We're Taking Our Final and Loving It!

Focus: What can we learn about our society through each other's films?

1. Warming up by establishing the presentation order

2. Offering a few final thoughts:

• Take out your purple film rubric and write your name(s) at the top; give it to me before you show your film along with your printed Works Cited page (unless your Works Cited is part of your film).  

• Keep it on the quiet side...tests could be happening on the other side of the wall.

• No late work will be accepted at this point; make-up work and revisions were due last Thursday.

• Final grades for this class will be posted by noon the day after your English final.

• An 89.4% = B+; an 89.5 = A-. Grades are non-negotiable, so please don't e-mail me.

• Watch each other's mockumentaries respectfully, and enjoy!

3. Presenting our films!

We're Filmmakers and Loving It: May 15, 2014

Focus: What final editing does our film need?

1. Warming up with Ms. Leclaire's final mini lesson on publishing:

Be sure your film is finalized, published, and exported BEFORE class tomorrow (it can take some time, so don't wait until class).

• Click "Publish," then check your e-mail for further directions.

• Click on "Exports" in wevideo to make sure your film is there and finalized.

• Click on the link to make sure it works and watch your video from beginning to end.

• E-mail your link to me at kleclaire@lps.k12.co.us.

2. Working on your films for the final time!

3. Looking through the rubric one last time; make sure you have a copy for me to use tomorrow.

Do you know when your English final is?

(If you are not present at your final, your film will be counted as late and receive half credit.)

1st hour: Monday, 7:15 am

3rd hour: Tuesday, 8:56 am

6th hour: Friday, 8:56 am

HW:
1. All make-up work and revisions are due today by 3:00 pm. Remember that you can only make up or revise work from the most recent 6-week grading period.

2. Mockumentaries are due at the beginning of class tomorrow, Friday, May 16. Any late work will result in half credit, and no exceptions will be granted (this your final exam).

3. Bring to class your purple rubric for the film (not the preparation one); if you do not have a Works Cited slide in your film, be sure you bring a PRINTED COPY of your Works Cited to hand in before I view your film.

4. I will start grading your websites on the Monday of finals.

We're Filmmakers and Loving It: May 14

Focus: How can we edit and polish our films?

1. Warming up with a mini lesson on volume and your two Works Cited options:

Include a Works Cited slide in your film.

OR

PRINT a hard copy of a Works Cited page and hand it in BEFORE you present your film.  Please do not just Google share it with me because I will be grading your films on the spot.

Remember to include all sites on your Works Cited page.

2. Working on your mockumentary films

3. Reminding you of your work habits grades

You start off with 50 points in the Growth category (5 work days left, 10 points each).

You lose a point each time you...

• Distract or are distracted by someone sitting near you
• Play on your cell phone
• Do other homework
• Use language inappropriate to class
• Pack up early or start late

HW:
1. All make-up work and revisions are due Thursday, May 15; remember that you can only make up or revise work from the most recent 6-week grading period.

2. Mockumentaries are due at the beginning of class this Friday, May 16. Any late work will result in half credit, and no exceptions will be granted (this your final exam).

3. I will start grading your websites on the Monday of finals.

We're Filmmakers and Loving It: May 13, 2014

Focus: How can synthesize our images, videos, music and narration into a professional film?

1. Warming up: Viewing a sample student mockumentary and assessing its strengths and weaknesses

2. Reminding you of your work habits grades

You start off with 50 points in the Growth category (5 work days left, 10 points each).

You lose a point each time you...

• Distract or are distracted by someone sitting near you
• Play on your cell phone
• Do other homework
• Use language inappropriate to class
• Pack up early or start late

3. Working on your mockumentaries (only three work days left including today)


HW:
1. All make-up work and revisions are due Thursday, May 15; remember that you can only make up or revise work from the most recent 6-week grading period.

2. Mockumentaries are due at the beginning of class this Friday, May 16. Any late work will result in half credit, and no exceptions will be granted (this your final exam).

3. I will start grading your websites on the Monday of finals.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 12, 2014

Focus: What can we take away from our book club novels?

1. Warming up by perusing the book-film club website rubric (click HERE)

2. Understanding the final task of your book clubs: Synthesizing the book and film

3. Finishing your website

HW:
1. Continue working on your mockumentary; due at the beginning of class this Friday, May 16.
2. I will be grading your book club websites this Saturday.
3. All make-up work, revisions, etc. due this Thursday, May 15.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 9, 2014

Focus: How do we synthesize our images, videos, music, and script into a film?

1. Warming up with an important reminder

2. Offering a few tips on how I would approach this if I were you...

• Gather all your images, music (MP3s) and videos (MP4s); create your text slides.

• Switch from Storyboard to Timeline in wevideo.

• Start dragging your images and videos into your timeline and play around with transitions, order, etc.

• Drag in your narration and music and play around with timing.

3. Developing our mockumentary films

HW:
1. Finish your book-film club book and have fun watching your movie!
2. MAY 15 is the final deadline for revisions, make-up work, etc.
3. MAY 16 is the final deadline for mockumentaries; late work will result in half credit only.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 8, 2014

Focus: How do we turn our preparatory work into a film?

1. Warming up with your tip of the day: Use the app on your phone to gather images and videos

2. Reminding you of Work Habits expectations and grades

3. Giving you time to create your film!

Here are the helpful conversion websites I had on yesterday's blog:

Click HERE  for a website that converts youtube music videos to MP3s.

Click HERE for a website that converts youtube videos into videos (MP4s) you can use in your film.

KEEP TRACK OF ALL WEBSITES USED.

HW:
1. Record your narration at home.
2. Assigned book club reading and activities (characterization, setting, motifs).
3. MAY 15 is the final deadline for revisions, make-up work, etc.
4. MAY 16 is the final deadline for mockumentaries; late work will result in half credit only.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 7, 2014

Focus: How do we actually start making a film?

1. Warming up by meeting www.wevideo.com

Can you...

• Import an image?
• Create a text slide?
• Import a video?
• Import music?
• Layer narration, music, and images?

2. Finishing your script and making a plan for recording it; remember that you must record your narration on your own time

3. Starting to gather images and create text slides for your mockumentary

Click HERE  for a website that converts youtube music videos to MP3s.

Click HERE for a website that converts youtube videos into videos (MP4s) you can use in your film.

KEEP TRACK OF ALL WEBSITES USED.

HW:
1. Record your narration into wevideo by the end of the week.
2. Assigned book club reading/activities.
3. ALL REVISIONS/MAKE-UP WORK DUE THURSDAY, MAY 15.
4. MOCKUMENTARY IS DUE FRIDAY, MAY 16. If your film is not completed by this date, you can only receive half credit.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 6, 2014

Focus: How can we turn the timeline into a powerful script?

1. Warming up: Listening to the openings from two "real" mock/documentaries:

Example #1: Remember Epic?
Example #2: Supersize Me

Your task: As you listen, describe the opening of each script, typing up powerful words, phrases, and tactics.

2. Showing me your timeline if you have not yet done so

3. Composing a rough draft of your script with a focus on the following aspects:

It should have a powerful opening and closing.

It needs smooth transitions between years/events.

This is a great place to show off your creative voice; choose your words carefully.

You need to have it written out EXACTLY as it will be narrated.

4. Explaining how your work habits for this project are being graded:

You start off with 50 points in the Growth category (5 work days left, 10 points each).

You lose a point each time you...

• Distract or are distracted by someone sitting near you
• Play on your cell phone
• Do other homework
• Use language inappropriate to class
• Pack up early

HW: 
1. You must have a rough draft of your script completed before the start of class tomorrow.

2. Assigned book film club reading and activities for Friday.

3. ALL REVISIONS AND MAKE-UP WORK ARE DUE THURSDAY, MAY 15.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 5, 2014

Focus: What motifs are starting to emerge in our book club novels?

1. Warming up: Human minesweeper: Brainstorming concrete motifs vs. abstract motifs

2. Finishing your setting activities from last week if you have not done so (make sure it's published on your website)

3. Developing your motif activity (this one might take you a little longer) and publishing it on your website

HW:
1. Finish today's motif activity by Friday; assigned book club reading for Friday.

2. Finish your mockumentary timeline by tomorrow if you have not yet done so; script due at the beginning of class on Wednesday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 2

Focus: Analyzing SETTING with your book-film clubs

1. Warming up by spending some time reading your book club novels

• Is your website finished? 
• Have you published your expectations and your characterization activity?
• Have you changed the "Share" setting to "Anyone with the link"?
• Have you e-mailed me the link to your website?

2. Interpreting and discussing setting with your book-film clubs: Please click HERE for instructions.

3. Publishing your setting activity on your website

HW: 
1. Assigned book club reading for Monday; finish the setting activity.
2. Timeline should be finished by now; please finish it if you have not done so.
3. Script will be due by the beginning of class on Wednesday, May 7.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: May 1, 2014

Focus: How do we developing your mockumentary script?

1. Warming up: Listening to an opening clip from a "real" documentary

What do you notice about the script itself (powerful words and phrases)?

How does the script turn this into a movie about us? In other words, how does it capture human interest?

What ideas can you steal for your mockumentary?

2. Looking at a sample script and developing the script for your mockumentary

3. Please make sure that by the end of class, you have shown me your annotated research and your timeline

HW: 
1. Bring your book club novel to class tomorrow; make sure you have completed the reading assignment (as determined by your book club).
2. Your characterization activity from Monday should be finished by tomorrow.
3. Mockumentary script will be due by the beginning of class on Wednesday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 30, 2014

Focus: How can we combine our ability to invent with our ability analyze history?

1. A quick warm-up: Which projection into the future is stronger and why?

Projection #1: In the year 2021, Apple releases a new version of iPod that is smaller, comes in various colors and patterns, and can be worn as jewelry.

Projection #2: In the year 2021, Apple releases iChip 1, an iPod that measures one millimeter by one millimeter and can be implanted directly into the tympanic cavity of the ear. Although the iChip has to be surgically implanted, it is an outpatient procedure costing less than a typical professional teeth whitening session. Many recipients of the iChip 1, however, complain about the inability to turn the iChip off, finding themselves tormented by constant noise and unable to think or concentrate.

2. Finishing your timeline

HW:
1. Please finish your timeline before class tomorrow.
2. Assigned book club reading for Friday.
3. Finish your characterization activity before class on Friday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 29, 2014

Focus: How we can we establish a strong, academic background for our mockumentaries?

1. Warming up: Introducing the timeline

2. Finishing your five annotated articles; please show me your research as soon as you finish.

• Remember that you need to annotate each article with your brainstorming and questions.
• Keep track of your sources and start a Works Cited page.

3. Starting the timeline and creating your projections into the future

HW:
1. If you have not yet finished your five annotated articles, please finish BEFORE class tomorrow.

2. Assigned book club reading for Friday.

3. Make sure your characterization activity is finished BEFORE class on Friday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 28, 2014

Focus: How do we start discussing our books?

1. Warming up: Finishing your book club expectations/rules (make sure you print and sign them)

2. Creating websites for your book clubs:

Two possible web applications for your website: www.wikispaces.com and Google sites

Criteria for your website:
Remember that this website will be how you share all of your book club work with me. Your website grade will be your culminating grade for this unit.

First names of group members (no last names, please).
Title and author of book club book

You will need separate links/pages within your website for the following items:

1. Statement of purpose: Who are you, and why are you creating this site?
2. Group expectations/rules
3. Characterization activity (description of assignment and link to it and the product you created, whether it was a series of brains or a discussion)
4. Setting activity
5. Motif activity
6. Theme activity
7. Book-film comparison

CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE WEBSITE ON THE BLIND SIDE.
CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE WEBSITE ON SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.

Please e-mail your website link before the end of class.

3. Discussing CHARACTERS!

a. Click HERE for Option #1

b. Click HERE for Option #2

Feel free to mix and match Options 1 and 2; be sure to publish your work on your website!

HW:

1. Finish any work not finished in class today (website, characterization, expectations/rules).

2. Annotated mockumentary research due by the end of class tomorrow.

3. Assigned book-film club reading for Friday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 25, 2014

Focus: How can set ourselves up for successful book-film clubs?

1. Warming up: Reading the first chapter of your books

2. Establishing in-class and out-of-class expectations for your club; after receiving my approval, please print and sign them.

—Outside of class:

—Work Ethic: How much time should we spend on reading each night? What do we need to do as we read? What is our division of labor (writing prompts, discussion questions, activities)?

—Accountability: What happens of some members of our group drop the ball? Forget their book? Don’t finish the assigned reading? How do we prevent ugly situations? How do we enforce the expectations?

—In class:

—Work Ethic: What are our expectations for discussion? How do we plan to spend class time?

—Accountability: What happens if two of us (or all of us) starting losing our focus? What happens if the bell rings and we haven’t accomplished everything we were supposed to do?

3. Setting up your reading calendar for the next three weeks: Write in your student calendars which specific pages/chapters need read by each of the following dates, keeping in mind that the book must be finished and the film must be watched no later than Monday, May 12. 

Monday, April 28: Discussion of characterization
Friday, May 2: Discussion of setting
Monday, May 5: Discussion of motifs
Friday, May 9: Discussion of themes
Monday, May 12: BOOK MUST BE FINISHED AND FILM MUST BE WATCHED BY THIS DATE

4. (If time allows) Creating your Google site and/or wikispace and/or other website for your book club

HW:
1. Assigned book club reading for Monday, April 28.  Please note that if you have not done your book club reading, you won't be able to complete the characterization assignment during class, which will result in a zero.

2. Your mockumentary annotated research must be completed by the end of class on Tuesday; if you have not started this yet, you will want to work on it before Tuesday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 24, 2014

Focus: How do we build a strong foundation for our mockumentaries?


(1st hour: Finishing book talks)

1. Warming up: Showing you the glory of annotated research!

2. Completing your how-why chart; please see the purple handout for the example and follow it closely.  Share it with me via Google docs when you finish it (label it, "How/Why Chart" and make sure it has an MLA heading).


2. Starting on your research; remember that you need at least FIVE articles, and you must annotate them.  See purple handouts for an example.  When you finish researching and annotating, please share it with me via Google docs (label it, "Annotated Research," and give it an MLA heading).

Please note that all purple documents are now linked to our website calendar.

HW:
1. Please finish your how/why chart AND annotated research by Tuesday, April 29th at the latest (you will need to do some of this at home because Friday and Monday are book club days).

2. BRING YOUR BOOK FILM CLUB BOOK TO CLASS TOMORROW (10 pts).

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 23, 2014

ACT: Very Shortened Class Today

1ST HOUR AGENDA

Focus: What can we learn from each other's book talks?

Please turn in your signed book club proposal today if you have not yet done so.

1. Warming up: Enjoying book talks

2. Cooling down: Enjoying book talks


3RD HOUR AGENDA

Focus: How can we start on our mockumentaries?

1. Warming up: Working on your how/why charts

2. Cooling down: Finishing your how/why charts (if you finish, let me know so I can grade yours and get you started on the annotated research)


6TH HOUR AGENDA

Focus: How can we develop strong schedules for next year?

Please turn in your signed book club proposal today if you have not yet done so.

1. Warming up: Clarifying Language Arts electives

2. Working on your schedules


HW FOR ALL CLASSES:

1. Bring your book-film club novel to class this Friday, April 25 (10 points in the completion category).

2. Finish your How/Why chart so that I can grade it during class tomorrow and you can start your research.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 22, 2014

Focus: How do we start creating our mockumentaries?

1. 3rd and 6th hours: Warming up with book talks

1st hour: Warming up with a quick overview of English electives and a little time to work on your schedules

2. Testing your topic by brainstorming: The How/Why Chart

3. Working on your How/Why Chart; if you finish class, please show me so that I can give you credit on your rubric and get you started on your annotated research.

HW:
1. Complete your How/Why Chart if you did not finish in class.
2. Signed book film club proposals must be handed in tomorrow or you will be reading A Separate Peace.
3. Bring a hard copy (or electronic copy) of your book film club novel to class this Friday, April 25.
4. 1st hour: Work on your book talk if you haven't given yours yet.

Midsummer revisions?  Synthesis outlines/Truman Show notes?

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 21, 2014

Focus: What is our final project in English 10?

Please turn in your book film club proposals.  They are due today.  If I do not receive your signed proposal by this Wednesday (ACT day), you will be reading A Separate Peace.

1. Warming up: Viewing a few sample mockumentaries

Austin and Graham
Boring History Lesson on Music
iPods

2. Figuring out the purpose and process of creating a mockumentary

3. Brainstorming possible topics

HW:
1. If you parent approved your book film club novel, then you may go ahead and purchase that novel.  You must have a hard copy of your book in your hands this Friday, April 25.

2. Prepare for your book talk if you haven't given yours yet.

3. Decide on your mockumentary topic by the end of class tomorrow.

4. 1st and 3rd hours: I will go over English electives with you tomorrow; 1st hour, bring your schedules to class on Tuesday; 3rd and 6th, bring your schedules to class on Wednesday.

Catch-up work...
Signed proposals were due today.  If I don't have yours by Wednesday, you will be reading A Separate Peace.  

Outlines were due last Friday.

Midsummer essay revisions: If you wish to revise your essays, I encourage you to stop by for a conference.  Remember that to receive credit for a revision, you must the following:
1. Highlight all changes on your new draft.

2. Staple it to the original draft with my feedback and rubric.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 17, 2014

Focus: How can we effectively synthesize The Truman Show and F451?

1. Warming up with our final (or almost final) round of book talks!

2. Finishing your outline; please see yesterday's blog for details and click HERE for the rubric

Today needs to be a quiet work day since you should no longer be in the brainstorming phase; you will receive a work habits grade for the day (10/10 = you were working quietly and staying on task the entire time).

3. Cleaning up the outline:

• Does your document have an MLA heading and title?
• Have you deleted the thesis statements that you're not using?
• Have you italicized F451 and The Truman Show in your thesis and topic sentences?
• Are your examples from F451 quotations?
• Did you cite them properly?
• Are your examples from The Truman Show specific?
• Did you avoid "you" and "I" in your thesis and topic sentences?
• Did you remember to offer a little brainstorming after each quote/example?
• Have you proofread your outline carefully for grammar and punctuation?
• Is your document shared with me directly?

HW:

1. Please complete your outline before class tomorrow.

2. Remember that your signed book-film club proposals are due Monday, April 21. Those without proposals will be assigned a school-approved text.

3. Meet in the Forum tomorrow for scheduling.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 16, 2014

Focus: How can we support our thesis and topic sentences with examples?

1. Warming up with a rousing round of book talks

2. Exploring a few sample topic sentences and seeing how it all comes together in a glorious outline

A special thanks goes out to Dalton; the following thesis statements and topic sentences were inspired by your Truman Show notes and thesis rough drafts.

The fire from F451 and the water from The Truman Show initially represent fear but ultimately symbolize freedom, representing that we can only achieve true freedom by conquering the very boundary that terrorizes us.

Topic sentence #1: The elements of fire and water in F451 and The Truman Show confine the protagonists and show how fear often stems from repression.

Topic sentence #2: Ultimately, the boundaries of fire and water in F451 and The Truman Show melt into the medium that conveys the protagonists to freedom, proving that individual and societal freedom can only be obtained by facing and overcoming fear.

In both F451 and The Truman Show, the societies suffer from control, but they ultimately crumble, revealing that a good society can’t sustain itself while under oppression.

Topic sentence #1: The societies in both F451 and The Truman Show are populated by zombies rendered soulless by oppression, showing that excessive control leads to dystopia.

Topic sentence #2: To rise from their own ashes, the societies in both F451 and The Truman Show must first crumble because a powerful society must be one in which the people themselves are empowered, not weakened by oppression.

3. Revising your topic sentences and seeking the best examples to complete your outline:

Thesis: In both F451 and The Truman Show, the societies suffer from control, but they ultimately crumble, revealing that a good society can’t sustain itself while under oppression.

Topic sentence #1: The societies in both F451 and The Truman Show are populated by zombies rendered soulless by oppression, showing that excessive control leads to dystopia.

a. F451: "He saw himself in her eyes, suspended in two shining drops of bright water, himself dark and tiny" (Bradbury 7). The word "suspended" conjures an image of repression, and he's starting to realize what makes him "dark and tiny" in this society--his inability to think, to create, etc.

b. The Truman Show: Truman's repetition of the phrase "Good morning! And in case I don't see you..good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight." Every day is the same...even Truman's lines are cliched and scripted. There's no heart in what he says to others.

Topic sentence #2: To rise from their own ashes, the societies in both F451 and The Truman Show must first crumble because a powerful society must be one in which the people themselves are empowered, not weakened by oppression.

a. F451: "And in that instant [he] saw the city, instead of the bombs, in the air. They had displaced each other. For another of those impossible instants the city stood, rebuilt and unrecognizable, taller than it had ever hoped or strived to be..." (Bradbury 160) The city is described as "taller than it had ever hoped...to be" not only because it is literally exploding in the air but because its very destruction is its only hope for being great, for regaining its soul once again.

b. The Truman Show: After Truman walks through the exit door in the film's final scene, one of the show's producers, but NOT Cristof says, "Cease transmission." The show going off the air is similar to the society in F451 being destroyed by bombs; in order for Truman to live a fulfilling life, the fake world that oppresses him must come to an end. Interesting that it's someone else, not Cristof who ultimately turns the show off, as though the power and control has been completely stripped away from his hands.

HW:
1. Please complete your outline by class tomorrow; you will NOT have class time tomorrow to work on your outline.  You do not need to create a separate document or print it; the outline can just be at the end of your Truman Show notes

2. Continue considering which book you want to read for your book film club; the completed, signed proposal is due this Monday, April 21 (NOT April 28; there is a typo on the handout).

3. Work on your book talk if you have not delivered yours yet.

4. Meet in the Forum on Friday for a scheduling extravaganza.  

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 15, 2014

Focus: How do we lay the organizational groundwork for a synthesis essay?


1. Warming up: Introducing you to book clubs!  Overview, letter, and time to browse

Click here for a list of upstanding books made into upstanding films.
Click here for a student-generated list.
Click here for a list of books recently made into films.


2. Google sharing your thesis statements and getting peer feedback:

Is it clear (well-worded and easy to understand)?
Is it specific (mentions specific characters, symbols, titles, and problems/solutions)?
Is it debatable (makes an argument instead of merely summarizing what happens)?
Is it provable (can be backed up by examples from both texts)?


3. Putting your thesis to work in your outline; composing topic sentences


HW:
1. Continue working on outline; completed outline is due this Thursday at the beginning of class.

2. Start thinking about which book you want to read for your book club.

3. Prepare for your book talk if you haven't delivered yours yet.

4. Meet in the Forum this Friday for a scheduling extravaganza.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 14, 2014

Focus: How do we close read a film, and what larger meanings can we take from The Truman Show?


1. Warm-up: Close reading two scenes from The Truman Show

Some close reading questions to jump start your thinking...

Why is Truman looking a mirror?
How are his drawing and speech symbolic?
How is this moment significant to the film as a whole?

What might the water (and the storm) symbolize?
What might the boat symbolize?
How does this scene reflect an important change in Truman?
What do you think is the most significant moment in this scene and why?
What does Christof represent?

Why do you think the writer of this film named the protagonist "Truman"?
Why do you think Bradbury named his protagonist "Guy"?


2. Impromptu fishbowl discussion of The Truman Show (15-20 min)


3. Composing a rough thesis that draws together The Truman Show and Fahrenheit 451

Some samples...

Character analysis:
Both Guy from F451 and Truman from The Truman Show share the heroic traits of ________ and _________, revealing that a true hero must ___________________________.

Both Clarisse from F451 and Sylvia from The Truman Show spark the main characters to realize ________________ and _______________, showing that _________________________.

Problem - Solution:
In both F451 and The Truman Show, the societies suffer from _________________, but they ultimately _______________________, revealing that _____________________________.

In both F451 and The Truman Show, the protagonists struggle to ____________________, but they eventually succeed in _________________________, revealing that _______________________.

Symbols:
The ____________ from F451 symbolizes _______________________, while the ___________ from The Truman Show represents _______________________, both symbols suggesting that _______________________________.


HW:
1. Form three different versions of a thesis statement using Google docs and share them with me by 10 pm tonight.

2. Bring F451 to class tomorrow so that you can start gathering quotations.

3. Meet in the Forum this Friday, April 18 for scheduling fun.

4. Remaining book talks speeches are this Wednesday and Thursday.

Helpful website for spelling the director's and the characters' names correctly: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/fullcredits

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 11, 2014

Focus: To what extent is our "reality" real?

1. Warming up...
1st hour: Two book talks
3rd hour: No warm-up (we're too behind in the film)
6th hour: Close reading a scene

2. Watching The Truman Show

3. Finishing your notes by adding the following...

a. Take a look at your character descriptions.  Which minor character (any character besides Truman) was the most important to Truman's heroic journey and why?

b. Take a look at your symbols/motifs.  Which object carried the most symbolic weight and why? What does it symbolize to Truman? To Cristoff? How did its meaning shift a little throughout the film?

c. Reread your questions.  Pick two questions that seem important to understanding the film as a whole and respond to them thoroughly.

d. Examine the connections you made to Fahrenheit 451. Which one is the most revealing/intriguing/important?  Type a few sentences in which you really explore and expand upon this connection; be as specific as possible.

HW:
1. Work on your book talk.

2. Before Monday, please respond to the following statement:

Cristoff asserts in an interview that "We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented."  Do you agree with him? Is our world like Truman's?  In other words, is our reality manufactured or fictionalized in a way, as Truman's is? Are we passive recipients in or creative architects of our own reality?  

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 10, 2014

Focus: To what extent is our "reality" real?

1. Updating you on Sam's cath:

2. Warming up with a round of book talks!

3. Discussing what you're noticing and questioning so far in The Truman Show

4. Watching The Truman Show

HW:
1. Prepare for your book talks if you have not given yours.

2. Add to your Truman Show notes if necessary.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 9, 2014

Focus: To what extent is our "reality" real?

Shortened Class: PLC

1. Warming up: Say hello to Mr. Rosenberg and recap the expectations for your Truman Show notes:

Your document should be called "___________ (your last name) Truman Show Notes" and needs to be shared with me directly at kleclaire@lps.k12.co.us

This document will eventually be worth 40 points in the growth category.

Include the following categories in your notes:

a. Characters: Names, personality traits, clothes, things they say

b. Motifs/symbols: Specific objects that seem symbolic, what they might represent, and how they change throughout the film

c. Questions: Level 1, 2, and 3 questions; try to answer them at the end of the film

d. Connections to Fahrenheit 451: Be specific and original (these will form the backbone of your essay)

2. Watching The Truman Show and taking notes

Note: Please keep track of where you stopped watching the movie today.

HW:
1. Add to your Truman Show notes.

2. Work on your book talk.

3. If you're interested in what's happening with Sam, feel free to check out our family blog.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 8, 2014

Focus: To what extent is our reality "real"?

1st hour: You finally have a new seating chart!
All hours: Please turn in your final observation charts if you did not do so yesterday.

1. Warming up with an important announcement and a new round of book talks!

2. Explaining how to set up your notes for The Truman Show

Please start a new document called "___________ (your last name) Truman Show Notes" and share it with me directly at kleclaire@lps.k12.co.us

This document will eventually be worth 40 points in the growth category.

Include the following categories in your notes:

a. Characters: Names, personality traits, clothes, things they say

b. Motifs/symbols: Specific objects that seem symbolic, what they might represent, and how they change throughout the film

c. Questions: Level 1, 2, and 3 questions; try to answer them at the end of the film

d. Connections to Fahrenheit 451: Be specific and original (these will form the backbone of your essay)

3. Watching The Truman Show

HW:
Add to your Truman Show notes (once again, please make sure they're shared with me directly).

Work on your book talk if you have not delivered it yet.

If you'd like to know what's going on with Sam, feel free to follow our family blog (also linked to class website).

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 7, 2014

Focus: What aspects of our society is Bradbury warning us about?

1. Warming up: Questioning so called "reality" TV

Viewing a quick clip on The Hunger Games and how "reality" TV affects our lives

Brainstorming a few concepts together...

a. What is reality TV?

b. What types/genres of reality TV have you noticed?

c. To what extent is reality TV real, and to what extent is it fake?

d. Why do you think reality TV has become so popular? Why do we watch it?

e. In Fahrenheit 451, how does TV fictionalize the end of Montag's chase?  Why?

For ideas, please peruse this article on reality TV.


2. Enjoying our final fishbowl together: The ending of Fahrenheit 451

3. Wrapping up: What is your big takeaway from this novel?

HW:
1. If you have never seen The Truman Show, please watch the trailer by clicking HERE.

2. Work on your book talk.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 4, 2014

Focus: What does reading do for our brains?

1. Enjoying our next round of book talks!

2. Reading your independent book or the final pages of F451

OR....

Reading some articles that connect (closely or loosely) to what we've been talking about lately:

Inertia, Obedience, and Faith

An Education...in which I Bash Traditional Schooling

Your High School Transcript Could Haunt You Forever 

Harvard's Looking for a Wikipedian in Residence

Why Parents Need To Let Their Children Fail

HW:

1. Finish reading F451 for our final fishbowl on MONDAY and fill in your final observation chart.  Try to use your observation chart to draw larger conclusions about the book...how does it end and why? What lesson is Bradbury trying to teach us?  What warnings should we heed?  Do you think the ending is effective?

Click HERE for an observation chart (I neglected to make copies--my apologies). Please print this on your own before class on Monday.  If you're having printer issues, please share the document with me directly and make sure your name is in the title.

2. Work on your book talk if you are delivering it next Tuesday or Thursday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 3, 2014

Focus: What larger patterns are coming clear in F451?

1. Warming up: Designing your ideal playground, comparing it to today's vanilla playgrounds, and reading about "The Overprotected Kid"

Before you read...

• Design your ideal playground (sketch it or describe it in words).  Create it from bottom to top, starting with what the ground would be made of, what the playground itself would be made of, what equipment it would have (if any equipment at all), how tall it would be, what colors it would have, etc.

• How do think your playground compares to playgrounds today?

As you skim the article, please respond to these questions in your notes...

• What is "The Land," and what makes it unique?

• What's happened to our playgrounds over the years and why?

• What is problematic about today's playgrounds?

After you read...

• What connections can you make between this article and F451?

2. Enjoying F451 Fishbowl #6: Pages 102-139

3. Wrapping up

HW:
1. Bring F451 or your independent reading book to class tomorrow for 20-30 minutes of reading time.

2. Work on your book talk if you have not given your book talk yet.

3. Finish F451 and your final yellow observation chart for Monday.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 2, 2014

Focus: What major shifts are you noticing in Fahrenheit 451?

1. Warming up: Enjoying a round of book talks

2. Tackling the biggest reading assignment of the semester: F451, pages 102-139

Note: Today could be a big win-win situation for you.  Not only do you get time to do your homework, but you get 10 points just for being focused on your reading in class today.

HW:
1. Finish reading pages of 102-139 of F451 and complete the other side of your yellow observation chart (which you will be turning in tomorrow).  Get ready for a big fishbowl!

2. No vocabulary quiz this week.  Just keep up with Fahrenheit 451.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: April 1, 2014

Focus: What larger patterns are you starting to notice in Fahrenheit 451? What is starting to shift?

1. Warming up with an artistic approach to "Dover Beach"

As you listen to the poem being read, sketch the details that stand out most to you.  

Pick any THREE images and write down what you think each symbolizes and why.

For each of those three images, make a thoughtful connection back to a symbol, motif, moment, or idea from Fahrenheit 451.

2. Enjoying F451 Fishbowl 5: Pages 80-102

3. Wrapping up

HW: 
1. Bring your yellow vocabulary packets to class tomorrow for review of words 16-30 (quiz this Friday). --NOPE!  VOCABULARY QUIZ IS CANCELLED THIS WEEK.

2. Bring your copy of F451 and your yellow chart; since the reading assignment for Thursday is very heavy, you will have at least 30 minutes of reading time tomorrow in class.

3. Start on Thursday's reading assignment, which includes pages 102-139.  Yeah!

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 31

Focus: What are the components of the society in Fahrenheit 451?

1. Warming up: Creating a recipe for the society of Fahrenheit 451; click HERE for directions.

2. Cleverly unraveling the poem you're about to meet in F451: "Dover Beach"

a. Tell me the story of each stanza. In other words, put each stanza into your own words.

b. Tell me everything you know about the poem's speaker.

c. Find an important metaphor and explain it to me carefully (what is being compared to what and why?).

d. Find three images, each appealing to a different sense, and explain what they contribute to the poem.

e. Describe what you think is the poem's tone. Defend your response with two details from the poem.

f. Identify what you see as an important shift in the poem, and explain the nature of the shift.

g. Find one important allusion in the poem. Look up that allusion, and explain why the poem might make this particular allusion. In other words, what does it contribute to the poem.

h. Explain one of the poem's motifs, supporting your response with two details from the poem.

i. Explore two sound devices in this poem and explain what larger idea they help reveal (ex: alliteration, assonance, rhyme, euphony, cacophony, etc.).

j. What do you think its the poem's theme? In other words, what lesson is it trying to teach us?

k. Of all the poems in the entire world, why might Bradbury include this one in F451? (You will be coming across it in tonight's reading). In other words, how does this theme of this poem overlap with the ideas in F451?

l. Ask one good level 3 question that pertains to this poem.

(P.S. This is a contest.  The best poetry explication gets a prize.)

3. If time allows, reading Fahrenheit 451

HW:
1. Prepare for tomorrow's fishbowl discussion by reading pages 80-102; fill out one side of your new observation chart.

2. Work on your book talk.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 21, 2014

Focus: How can we improve our understanding of F451 through vocabulary and other reading strategies?

Assembly: Shortened class today

1. Warming up with a little independent vocabulary review

2. Acing the Fahrenheit 451 vocabulary quiz over words 1-15

3. Reading either Fahrenheit 451 (and I have new yellow charts for you) or your banned/dystopian book

4. Listening to book talks

HW:
1. Have a good spring break.  You've earned it.

2. On Tuesday, we will have a fishbowl discussion over pages 80-102; please read these pages for Tuesday and fill out one side on a new yellow chart.

3. Some of you are giving book talks on the Wednesday and Friday after spring break.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 20, 2014

Focus: What is happiness, and why is it lacking in Fahrenheit 451?

1. Warming up with a professional speech about happiness:

• What is the speaker's attention grabber (how does he open his speech)?

• What is his claim?  In other words, what point is he trying to make?

• How was his speech organized?  In other words, what were his topics?

• How did he use the slides projected to the audience?

• Which details in his speech (images, phrases, word choices, etc.) appeal to ethos, logos, and pathos?

2. Fahrenheit 451 Fishbowl #4: Pages 63-80

3. Wrapping up: Responding to our focus question

HW:
1. Bring either F451 or a bannned/dystopian independent reading book to class tomorrow (remember that I need a parent signature).

2. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz over words 1-15.

3. Work on your book talk.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 19, 2014

Focus: What does our future look like, according to Bradbury, and what new words do we need to learn to understand Fahrenheit 451?

1. Warming up: Watching the "Best Vacation Ever" and reading "Texting Your Teens to Dinner"

• As you watch and read, try to make at least one specific connection to the characters and society of F451.

• In your opinion, can technology be a good way to bring your family together?  Or does it create distance?

2. Introducing the first 15 F451 words and entering them in quizlet.com; then pelting each other with vocabulary snowballs for words 1-15 in F451

(Winner, winner, chicken dinner--you get an extra point on Friday's vocabulary quiz)

3. Taking some good old fashioned quality time to read F451 aloud together and ask questions

HW:
1. For tomorrow, please prepare for fishbowl discussion by finishing pages 63-80 in Fahrenheit 451 and completing the other side of your yellow observation chart/reading journal.

2. Remember that this Friday will be your quiz over words 1-15; start studying tonight.

3. Start thinking about which option you're going to take for Friday reading time; if you want to start reading your banned/dystopian novel on Friday, go ahead and bring it along with your signed proposal.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 18, 2014

Focus: What does our future look like, according to Bradbury?

1. Warming up: Considering what you'd like to read on Fridays...

Option 1: Catch up/get ahead in Fahrenheit 451

Option 2: Select a banned book to read; click HERE for the letter to your parents and a list of popular banned books.

Option 3: Select a dystopian novel to read; click HERE for the letter to your parents, but click HERE for a list of popular dystopian novels (you'll need to scroll down just a little).


2. Enjoying Fahrenheit 451 Fishbowl #3: Pages 40-63

3. Wrapping up

HW:
1. For Thursday, please prepare for fishbowl discussion by reading pages 63-80 in Fahrenheit 451 and completing the other side of your yellow observation chart/reading journal.

2. Please bring your yellow F451 vocabulary packet to class tomorrow for a little vocab. review (remember that this Friday will be your quiz over words 1-15).

3. Start thinking about which option you're going to take for Friday reading time; if you want to start reading your banned/dystopian novel on Friday, go ahead and bring it along with your signed proposal.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 17, 2014

Focus: What are the qualities of an effective speech?

Please make sure you get signed up for a book talk.

1. Warming up: Exploring a few definitions of logos, ethos, and pathos

2. Exploring the detailed overview of your book talks (if you don't have your green packet, please click HERE), particularly the part in which you address logos, ethos, and pathos

3. Watching a professional speech and discussing how the speaker uses the three appeals

• What is his attention grabber (how does he open his speech)?

• What is his claim?  In other words, what point is he trying to make?

• How was his speech organized?  In other words, what were his topics?

• How did he use the slides projected to the audience?

• Which details in his speech (images, phrases, word choices, etc.) appeal to ethos, logos, and pathos?

4. If time allows, starting to work on your own book talk

5. Distributing vocabulary packets (they're yellow this week because they are from F451)

HW:

1. Please read pages 41-63 in F451 and complete one side of your yellow observation chart/reading journal by tomorrow (Tuesday).

2. Work on your book talk and be ready to go on your presentation date.

3. This Friday we will have a vocabulary quiz over F451 words 1 through 15 ("abstracted" through "fold").

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 14, 2014

Focus: How are we going to improve our presentations skills through book talks?

Congrats on finishing TCAP!

1. Taking a little time to review SAT Lists 11-15 on your own

2. Acing the SAT 11-15 quiz (if you did not do so last week)

3. Explaining and working on your book talk (please see green packet given out two weeks ago; it's also linked right HERE)

4. Signing up for presentations (Connor, Michael S, Hobey, Collin, Bryan, Luke, Paul, Danny, Carter, Alex, and Eli may sign up first because of their consistent punctuality)

First hour: Imposing the new tardy policy

HW:
1. By Tuesday, please read through page 63 and complete one side of your new yellow observation chart/reading journal (now linked to the class website in case you'd rather type).

2. Continue working on your book talk and be prepared to present on your assigned date.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 12, 2014

Focus: Are we on the path that Bradbury is projecting in Fahrenheit 451?

TCAP : Very, very shortened class today!

Starting a new document in your F451 folder: A Glimpse of Our Society Through Commercials

As you watch each commercial, consider what it reflects about our society and/or how it connects our society to that of F451.  Type your reflections for any THREE of these commercials.

Netflix
More Netflix
Playstation (watching this one is optional)
Jimmy John's 
Radio Shack
iPad
Best Buy 
Wii
Gogurt
Campbell's
Prozac 

HW:
1. Remember that if you did not take the SAT vocabulary quiz last Friday, you will be taking it this Friday.

2. Finish reading your memoir and bring it to class on Friday along with your green packet.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 11, 2014

Focus: What does our future look like, according to Bradbury?

TCAP: Shortened Class

1. Warming up: Perusing your fishbowl grades from yesterday and explaining what they mean

If you were a leader...
In the mastery category, you have a syllabus grade (30 points).  I'm looking for thought-provoking questions, thematic categories, incorporation of quotations, and professionalism.

Also in the mastery category, you have a facilitation grade (10 points).

9 or 10: You posed questions, you listened actively to people's comments, you helped speed up or slow down the conversation when necessary, and you discussed topics as well.

7 or 8: You posed questions, but you didn't really jump in much to move things along.  You didn't discuss much or at all, and you didn't always demonstrate that you were listening.

1-6: You were actually taking away from the quality of the conversation, either through irrelevant comments, side conversations, or other somewhat disrespectful behavior.  I did not get the sense that you had completed the reading.

0: You were either absent on your leadership day or you didn't contribute at all.

If you were on the outer circle...
In the growth category, you have a blogging grade (10 points).

Perfect 10: You commented thoughtfully and consistently from the beginning of the discussion to the end, and you incorporated at least one quotation from the book into one of your comments.

9: You commented thoughtfully and consistently from the beginning of the discussion to the end, using proper grammar and demonstrating that you completed the reading.  You perhaps forgot to include a quotation.

7-8: You had a few solid comments, but you either disappeared for part of the discussion, or you neglected proper grammar, or you had a comment or two that just didn't say much (ex: "I agree.").

1-6: You were having some issues, friend.  Perhaps you were having a side conversation, or listening to music, or doing other homework, or you disappeared from the blog for a significant part of the discussion.  Or perhaps you were posting distracting, irrelevant comments.

0: You did not post any comments.

Note: If you get into a hotseat and contribute thoughtfully, your grade is automatically elevated by one point.

If you were a discusser, you have a grade in the growth category (10 points).

Perfect 10: You elevated the conversation to new levels, reading passages aloud, bringing in historical context, looking up words, and/or approaching the text from a unique angle.

8 or 9: You commented thoughtfully and consistently. I could tell that you read the assigned pages thoughtfully.

6 or 7: The jury is out on whether or not you actually did the reading.  Your comments were somewhat vague or inconsistent.

1-5: You brought shame on the fishbowl.  

0: You were absent on the day you signed up to be a discusser and never made it up.


2. Enjoying our second fishbowl discussion: F451, pages 28-30


HW:
1. If you did not take the quiz last week on SAT lists 11-15, be prepared to take it this Friday.

2. Bring your memoir independent reading book and your green packet to class on Friday.

3. Catch up with F451 if you have fallen a bit behind.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 10, 2014

Focus: What does our future look like, according to Bradbury?

1. Exploring your thoughts on censorship: Agree, disagree, unsure (while you're working on this, I'm going to check out your yellow observation charts)

2. Quickly reviewing fishbowl expectations

3. Diving into the world of F451 together with our first fishbowl: Pages 3-28

HW:
1. Our next fishbowl discussion is already upon us tomorrow (Tuesday) if you're in my 1st or 3rd hour class; if you're in my 6th hour, you have until Thursday.  

2. Please read pages 28-40 in F451 and fill out the back of your observation chart.

3. TCAP reminders:

a. Bring a book to read, but leave your blue bookmark at home.

b. Leave your cell phones in your lockers.

c. Long constructed response: Start with an introductory paragraph, follow with 2-3 body paragraphs, then end with a conclusion.  Show them that you know how to write.  Bring in specific examples, and use up as much of the space as you can.

d. Short constructed response: Start with a thesis/topic sentence, bring in specific examples, and use up as much of the space as you can.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 6, 2014

Focus: How can we become better readers, especially with a text as tough as F451?

Remember to turn in your Midsummer essays by 3:00 today, please.  It must be a printed, clean copy.

1. Warming up: Taking five minutes to review vocabulary, look over old quizzes, and ask questions

2. (Optional): Acing the SAT vocabulary test, Lists 11-15.  Remember that if you choose not to take the test today, you must take it next Friday.  We will not be dedicating any more time in class to review, so it will be up to you to review on your own.

3. Reading your memoirs (you have one week left to finish them)

4. Going back into the world of Fahrenheit 451 and figuring out Bradbury's world; use your yellow observation charts to help yourself.

HW:
1. Turn in your Midsummer essays by 3:00 today (clean, printed copy).

2. Read through page 28 in F451 and complete the front side of your yellow observation sheet by Monday; leaders and discussers for Monday's fishbowl should be ready to go.

3. Memoir reading

(4. If you'd like to revise your memoir, please e-mail me to set up a conference.)

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 5, 2014

Focus: What does it mean to be a "good reader," especially when the text is as challenging as F451 is?

1. Warming up: Reviewing Lists 11-15 so that you can ace tomorrow's vocabulary test

____________________ was startled when he woke up and saw....

2. Returning your reading charts from last week, explaining your grades, and giving you an opportunity to improve

3. Reading the first pages of Fahrenheit 451 together and starting to work on your observation chart

4. Double checking your fishbowl dates

HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary test on SAT lists 11-15

2. Bring to class your memoir and the green packet that I gave out last Friday.

3. By Monday, finish reading through page 28 in Fahrenheit 451 and complete the front side of your yellow observation chart.

4. Remember that tomorrow (Thursday) 3:00 pm is the final deadline for your Midsummer essays.

We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: March 4, 2014

Focus: What does our future look like?


Early birds: Turn in those essays and give yourself a star (literally).

1. Warm-up: Exploring your thoughts on competition and "equality"

Agree, disagree, unsure: State your stance and give two good, specific reasons/pieces of evidence.

a. We shouldn't keep score at kids' sports games (kids = age ten and under).

b. All high school teams should include a team from which no one gets cut.

c. On every team, every kid should get to play every position.

d. We should treat everyone equally.

2. Reviewing fishbowl expectations and enjoying a 20 minute impromptu fishbowl discussion of the statements above and of "Harrison Bergeron"

3. Signing up for leader and discusser dates for the F451 fishbowls

(4. Diving into the world of F451 together with your blue bookmarks)

HW:
1. Continue reading and annotating through page ___ in F451 (annotate by filling out the reading journal given in class).

2. The final deadline for your essay is this Thursday, March 6. No late work will be accepted after this point.

3. We will be reviewing Lists 11-15 in class tomorrow to prepare you for Thursday's cumulative test over all SAT words covered this semester.