Unit I:
Reading the World
Reading the World: Thinking about Literacy
Essential Questions:
1. What is the purpose of English class? How is it similar to and different from other classes you take in school?
2. How has changing technology affected the definition of literacy?
3. What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English?
4. How does reading build empathy?
"Literacy is the ability to use available symbol systems [...] for the purpose of making and communicating meaning and knowledge."
- Patricia Stock, Professor, Michigan State University
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
English is the most important subject there is. It involves all forms of communication and all levels of thinking. It is the main source of information on the interior life, the life of the mind, the psyche, the spirit. It will nourish those essential aspects of you as an individual. Let’s use it to remind ourselves that we belong here.
Essential Questions: What will we be reading and studying in English 10? What are the course expectations? What materials will I need?
Four important tools for English 10:
1. My website: There you will find all of the information for EACH AND EVERY DAY OF INSTRUCTION. If you can't remember something that we did or if there is something due, CHECK THE WEBSITE! Because the link to my website is not on Lowville's home page, I have copied and pasted the link to my website in the Google Classroom.
2. The Google Classroom: You will not need a code; you have automatically been signed up. The Google Classroom is where I will post most handouts and assignments. It is where you will also submit most homework. Make use of the Google Calendar. It's an efficient way to keep track of what's due and when.
Take a moment to fill in the seating chart posted in the classroom.
3. REMIND: Join remind to get updates and messages: Text @msclement to the number 81010. I will mostly use the Google Classroom or email to reach you, but this will give us another way in case we need it.
4. Three-ring binder (1 inch) with three dividers labeled:
Class Notes (you'll need a supply of loose-leaf paper)
Handouts
References
Icebreaker: With a partner, discuss the following three questions:
What are you most anxious about?
What are you most eager for? (And you can't answer for the year to be over!)
What is your best memory of the summer?
The rest of this period will be spent reviewing the Course Description and Expectations for 2020-2021.
Homework: Complete the student inventory questions. They are due tomorrow. This is the first graded homework assignment.
Also, finish reading and then sign that you read and understood the Course Description and Expectations for 2021-22. Have your parent/guardian read and sign as well. Then turn it in. This is the second graded homework assignment.
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021
Make sure Student Inventory Questions have been turned in, in the Google Classroom.
English involves all forms of communication and all levels of thinking. It is the main source of information on the interior life, the life of the mind, the psyche, the spirit. It will nourish those essential aspects of you as an individual. Let’s use it to remind ourselves that we belong here.
Today's Agenda:
Finish discussion of the Course Description and Expectations. Make sure that you signed this and had your parent/guardian sign it and that you turned it in.
Examine the Course Calendar (see my website).
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Essential Question: How does reading make us more empathic?
The overlying concept in English 10 this year will be that of EMPATHY. As a class, define empathy and give examples.
#togetherapart activity:
Together as a class, discuss the last time you ran simply for the pleasure of running, just because it made you feel good.
Together as a class, read the poem "Running" by Richard Wilbur.
Together as a class, examine and discuss a smart notebook illustration.
Together as a class, highlight and annotate the poem. Turn it in.
Apart, answer the study guide questions on the second copy of the poem in Google Classroom .
Homework:
“Thinking of happiness, I think of that” Reflection: Think of a time when you were truly happy, a moment in your life that still brings you joy. Create one of the following to communicate that moment to others: a descriptive paragraph (8-10 sentences), a descriptive poem (at least 10 lines), a creative visual (drawing, painting, collage). Be creative and descriptive in a way that enables you to revisit, and others to understand, that joyful moment in your life.
Friday, September 10, 2021
Share your “Thinking of happiness, I think of that” reflection by identifying your subject and medium (paragraph, poem, visual).
Review and discuss Study Guide Questions.
Reading the World
Essential Questions:
What is the purpose of English class? How is it similar to and different from other classes you take in school?
How has changing technology affected the definition of literacy?
What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English?
How does reading make us more empathic?
In the Google Classroom, I have posted a book sign-out form. Use it to sign out your anthology, Advanced Language and Literature. (An anthology is a collection of literary works - plays, poems, short stories, songs or excerpts by different authors - chosen by the compiler.) Put your name in the front of your anthology. Take it home and bring it to class each time we meet for in-person instruction.
From Advanced Language and Literature
Chapter 1: Reading the World: Thinking about Literacy
Read pp. 1-3 together.
Monday, September 13, 2021
Unit I: Reading the World
Essential Questions: (Follow along using document in Google Classroom)
Class Discussion: What is English class for? How is it similar to and different from other classes you take in school? What are your favorite and least favorite parts of English class? Why? How might activities in English class help us to be more empathic?
Agenda:
Pick up reading pp. 3- 10 (Quick Read)
"Thinking About English Class," pp. 10-13.
Complete Activity on "The Analysis Process," p. 13:
Choose a topic, being sure to start off with a focused observation:
Observe: What do you notice about your subject? Pretend you are encountering your subject for the first time, and be sure to pick a focus for your observation.
Identify patterns: What aspects of your subject are repeated? What is different from what you expected or from similar subjects? What connections can you make?
Draw a conclusion: What conclusion or judgment can you make about your subject?
With a partner, share your analysis process activity.
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Library - Select your first book.
Record Title on Reading Log in Google Classroom
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Unit I: Reading the World
Essential Questions:
What is the purpose of English class? How is it similar to and different from other classes you take in school?
How has changing technology affected the definition of literacy?
What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English?
How does reading make us more empathic?
Agenda:
Read pp. 13-15, "Thinking About Context."
Complete Activity on p. 15 - Painting by Pablo Picasso. Students pair up.
Count off by 2s
Without looking at the context of the artist or the painting, ones look at the picture and describe the images to the twos who are not looking at the picture.
Now ones look at the background information and re-describe the painting to the twos with the context in mind.
Together examine the picture and discuss how knowing the context of the work affected your observation and what you tried to communicate.
Read p. 16 to think through a model analysis - Photograph called Life Goes On.
Read "Eating Poetry" on pp. 17-18 (and also in Google Classroom). Make at least 6 annotations on the poem, and complete the questions for analysis.
Annotation - a running commentary where you write down your observations and your questions.
Identify words/phrases that strike you or confuse you
Note places where you want to talk to the speaker, a character, or even the author
Homework:
“Eating Poetry” - Draw images that captures the speaker's transformation and/or the librarian's reaction. Write captions for the images that include direct quotes from the poem.
Read Independent Reading Book for at least 10 minutes.
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Unit I: Reading the World
Essential Questions:
What is the purpose of English class? How is it similar to and different from other classes you take in school?
How has changing technology affected the definition of literacy?
What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English?
How does reading make us more empathic?
Agenda:
Review questions for "Eating Poetry." Share your "Eating Poetry" visuals with a partner. Turn in question in Google Classroom and visual to teacher.
Quick Write: Take a moment to answer the following questions.
Do you read more online or offline? Why is that?
Does the Internet affect your attention span? Why or why not?
Do you think that in general technology improves our lives? Why or why not?
Directions: Follow along as I read an excerpt from The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr (pages 18-20). So that you don't have to lug your books home, you will have time to complete the Questions for Analysis tomorrow.
For homework, watch the trailer for a documentary on Netflix called “The Social Dilemma.”
Based on the trailer, complete the analysis process by filling in the blanks with the correct words.
Additional Homework:
Read your Independent Reading Book for 10 minutes. (Make sure that you bring your books to class tomorrow.)
Friday, September 17, 2021
Bell Ringer: Write two original sentences beginning with a present tense participial phrase. This link will help you identify present tense participial phrases. Be sure to underline and label them.
Walking to the bus garage during the drill, I tried not to chat with my friend.
Driving to school, I noticed the changing colors.
Complete the questions to The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr:
Observe: What are some of the significant differences Carr identifies between reading books and reading online?
Identify Patterns: Make a list of the benefits and negative effects of the Internet that Carr identifies. On which “side” does Carr seem to provide more examples and supporting evidence?
Benefits Negative Effects
Draw Conclusions: What does Carr suggest about the effect the Internet is having on us? What evidence from the text supports your conclusion?
Afterwards, read your Independent Reading Book.
Monday, September 20, 2021
Bell Ringer: Write two sentences beginning with a past tense participial phrase. Be sure to underline the phrase part.
A past participial phrase includes a past participle and any modifiers. Past participial phrases function adjectivally to give more information about a noun or a pronoun in a sentence.
E.g.: Intrigued by the book, I read until after midnight.
E.g.: Annoyed by his music, she shut her bedroom door.
UNIT I: Reading the World
Essential Question: What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English class?
II. Follow up:
Review Homework on The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr (pages 18-20)
III. In Class:
Read the Key Context and the excerpt from Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. It’s on pp. 21-24 in your book. Afterwards, answer the following questions regarding the Process Analysis:
Observe: What are the differences that Satrpi identifies between the social classes?
Identify Patterns: How are the maid, Mehri, and the narrator, Marj, similar? How are they different?
Similarities: Differences:
Draw Conclusions: What is the author, Marhane Satrpi, suggesting about the nature of Iranian social classes in this excerpt? How does she demonstrate this point in the drawings and the text?
Terms to Understand (before reading):
Social Class: a division of a society based on social and economic status (achievements, inherited position, and/or finances).
Graphic Novels: a book made up of comics’ content. Although the word "novel" normally refers to long fictional works, the term "graphic novel" is applied broadly and includes fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work.
Homework:
Independent Reading - read each night for at least 10 minutes.
Tues., Sept. 21 - Wed., Sept. 22, 2021
(Two days due to extended homeroom and fire drill)
UNIT I: Reading the World
Essential Question: What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English class?
"Once Upon a Time" by Nadine Gordimer (You should have both an electronic and a hard copy.)
Procedure:
Before reading the story, brainstorm the elements of a fairy tale. What makes a fairy tale, a fairy tale? Record your ideas below:
Examine the PDF and link for more information:
Follow along as I read the story aloud.
Homework:
Reread the story and make at least twenty highlights and annotations. For Thursday, answer the first 5 questions.
Make sure that you are reading your independent reading book at least ten minutes per day.
Thurs., Sept. 23, 2021
UNIT I: Reading the World
Essential Question: What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English class?
"Once Upon a Time" by Nadine Gordimer
Procedure:
Count off by 5s and in groups of 3, discuss the 5 questions you answered for homework and then answer the rest of them together.
Homework:
Finish any questions you did not get to for homework and then turn the assignment in.
There will be a Google Forms quiz on the story tomorrow.
Make sure that you are reading your independent reading book for at least ten minutes per day.
Fri., Sept. 24, 2021
UNIT I: Reading the World
Essential Question: What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English class?
"Once Upon a Time" by Nadine Gordimer
Procedure:
Review answers to study guide questions.
Take Quiz, using Google Forms. Review and discuss.
Afterward: Independent Reading - at least 10 minutes every day!
Mon., Sept. 27, 2021
UNIT I: Reading the World
Essential Question: What is the "analytical process" and how does it apply to English class?
"Once Upon a Time" by Nadine Gordimer
Procedure:
Discuss questions 14 and 15 from study guide.
Six students need to take quiz. After, if time, review and discuss quiz answers.
Afterward: Independent Reading - at least 10 minutes every day!
Tues., Sept. 28, 2021
Essential Question: How do you write a fairy tale narrative?
A fairy tale is a type of short story that typically features folkloric fantasy characters, such as dwarves, elves, fairies, giants, gnomes, goblins, mermaids, trolls, unicorns, or witches, and usually magic or enchantments.
A narrative is a story that connects and explains a carefully selected set of supposedly true events, experiences, or the like, intended to support a particular viewpoint or thesis.
Nadine Gordimer's fairy tale certainly did not end "happily ever after." Just for fun check out this video that parodies some of Disney's most famous stories:
Directions: After reading “Once Upon a Time” by Nadine Gordimer, you will write your own fairy tale narrative. Like Gordimer’s story, you will begin with a frame narrative that engages and orients the reader. Also, like Gordimer’s story, you will begin your fairy tale using three prepositional phrases (“In a house, in a suburb, in a city…”). Next, you will draft body paragraphs that develop the plot, setting, characters, and conflict. You will then draft a conclusion before revising your entire narrative to incorporate structural techniques and ensure that you have created a coherent whole.
Create a Google Doc attached to this assignment.
500-650 words
Times New Roman, 12 pt.
Double Spaced
Due ______________________.
In your Narrative Essay/Fairy Tale Packet:
Read over the directions and complete Steps 1 and 2.
Once you have completed Step 2, read the New York Times article linked to your topic.
Other Homework:
Read your independent reading book every day for 10 minutes.
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021
Essential Question: How do you write a fairy tale narrative?
If you have not read the New York Times article linked to your topic, do that first.
Using the graphic organizer, complete Step 3 by brainstorming the plot of your story by providing ideas for the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.
(This is called blocking. Follow this link for more information: https://www.novel-software.com/roadmapstep11)
Use the space provided at the top of the graphic organizer to frame your narrative and record the three prepositional phrases that you will use to get your fairy tale started. (I have attached a link to a list of prepositions in the Google Classroom.)
Frame Narrative: https://study.com/academy/lesson/frame-narrative-definition-lesson-quiz.html
As your work, enjoy listening to fairy tale music: https://video.link/w/kbIkb
Other Homework:
Read your independent reading book every day for 10 minutes.
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021
Bell Ringer: Read your independent reading book for 10 minutes. Afterward, care and share what your book is about.
Essential Question: How do you write a fairy tale narrative?
Begin drafting:
Use your Step 3 graphic organizer where you blocked your story to begin writing.
Be sure to use your Frame to begin your story. (This is the catalyst, the event that prompts the narrator to begin his or her fairy tale. Remember that the two, the Frame and the Fairy Tale, must be linked somehow, someway.
Remember to begin the exposition of your fairy tale with 3 prepositional phrases. You can find a list of prepositions under "References" in Google Classroom.
“In a city, on a deserted street, in a broken-down building…”
“On the Pacific Ocean, on an ocean liner, in the captain’s cabin…”
“Over the river, through the woods, to the little cottage…”
Include fairy tale elements and modern fairy tale twists.
Stay focused on developing your moral or theme (What is it that you want readers to know or learn about your topic? Remember that fairy tales often reveal or remind us of a Universal Truth.)
As your work, enjoy listening to fairy tale music: https://video.link/w/kbIkb
Strive to write 200 words today.
Homework:
In addition to the 200 words for your Fairy Tale, read your independent reading book for at least 10 minutes.
Friday, Oct. 1, 2021
Bell Ringer: Read your independent reading book for 10 minutes. Afterward, care and share what your book is about.
Essential Question: How do you write a fairy tale narrative?
Continue writing your Fairy Tale. Strive to write 200 more words during class.
Write with an eye toward your theme/message. What do you want to prove/demonstrate about your topic? What is your message?
Remember to tuck in Fairy Tale elements like magic, talking animals, multiples of 3, 6, and 7, poor vs. rich, dragons, dwarves, fairies, trolls, etc.
Homework:
In addition to the 200 words for your Fairy Tale, read your independent reading book for at least 10 minutes.
Monday, Oct. 4, 2022
Bell Ringer: Read your independent reading book for 10 minutes. Afterward, care and share what your book is about.
Essential Question: How do you write a fairy tale narrative?
Review Tips for Effective Writing - See document under "References" in the Google Classroom.
Reminders:
punctuating dialogue: https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/6491/8-essential-rules-for-punctuating-dialogue---article
using capital letters;
attending to spelling errors
and any other flags.
Continue to use class time to write your fairy tale narrative.
Homework:
Finish writing and polishing your Fairy Tale. To double-check that you have done your best work and included everything that you needed to, complete the Fairy Tale Self-Revision check-sheet.
Fairy Tale is due tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 5th, which is also the mid-point of the first quarter!!
Tues., Oct. 5, 2021
Essential Question: How do you write a fairy tale narrative?
Review
Fairy Tale Self-Revision document
Fairy Tale/ Narrative Rubric
Paper to-do/know list: Paper is due today.
It should be 500 - 650 words, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced.
After using the rubric and self-revision guidelines to evaluate your paper and fix any problems you see, turn it in.
Then, go to the library to print a hard copy. Attach the Teacher Rubric and turn it in.
If you finish early, use the time to read your Independent Reading Book.
Wed., Oct. 6, 2021
Essential Questions:
How can I craft varied, creative, unique, and meaningful sentences?
What does it take to be a writer?
Bell ringer sentences: Unless the word "it" is referring to the noun in the sentence (in other words, it is functioning as a pronoun), try to avoid it. (Do you see what I did there?) Instead, rework the sentence using specific words or phrases. Adding imagery and figurative language is a good way to do this.
Weak: It was raining.
Strong: The rain swept across the plains.
Weak: It was very cold. (Note: "very" is a "dead word." Let it rest in peace.)
Strong: The piercing cold stung my face and hands and bit into my toes with throbbing pain.
Now you try: Rewrite the following weak sentences getting rid of the word, “it.”
Highlight your work.
Weak: It was a boring class.
Strong:
Weak: It is an ugly sweater.
Strong:
For today:
Read and annotate Article #1: "How to be a Writer" by M. Molly Backes (in Google Classroom).
Thurs., Oct. 7, 2021
Essential Questions:
How is the study of vocabulary important to "Reading the World"?
What vocabulary will we be studying this year?
In Class:
Share annotations for "How to be a Writer" with a neighbor. Turn in.
Review the list of Essential Vocabulary (hard copies given out; electronic copy posted) for English 10 and discuss expectations and procedure.
Complete the vocab activity for Unit I: Reading the World
Homework:
The vocabulary assignment is due by the end of class. There will be a vocabulary quiz next week on Friday. I have posted Quizlet practice for you to use to study.
Read for 10 minutes every day.
Note: We will be using our textbooks for class next week. Have a wonderful, delightful Indigenous People's Day!!