Monday, December 15, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 15, 2014

Focus: How does the film version of The Kite Runner strengthen or challenge your understanding of the novel?

1. Warming back up with turnitin.com...have you submitted your final draft yet?

SUBMIT TO THE REVISION FOLDER.

2. Finishing the film version of The Kite Runner

3. If time allows, posting a final blog comment of the semester

HW:
1. Show up on time for your final exam tomorrow.  We will only be using the first finals period.  You will need a charged, functioning laptop.

2. Tomorrow is the last day to turn in your copy of The Kite Runner before you will be issued a fine.

3. Final grades for this class will be posted by Thursday.  Final grades are final.  

89.4% = B+

89.5% = A-

(I don't round up grades just because you asked nicely; you have had many chances this semester to earn the grade you wish to have).

4. Good luck with the rest of your finals week!

Friday, December 12, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 12, 2014

Focus: How can the film version of The Kite Runner deepen our understanding of the book?

1. Warming up: Let's try out turnitin.com together just to make sure everything's working...

2. Viewing the film version of The Kite Runner; as you watch, keep a running list of the following:

  • How did the director change specific aspects of the book?
  • Why do you think he made those changes?
  • Which aspects of the book the director get right, in your opinion?  Why/how?


HW:
1. Before class begins on Monday, submit your final draft of the hero's journey essay to turnitin.com.  We will not be doing this in class on Monday; it's up to you to take care of this.  Work that is submitted after class on Monday will be counted as late.  The assignment is called "Hero's Journey Synthesis Essay".

2. Final drafts are now due Monday, December 15, but if you turn it in today, I will grade it over the weekend for you.

3. Keep checking your rough drafts for feedback.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 11, 2014

Focus: How can we deepen our understanding of The Kite Runner through viewing the film?

1. Warming up: In filming The Kite Runner, what are some of the challenges the director likely faced?

Race/ethnicity aside, whom would you cast in the following roles and why?

Amir
Hassan
Baba
Assef
Soraya
Rahim Khan
Sohrab

2. Offering you a few tidbits from an interview with Marc Forster, the director of the film version of The Kite Runner

3. Viewing the film version of The Kite Runner; as you watch, keep a running list of the following:

  • How did the director change specific aspects of the book?
  • Why do you think he made those changes?
  • Which aspects of the book the director get right, in your opinion?  Why/how?


HW:
1. Today or tomorrow, please submit a draft of your essay to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism before you have to turn it in for real (the assignment is called "Hero's Journey Synthesis Essay").

2. Final drafts are now due Monday, December 15, but if you turn it in tomorrow, I will grade it over the weekend for you.

3. Keep checking your rough drafts for feedback.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 10, 2014

Focus: How can we make our writing style more mature?

1. Warming up: Which Christian Bale would you like to smell like? A mini lesson on style.





2. Editing for what it's really all about: style (click HERE for today's editing slides)

3. Reacquainting yourself with your old friend, SAS Writing Reviser

4. Between now and Friday, submit your essay to Turnitin.com at least once


HW:
1. Continue to make revisions based on your peers' comments, my comments, and today's style lesson.

2. Final drafts due this Monday, December 15.  Late essays...there can't be any late essays.

3. Turn in your school copies of The Kite Runner as soon as you're done with them.

4. Grammar and vocabulary test is cancelled.  I expect you to demonstrate the grammar lessons we've learned in your essay.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 9, 2014

Focus: How can we strengthen the content of our synthesis essays?

1. Warming up with a self-help round of admitting our weaknesses

"Hi. My name is________________, and I ___________________ (admit your writing weakness)."

"Hi, ________________. I can help."


2. Peer editing each other's body paragraphs

Round 1: Give feedback on the weakness your partner just identified

Round 2: Follow along with Ms. Leclaire's presentation (help me help you, kids)


3. Offering you some ideas for your conclusions and giving your time to compose and revise

HW:
1. A heads-up: I will be giving you feedback and a completion grade tonight (you should have an intro and two body paragraphs at least).

2. Please finish writing your conclusion and revising your two body paragraphs.  Tomorrow will be our final day of in-class editing.

3. Final drafts due this Friday, December 12.  Late essays are penalized five points a day.

4. Turn in your school copies of The Kite Runner as soon as you're done with them.

Monday, December 8, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 8, 2014

Focus: How can I improve my body paragraphs?

1. Warming up with bear hugs and other good things

2. Group of editing of one brave volunteer's first body paragraph

3. Partnering up for peer editing of the first body paragraph using the official rubric

4. Revising first body paragraphs and finishing second body paragraphs

HW:
1. Please finish revising your first body paragraph and finish composing your second body paragraph before class tomorrow.

2. On Friday, bring your Kite Runner books to turn in (if you have a school copy).

3. Final drafts are due this Friday, December 12.  Late essays receive a 5 point deduction per day.

4. A heads-up: You will be taking a cumulative grammar and vocabulary test as part of your final exam; instead of taking it on the day of your final, you will take it on Monday, December 15.


Friday, December 5, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 5, 2014

Focus: How can we improve our synthesis essays?

1. Warming up with an invigorating book talk by the one and only Justin

2. Taking the vocabulary "quiz" on Chapters 21-25 (for the first and only time, this quiz is open note)

3. Returning to your body paragraphs: Revising your first body paragraph and composing your second body paragraph

*Your challenge: Include at least one Kite Runner vocabulary word in your essay.*

HW:
1. Finish revising your first body paragraph.

2. Finish composing your second body paragraph.

3. Final drafts are due Friday, December 12.

4. A heads-up: You will be taking a cumulative grammar and vocabulary test as part of your final exam; instead of taking it on the day of your final, you will take it on Monday, December 15.


Thursday, December 4, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 4, 2014

Focus: What revisions do our introductions need, and how can we form strong body paragraphs?

Please welcome Mrs. Ackerman!  Before you leave class today, please make sure that your thesis and topic sentences have been checked by one of us.  Feel free to solicit feedback on your introduction as well.

1. Warming up: What differentiates an "A" introduction from a "D" introduction?

2. Revising your own introductions into "A" quality paragraphs

3. Breaking down the anatomy of a body paragraph, old-school style

4. Drafting your own body paragraphs

HW:
1. Finish revising your introduction if you did not finish in class.
2. Complete your first body paragraph before class tomorrow. Follow the example from class today.
(A heads-up: FINAL DRAFT will be due FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12.)
3. Tomorrow's vocabulary quiz will be open note. You're welcome.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 3, 2014

Focus: How can I write powerful topic sentences for a synthesis essay?

PLC: Shortened Class Today

1. Warming up: Setting up your essay document and voting on your best thesis

___________ (your last name) Hero's Journey Essay

2. Developing two powerful topic sentences based on your thesis:

Topic sentence #1: Take your first heroic trait, apply it to both works, connect it to your larger theme,  consider any similarities or differences, and try to make it a bit more specific than your thesis.Whew!

Here's my thesis: 

Amir from The Kite Runner and Bruce Wayne from Batman Begins reveal that crossing the threshold and battling the inner dragon are the two most significant steps in the hero's journey because both actions require the hero to defeat a difficult past.

Here's how I would write my 1st topic sentence:

Both Amir and Bruce initially hesitate to cross the threshold in the early part of their heroic journeys because they are daunted by their pasts; however, they eventually cross into the world of the unknown, demonstrating that true heroes must channel their fear of the past into hope for the future.

Here's how I would write my 2nd topic sentence:

Although Amir is more overpowered by his inner dragon than is Bruce, both heroes ultimately defeat their dragons, revealing that one must conquer past demons in order to complete the heroic journey.



3. Starting your introductory paragraphs

HW:
1. Please finish your topic sentences in class if you have not yet done so.

2. Finish your introductory paragraph; Ms. Ackerman will join us tomorrow to give you feedback on your introductions and topic sentences, so make sure you're caught up!

3. Study your Kite Runner vocabulary for Friday's quiz.

4. If you have any make-up work, the final deadline for submitting it is Friday, December 12.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 2, 2014

Focus: How do I channel my thoughts on the hero's journey into a concise thesis?

1. Warming up with an overview of how in-class writing time will work this week

2. Looking through the blue handout together and starting to work on the outline

Offering you a quick mini lesson on isolating scenes if your other hero's journey comes from a movie

Let's say that you're arguing that Dori serves as a mentor for Marlin in Finding Nemo.  How can you incorporate an example from a film?

Find a very specific scene (no longer than five minutes) and read it symbolically.

Too broad: Dori helps Marlin out multiple times along the way.  She is carefree and encourages him frequently to let go of his painful memories from the past.

Nice and specific: In the scene in which Dori and Marlin are trapped inside of the whale, Marlin clings to the whale's mouth, refusing to fall down into the whale's belly.  Dori shouts at him to let go, and when Marlin asks her how she knows that nothing bad will happen, she replies, "I don't!"  Her willingness to let go of control and trust the world around her incites Marlin to do the same.  The moment in which they physically let go symbolizes an important shift in Marlin; by following Dori's example, he can finally release his guilt and anxiety and enjoy the journey.

3. Trying out three different thesis statements together

HW: 
1. Finish the blue packet if you did not finish in class today.

2. Make your flashcards for the final Kite Runner vocabulary list; quiz this Friday.

3. Bring your charged laptop to class this week for some serious writing!

Monday, December 1, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: December 1, 2014

Focus: How can the hero's journey deepen our understanding of The Kite Runner?

1. Warming up with happy Monday thoughts!

2. Offering you a quick and engaging overview of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey

As you watch, please take out your hero's journey charts (or your hero's journey Google doc) and take notes on how the different steps are being defined.  

3. Viewing one of Joseph Campbell's lectures on the hero's journey and Star Wars

Continue with your notes; these will help you significantly when you start writing your essay in the second half of class today.

4. Brainstorming how Amir's heroic journey compares and contrasts to the hero's journey of your choice; by the end of class, please complete both columns in your hero's journey chart.

HW:
1. If you did not finish your hero's journey chart in class today, please finish it tonight.

2. Complete Step Two on your blue handout, which is the four-columned graphic organizer on the back of the first page.

3. Start making flashcards for your vocabulary quiz over the final Kite Runner list; quiz this Friday.

Friday, November 21, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 21, 2014

Focus: How can we augment our reading skills and vocabulary?

1. Warming up with our final round of book talks

2. Playing our final round of Scattegories

3. Enjoying a Thanksgiving-themed vocabulary quiz on Kite Runner, Chapters 15-20

4. Relaxing into your independent reading books; finishing up any last-minute annotations

HW:
1. If you have any make-up work from our Kite Runner unit, such as journal entries/sticky notes, missing vocabulary quizzes, and missed fishbowl blogs, the break is great time to work on those (when you return, you will have only two weeks left, and they're going to be busy).

2. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 20, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 20, 2014

Focus: What does it mean to "enter the belly of the whale"?

1. Warming up by "entering the belly of the whale"

Offering you a broad definition

Exploring how it works in Finding Nemo (1:08:12)

  • What is Marlin’s attitude at the beginning of this scene?  At the end?  What changes it?
  • What internal and external battles is he facing? How does the external reflect the internal?
  • What might the different elements this scene symbolize?
  • Why is this an important step in the hero’s journey?


Considering how it works in The Kite Runner

Find a specific scene from a chapter you've read this week in The Kite Runner where you see Amir "entering the belly of the whale."  Reread that scene.

  • What is Amir's attitude at the beginning of this scene? At the end? What changes it?
  • What internal and external battles is Amir facing?  How does the external reflect the internal?
  • What might the different elements of this scene symbolize?
  • Why is this an important step in his hero's journey?


2. Enjoying our final fishbowl discussion of The Kite Runner

3. Wrapping up: Is Amir a hero?  Did he find a way to be "good again"?

HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz over KR, Chapters 15-20.

2. Bring your journal/sticky notes for our final annotation check.

2. Prepare your book talk if you haven't given it yet.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 19, 2014

Focus: How can improve our writing and augment our vocabulary?

1. Warming up by trying out Turnitin.com with our writing assessments

  • Step One: Delete everything on your timed writing document except for the essay itself.
  • Step Two: Type an MLA heading at the top of your document.
  • Step Three: Read through the Turn It In letter and fill in the following information:
    • Our class ID: 9074074
    • Our class enrollment password: english10
  • Step Four: Set up a Turn It In account by following the directions in the letter
  • Step Five: Submit your timed writing to Turn It In and read your originality report


2. Browsing your Kite Runner vocabulary for the week (Chapters 15-20) and making flashcards using your favorite app

3. Playing Scattegories to learn some of this week's tougher words

Round 1

1. A garrulous teacher or coach you've had

2. A habit that a pragmatic student might have

3. Something an affable student would say to another student

4. A rotund object

5. Something a first hour student would do to exude exhaustion

Round 2

1. An event that would leave you feeling disoriented

2. Something you would say to reconcile your relationship with your parents

3. A comment Ms. Leclaire might write on your essay if you had given it only a cursory proofreading

4. A statement that a rueful English 10 student might make

5. A subject worthy of your rumination

Round 3

1. A contemptuous gesture that a student might make in the hallway

2. A subject/topic that stupefies you

3. Something generous you could do to help out a destitute population during the holidays

4. A food that is unadulterated (pure; not contaminated by inferior substances)

5. Something we have an ample supply of here in English 10

HW:
1. Please read and annotate the final chapters of The Kite Runner for our last fishbowl discussion on Thursday; leaders should prepare their syllabus.

2. Start making flashcards for the next vocabulary list, which covers Chapters 15-20.

3. If you are giving your book talk this Friday, please prepare and rehearse it.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 18, 2014

Focus: What is the climax of The Kite Runner, and what change does it bring about?

1. Warming back up with your in-class writing assessment

2. Enjoying a fishbowl discussion of The Kite Runner, Chapters 22 and 23

3. Wrapping up

HW:
1. Please read and annotate the final chapters of The Kite Runner for our last fishbowl discussion on Thursday; leaders should prepare their syllabus.

2. Start making flashcards for the next vocabulary list, which covers Chapters 15-20.

3. If you are giving your book talk this Friday, please prepare and rehearse it.

Monday, November 17, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 17, 2014

Focus: How can we improve our writing skills?

1. Warming up with our penultimate round of book talks!

2. Taking your in-class writing assessment

Please start a new document, call it "_____________ (your last name) Kite Runner Timed Writing," and share it with me directly.


HW:
1. Please read and annotate Chapters 22 and 23 for tomorrow's fishbowl discussion; leaders should prepare their syllabus.

2. Start making flashcards for the next vocabulary list, which covers Chapters 15-20.

3. If you are giving your book talk this Friday, please prepare and rehearse it.

Friday, November 14, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 14, 2014

Focus: How can we augment our vocabularies and reading skills?

1. Warming up with a rousing round of book talks!

2. Looking over your words from Chapters 11-14 and dominating the vocabulary quiz

(Optional: Retaking any grammar quizzes from the past seven weeks)

3. Relaxing into your independent reading books (or catching up with The Kite Runner)


HW:
1. Please read and annotate Chapters 22 and 23 for next Tuesday's fishbowl discussion.

2. Just a quick heads-up: On Monday, we have a timed writing based on a passage from The Kite Runner.  You don't need to study for it, but you may wish to look over the two essays you've written so far (your pre-assessment on the Icarus poem and the Of Mice and Men summary-response).

Thursday, November 13, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 13, 2014

Focus: What is the significance of the Taliban in The Kite Runner?


1. Warming up: Considering life under Taliban rule by reading some statements made by the Taliban

2. Enjoying a fishbowl discussion of The Kite Runner, Chapter 21

3. Wrapping up

HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz over words from Chapters 11-14.  Also prepare for any make-up grammar quizzes from the last seven weeks.

2. Prepare your book talk if you haven't given yours yet.

3. Be sure to bring in your annotations/journal entries tomorrow, as well as your independent reading book or your copy of The Kite Runner.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 12, 2014

Focus: How can we augment our vocabularies?

PLC: Shortened Class Today

Please have out your journals/sticky notes so I can have a look.

1. Warming up: Taking ten minutes to start making your vocabulary flashcards for the week

2. Enjoying a little contest: Who can create the most entertaining and fair vocabulary quiz for the week?

  • Look at your previous two quizzes for ideas.
  • You need a fill-in-the-blank section, preferably with 10 questions (and preferably one that tells a story).
  • You need a creative section with about 5 questions.


HW:
1. Read and annotate Chapter 21 by tomorrow; leaders should prepare their fishbowl syllabus.

2. Finish making your vocabulary flashcards (Chapters 11-14); start studying for Friday's quiz.  Remember that if you want to retake any grammar quizzes from the past 7 weeks, Friday is your day.

Monday, November 10, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 11, 2014

Focus: How is the will to act/answer the call essential to Amir's journey?

1. Warming up by applying the call to action to Amir's journey in The Kite Runner:

Hello, students!  I've got a sick little Henry at home, so I won't have the pleasure of joining you today.  On the hero's journey document you started yesterday, please take a full 15 minutes to individually freewrite on the questions below. Make sure the document is properly shared with me, because I will be giving you credit for your in-class work today.
  • Whose fault is the rape of Hassan? Try to come up with as many possibilities as you can and explain each one.
  • What is Amir's blue pill, and what is his red pill?
    • What misconceptions does Amir hold in the world of the blue pill?
    • What does Amir have to believe in order to enter the world of the red pill?
    • What does he have to lose on this journey? 
    • What does he have to gain?
  • Reread the last two pages of Chapter 18 (p.226-227).  What has specifically given him the will to act/to answer the call to action?  Offer at least one specific quotation to support your thoughts.
2. Enjoying an enlightening fishbowl discussion of Chapters 19 and 20

3. Wrapping up

HW:
1. Please read and annotate Chapter 21 for Thursday's fishbowl discussion; leaders should prepare their syllabus.

2. Start making flashcards for Kite Runner, Chapters 11-14; we will have our next vocabulary quiz this Friday, along with any make-up grammar quizzes from the past seven weeks.

3. Continue preparing your book talk if you have not delivered yours yet.

All Boys, All Blogged: November 10, 2014


Focus: What is the call to action, and why is it important to the hero's journey?

1. Warming up with a rousing round of book talks!

2. Understanding the call to action and its larger important in a few heroic film clips:

  • What inner demons are tormenting the hero in this clip?
  • What is the will to act, and why is it important?
  • Listen for one or two lines you like: Write them down as precisely as possible.


  • What symbolic choices are you noticing in this scene?  Consider color, weather, and any other possible images that might carry symbolic weight.
  • How does the mentor in this scene define what the red pill and blue pill each represent?
  • In our daily lives, what might the red pill and the blue pill represent?


Why is answering the call to action a crucial part of any hero's journey? What does it prove?


3. Applying the call to action to Amir's journey in The Kite Runner:
  • What are Amir's specific inner demons, and what will it take to defeat them?
  • What is Amir's blue pill, and what is his red pill?
  • Reread the last two pages of Chapter 18 (p.226-227).  What has specifically given him the will to act/to answer the call to action?  Offer at least one specific quotation to support your thoughts.


HW:
1. Please read and annotate Chapters 19 and 20 for tomorrow's fishbowl discussion; leaders should prepare their syllabus.

2. Start making flashcards for Kite Runner, Chapters 11-14; we will have our next vocabulary quiz this Friday, along with any make-up grammar quizzes from the past seven weeks.

3. Continue preparing your book talk if you have not delivered yours yet.

Friday, November 7, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 7, 2014

Focus: What's starting to shift in The Kite Runner, and why are these shifts important?

1. Warming up with a rousing round of book talks!

2. Enjoying an intellectually stimulating discussion of The Kite Runner, Chapters 17 and 18

3. Wrapping up: Reflect on an important shift or make a prediction

HW:
1. Read and annotate Chapters 19 and 20 for Tuesday's fishbowl discussion; leaders should prepare the syllabus.

2. If you have an upcoming book talk, please prepare and rehearse it.  Think about the very first thing you're going to say to us, and try to grab our attention.

3. Bring The Kite Runner, your hero's journey chart, and your sticky notes/blue journals to class on Monday.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 6, 2014

Focus: How's it going?

Very shortened class today: CMAS

1. Dear Ms. Leclaire,

  • What's going well for you?
  • What's not going well for you?
  • What can I do to help you succeed?
  • What's going on outside of class?
  • What are the next two months going to look like for you?
  • Anything else?

HW:
1. Read and annotate Chapters 17 and 18 for tomorrow's fishbowl discussion; leaders should prepare the syllabus.

2. If you have an upcoming book talk, please prepare and rehearse it.  Think about the very first thing you're going to say to us, and try to grab our attention.

3. Remember that this Friday marks the end of the 12 week period.  All make-up work, late work, and redos/retakes must be completed by this Friday for credit.

Exception: Make-up grammar quizzes will have to wait until next Friday because of book talks and fishbowl tomorrow.



Tuesday, November 4, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 4, 2014

Focus: Do I need to make up work for this class? What Level 2 and Level 3 questions do I have regarding The Kite Runner so far?

1. Warming up: Since this Friday marks the end of 12 weeks, I would like you to take a moment to look carefully at your grades for this class, keeping in mind the following:
  • All make-up work, late work, and redos/retakes must be completed by this Friday for credit.  This includes missed fishbowl blogs, retakes on quizzes, Kite Runner annotations/journal entries, grammar assignments, and any other work collected over the past six weeks.
  • Remember that if you missed an outer circle day on the fishbowl, you must make up the blog by e-mailing me an extended response that includes at least one quotation from the assigned chapters.  
  • If you are planning to make up any grades, please speak with me or e-mail me right now to develop a plan to ensure it gets taken care of by this Friday.
  • If your grades in this class are fine, then use this time to look up the two goals that you sent me a few weeks ago after our conference (one reading goal, one writing goal).  Are you working towards those goals right now? If not, what do you need to do?

2. Fishbowl #3: Discussing Chapters 14, 15, and 16 in The Kite Runner


3. Wrapping up fishbowl with take-aways and questions

HW:
1. Start reading and annotating Chapters 17 and 18 for Friday's fishbowl discussion; leaders should start preparing the syllabus.

2. If you have an upcoming book talk, please prepare and rehearse it.  


3. Remember that this Friday marks the end of the 12 week period.  All make-up work, late work, and redos/retakes must be completed by this Friday for credit.

Monday, November 3, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: November 3, 2014

Focus: What larger patterns are you starting to find in The Kite Runner, and why are they important?

1. Warming up with a rousing round of book talks!

2. Brainstorming motifs from The Kite Runner together on the board, then drawing them together to form good discussion questions.  Each of you should post your best one on today's blog and then pick one to reply to.

For example, let's say that one of the motifs on the board is violence, and that another is redemption

You could ask a question like this: Is violence a way of achieving redemption? 

Or, you could ask something like this: Can Amir ever find redemption for the violence he allowed to happen to Hassan?

Again, once you've posted your question on the blog, please reply to someone else's question.

3. Returning to the hero's journey: Look over the first page of the Joseph Campbell's hero's journey chart given in class today.  With a partner, fill out as much of the first page as you can for The Kite Runner:
  • Think "outside the box" a little.  For example, there may not be any actual dragon battles in The Kite Runner, but there are battles with monster-like people and ideas.
  • Be as specific as possible, citing quotations or at least page numbers whenever possible.
  • Stay in the middle column (the column on the right will be used later).
  • Don't worry if every single step doesn't apply; you can leave a couple of boxes blank if they don't work.

3. Starting Chapter 14 together, if time allows

HW:
1. Finish reading and annotating Chapters 14, 15, and 16 in The Kite Runner.
2. Leaders and discussers need to be prepared for tomorrow's fishbowl discussion.
3. No vocabulary this week.

Friday, October 31, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: October 31, 2014

Focus: How can we augment our vocabularies and our reading skills?

1. Warming up: Enjoying our very first book talk

2. Asking questions and/or quickly reviewing The Kite Runner vocabulary, Chs 7-10

3. Taking a Halloween-themed vocabulary quiz

4. Delving into the world of independent reading

HW: 
1. Please read Chapter 13 of The Kite Runner for Monday and prepare your five journal entries or sticky notes.

2. Start preparing for Tuesday's fishbowl discussion, which will cover Chapters 14, 15, and 16 of The Kite Runner.

3. Don't eat any unwrapped candy and avoid masks that obstruct your peripheral vision.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: October 30, 2014

Focus: How can student-led discussion lead us to a better understanding of The Kite Runner, Chapters 11 and 12?

1. Warm-up: Building up your background knowledge to better understand The Kite Runner

a. As a class, brainstorm which words, people, historical events, terms, etc. have come in The Kite Runner that you don't quite understand.

b. With your grid groups, select the two or three topics that you'd most like to know about, and take a little time to research them.  Discuss how the research helps you understand what's happening in The Kite Runner (be sure to write down research and responses in your grids).

2. Participating in Fishbowl #2: Chapters 11 and 12

3. Wrapping up a discussion with a whip-around: What are your take-aways and questions?

HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz over Kite Runner words in Chapters 7-10.

2. Bring your independent reading book or The Kite Runner to class tomorrow; also bring your sticky notes or blue journals.


3. Start reading and annotating Chapter 13 for Monday.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: October 29, 2014

Focus: How can student-led discussion lead us to a better understanding of The Kite Runner, Chapters 9 and 10?

1. Warming up: Nope (no time--PLC day)

2. Recapping Fishbowl expectations:

1. Everyone should have his or her Kite Runner book and annotations out.  This applies to both the outer and inner circles.

2. Reference the text frequently, reading passages aloud and giving people time to find the right page numbers.  

3. Leaders can and should jump into the discussion as well.

4. All participants in the outer circle should include at least one quotation in their blogs to receive full credit.

5. Outer circle participants must participate on the blog throughout the entire discussion; you should not disappear for large periods of time.

6. If you haven't read, you should not participate in fishbowl.  Instead, use this time to read and post on the blog tonight for homework.


3. Participating in Fishbowl #1: Chapters 9 and 10

4. Wrapping up the discussion with a "whip-around" (go around the circles and state what went well and/or what we need to improve upon and/or one take away from today's discussion you have regarding The Kite Runner)

HW:
1. Prepare for Thursday's fishbowl by reading and annotating Chapters 11 and 12. Fishbowl leaders should finish this reading tonight so that they have time to prepare a syllabus.

2. Start studying for Friday's vocabulary quiz over Chapters 7-10; finish your flashcards by tomorrow.

3. Keep bringing your annotations/journals to class so that they can be checked off.

Monday, October 27, 2014

All Boys, All Blogged: October 27, 2014

Focus: What is the hero's journey, and how can it help us deepen our understanding of The Kite Runner

1. Warming up with happy, happy Monday

2. Figuring out the first step of the hero's journey

What is the hero's journey?
  • Some critics believe that there exists a “collective unconscious,” or inner thoughts, feelings, instincts, and memories that reside in the unconsciousness of all people.


  • The hero’s journey ties into this, as heroes across all times and cultures share certain traits and experiences.

3. Viewing two examples of the first step of the hero's journey:


As you watch, please respond to the following questions in your notes:

    What do these clips have in common? Try to go beyond the obvious here.

      What heroic patterns do they reveal?

        How do these moments affect the main characters?




        3. Discussing in your grid groups:
        1. Which characters appear to be following this heroic pattern in The Kite Runner? How so?
        2. How has the separation (physical or emotional) affected these characters’ self-perception, behavior, and motivation?  Please include at least one specific passage from the novel to support your response.

        3. Be sure to write down the brilliant ideas your group members are offering!  You do need to read passages aloud, but you don’t need to rewrite all the passages (just discuss them and include page numbers in your grids).

        HW:

        1. Continue reading and annotating Chapters 9 and 10 to prepare for Wednesday's fishbowl discussion. Leaders of Fishbowl #1: Make sure you FOLLOW THE SAMPLE SYLLABUS, creating one syllabus together and creating copies for each member of your group as well as a copy for your teacher. These should be ready to go as you walk into class.


        2. Start making vocabulary flashcards for the next Kite Runner list (Chapters 7-10); these are due Wednesday.

        Friday, October 24, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 24, 2014

        Focus: How can we augment our vocabularies and our reading skills?

        Please have out your journal/annotations so I can check them!

        1. Warming up: Playing Round 2 of Scattergories to further familiarize yourself with the vocabulary words for Chapters 1-6

        2. Taking time to look over the other words and ask any questions you have

        3. Enjoying your first vocabulary quiz on The Kite Runner, Chapters 1-6

        4. Independent reading / The Kite Runner reading and annotating

        HW:
        1. Start making flashcards on www.quizlet.com for the next set of vocabulary words (due Wedensday): The Kite Runner, Chapters 7-10.

        2. Please read and annotate Chapters 9 and 10 for next Tuesday, which is the date of our first official fishbowl!

        Thursday, October 23, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 23, 2014

        Focus: Why does Khaled Hosseini include the violent scene in Chapter 7?

        1. Approaching the violence of Chapter 7 of The Kite Runner; either writing about or discussing Chapter 7 while keeping the following in mind:

        “Violence is one of the most personal and even intimate acts between human beings, but it can also be cultural and societal in its implications.  It can be symbolic, thematic, biblical, Shakespearean…Violence in real life just is.  If someone punches you in the nose in a supermarket parking lot, it’s simply aggression…Violence in literature, though, while it is literal, is usually also something else.  That same punch in the nose may be a metaphor.”  --Foster, How to Read Literature Like a Professor

        • What was most upsetting part of reading Chapters 7 and 8?

        • How do you feel about Amir right now?

        • What questions do you want to ask the author about this scene?
        • What might the violence in Chapter 7 represent on a larger scale? Think about the world of Afghanistan and how it's starting to change in these chapters.
        • What other stories does this scene of violence make you think of? Can those connections help you understand the nature of the rape in Chapter 7?

        • Why this sort of violence and not some other?  For example, why not just have Assef beat up Hassan?

        • Wondering what the author has to say about this convtroversial scene?

        2. Exploring the symbolism of the kite and kite running

        Find three different quotations about kites and kite running; try to spread these passages out, finding one quotation from one of the first few chapters, one from the middle chapters, and one from the chapters you've just read.

        With your membership grid groups, read your passages aloud and discuss the following:
        • In each quotation, which specific words and images stand out and why?
        • What might the kite symbolize in each quotation?
        • Is the meaning of the kite changing? If so, how?
        3. Finishing an exciting round 2 of Scattergories vocabulary (Kite Runner, Chapters 1-6)

        HW:
        1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz over the words in Chapters 1-6 of The Kite Runner.

        2. Bring either The Kite Runner or an independent reading book to class tomorrow.

        3. Please read and annotate Chapters 9 and 10 for next Tuesday, which is the date of our first official fishbowl!


        Wednesday, October 22, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 22, 2014

        Focus: How can we use good questions to lead us to a deeper understanding of The Kite Runner?

        1. Warming up with your inner and outer circle triumphs from yesterday (as well as a few suggestions from Ms. Leclaire)

        1. On page 42, Hassan defends Amir from Assef by threatening to blind Assef, and yet Amir doesn't think of Hassan as a friend. What does that say about Amir and Hassan's relationship?
          ReplyDelete

          Replies


          1. I think Amir and Hassan have a very bad relationship because the relationship is affected by their social standing and Amirs jealousy.
            Delete
          2. This shows that Amir probably takes advantage of their relationship, and he might not realize how special his relationship with Hassan is. Also, he might feel a little embarrassed by Hassan because he is lower than he is.
            Delete
        2. What does winter mean in the story? Winter is cold and dark. Does that mean the story is going to turn cold and dark?
          ReplyDelete

          Replies

          1. I think the change is foreshadowing something bad that is going to happen soon.
            Delete

        2. Trying out a different role in fishbowl discussion for practice

        3. Playing Scattergories to review the Kite Runner vocabulary for Chapters 1-6

        Round 1

        1. Something you might find in an affluent household.
        2. An unscrupulous celebrity.
        3. A food you disdain
        4. An example of unruly behavior in the classroom
        5. A trend that is fleeting

        Round 2

        1. A store where an impeccably dressed person might shop
        2. Something you might implore your parents to buy for you
        3. Something you would say to feign happiness
        4. An animal that makes you feel trepidation
        5. A viable excuse for missing curfew

        HW:
        1. Start studying for Friday's vocabulary quiz; remember that repetition is key (which is why I'm a big fan of having quizlet on your phone).

        2. Read Chapters 7 and 8 for Thursday.  It's going to be a rough read.  Very sad.  Please prepare five annotations for this reading assignment (journal entries or sticky notes).

        3. If you'd like to read another independent reading book, please bring it to class on Friday.

        Tuesday, October 21, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 21, 2014

        Focus: How can asking good questions deepen our understanding of characters and conflicts?

        If you have not yet signed up for your fishbowl dates or your book talk, please do so now.

        1. Warming up with HAPPY TUESDAY!

        2. Reviewing Level 1 and Level 2 questions and forming sample fishbowl questions

        Sample Level 1 and 2 Questions:

        • What happened to Amir's mother?
        • How does the way Amir's mother died impact Amir's relationship with his father?  
        • What was happening politically in Afghanistan in the 1970s?
        • How does the political unrest of Afghanistan mirror the inner turmoil of Amir's family?

        To prepare for our sample fishbowl today, please prepare FIVE questions with your assigned partner on Chapters 4, 5, and 6 (look to your journals and sticky notes for help).  At least FOUR of them should be Level 2 questions, but feel free to ask a Level 1 question about anything that's confusing you.

        Wondering what to do on the outer circle?  Click HERE to see a sample fishbowl blog.

        3. Trying out fishbowl discussion in fifteen minute intervals so that you get to try out at least two of the roles

        4. Debriefing what worked well and what didn't work so well in today's practice fishbowl

        HW:
        1. Please finish making flashcards for Chapters 1-6 Kite Runner vocabulary by tomorrow; I suggest that you use www.quizlet.com, but if you have another app, that's fine.  You only need to make flashcards for the words you don't know.  Vocabulary quiz this Friday.

        2. Read Chapters 7 and 8 for Thursday.  It's going to be a rough read.  Very sad.  Please prepare five annotations for this reading assignment (journal entries or sticky notes).

        3. If you'd like to read another independent reading book, please bring it to class on Friday.

        Monday, October 20, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 20, 2014

        Focus: How do we prepare and deliver a compelling speech?

        If you have not yet signed up for your fishbowl dates or your book talk date, please do so today.

        1. Warming up with happy Monday thoughts

        2. Entertaining you with good book talks from years past

        It all starts with excellent planning and writing; click HERE for a written version of one my student's excellent book talks from last year. Click HERE for another one.

        Use your slides sparingly.

        Practice, practice, practice.  What does a bad speech look like? What does a compelling speech look like?  We need a model.

        3. Giving you some work time on your book talks

        4. Introducing you to the world of www.quizlet.com and learning the Kite Runner vocabulary words for Chapters 1-6 (see The Kite Runner page on my website for more information about vocabulary)

        HW:
        1. Finish reading and annotating/journaling Chapters 5 and 6 for a practice fishbowl discussion tomorrow

        2. Finish making your quizlet vocabulary cards for Chapters 1-6 by Wednesday; there will be a quiz over these words on Friday (throughout this unit, Friday quizzes will cover vocabulary instead of grammar).

        3. If you plan to read another independent reading book, please bring it on Friday.

        Wednesday, October 15, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 15, 2014

        PSAT: Shortened Class

        Focus: How can we take charge of The Kite Runner?

        1. Warming up with an overview of fishbowl discussions

        2. Signing up for fishbowl discussions

        3. Recapping your book talks and signing up for presentation dates

        HW:
        1. Please remind your parents that I will only be conferences tonight since I am part time.

        2. Read and annotate/compose journal entries for Chapters 5 and 6 by Tuesday for a practice fishbowl discussion.

        3. Bring your independent reading book to class on Monday; we will review what makes speeches strong and take a little more class time to work on these.

        4. PLEASE E-MAIL ME YOUR READING AND WRITING GOALS IF YOU HAVE NOT YET DONE SO; remember to include your parents in the e-mail.

        Tuesday, October 14, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 14, 2014

        Focus: How can making personal connections and asking questions help us understand the family in The Kite Runner?

        1. Warm-up: Creating a symbolic family drawing (much like the one you did yesterday) for the family in The Kite Runner:

        • Whatdoes the house/estate look like? Where do the different characters belong?
        • Which characters are symbolically small and powerless, and which ones have power?
        • Which characters are close to each other, and which maintain an emotional distance?
        • Find passages from the text to back up at least THREE of your symbolic choices and write them in your drawing.
        Follow-up class discussion: What important choices did you make, and what do they symbolize?  

        Can you relate to the family in The Kite Runner?  Anybody here overshadowed by siblings? How does your relationship with your parents compare to Amir's relationship with his dad?


        2. Discussing Chapter 2 with your membership grid groups

        Topic #1: Each member shares a significant question from Chapter 2; all members discuss possible answers to each question.

        Topic #2: Each member shares a significant passage (quotation) from Chapter 2; all members discuss the passage and its possible significance.

        Topic #3: Each member makes a text-to-self connection to understand the text on a more personal level.  In other words, can you relate to any of the characters or their relationships so far?

        3. Start reading and annotating Chapter 3 together, continuing to ask and discuss level 1 and 2 questions

        HW:
        1. Read and annotate Chapters 3 and 4 using sticky notes or a reading journal; remember to use your reading strategies as you annotate (make personal connections, ask level 1 and 2 questions, make inferences about important little details, build up your background knowledge by looking up things you don't understand).  Make sure you have annotations or reading journal in class each day for checks.

        2. Work on your book talks (we'll be signing up tomorrow for presentation dates).


        3. Please remind your parents/guardians that I will only be at conferences on Wednesday night.

        Monday, October 13, 2014

        All Boys, All Blogged: October 13, 2014

        Focus: What does it mean to ask a great question, and how can this help me understand the opening pages of The Kite Runner?

        1. Warm-up: Creating symbolic family drawings and interpreting them:

        Remember when you were in kindergarten, and you were asked to draw a picture of your house and family?  Little kids, without realizing, draw in an interpretive way rather than a literal way.  For example, they may draw their dad as tall as the house because he's that important.  They might draw a floating turtle in the sky because he's in heaven. They tend to place family members in the spaces in the home where they spend the most time, and how big they draw themselves often indicates how important they feel as part of the family.

        Go back to your kindergarten symbolic mind, and draw a symbolic picture of your family and home.  If your parents are divorced or one spends much time traveling, think about how you could represent that.  Think about how the size and location of people in your house represents a larger idea about the dynamics of your family relationships.

        When everyone finishes, trade pictures with someone (if you feel comfortable doing so).  On the back of the drawing, write down a 3-5 sentence interpretation of this person's family based on the picture alone.  If you don't wish to trade, interpret your own drawing.

        As you meet the family of The Kite Runner today and tonight when you read Chapter 2, think about how the dynamics of this family compare and contrast to yours.

        2. Introducing three levels of questioning; please click HERE to read and discuss the explanation, then check out the questions below and decide if they're level one, two, or three questions.

        What is a Hazara?

        What does Hassan's physical's description represent about his social status?

        Why do societies always need a scapegoat?

        3. Distributing The Kite Runner and gathering book numbers

        4. Reading the opening pages of The Kite Runner together with sticky notes or a reading journal; pausing to write, ask aloud, and discuss your level one and level two questions

        HW:
        1. Finish reading and annotating Chapters 1 and 2 of The Kite Runner; annotate by asking level 1 and 2 questions using sticky notes or a reading journal; when you can, try to answer some of your questions. What reading strategies can you use to understand these opening chapters?

        2. Continue working on your book talk.  We will sign up on Wednesday for presentation dates.

        3. There is no grammar assignment this week.