Friday, August 31, 2012

WORD OF THE DAY:  encomium (n) a formal expression of praise; a tribute

English 12AP
Period 1

Today was writing day.  The subject was Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.  On Tuesday, September 4th, there will be another writing day, this time on Shakespeare's Othello.  Don't forget to bring your texts and any notes you took as you were reading.

English 12CP
Period 3

Today we began the college essay writing process with brainstorming some possible topics and a freewrite.  Do not forget that your interviewing essay is due on Wednesday, September 5th.  A rough draft of the college essay will be due either on Thursday, 9-6 or Friday, 9-7.

English 12CP
Period 4

Today we all enjoyed the interview presentations.  The few remaining will be presented on Tuesday, 9-4.

SUCH NICE WORK THIS WEEK, EVERYONE!  HAVE A GREAT WEEK-END!!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience."  
--Teihard de Chardin

Word of the day:  banal (adj):  lacking originality, freshness, or novelty; trite

English 12 AP  
Period 1

Class dropped today.  Do not forget, however, that tomorrow is writing day.  Bring your copy of Wuthering Heights and any notes you may have taken during your reading.  You will only have the one class period to respond to the prompt.

English 12 CP
Period 4

Today was last day to turn in your signed syllabus.  We began work on the college essay -- using a writing workshop method.  Step one of the workshop was brainstorming lists of personal attributes and experiences.  

Tomorrow the students will present their interviews.  The typed essay is also due.  Do not disappoint your classmate; be sure to have his/her interview ready to go!

English 12 CP
Period 3

Today, students grouped themselves in pairs and interviewed each other.  From the information gathered, they will write a five paragraph essay in which they will introduce and describe their fellow classmate.  Essays are due on Wednesday, September 5th.  Be prepared to present your interview to the class! 

Have a great night!!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

WELCOME BACK, EVERYBODY!
This year I will try harder than ever to keep up with this blog.  I hope it will prove helpful for missed work due to absence or for clarification of classwork, assignments, etc.

Period1 English 12 AP

Word of the day:  arrogate (v):  to take or claim without right

As today was only a 30-minute class, we talked briefly about the word "disingenuousness" which means being false or fake/not genuine.  We applied it to honesty in our work and decided that the teacher's role should be guide, not judge.  From there, I presented the idea of crossing a threshold and the 5 steps of a hero's journey.  This idea should hover over you as you begin to think about your college essay.  

Friday is writing day.  I will give you a writing prompt for Wuthering Heights and you will have the entire class period to respond.  On Tuesday, there will be a writing prompt for Othello.  

Period 3 English 12 CP

Word of the day:  arrogate(v):  to take or claim without right

In 30 minutes, we were able to have a book talk and decide on what titles you wanted for your first quarter outside reading (aka RESEARCH PAPER BOOK).

Period 4 English 12 CP

Word of the day:  arrogate(v):  to take or claim without right

After selecting titles for their first quarter outside reading (aka RESEARCH PAPER BOOK), the students conducted interviews in groups of two.  A 5 paragraph introductory essay is due on Friday, August 31st.  Also, for tomorrow, do not forget to have your parents read and sign the syllabus!  After tomorrow, no credit for this homework assignment.

HAVE A WONDERFUL NIGHT!