Posted on November 6th, 2009 by lucublog
The project is due on Monday before the bell. We will set up each project in the library and then commence with our “gallery walk” armed with clipboards, pens and our poetry packets.
*extra credit points possible for bringing in any clipboards you can procure to use and share with classmates*
BE SURE to answer all six questions/go through all six strategies for the poem of your choice before you select which one to use as your focus. No matter which you choose, they will all convey theme. It is only a matter of from which direction you choose to approach the poem.
Onward! Our next unit revolves around the text Things Fall Apart. I still have six copies to sell through the bookkeeper, but the library also has plenty to check out. The library does NOT have plenty of Their Eyes Were Watching God or Merchant of Venice or Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? though, so get your mits on copies of those texts as soon as you can. Check the earlier post about which month we will study which text, and if you have any questions comments or concerns…mzrobison@gmail.com
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on November 4th, 2009 by lucublog
(although she had a close call)
Do not forget that your 10 examples of devices drawn from the first 20 “literary terms: a quick review” list is due tomorrow before the bell. These 10 examples must be from the poems and stories we have read in class. Keep studying those first 20 devices (start with “ad misericordiam”) and practice finding examples of those devices in the world. The BEST way to study and internalize these terms is to actively use them, not just try to memorize them for rote regurgitation.
For the reading response project: Remember that the whole objective of the assignment is to demonstrate your reading ability. Beauty is helpful, but not the objective. The objective is to demonstrate deep understanding of a few of the layers of meaning operating within your text.
I will be back tomorrow. If you have questions or concerns… mzrobison@gmail.com
If your reading response project will be a performance (something that is not “turn in”-able) e-mail Ms. Robison by Thursday evening with a brief description and time estimate. Otherwise I will expect a hard copy turned in on Monday.
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on November 2nd, 2009 by lucublog
Study the literary devices and find examples from the stories and poems assigned as reading in this class.
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on October 30th, 2009 by lucublog
- Actively read and annotate the handout “the reading process” received in class today. For best results (ie, an “A” on the assignment) do not multi-task while reading this handout or planning out your approach to the assignment described in the handout.
- Bring a half-sheet of paper to class with you on Monday with the name of the poem of your choice and a rough plan of how you will structure your response. This half-sheet is due before the bell. If it is turned in after the bell it will receive half-credit.
The project is due Monday 9 November. We will use some class time to discuss and work on the project, but a bulk of the work will be completed as homework. Therefore, be sure to ask any questions you have regarding the project in class on Monday.
Et cetera: Some of the novels for this course have limited availability from the Fife library. Of course you are encouraged to purchase ALL of the books to write in and keep for your academic library, but that is your choice. You do not have to buy the books all at once. If you have serious concerns about affording the books (senior year IS expensive) please speak with Ms. Robison and we will work something out.
Limited availability from FHS library:
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Edward Albee ISBN:0451158717 (no copies in the FHS library; 4 to buy from Robison through the bookkeeper for $4.50) late May
- Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston ISBN: 9780060838676 (10 copies in FHS library; 3 to buy from Robison through the bookkeeper for $11) February
- Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad ISBN: 9780743487658 (20 copies in FHS library for $6.50) December
Plenty to check out from FHS library:
- Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe ISBN: 9780679446231 (11 copies available to buy from Robison through the bookkeeper for $12.50) November
- Cat’s Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut ISBN:0808520695 (this is a hilarious book and “accessible” read) December/March
- Hamlet, William Shakespeare ISBN: 074347712X January
There are about 10 copies of Merchant in the library but they were printed in 1936. Really. If you would like to purchase your own copy, get the following edition.
- Merchant of Venice William Shakespeare ISBN:0743477561 April
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on October 23rd, 2009 by lucublog
- Carefully read and annotate the Scoring Guidelines for the “Evening Hawk” timed write
- Carefully read and annotate the sample essays. Calibrate yourself to the AP standards and expectations.
- Following the directions on the top of the Scoring Guidelines, including Reward the writers for what they do well (ahem, Alyssa), rate your own timed write.
Next is our week of poetry immersion. If you carefully and mindfully complete the homework above, you will be greatly more prepared for the week than if you do not. Spend at least one focused hour over the course of the weekend re-experiencing the poem and carefully reading the samples and your own timed write. What would you change if you could do it over? For 20 points of extra credit, you may post a 200-ish word blog with your musings on the previous question.
1 Comment »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on October 22nd, 2009 by lucublog
Please have your essays printed, stapled, double-spaced and in the blue bin by the classroom door before the bell rings to begin class tomorrow. Just get it done.
Also, bring the sample timed writes and your green sheets from the “Evening Hawk” prompt. Happy writing!
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on October 21st, 2009 by lucublog
Well my lovely, brilliant, personal narrative champions. Ms. Robison is just about to leave the school building. Which means I have put in a 13+ hour day at school today. Yes, this is a cry for sympathy, empathy and compassion. It is also the introduction to a request. Please be ready tomorrow with your own, pre-printed, stapled, double-spaced copies of your personal essay drafts tomorrow. If you don’t check the blog until after class tomorrow, please come to class Friday prepared. Prepared in mind, body and spirit. Work earnestly and ask questions when you do not understand. Demand your own education, because no one else will demand it for you.
Oh yeah, and read those poems.
No Comments »
Filed under: context
Posted on October 19th, 2009 by lucublog
Between field trips, guest speakers and post-Homecoming energy lapses, we must stay focused. We have ONE main purpose this week: the personal essay. Use the homework time and peer review class time to develop and hone a powerful narrative. We have ONE secondary focus this week: calibrating ourselves to the demands of the AP timed write on poetry. Review the prompt, specific rubric, samples and your own response.
At all times, be prepared. Third period students, be sure to stop by to pick up what you have missed in class Monday and Tuesday. Thanks Maverick, Lauren and Brittny for being so responsible ;]
Homework: 1) DGP 2) Based on today’s peer review, revise your personal essay
Also, due to a majority of 3rd period being gone for Monday and Tuesday of this week, I scheduled the assistant director of admissions for UPS to only visit during 6th period this Wednesday, and got all 3rd period students excused from their 6th period classes to come hear and question. He gives a great presenatation on the personal essay and answers questions / soothes jitters regarding the application process in general.
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on October 16th, 2009 by lucublog
Bring a hard copy of your “show” rather than tell moment to class on Monday. These hard copies are important to keep track of and keep dated, so be sure to label them clearly and keep them in the writing section of your binder.
Check your agenda for the remainder of the Friday homework, and email mzrobison@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
Posted on October 15th, 2009 by lucublog
We will work on these in class on Friday. Bring another hard copy to class with you (it can be the same one since we didn’t have time today to discuss). We will work on “exploding a moment”…that means you will use all of the skills and techniques of fiction writing such as dialog, tension and release, concrete sensory details to craft imagery, etc in writing the story of a true moment from your life that SHOWS what you want the admissions board to know about you and why you will be an amazing contributor to the culture and academic environment of that school.
First, pick the specific moment (or memory/formative experience) that you want to explode. This should match the general direction of the prompt AND be important to you.
Tomorrow we will do a writing exercise together and then share out with partners and/or the class.
Homework: 1) DGP 2) Continue personal narrative draft 3) Actively read, annotate and research a poem from the packet and add a dialectical journal entry on that poem
No Comments »
Filed under: assignments
