Overview

Welcome to the online extension of our classroom. This forum is designed to serve as a forum for all English classes to continue those discussions begun during the school day. You will be able to share your observations, ask questions, and respond to classmates' comments in a way that is not confined to a single, 45-minute period. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Period 8, Post 15: Sympathetic to Sara?

Well, we've made it to Christmas break, and can be proud of that accomplishment. :-)

Many of you ended the week very unhappy with Sara's character, and the way she handled her entire birth and pregnancy. You liked Brian better for his excitement over baby Anna as an individual, rather than merely as a means to save Kate's life. Why do you think Sara didn't react to her pregnancy and birth the same way? Do you think Sara bonded with her younger daughter after Anna was born? Explain using textual examples.

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the semester.

Enjoy your vacation from school, and have a safe and happy holiday season. Don't forget about your homework!! :-)

Periods 6 & 7, Post 15: A True Resolution?

Well, we've accomplished two things this week, of which we should be proud: we have finished reading Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and we've made it to Christmas break!!

Several of you expressed dissatisfaction at the ending of The Bluest Eye, the conclusion of which leaves Pecola crazy and cast out of "civilized" society. My question to you is: why do you dislike the book's conclusion so strongly? What is the definition of a book's "resolution," in literary terms? What makes this novel's resolution so unsatisfactory? Is there anything that could have made the conclusion better?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the semester.

Enjoy your vacation from school, and have a safe and happy holiday season. Don't forget about your homework!! :-)

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Periods 1 & 2, Post 15: A True Resolution?

Well, we've accomplished two things this week, of which we should be proud: we have finished reading Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and we've made it to Christmas break!!

Several of you expressed dissatisfaction at the ending of The Bluest Eye, the conclusion of which leaves Pecola crazy and cast out of "civilized" society. My question to you is: why do you dislike the book's conclusion so strongly? What is the definition of a book's "resolution," in literary terms? What makes this novel's resolution so unsatisfactory? Is there anything that could have made the conclusion better?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Enjoy your vacation from school, and have a safe and happy holiday. Don't forget about your homework!! :-)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Period 8, Post 14: The Need for Control

In My Sister's Keeper we see, through Jodi Picoult's use of flashbacks, how Sara, Kate's mother, fights back against her feelings of helplessness against the disease raging through her daughter's body; she tries to control what she can, by believing that she has power over whether Kate lives or dies.

How is her resolve good for the family? How does it give her family strength? How is it detrimental (i.e., how does it hurt her family)?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7: The Effect of Previous Experience on Current Behavior

This week in The Bluest Eye, we've read how Pauline's and Cholly's respective experiences, as children and young adults, have helped to shape their adult personalities; the hardships they've endured have disillusioned and disheartened them, so that Pecola and Sammy bear the brunt of their bitterness and resentment.

This week, I'd like you to consider how, and why, past experiences have such a profound influence on your current beliefs and behavior. Describe one childhood experience that has shaped how you feel, what you think, or how you act. Explain why the event has had such a significant impact on you. How has this experience changed you?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 14: The Effect of Previous Experience on Current Behavior

This week in The Bluest Eye, we've read how Pauline's and Cholly's respective experiences, as children and adolescents, have helped to shape their adult personalities; the hardships they've endured have disillusioned and disheartened them, so that Pecola and Sammy bear the brunt of their bitterness and resentment.

This week, I'd like you to consider how, and why, past experiences have such a profound influence on your current beliefs and behavior. Describe one childhood experience that has shaped how you feel, what you think, or how you act. Explain why the event has had such a significant impact on you. How has this experience changed you?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Period 8, Post 13: The Right to Your Body

This week, we've started reading Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper, in which the main character, Anna, files a lawsuit against her parents over her right to her own body.

Is Anna a sympathetic character (i.e., do you feel sorry for her, about what she's going through)? Do you think that she should donate her kidney to her sister? How does your opinion change, knowing the other treatments to which her parents have subjected her? What would you do if you were in her situation? Why?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 13: Gender Inequality Regarding Civil Rights

Over the past couple of weeks, we've discussed how the molestation of Claudia's sister, Frieda, at the hands of Mr. Henry foreshadows Pecola's rape by her father in
The Bluest Eye.

For this post, I want to focus on Ms. Dunion's concern that Frieda might be "ruined," as a result of being molested. What does "being ruined" mean? What does this reaction foreshadow for Pecola in the future of the story? And lastly, should this be the primary concern after a young girl is molested? How is there a double standard today, when it comes to sex and people's power over their own bodies?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 13: Gender Inequality Regarding Civil Rights

Over the past couple of weeks, we've discussed how the molestation of Claudia's sister, Frieda, at the hands of Mr. Henry foreshadows Pecola's rape by her father in
The Bluest Eye.

For this post, I want to focus on Ms. Dunion's concern that Frieda might be "ruined," as a result of being molested. What does "being ruined" mean? What does this reaction foreshadow for Pecola in the future of the story? And lastly, should this be the primary concern after a young girl is molested? How is there a double standard today, when it comes to sex and people's power over their own bodies?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Period 8, Post 12: Second Marking Period Reflections

Hello, all. The second marking period is over; we're now starting the third marking period of the semester--the one that will be reflected on your transcripts.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 12: Second Marking Period Reflections

Hi, guys. The second marking period is over; it's now the third marking period of the semester--the one that will be reflected on your transcripts.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 12: Second Marking Period Reflections

Hello, everyone. The second marking period is over; we're now entering the third marking period of the semester--the one that will be reflected on your transcripts.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Period 8, Post 11: What You're Thankful For

Hey, all. I hope everybody is enjoying their long weekend. I certainly am. :-)

That said, I'd like to take a break from text-related responses this week. With Thanksgiving upon us, I'd like for us all to remember what the holiday really is supposed to be: not a day for gorging oneself with food, but a reminder to remember the many blessings in our lives, for which we should be grateful.

Therefore, please take this opportunity to say what you're thankful for in your lives.

This will be the last blog post for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 11: What You're Thankful For

Hey, guys. I hope everybody is enjoying their long weekend. I know I am!! :-)

That said, I'd like to take a break from text-related responses this week. With Thanksgiving upon us, I'd like for us all to remember what the holiday really is supposed to be: not a day for gorging oneself with food, but a reminder to remember the many blessings in our lives, for which we should be grateful.

Therefore, please take this opportunity to say what you're thankful for in your lives.

This will be the last blog post for the second marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 11: What You're Thankful For

Hello, everybody. I hope everybody is enjoying their long weekend. :-)

That said, I'd like to take a break from text-related responses this week. With Thanksgiving upon us, I'd like for us all to remember what the holiday really is supposed to be: not a day for gorging oneself with food, but a reminder to remember the many blessings in our lives, for which we should be grateful.

Therefore, please take this opportunity to say what you're thankful for in your lives.

This will be the last blog post for the second marking period.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Period 8, Post 10:

Despite the fact that Thanksgiving is fast approaching, we're still deep in the middle of the semester; don't stop working now!!

This week, we talked about how, in The Lovely Bones, characters have used Susie's picture to say goodbye to her, as they begin to move into the acceptance stage of grief. Using the text and your notes, discuss one of the three instances from the book. Explain its importance for the character, and to the story. How does saying goodbye allow this character to move forward with his/her life?

Your comment for this week's post will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 10: Symbols in "The Bluest Eye"

Despite the fact that Thanksgiving is fast approaching, we're still deep in the middle of the semester; don't stop working now!!

This week, we talked about how, in The Bluest Eye, Pecola sees herself in the dandelions, and transfers her negative feelings about herself onto the weeds. The Bluest Eye is rife with symbolism; the dandelions are only one example. Choose from one of the following symbols:

* marigold seeds
* baby dolls
* blue eyes
* Mary Jane candies
* Fun with Dick and Jane storybook

In your comment, explain where this symbol appears in the text (including page number and quotation), what this symbol represents, and why it's important to the story.

Your comment for this week's post will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 10: Symbols in "The Bluest Eye"

Despite the fact that Thanksgiving is fast approaching, we're still deep in the middle of the semester; don't stop working now!!

This week, we talked about how, in The Bluest Eye, Pecola sees herself in the dandelions, and transfers her negative feelings about herself onto the weeds. The Bluest Eye is rife with symbolism; the dandelions are only one example. Choose from one of the following symbols:

* marigold seeds
* baby dolls
* blue eyes
* Mary Jane candies
* Fun with Dick and Jane storybook

In your comment, explain where this symbol appears in the text (including page number and quotation), what this symbol represents, and why it's important to the story.

Your comment for this week's post will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Midterm Update


The English midterm is scheduled to be given next Monday and Tuesday, November 22nd and 23rd. I apologize for the lateness of this announcement, but I was not given the information until earlier this week.

Make sure to take a break from your studying this weekend, so that you may go to the movies and see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Period 8, Post 9: Coming Together or Being Driven Apart?

Hi, guys!! We've almost made it to Thanksgiving break--just a week and a half of classes, and midterm exams, to go!!

This week we've talked about how tragedy in The Lovely Bones brings some characters together, while driving others apart. For this week's comment, please give one example of EACH from the text, and explain how it affects the other characters in the book.

Your comments will count as a homework for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 9: The Meaning of the Title of "The Bluest Eye"

Hey, everybody!! We've almost made it to Thanksgiving break--just a week and a half of classes, and midterm exams, to go!!

This week we've had an introduction to Pecola's unhappy family life in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and read how she believes that having blue eyes would change the people around her for the better, making them nicer to her and making her life happier. What does having blue eyes mean for her? Can she ever achieve her dream? What do you think will happen to her as a result?

Your comments will count as a homework for the second marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 9: The Meaning of the Title of "The Bluest Eye"

Hi, guys!! We've almost made it to Thanksgiving break--just a week and a half of classes, and midterm exams, to go!!

This week we've had an introduction to Pecola's unhappy family life in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and read how she believes that having blue eyes would change the people around her for the better, making them nicer to her and making her life happier. What does having blue eyes mean for her? Can she ever achieve her dream? What do you think will happen to her as a result?

Your comments will count as a homework for the second marking period.

Reminder: Midterm Schedule

This note is to remind you all that midterms will be given in all subjects during the week of November 22-24, before we go on Thanksgiving break. Information regarding the specific date for the English midterm will be forthcoming.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Period 8, Post 8: Letting Go

Hello, everybody. I hope you all had a nice week. Certainly, it was a much calmer one, after the craziness of the past two!!

This week, in class, we've discussed how the candlelit vigil in the cornfield on the one-year anniversary of Susie's murder serves as a way to "say goodbye" for both Susie and those she left behind through death. What does it mean, for the mourners to "let go" of Susie? How is Susie "moving on," as well? How does her father's reaction show that he has entered the final stage of grief, acceptance, as well?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 8: Neglected Pecola

Hey, all. I hope you all had a nice week. It definitely was much calmer, after the craziness of the past two!!

This week, in class, we've focused on the addition of Pecola, a foster child, to Claudia's and Frieda's family. For this week's blog post, I'd like you to practice inferencing by focusing on Pecola's final line of the chapter: "How do you get someone to love you?" Using the context of the line (the scene in which it appears), what do you think this line means? Give two (2) textual examples from what we've read so far to support your answer.

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 8: Neglected Pecola

Hello, guys. I hope you all had a nice week. Certainly, it was a much calmer one, after the craziness of the past two!!

This week, in class, we've focused on the addition of Pecola, a foster child, to Claudia's and Frieda's family. For this week's blog post, I'd like you to practice inferencing by focusing on Pecola's final line of the chapter: "How do you get someone to love you?" Using the context of the line (the scene in which it appears), what do you think this line means? Give two (2) textual examples from what we've read so far to support your answer.

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Period 8, Post 7: The Influence of Childhood Experiences on Adult Personality

Hi, all. Sorry that this post is late; I gave the new dog a bath when I got home--and then spent the rest of the night cleaning up the bathroom. LOL

Anyway, this week's blog post focuses on George Harvey's flashback in Chapter 15 of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones, in which he remembers both his mother's compulsion to steal and about how he learned that being a child or a woman were "the two worst things to be." In your comment for the week, please offer your ideas as to how the events depicted both in this flashback and in the first one have helped to transform Mr. Harvey into a serial killer as an adult.

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Have a happy--and safe--Halloween tomorrow!! :-)

Periods 6 & 7, Post 7: Racial Inequality in the Media

Hey, everyone. Sorry that this post is late; I gave the new dog a bath when I got home--and then spent the rest of the night cleaning up the bathroom. LOL

Anyway, this week's blog post focuses on the scene in Chapter 1 of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, where Claudia's hatred of Shirley Temple and the white baby dolls is transferred onto white girls, as a result of her anger over the injustice of being denied the same attention and reverence merely because of the color of her skin. I'd like you to think of similar instances of racial inequality in the media and the economy; in your comment, give an example of how certain racial/ethnic groups are underrepresentated in TV shows/movies or in stores. What kind of message does this send, both to members of that particular race/ethnicity and to others?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Have a happy--and safe--Halloween tomorrow!! :-)

Periods 1 & 2, Post 7: Racial Inequality in the Media

Hi, guys. Sorry that this post is late; I gave the new dog a bath when I got home--and then spent the rest of the night cleaning up the bathroom. LOL

Anyway, this week's blog post focuses on the scene in Chapter 1 of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, where Claudia's hatred of Shirley Temple and the white baby dolls is transferred onto white girls, as a result of her anger over the injustice of being denied the same attention and reverence merely because of the color of her skin. I'd like you to think of similar instances of racial inequality in the media and the economy; in your comment, give an example of how certain racial/ethnic groups are underrepresentated in TV shows/movies or in stores. What kind of message does this send, both to members of that particular race/ethnicity and to others?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Have a happy--and safe--Halloween tomorrow!! :-)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Period 8, Post 6: First Marking Period Reflections

Hello, all!! Congratulations on making it through the first marking period of the school year. :-)

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as your first homework for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 6: First Marking Period Reflections

Hello, everyone. Congratulations to you all on making it through the first marking period of the school year. :-)

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as your first homework for the second marking period.

Periods1 & 2, Post 6: First Marking Period Reflections

Hi guys!! Congratulations on making it through the first marking period of the school year. :-)

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as your first homework for the second marking period.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Period 8, Post 5: "Letting the Light Back In"

Hi, everyone!! I'm sorry that I'm late posting this week's question; I'd planned on posting it before leaving for my cousin's wedding on Friday, but I ran out of time, and then yesterday was crazy-busy, too.

Anyway, this past week we were introduced to Grandma Lynn, and how she "lets the light back in" to the Salmon family's house after Susie's death. We also began exploring the metaphors of light and dark for life and death, respectively. For this post, I want you to think of one example from the text of The Lovely Bones that illustrates members of the Salmon family being stuck in their grief over Susie's death, and one example showing them moving on with their lives. Give an explanation of how each example accomplishes this.

This will count as the last homework for the first marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 5: Walter's Redemption

Hi, everybody!! I'm sorry that I'm late posting thisweek's question; I'd planned on posting itbefore leaving for my cousin's wedding on Friday, but time got away from me, and yesterday was crazy-busy, too.

Anyway, as we're finishing up A Raisin in the Sun, we see Walter mature in the story's resolution. Even though he's been a grown man for the story's duration, this still is his "coming-of age" story. What I want to ask you is, how does Walter finally "grow up" while talking with Mr. Lindner? Has he truly earned his family's forgiveness?

This will count as the last homework for the first marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 5: Walter's Redemption

Hi, guys!! I'm sorry that I'm late with this; I'd planned on posting this before leaving for my cousin's wedding on Friday, but time got away from me, and yesterday was crazy-busy, too.

Anyway, as we're finishing up A Raisin in the Sun, we see Walter mature in the story's resolution. Even though he's been a grown man for the story's duration, this still is his "coming-of age" story. What I want to ask you is, how does Walter finally "grow up" while talking with Mr. Lindner? Has he truly earned his family's forgiveness?

This will count as the last homework for the first marking period.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Period 8, Post 4: Growing Apart

Hey, everybody. I hope that everyone is enjoying the long Columbus Day weekend!! :-)

Over the past week, we've seen Lindsey and Buckley begin to rediscover happiness, and a sense of normality, since Susie's death. Lindsey has "come alive" through the love and support of Samuel Heckler; Buckley is the only one who can happily remember the good times with Susie. Their parents aren't so lucky; they have developed unhealthy coping mechanisms for dealing with their grief, and are drifting apart, seeking comfort with other people.

Why are the Salmon children handling their grief better than their parents? Why are the parents finding it difficult to comfort each other? What can they do to become closer again?

This will count as a homework assignment for the first marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 4: Walter's Mistake

Hi, guys. I hope that you all are enjoying the long Columbus Day weekend!! :-)

Over the past week, we've read about how Walter was cheated out of the insurance money by Willy Harris, a man whom he thought was a friend. We have seen how, through his selfishness and shortsightedness, he has destroyed not only his own "American Dream," but the dreams of his sister and mother, as well.

Again I'm asking you to put yourself in Walter's shoes. Obviously, he won't be able to recover the money; Willy Harris has disappeared. So, give Walter some advice about what he needs to do in order to apologize, and to begin to make things up to his family.

This will count as a homework assignment for the first marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 4: Walter's Mistake

Hey, all. I hope that everyone is enjoying this long Columbus Day weekend!! :-)

This past week, we've read about how Walter was cheated out of the insurance money by Willy Harris, a man whom he thought was a friend. We have seen how, through his selfishness and shortsightedness, he has destroyed not only his own "American Dream," but the dreams of his sister and mother, as well.

Once again, I'm asking you to put yourself in Walter's shoes. Obviously, he can't get the money back; Willy Harris is long gone. But, if you could give Walter some advice, tell him what he needs to do in order to apologize, and to begin to make things up to them.

This will count as a homework assignment for the first marking period.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Period 8, Post 3: Vengeance vs. Justice

Hey, everybody. This week, I'd like to continue with our exploration of the theme of "vengeance vs. justice" in The Lovely Bones.

We've seen Susie attempt to move from a position of weakness (a victim) to one of power (the huntress), as she tries to guide her father to those clues that would implicate Mr. Harvey in her murder. But we start to see that her motivation is not totally selfless, but vengeful as well.

What is the difference between vengeance and justice? Why does our society advocate (encourage) justice, rather vengeance? Give one example from the text that shows how Susie wants justice for herself and the other victims. Give one example showing how Susie wants vengeance against Mr. Harvey. And finally, what do you think should happen to Mr. Harvey?

Periods 6 & 7, Post 3: Walter as Prometheus

Hello, all. Hope you're enjoying your weekend!! So here's what I want to talk about this week:

In Act 2, Scene 1 of A Raisin in the Sun, we read about how George Murchison compared Walter Younger to Prometheus, the man who was punished for stealing fire from the gods in Greek mythology. Like Prometheus, Walter struggles against the ruling class, white society, for the opportunity to achieve his American dream. In many ways, this reminds me of being an adolescent: teenagers struggle with the established authority (parents) for more power and more freedom.

My question is this: why is Walter unhappy? Try to put yourself in his shoes. Why has he chosen a liquor store as a means to realize his goal? What other choices could he have made, that might have achieved the same things? When have you gone against your parents' wishes, only to realize that you made the wrong choice?

This will count as a homework assignment for this marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 3: Walter as Prometheus

Hi, guys. So here's what I want to talk about this week:

In Act 2, Scene 1 of A Raisin in the Sun, we read about how George Murchison compared Walter Younger to Prometheus, the man who was punished for stealing fire from the gods in Greek mythology. Like Prometheus, Walter struggles against the ruling class, white society, for the opportunity to achieve his American dream. In many ways, this reminds me of being an adolescent: teenagers struggle with the established authority (parents) for more power and more freedom.

My question is this: why is Walter unhappy? Try to put yourself in his shoes. Why has he chosen a liquor store as a means to realize his goal? What other choices could he have made, that might have achieved the same things? When have you gone against your parents' wishes, only to realize that you made the wrong choice?

This will count as a homework assignment for this marking period.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Period 8, Post 2: Your "Heaven"

Hi, all. So, we've made it through two full weeks of classes, as well as the beginning of fall. Quite an accomplishment, don't you think? :-)

In our first whole-class text of the semester, The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, the narrator, Susie, tells us what her version of heaven looks like, and how it reflects both the life on Earth that she's left behind, and what she misses or wishes she had.

I know that we're all very different, and have our own ideas about what happens after we die. However, let's put ourselves in Susie's place for a minute. Assuming what Susie tells us is real, what would your "heaven" look like? What places/things/people would be there? Where would your roads lead to?

Be sure to include your name, and to write in complete sentences. Pay attention to spelling and grammar.

This will count as a homework assignment for this marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 2: Your "American Dream"

Hi, everybody. Congratulations on getting through your second full week of classes, and the first few days of fall!!

Our first whole-class text for the semester, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, deals with the theme of the "American Dream," and of "dreams deferred." What are your dreams for the future? What do you hope to accomplish with your life? What steps do you need to take to achieve these dreams?

In your comment, please make sure to include your name, and to write in complete sentences. Also, pay attention to spelling and grammar.

This will count as a homework assignment for this marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 2: Your "American Dream"

Hey, guys. Congratulations on making it through your second full week of classes, and the first few days of fall.

Our first whole-class text, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, talks a lot about the theme of the "American Dream," and of "dreams deferred." What are your dreams for the future? What do you want to accomplish with your life? What steps do you need to take to achieve these dreams?

Be sure to include your name, and to write in complete sentences. Pay attention to spelling and grammar.

This will count as a homework assignment for this marking period.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Period 8, Post 1: Introductions

Hi, guys. Welcome to the first blog post of the school year for our class!! :-)

Please introduce yourself to the class by commenting on this post. In your response, tell us your name, where you're from, what you like to do in your free time, and your favorite subject.

This will count as your second homework assignment for Marking Period 1.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 1: Introductions

Hi, everybody. Welcome to our first blog post of the school year!! :-)

Introduce yourself to the class by commenting on this post. In your comment, please tell us your name, where you're from, what you like to do in your free time, and your favorite subject.

This will count as your second homework assignment for Marking Period 1.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 1: Introductions

Hello, all. Welcome to the first blog post of the school year!! :-)

Please comment on this post, in order to introduce yourself to the class. Tell us your name, where you're from, what you like to do in your free time, and your favorite subject.

This will count as your second homework assignment for Marking Period 1.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Summer Vacation

Good luck on all your exams, and have a lovely summer, everyone!! Enjoy your vacation, and I'll see you in September. :-)

Friday, March 19, 2010

Periods 7 and 8: The True Meaning of "Education"

Welcome back, to our first blog assignment of the Spring 2010 semester! :-)

For this post, I'd like you to consider your interpretation of the word "education," and the ways in which you receive one. Why do we attend school? What lessons have you learned from your teachers? How does your interest level in school compare/contrast to your time spent outside school? Where do you learn the most valuable lessons: inside the classroom, or outside of school? Compare/contrast your answers to Scout's perception of first grade in Chapter 2 of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

In order to receive credit, your answer must address all of the previous questions.

Period 5: The Metonymy (Substitution) of Janie's Goals

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to our class blog, and to our first assignment of the Spring 2010 semester.

For this post, please address the evolution of Janie's goals in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. How have Janie's goals for herself changed since meeting Tea Cake? How do these objectives compare/contrast to your own opinion of what an independent woman should be?

In order to receive credit, please include the following:

Your opinion regarding the characteristics of an independent woman
Whether or not you feel that Janie is still independent after meeting Tea Cake
At least three specific textual examples of supporting your argument regarding Janie's role
Complete sentences
Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Your name

Periods 1 and 2: The True Meaning of "Education"

Welcome back, to our first blog assignment of the Spring 2010 semester! :-)

For this post, I'd like you to consider your interpretation of the word "education," and the ways in which you receive one. Why do we attend school? What lessons have you learned from your teachers? How does your interest level in school compare/contrast to your time spent outside school? Where do you learn the most valuable lessons: inside the classroom, or outside of school? Compare/contrast your answers to Scout's perception of first grade in Chapter 2 of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

In order to receive credit, your answer must address all of the previous questions.

Monday, January 25, 2010

English Regents

Good luck to all of my juniors tomorrow!!! Stay calm and focused, and remember to FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. You guys will do great!!