Week #12 - Welcome Back!

Hello Sophomore!

Here we are - three more weeks together in 2011!  Pretty amazing!  Let's work hard to make sure we are continuing to build our critical reading and writing skills.  Next we will be exploring our Drama Unit.

Independent Reading Projects are due on Monday 12/5.  Gallery Walk and small group discussion will follow.  Please be ready to discuss your book without telling everything.  This is a time for you to reflect and to recommend (or not recommend) selections to classmates.

We will also be back in our WRG's next week.  You will have to bring a piece of your own writing to discuss and to get feedback on.  This is FREE CHOICE.  You may bring poems, songs, memoirs, stories, Do Nows.  The idea is that you are trying to make an existing piece of your writing much better based on stylistic devices and reader connection. 

What will be your NEXT reading selection?  You will need to let me know before Winter Break.  Expect an on-line sign-up.

This is what you can expect this week:

Monday - Do Now - Highlights of T-Giving Break/Your end-of-the-year thoughts...

You will get your copy of "12 Angry Men" - as well as an activity packet.  We will begin to explore ideas and themes we will learn while we read this famous play.

Tuesday -  Activities/Discussion concerning our play.

Wednesday - "12 Angry Men" - Act One - Related Questions due on Friday

Thursday - Independent Reading.  Take the time to read and finish your independent reading related to your project due on Monday.  Use this time well.  If you are done - you may work on any TAM ("12 Angry Men") assignments.

Friday - HW due - TAM Act One Questions

Activities/Discussion for TAM Act One - We will begin Act Two.

All TAM readings will have related video clips to allow all of us to have access to this play.  We will use a variety of different strategies to make sure all of us are involved with the play.  If you are asked to read - the expectation is that you really commit to your part in the play.

Here are the Essential Questions we will be acknowledging each and every day during our Drama Unit:

How does conflict lead to change?

What happens when basic human rights are denied to a group of people?

How will I stand up for what I value/believe?

How do I handle others' points of view?

How do I determine when taking social action is appropriate?

Do the ends ever justify the means?

How does one stand up for what is “right” even in the face of opposition?

Why did Reginald Rose feel compelled to expose the potential for injustice among the jury?

Why did the author choose not to name the jurors? 

What role does judgment play in the outcome of the story? 

Why do some people need to be forced to recognize their own vices to treat others fairly?

How can the reader determine if justice has been served?

This is a seriously fun, but quick unit.  If you miss class - you will miss out on key readings and discussions.

12 Week Grades will close on Tuesday 12/6.  This is ONLY a progress report.

I am still imputing grades from previous assignments - so please be patient.  Come and speak with me on YOUR time if you are worried and we can take care of any concerns that you may have.

Office Hours are on Tuesdays after school.

Here is to a good week.

Work hard!

Samakosky