Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. 
Ralph Waldo Emerson 


WORD OF THE DAY>>covenant (n):  a solemn agreement
WORD OF THE DAY for Wednesday, 10-17-2>>brackish (adj):  having a salty taste or something with a high salt content

Period 1
English 12AP

We had quite a spirited discussion of the Kempton article "Brave Heart" and its connections with Beowulf.

HW:  Read to page 120.

Period 3
English 12CP

We completed part I of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."

HW:  study for word quiz on Wednesday, 10-24-12.  Continue working on book projects due on Monday, 10-22-12.

Period 4
English 12CP

We finished reading "Mort d'Arthur."

HW:  study for word quiz on Wednesday, 10-24-12.  Continue working on book projects due on Tuesday, 10-23-12.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. 
Dalai Lama  

WORD>celerity (n):  swiftness; rapidity of motion or action (Example:  reacted with surprising celerity)
Period 1
English 12AP

Discussed last night's reading.  For homework, read Yoga Journal article "Brave Heart" and write a 2-3 page response in which you compare the ideas in the article to what you know of Beowulf thus far.  Due on Thursday; will count for a quiz grade

Period 3
English 12CP

Began Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Reminded students that they have a project due next week on their research paper book.  Also, there is a word quiz on Wednesday, 10-24-12.

Period 4
English 12CP

Test on Beowulf today.  Reminded students about their reading projects due next week.  Also, there is a word quiz on Wednesday, 10-24-12.  Homework:  Read "Mort d'Arthur" and answer the five questions that were on the board.

Have a great night, everybody!!

WORD OF THE DAY>histrionic (adj):  pertaining to actors and their techniques; theatrical, artificial, melodramatic

The words in this second cycle so far are:  accost, animadversion, devious, avid, gambit (a noun...in chess, an opening move that involves the risk or sacrifice of a minor piece in order to gain a later advantage; any opening move of this type), and histrionic

Period 1
English 12AP

Discussed our reading of Beowulf up to page 41 which included the topics of the tension between paganism and Christianity and characters exemplifying Anglo-Saxon ethic.  For homework, read to page 81 (the battle with Grendel and the "poem within a poem").

Period 3
English 12CP

I collected revised college essays today.  We continued with Mort d'Arthur and reviewed terms and names of Arthurian legends.

Period 4
English 12CP

I collected revised college essays today.  We reviewed for the Beowulf test tomorrow, then went over terms and names of Arthurian legends.  For the test, be sure to know:

main characters
the importance of a mead-hall in Anglo-Saxon society
Beowulf's battles with the three monsters
details of Shield's funeral and Beowulf's funeral
definitions for epic poem/epic hero/epic conventions

Have a great night...see you tomorrow!!

"We are all a paradoxical bundle of rich potential that consists of both neurosis and wisdom."  --Pema Chodron

WORD OF THE DAY>>avid (adj):  desirous of something to the point of greed; intensely eager

Period 1
English 12AP

Discussed salient points presented by Heaney in his introduction.  Distributed a "modern day Beowulf" writing assignment.  Homework:  read to page 41.

Period 3
English 12CP

Reviewed for Beowulf test tomorrow; began unit on Arthurian legends.  Homework:  study for test.  Be familiar with main characters, plot details, definition of an epic poem, definition of an epic hero, and epic conventions.

Also, don't neglect your research paper books and the reading project due the week of 10-22-12!

Period 4
English 12CP

Class dropped today due to NECAP testing.

Have a great night...see you tomorrow!!

WORD OF THE DAY>>animadversion (n):  a comment indicating strong criticism or disaproval

Period 1
English 12AP

Distributed Beowulf books today (Heaney translation).  Introduced the 8 steps of the mythological hero's journey (first proposed by Joseph Campbell).  As a class, we began reading the Heaney's introduction.  For homework, work on revisions of college essays/study for word quiz tomorrow/and read the rest of introduction.

Period 3
English 12CP

I returned the corrected rough drafts of your college essays.  Your revisions are due no later than Monday, 10-15-12.  We reviewed the ending of Beowulf.  There will be a test on the epic poem on Friday, 10-12-12.  Also, do not forget your book projects!

Period 4
English 12CP

I returned the corrected rough drafts of your college essays.  Your revisions are due no later than Monday, 10-15-12. Be sure to finish reading Beowulf on your own.  We will review for test on the epic on Friday, 10-12-12, and the test will be on Monday, 10-15-12.  Do not forget your book projects!

Have a great night...see you tomorrow!!

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."
                                                                                               --Anonymous

WORD OF THE DAY>>tenable (adj):  capable of being held or defended

Period 1
English 12AP

Reviewed words for quiz next week.  I returned corrected college essays and discussed edits with students.

Period 3
English 12CP

Students with Mr. Bucci today while I proctored NECAP exams.  Vocabulary quiz tomorrow!

Period 4
English 12CP

Re-commenced Beowulf, picking up with the Unferth passage.  Then, we went on to "The Battle With Grendel."
Study for vocabulary quiz tomorrow!


Have a good night, everybody!!

"Let the streams of life flow in peace.
Turn from violence.
Learn to think for a long time how to change the world
How to make it better to live in."
                      --Quetzalcoatl

word of the day>>temporize (v):  to stall or act evasively in order to gain time, avoid a confrontation, or postpone a decision.

Previous words that I did not post earlier:  9/25>>reconnaissance; 9/27>>substantiate; 9/28>>intransigent; 10/1>>invidious; 10/2>>taciturn  (You can obtain definitions from other classmates, from me, or a dictionary.)

Period 1
English 12AP

Class dropped today due to NECAP testing.  Tomorrow, we begin Beowulf.  I continue to work on your college essays.

Period 3
English 12CP

We played "catch-up" today.  I also distributed a book project -- a theme tracking booklet.  Due date is Monday, October 22.  Tomorrow, the class will meet in Mr. Bucci's room (#805).  Your assignment is to complete Beowulf in your anthologies, study the words for your quiz on Friday, 10-5, and work on your projects.  You have much to keep you busy!

Period 4
English 12CP

We played "catch-up" today.  I also distributed a book project -- a theme tracking booklet.  Due date is Tuesday, October 23.  Tomorrow, we will pick up where we left off with Beowulf.  Be sure to study your words for the quiz on Friday, 10-5.

Just a brief note to thank all of you, my wonderful students, for your kind understanding during this time of sadness for my family and me.  My brother was a really cool guy; you would have liked him a lot.  I hope you will continue to be patient with me as I try to regain my equilibrium.  See you tomorrow!!