Week 9: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 29th:
* Exploration of our almost next Great Depression, as we consider our characters struggling in the first
* Class explore Too Big to Fail

Homework: Read Chapter 4 Of Mice and Men and complete questions (class voted homework so no whining and no slacking)


Tues. Oct. 30th:
* Body Biography: Remember creating life-size characters, tracing out yourself or your freinds, well we're bringing it back! Collectively and creatively manufacture life-size characters: George, Lennie, Crooks, Curly, Curly's Wife, take your pick
Homework: Read Chapter 5 Of Mice and Men and complete questions (class voted homework so no whining and no slacking)

Wed. Oct 31st:
* Happy Halloween!
* Complete creative, insightful (and massive) Body Biography. Due for Presentation tomorrow

Thurs. Nov. 1st:
* Present Body Biography
* Class Finish Of Mice and Men
* Debate Challenge introduced: What side of the debates will you fall on?

Fri. Nov. 2nd:
* Class in Library researching for your debates. May the best arguments win!

Have a Great Weekend!

Week 8: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 22nd:
* Write your own satire. What will you scathingly mock?
* Portfolio work and reflection

Tues. Oct. 23rd:
* "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" song analysis

* Group pre-reading activity
* Class begin Of Mice and Men. Independently complete Chapter One.

Wed. Oct. 24th:
* Words of the Week
* Steinbeck stylistics: Can you distinguish the naturalistic and lyrical styles? What's the difference? What do both add to the telling?
* Class read Chapter 2

Thurs. Oct. 25th:
Early Dismissal Day. Parent-Teacher Conferences 2:15-5pm. See you there!
* Literature Circles introduced, organized and students select roles of their choice.
* Independent read of Chapter 3 and complete of chosen role sheet.
* Tomorrow Lit. Circles! Have your thoughtful questions ready for all.

Fri. Oct. 26th:
* Week 5 Vocab Completion Check
* Literature Circles hosted. Debate, discuss, and then class-wide share.
* Class read "To a Mouse" by Robbie Burns. Our novel's title is an allusion to this famous poem. How does it connect to Steinbeck's Depression era epic? What predictions can you make for the tale of George, Lenny, Candy and Crooks?

Week 7: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 15th:
* Exploring voice: Passive vs. Active
* Complete Personal Narrative Draft
* Peer Conference and revise to make your Narrative the best it can be (Due Thursday)

Tues. Oct. 16th:
* Exploring Satire: What is it? What are its Pieces?

Wed. Oct. 17th:
* Words of the Week: Vocab Quiz Thursday
* Explore Johnathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," a biting satire intended to invoke social criticism and change.

Thurs. Oct 18th: 
* Week 3 & 4 Vocab Quiz
* Class Dissect of "A Modest Proposal."
* Student Sample of modern Satire: Plan your own
***In-Class Satire creation Monday. Be Ready!***

What Writing Is

As you are bleeding, sweating, and wrestling with your mind for the right words, just remember that many have fought this hard-won battle and emerged triumphant. Here is what they had to say about the writing process (and book-love). Who do you think is the most correct? Who said it best?

Week 6: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 8th: School Closed
Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you are enjoying time with family and food!

Tues. Oct. 9th:
* In-Class Synthesis Write. It's your short story final evaluation and an opportunity to shine!

Wed. Oct. 10th:
* Corrections Community share
* Groups dissect former students' samples of excellence
* Narrative Essentials
* Complete Narrative Outline for tomorrow

Thurs. Oct. 11th:
* Words of the Week
* Dialogue Rules. Great dialogue is essential to your narrative. Check out the Dialogue Tricks and Tips.
* Begin crafting your amazing narrative

Fri. Oct. 12th:
* Week 3 & 4 Vocab quiz
* Simile and metaphor practice. These are the lifeblood to your creative writing. See the great links as followed: How to Show (Not Tell) and How to Write Better: 7 Instant Fixes
* Complete Narrative
* Next week we take your writing to a whole new level with satire! I know you cheeky monkeys will be able to mock the world with brilliance and ease

Corrections Community

This came across my path and reminded me of all of you hunting down atrocious communicators. Seek. Find. Fix.