FRIDAY, August 31st!

We have almost made it to September!

1. Please turn in your "Single Story" Soctratic seminar reflection sheet at the beginning of class?

2. Using your chart on identity and perceptions, answer the following question on Schoology:

In what way can you utilize positive perceptions of your identity through your actions? What actions have you discovered that you may want to avoid that enhance a negative perception of your identity? 

3. Reading time!! Be through chapter 5 in The Other Wes Moore for Tuesday, September 4th.

Look over Chapters 3-5 to check your comprehension and to start examining significant questions that the book offers. FOUND HERE: Wes Moore- Chapters 3-5 Discussion Questions

Wednesday/Thursday, August 29th/30th

1. Adichie Ted Talk and The Other Wes Moore Socratic seminar.

• Turn in your Ted Talk notes page (In class) 
• Socratic reflection page is due on Friday, August 31st at the beginning of class. 

2. For Friday:

• FYI... Upcoming... Be through chapter 5 for Tuesday, September 4th. 
• In your notes... complete the following activities: 

Thinking about the pages you have already read in The Other Wes Moore, and the discussions you had with your classmates about IDENTITY, list your different “identities.” Remember, we all have several different identities, so be sure to include as many as possible in your list.

What are your perceptions about your own identities? Post and complete the chart below with four of the identities you identified in the statement above. Try to select those identities that you might have
both positive and negative perceptions of. When you have the positive and negative perception listed, think of an action that an individual/you may do that may dispel/reinforce these perceptions.

Identity Chart

Personal Identity|Positive Perception |Negative Perception |Action that may dispel/                                                                                                                                                                  reinforce perception 

1.

2.

3.

4.

Tuesday, August 28th

1.Point of view review-

2. Post your two examples of 1st person point of view and 3rd person point of view in The Other Wes Moore.

3. The Ted Talk for today is by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.  Adichie, like Duckworth, was awarded the MacArthur Genius Grant. She has written the novels, The Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and We Should All Be Feminists.  This Ted Talk challenge viewers to look beyond the "single story" perspective that is easy to adopt.

As you are using the Ted Talk handout to generally take notes on this presentation, please consider the following:

• Why is representation of different cultures critical in literature? 
• It what way do we see the ideas expressed by Adichie connect to our conversation about identity? 
• How do we as readers of The Other Wes Moore fall into the trap of the single story as we are reading both Moore's stories? 
• What aspects of society.. gender, religion, geography, economy... do we see find susceptible to the single story? How? Examples? How do you feel that this connects in shaping identity? Stereotypes? 

FOR WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY:  Socratic Seminar! Adichie and The Other Wes Moore. 

• Bring 3 questions addressing Adichie's Ted Talk.
• Finish your Ted Talk handout.
• Bring 3 questions addressing the first three chapters of The Other Wes Moore. 
• Make sure you are through chapter 3 of The Other

Monday, August 27th

For today, you have read the introduction and chapter 1 of The Other Wes Moore. 

“Identity” can be defined as the ways in which an individual describes him/herself or the ways in which a person is described by society. A person can have several “identities” such as: gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, linguistic background, culture, religion, sexual orientation, geographic residence, nationality, creed, familial connections, and other signifers.

Small group work. Discuss and take notes on the following question....

1. What does the word “identity” mean? What are some of the ways in which people identify themselves? Read through the definition above. What do you think that this explanation mean? Needs added to it?

2. Some identities can be seen by others and other identities are only known to others if the individual chooses to share it. What are some of the identities that you can usually “see”? What are some identities that you might not be able to see?

3. If we see a man in a tailored suit driving a brand new sports car, we might identify him as someone belonging to a higher socioeconomic group. Is that an accurate assumption? What are the benefits of knowing certain identities of others and what can be misleading or harmful about making assumptions about the identities of others?

4. The cover of the book contains the following statement, "The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my life could have been his.” Given what you already know about both Wes Moores, what do you think this statement means? Use examples from the book to support your thinking.

5. How is identity an important aspect of how we structure our days, social structures, our lives?

Last 15 minutes of class:
In Schoology, individually respond to the following in the Discussion Board:

In the early chapters of The Other Wes Moore, in what ways do you see both Wes Moores struggle with identity? Provide 2 minimum examples of where you witness this for both men.  How do you think this identity struggle played a role in difficulties that both men experienced?

NEXT: Review memoir and point of view. (See Wednesday, August 22nd post)

FOR Tuesday, August 28th...  In your notes..

1. Find 3 quotes in the first chapter that are written in 1st person point of view.
2. Find 3 quotes in the first chapter that are written in 3rd person point of view.
3. Read through chapter 3.

Friday, August 24th

For today, you have read the introduction and first chapter of The Other Wes Moore. 

1. Today in class is a blissful, peaceful reading day!

Here are some reading questions from Chapter 1 and 2 for you to review to check your comprehension of the first couple of chapters. These are NOT required, but can really help enforce key factors in the first two chapters.
The Other Wes Moore- Chapters 1 and 2 Reading Check

2. Before the end of class, open up Schoology and respond to the following questions:

• Explain the significance of the quote, “Your father wasn’t there because he couldn’t be, my father wasn’t there because he chose not to be” (3).  Predict what impact this difference will have on each of the characters.
• Explain the quote, “I was taught to remember, but never question.  Wes was taught to forget, and never ask why” (4). 
• What are you initial reactions to the book, The Other Wes Moore?

Be through chapter 2 for Monday!

Wednesday/Thursday, August 22nd/23rd

Socratic Seminar Day!

1. Grit Survey:Grit Scale Survey

2. Review the purpose and guidelines of a Socratic Seminar.

3. Socratic seminar over Ted Talk- "Grit", drawing in previous texts from first week.

4. Socratic seminar reflection sheet: Socratic Seminar Reflection. MAKE A COPY then CLOSE MINE. Print off. Due on Friday, August 24th *** I gave you a copy in class.

4. Introduction to The Other Wes Moore: One Name. Two Fates. 

Personal memoir: a genre of literature in which a person writes about their life or the“memories” from their past.

Point of View: The perspective from which a story is told.
First Person: Writing from the author's or main character's point of view.
Third Person: Author knows the thoughts and feelings of characters. Limited: one character.

Point of View tells us who is telling the story or from what perspective it is being told from.
When a story is told from the 1st person point of view, we know that the author is the person telling
the story because the author typically uses “I” and “my” in the story. A story written from the 3rd person point of view occurs when the author is not speaking about his/her own experiences. Instead, they narrate a story about other people’s lives and experiences.

WATCH: Afternoon of Conversation- Wes Moore

FOR FRIDAY:
Read AND annotate: The introduction and Chapter 1 of The Other Wes Moore.

Things to consider when reading/annotating:
1. What is the meaning of the title?
2. What is the structure of this book? Why do you think it is structured in this manner?
3. Who are the major "players" in the book? How are they introduced?
4. What is the point of view? What are the advantages/disadvantages to this point of view?
5. What major plot actions happen in the reading?
6. What patterns are you seeing? Words? Character behavior?
7. How does this tie into ground work presented in class?
8. What questions do you have about the reading?
9. What do you notice about society? Culture?

Ted Talk Tuesday... Tuesday, August 21st

For today, you should have 4 popular aphorisms in your notes.

1. Open up to Schoology. Post 2 of your 4 aphorisms you worked on for class today.

Explain the meaning of the aphorism by pointing out:

• Key diction used and significance of these words to creating meaning.
• What advice does this aphorism appear to imply? (Use your inferring skills)
• Two places that you might find this aphorism, and how does it connect to that location/place/situation? 

2. Ted Talk Tuesday. Each Tuesday we will have "Ted Talk Tuesday"! These amazing lectures will link to our class in multiple ways... It might be through the content discussed in the lecture, or the manner of communication the speaker utilizes, or the approach to the content, or all of the above!

These Ted Talks will lead us into Wednesday/Thursday Socratic Seminar. So, understand that you will have to "produce" from these lectures. Note taking is expected and necessary.

Ted Talk Expectations: 
1. Thoughtfully complete the class handout. This handout addresses the speaker's argument, the manner in which they present, their appeal to their audience, the content addressed, etc.

2. Take notes, specific references, on the way that this Ted Talk ties into the course/current study/texts.

3. Take notes, specific references, on the way that this Ted Talk relates to you, personally.

4. Write 4 open-ended questions on the content/your notes to raise during the Socratic seminar the following class period.

For Wednesday/Thursday:
1. Start organizing your notes for your first Socratic Seminar, which will take place during the block day.  Review the Socratic Seminar Handout found HERE: Socratic Seminar Expectations
2. Write 4 open-ended questions that derive from the notes you have taken. What questions will lead the conversation further.
3. Write 2 open-ended questions that address how the Ted Talk relates to the studied texts so far in class.
4. Make sure your handout is complete. You will be turning this in to Mrs. Cole.

Monday, August 20th

For today you were asked to reflect upon the manner in which you will attempt to become the (Wo)Man in the Arena this school year.

With this personal reflection, you were asked to utilize three textual sources... Teddy Roosevelt, Brene' Brown, and a pop culture reference.

You have also utilized the metaphorical concept of the arena in application to your own life.

Today:

1. Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals; courage and resolve. 

"Your dreams are on the other side of your grit"

2. Literary Terms:

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE: Words and phrases that have meaning beyond the literal.
INFER: To conclude or deduce from evidence.

APHORISM: A one-lined statement that expresses a truth about life. Aphorisms often express an opinion or wisdom.

Therefore... aphorisms are both representative in language and meaning, plus applicable across multiple texts.  (See.. bringing it all together)

APHORISM CHECKLIST:

1. Language is figurative in meaning.
2. Universal meaning... applies to more than one text.
3. Offers advice.
4. Applicable to everyone.
5. No names/specific references. 

We will review a list of common/popular aphorisms found here: Aphorism List

2. Pick four of the listed aphorisms.  Post these in your notes with some space after each line.

• Pick key diction in the aphorism and explain how these key words have multiple meanings/interpretations. 
• As a whole, what is the general meaning of the aphorism? 
• What advice does the statement offer? 
• List at least 3 types of texts that one might find this aphorism in use? Why?

For TUESDAY:

• Finish up review and study of your 4 chosen aphorisms. 
• Review the class syllabus (found under "Important Links" on the right). 
• Sign and submit the syllabus confirmation form: SYLLABUS CONFIRMATION FORM

Friday, August 17th

Happy FRIDAY!

1. 1. First, a powerful voice and an even more powerful woman died yesterday- Aretha Franklin.
I encourage you to read through what this amazing woman challenged our country to "think" about considering how we treat each other. Aretha Franklin had Power: Did We Truly Respect it? - NY Times

Aretha Franklin- "Respect"
"You Make Me Feel"- Aretha Franklin
"Think"- Aretha Franklin

2.  Remember to complete the Yearbook survey, if you have not done so already.
Found here: Yearbook Survey

3. Annotating a text:

ANNOTATION: Taking notes or marking a text in a exploratory and meaningful manner. 
TEXT: Anything and everything

The big idea is this: what we do when reading should align with

1. why we're doing the reading in the first place and

2. what we're going to do with the reading after we're done.

If your purpose for reading is to learn the content:

• Summarize a sentence or paragraph
• Paraphrase a sentence or paragraph
• Circle and define key words

If your purpose for reading is to end by responding to a specific prompt:

• Annotate toward that prompt. 
• If you’re being asked to evaluate, make evaluative annotations. 
• Evaluate- form an idea about the text; assess
• If you're being asked to analyze, make analytical annotations.
• Analyze- examine methodically for the purpose of explanation/interpretation; study, scrutinize 

Today in class:

You will be constructing a written response to the following prompt: 

In what ways can you attempt to become the "(Wo)Man in the Arena" this school year, and why is this absolutely necessary as a learner? 

Requirements: 

1. Google Document- MLA Heading

2. Reference specifically the Roosevelt quote, Brene' Brown, and a pop-culture example.  Cite Roosevelt and Brown with your specific quotes.  Ex: (Roosevelt) or (Brown)

3. Answer both parts of the question. 

4. DUE to Schoology by class on Monday. 

Thursday, August 16

1. YEARBOOK SURVEY: Yearbook Back to School Survey

2. Discussion: "Man in the Arena" quote.
- Classroom discussion expectations
- Turn in questions
       
Are you familiar with the following terms:
Summarize, Diction, Tone, Point of View, Source, Infer? 

Homework for Friday:

For Friday, August 17th, please read the article, "Want to be Happy? Stop Trying to be Perfect". I gave you this in hard-copy form for a specific purpose. I want you to interact with the document by annotating as you read. This means write on it. You will also want to transfer ideas onto your notes so you can access them easily for Friday's discussion.

 Here is a digital copy for you, just in case. Nevertheless, make sure you have a hard copy when you come to class.  "Want to be Happy? Stop Trying to be Perfect" Article

ANNOTATION: Taking notes or marking a text in a exploratory and meaningful manner. 
TEXT: Anything and everything

Some suggestions in annotating this article..

• Look at the title. What do you think of when you read it? What stands out to you?
• What ideas do you find intriguing? What haven't you thought about before? What do you agree with? Disagree with? 
• What terms are important to understand the meaning of the text?
• What words spark more dimensions than just the basic denotation (dictionary definition). More emotions? More meaning? Specific perspective/bias? 
• What can you relate with in this article? What other sides/perspectives do you recognize? 
• What connections can you make with the ideas expressed in this article with Roosevelt's quote, "Man in the Arena"
• Identify two points that come from your annotations that you can share in discussion on Friday. Make sure that these are clearly written down.. and findable for class on Friday.

First day of SCHOOL! Woo hoo!

Awesome Students~ This website will be your best friend this year! I post assignments, notes, assignment sheets, extra help, announcements, funny memes, etc. ALL HERE!!! Please check this daily!

For THURSDAY:

1.Finish the questions over the Roosevelt quote. You will be turning these in on Thursday at the beginning of class.

Welcome to English 10! Response due by the end of the day August 15th.

I am thrilled to have you be a part of my English 10 class this year! This will be a challenging and fun year! I am all in. I expect the same from my students! No matter what your experiences have been with reading... writing... school... know we all begin at different points! It is my job and pleasure to have all my students end near the same place in May!

This blog needs to be one of your best friends. I will post assignments... due dates... helpful websites... handouts... ALL HERE. Often you will hear me say, "have you checked the blog?"
Most likely you can problem solve... stay organized... be successful if you check this site DAILY.

Therefore, your very first assignment for this school year is to REPLY to this post.
Sign in with your school Google account.
Click on the post... it will open up with a white response box at the bottom.
This response must be posted by the end of the day (11:59 PM) on August 15th.
Realize that I do not accept late work and posts are time-stamped.
In your post I would like you to reply to the following prompts:

1. First name and last initial
2. What superhero do you most identify with and why?
3. What is your favorite part of an English class?
4. What is your favorite aspect of your personality?
5. Change is _______  (fill in the blank).

With your responses, you need to keep in mind your audience (me). I would like for you to stay positive and thoughtful. This is your first building block for this course. Make it sturdy.