oath of Tyndareus, or The Trojan War), you should get them from a classmate or from your teacher-- they will be on your mythology quiz, which will be on Tuesday.

The mythology quiz will consist of terms, characters, and stories that we read over the course of this unit.  A study guide was created in class on Wednesday and the quiz itself will be on Tuesday, March 20.  Students should be aware that this is a double quiz grade, so they should study the appropriate material. 

New independent reading selections were made this week.  Students should read approximately 20 pages in their books this weekend.  Books should be memoir, biography, or autobiography, 200 pages minimum (or otherwise approved by teacher), appropriate, and not read or assigned for another class. 

HN English 10 - Ovid's Ages of Man

Complete the reading that goes along with Ovid's Metamorphoses, "The Four Ages" and "Giants" part of the packet.  Answer the study guide questions that go along with the Creation section and then the handout that you received in class that contains the graphic organizer for the section. 

English 9 - Theseus Epic Hero Cycle

You should complete the Theseus Epic Hero Cycle Worksheet handed out in class on Friday.  Use specific examples from the story. 

HN English 10 - Genesis & Book Thief Project Reminder

If you did not complete the five creation story focus questions (including notes for clarification) during class today, you should do so for homework regarding the Genesis Creation story we read in class today. 

Your The Book Thief motif project and paper are due tomorrow.  I will take projects late for ten points off the total grade each day late.  Late starts as soon as class begins.  All absences (as per class policy) should be accompanied by a sick or funeral note in order to not lose points for a late project.  This policy was announced at the beginning of the semester.

 No notecards (no vocab), but you will need to have the board terms memorized by Friday: chaos, binary & purpose of binaries, deity, pantheon, and mono & polytheistic. 

English 9 - Theseus (begin) and Assorted Other Loose Ends

Your vocabulary notecards are due tomorrow.  As usual.

Your independent reading project and paper are also due tomorrow.  You've had lighter to no homework over the past week in order to accommodate this project as well as chunks of time in class, so no legitimate excuses.  I will take projects late for ten points off the total grade each day late.  Late starts as soon as class begins.  All absences (as per class policy) should be accompanied by a sick or funeral note in order to not lose points for a late project.  This was announced at the beginning of the semester. 

You should finish reading pages 145 to the top of 150 in your Theseus packet.  Fill in the mythological characteristics chart as it pertains to the intro and "A Voice from the Sea" section.  You should answer the study guide questions (separate sheet) or take handwritten notes to use on the reading check at the beginning of class tomorrow. 

HN English 10 - The Book Thief TEST & Project

Your Motif-Centered paper and project is due on Wednesday.  If you need magazines, you can most certainly borrow/have them from the stash I have in my room. 

Your test is on Monday.  Study guides were handed out in class today and should be used to study for the test. 

English 9 - Mythology & Independent Reading Project

All classes:  Your Independent Reading Novel Project is due on Wednesday, March 7 at the beginning of class.  Assignments were handed out in class on Wednesday (as stated several weeks ago) and will be your only other test grade on this six weeks. 

Also, if you have not made up your Short Story Test, you have Monday.  Lingering missing vocabulary quizzes also need to be taken care of because the first six week grading period ends on Wednesday. 

First Period:  Finish theoi.com assignment from class if you did not.  Work on your project.

Fourth Period:  If you barely got started on your Mythweb.com assignment, you should have at least two done by Monday.  Work on your project. 

There are several of you who have many absences over the past week:  Make-up work from due Wednesday was notecards and "Echo & Narcissus" study guide questions and due Thursday were the "Prometheus" and "Pandora" study guide questions.  Both sets of questions can be found at the end of their respective packets. 

HN English 10 - Hans Hubermann & Death: The Survivors

Vocabulary notecards are due (just like every Wednesday). 

Your 20 (minimum) motif notecards are due (as announced several weeks ago). 

You should WRITE DOWN your contemplation of the following question:

• Both Death (pg. 5) and Hans Hubermann (pg. 435) are faced with survivors.  Compare and contrast their experiences and attitudes when faced with survivors.  (How are they similar?  How are they different?)  

English 9 - "Narcissus & Echo" Myth

Vocabulary notecards due tomorrow (because it's Wednesday) and your independent reading novel is due, too (and has been announced for several weeks at this point).

You should finish reading the "Narcissus & Echo" myth handed out in class and answer the study guide questions from the back of the packet (separate sheet of paper, complete sentences).  

HN English 10 - The Book Thief Part IX to Epilogue Motif Quotes

Finish your sheet from class. 

Motif notecards due Wednesday. 

Test next Monday. 

English 9 - Mythology Introduction

You need to finish your character chart based on the mythology packet handed out in class. 

Your independent reading book is due on Wednesday, so read. 

HN English 10 - "The Word Shaker" Focus & Vocab Reminder

A quick change: Finish The Book Thief (Parts 9-Epilogue) for Monday.  Your motif notecards (the chosen image you should have been tracking through the WHOLE novel) will still be due on Wednesday.

Study for your vocabulary quiz.

Finish your bibliography for your mini-research project-- you received copies of the following handouts in class that should guide your bibliography:

1. Basic information about MLA formatting (link to handout in previous text)
2. Basic information about MLA bibliographies (link to handout in previous text)
3. Sample Bibliography (link to handout in previous text)-- Make yours look like this, formatting-wise! 

Due PRINTED at the beginning of class tomorrow.

You should re-read "The Word Shaker" tonight and provide answers to the following questions (not necessarily complete sentences or entire paragraphs, but something detailed enough that if I so chose, I could collect and give you credit for the thoroughness of your answers):

1.     Look up the definitions of “fable” and “fairy tale.”  Why does Liesel have such a difficult time deciding which category this story fits into?

2.     How does Max characterize Hitler in this story?  In reality, how does Hitler’s rise to power seem almost like a fable/fairy tale? 

3.     What does the term “word shaker” mean?  Who are these people in the real Nazi regime?

4.     Why does the tree hold strong despite the repeated attacks?  (Literally and figuratively.)

5.     Literally: Why does the tree fall at the end?  Figuratively: What is this saying about the nature of the seed from which the tree came (friendship)?

English 9 - "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" Story & Vocab

Your personal or continued adventures of Walter Mitty short story is due tomorrow-- a link to the assignment can be found HERE and a link to an informational sheet about MLA Formatting (the way to set up any typed assignment) is HERE.


I'll remember to take up progress reports on Friday.

And you should study for your weekly vocabulary quiz on Friday. 

If you were absent today, you have one week from you return to take the test or it becomes a zero (as per class policy).

HN English 10 - The Book Thief Part VIII & Mini-Reserach Assignment

Reading (Part VIII) and your research assignment are due at the beginning of class tomorrow. 

Presentations will start next week. 

English 9 - Short Story & Literary Term Test

You have your first test tomorrow.  You received the study guide in class on Tuesday and I hosted a study session after-school on Wednesday.  Look over your class notes as well-- a lot of information that will be found on the tests is related to our discussions in class.

On Friday, you will have a vocabulary quiz and your first writing assignment for my class will be do-- a story that you will write based on the same idea (daydreaming) as "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."  It is a creative essay, but if it helps you to think of it as a short story written about yourself, feel free.  A link to the assignment can be found HERE and a link to an informational sheet about MLA Formatting (the way to set up any typed assignments) is HERE.

You should also get your progress report signed.  

English 9 - "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" & Vocab Notecards

Tomorrow is Wednesday which, like every week, means your vocabulary notecards are due. 

You should also finish reading "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and answering the study guide assigned in class-- links to a copy of the story and the study guide worksheet if you have misplaced either can be found under the keywords in the previous text. 

You have your first test on Thursday-- it will be on the short stories and literary terms we have been studying over the past three weeks.  I handed out a study guide today in class, and I will have an afterschool review session tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday) starting at 3:15 for students who want extra help.

Progress reports will go home Wednesday. 

Retakes for Short Story Vocabulary List #2 will need to be done by Monday, February 27.  Makeups for the number of you who missed the quiz on Short Story Vocabulary List #3 will need to have it done by this Friday, February 24. 

And if you didn't catch it in class, your independent reading novel is due Wednesday, February 29th.  Get to it. 

HN English 10 - The Book Thief Part VI & Quiz

Read Book VI tonight-- come to class prepared for a reading check and with some references in the chapter that help to characterize our narrator, Death. 

You also have a vocabulary quiz at the beginning of class tomorrow, so prep yourself (these are some weird words, spelling-wise). 

Future events:
1)  Your Book Thief-related mini-research assignment is due next Thursday, February 23.  You may opt to present in front of the class and get it over with, but you will have several other options over the course of the semester.  You will have to do at least one presentation in class during the semester, so make it count or get it over with-- whichever makes you feel more comfortable. 

2)  Final reading assignments for The Book Thief are the following:

• Book VII  due Tuesday, February 21
• Book VIII due Thursday, February 23
• Book IX due Monday, February 27
• Book X & Epilogue due Wednesday, February 29 
• 20 (min) Notecards with Quotes Tracing Chosen Image Through Novel due Wednesday, February 29

English 9 - "Usher II" Finish

For homework tonight, you should finish reading "Usher II."  You may skip the portion on pg. 139-40 within the squiggly lines-- all you need to know is that the robots are very realistic.  As with most of our stories, audiotexts can be found on my Moodle page. 

You should make sure that you have study questions (found on the final page of the packet) # 1-23 answered (omit 5 and 13).  Separate sheet of paper and complete sentences AS ALWAYS. 

You should also study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow. 

HN English 10 - Book Thief?

No homework I'm aware of tonight except reading due Friday-- Book VI.  Keep tracking your chosen image through the book. 

English 9 - Independent Reading Tonight

In class today, you read for a little while in your independent reading novel.  You should read between 15-20 additional pages minimum for homework tonight and then make an entry in your reading journal.  If you need a copy, you can download the worksheet here. 

If you did not complete your weekly vocabulary notecards, you can turn them in Thursday for half credit. 

Some students need to decide if this class will be on your class load next semester, too.  If you continue to not do your work, you will not pass this class.  Students who struggle but do their work more often than not pass.  Students who get in the habit of not doing their work do not pass.  And I do not offer extra credit because you have plenty of opportunities to do regular credit. 

Choose your path now.  Make it the right one.

HN English 10 - The Book Thief Part V & Notecards Reminder

Vocabulary notecards are due tomorrow. 

You should also be prepared for a reading check on Part V of The Book Thief. 

English 9 - Usher II & Notecards Reminder

For homework tonight, you need read pages 132-138 (stop at "The ape killed Mr. Garrett.") in your "Usher II" story packet.  As per usual, you have access to an audiotext version at my Moodle page.  You should answer the study guide questions 1-11, omitting 5 on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences.  You should also look up what the Red Scare and "The Murders at the Rue Morgue" are (give a basic definition-- these things are being alluded to in this story, just like the title of the story itself). 

You should also complete your vocabulary notecards. 

Tomorrow is a half day, but you should come ready to learn. 

HN English 10 - The Book Thief Symbols

For homework, you should finish the symbol activity from class regarding Max Vandenburg's The Standover Man, focusing on the following four areas to discern symbolic meaning:

1. the materials from which it is made
2. the title 
3. the illustrations/characters represented in the story
4. the last line (before the vocab word list on the wall) and the last pictures

Be sure to explain in detail what you think the meaning of each of these is after simply identifying what it is.

You should then identify five "things" from the rest of the book that you believe to be potential symbols, excluding the accordian, books, Nazi symbols, and colors (the things you are supposed to be tracking on your notecards).  You should explain what you believe the symbolic significance of your chosen "thing" to be.  Some suggestions?  The apples, Ilsa Hermann's open window, the ax, etc.  Not anything can be a symbol, but many things have deeper meaning.

Looking towards the future: Book V is due on Wednesday, as are your vocabulary notecards. 

English 9 - The Fall of the House of Usher movie

If you did not finish the movie viewing guide and we spoke, you should complete it for homework. 

Vocabulary notecards are due on Wednesday.

Grades are uploaded, but are by no means complete.  As with most things, perpetual low grades for one certain repeated assignment (vocabulary quizzes, reading checks, etc.) should be of mild concern because with some discussion we can figure out how to improve your skills on that assignment.  Multiple zeros, however, simply mean you have not even been trying and you should get your butt in gear.  If you do not do your work in my class, you will not pass. 

HN English 10 - The Book Thief Part II

You should read Part II of The Book Thief, due tomorrow.  Expect a reading check. 

Vocabulary notecards also due.

Head's up: You should continue to track whichever motif you chose in class on Monday as you read (Nazism, the accordion, colors, or books/words).  Twenty notecards with relevant quotation and brief explanation are due the day of your final The Book Thief reading check. 

Book III will be due on Friday. 

English 9 - Cask of Amontillado & Notecards

First Period:  You need to finish "translating" the first paragraph from "The Cask of Amontillado" from class.  If you have lost the worksheet, you can find a copy of it HERE. 

You should read at least 20 more pages in your independent reading book and make a journal entry on the sheet provided in class.  You should aim to fill up both the summary and the reflection part of the page with writing. 

Vocabulary notecards are also due.

Fourth Period:  Read the adapted version of "The Cask of Amontillado" handed out in class.  You may take notes as you read. 

If you did not finish your independent reading journal entry in class, you should do so for homework.

Vocabulary notecards are also due. 

HN English 10 - The Book Thief Start

You need to complete your notes on the background terms distributed in class today. 

You should also read page 3-18 in The Book Thief, also known as Prologue and Part I. 

Reading check on Monday, with the terms from Friday as fair game.

English 9 - Allusions in Song Lyrics Homework

For homework, you need to find 10 allusions from songs other than the ones on the practice sheet in class.  Basic rules:  for each allusion, you need to provide 1) the lyric (and surrounding lyrics if they need to be provided to make sense), 2) the song title in quotation marks, 3) artist, and 4) what is the song alluding to.

You may use two allusions from one song, but no more. If your song has bad words (aka words that would get you in trouble in my class), use the star method: ****** for  the offending word. 

Example:
1) "With them moves like Jagger/ I've got the moves like Jagger"
2)  "Moves Like Jagger"
3)  Maroon 5
4)  The song is alluding to Mick Jagger, the lead singer of The Rolling Stones who is known for shaking his hips on stage.

Class Policies and Procedures - ALL CLASSES

If you somehow misplaced your policies and procedures sheet (including the final page for parent/guardian signature), you may print yourself off another copy here.  Select your class, click, and download the document appropriate for your class.

HN English 10 Policies & Procedures


English 9 Policies & Procedures

Supplies you will need for my class:

• pen or pencil.  every. day.  (no red, please)
• college-ruled paper (looseleaf preferred)
• binder or folder to hold onto handouts and notes
• 3x5 notecards or paper to make notecards with (used for studying and weekly vocabulary notecards)
• agenda or other way to write down assignments

Supplies you may find useful in my class:

• flash drive (they're on sale now and a 1G will keep you set for a while)
• highlighter
• sticky notes/Post-It notes
• jacket (my classroom, my temperature)

Hello & Welcome

Welcome to a new semester and hopefully a new way for us to keep organized.

My goal for this blog is to help you keep up with my class. I will post important documents (hopefully) in a timely manner.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, I will post daily homework assignments, but as with everything in my class, it is ultimately your responsibility to write down your work; "You didn't post it" is not an acceptable excuse for not doing your homework. Since this is English class, you will frequently have reading due the next day.

For some assignments if you are in Honors or all reading assignments if you are in regular English, you may take notes on any reading assignments, but be sure to take notes on the actual reading and not the Sparknotes. I will purposely try to bust you. Sparknotes are meant to help, not replace, the actual assignment.

You may navigate this site by (duh) reading the titles of the posts, or when we have more posts, you may also use keywords-- check out the bubble with just a few words now. I will use keywords to designate what type of post it is (homework, notes, project, etc.), what unit of study it goes along with, and which class it pertains to. Use logic to find posts relevant to you... and if you have questions, ask at an appropriate time.

If you have any questions, please email me at lewisma at chatham.k12.nc.us.
If you must telephone, just know that an email will receive a speedier reply 100% of the time.