Work Time

Today, after a brief thematic quotation-based warm up, we spent the rest of the period working on the Night project.

The Final Lit Circle

Today we wrapped up literature circles and started on the final project. Students will have work time in class tomorrow, so bring something to work on!

Presentations are 5/6/08

Welcome Back

We started the day talking a bit about the importance of the STAR test (whether we like it or not). We spent the rest of the day working on lit circles.

Remember to bring something to do after the STAR test tomorrow!

Have a Great Break!

Keep up with those lit circles and I'll see you in a week.

Lit Circles Continue

Today as the second day of literature circles and the homework and discussion continues to look good.

HW: Reading and Lit Circle Roles as Decided by the Group

Let the Circles Begin

Today, after a quick quiz on the first 10 pages of Night, lit circle groups met, agreed or the calendar, and assigned homework. The rest of the period was spent reading.

Lit Circles: an Introduction

Today we shared the Shylock rewrites (excellent!) and then chose books for our upcoming lit circles. The entire class chose Night by Elie Wiesel. We spent the rest of the period talking about literature circles. The handouts are available online for your reference.

HW: Read the first 15 pages of your book.

Wrapping up with Shylock

Today we started with another STAR test warm-up and the continued our work with Shylock's monologue.

HW: Rewrite Shylock's Monologue. Handouts are at the handouts page. Due Monday.

Antisemitism and "The Merchant of Venice"

Today we continued our examination of the roots of antisemitism, taking some notes and beginning our look at a short film clip of Shylock's speech.

HW: Do at least #1 on the Shylock's Monologue handout

Prejudice and Stereotypes

Today we spent the day talking and writing about prejudice and stereotypes in preperation for our short unit on antisemitism, and Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.

Animal Farm Wrap Up

Today we finished the Animal Farm film and started on the essay response in class. Essays are due tomorrow (see assignment below). Remember, I am expecting at least a good long paragraph for number 1 and several good paragraphs for number 2. Use your notes on the film and the book.

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1. Compare the ending of the film to the ending of the book. How is the ultimate message of the film different from the book? Why do you suppose this change was made? Explain in detail.
2. Consider the differences between the book and the film. Were the changes made by the filmmakers effective in conveying Orwell’s message? Why or why not? Be sure to support your arguments with the details from the film AND the novel.