Semester Two - Week One 1/30/12

Hello Sophomores!

Thanks for checking in.  Grades are just about done. They will be posted tomorrow.  I am adjusting accordingly and adding extra credit for those of you who were clever enough to do so.

Opportunities this week:
Author's Chair this Friday - Room for THREE.  Sign up.  First come first serve.  Best of Semester 1.
Bring in a box of tissues - 5 points per box.  5 box maximum.
Poetry Club on Wednedays - Get 5 points per week extra credit for attending (and maybe sharing).

Please be ready for a brand new semester tomorrow.
*You will need a neat binder with notebook, writing tools (pens/pencils/highlighters), and your planner.
*Please have your independent reading choice (I suggested "Night" by Elie Wiesel). 
You will be reading on Mondays/Thursdays and thus establishing our twice a week reading time. 
Please get your credit.
* CAHSEE review will occur weekly. Do Nows will be centered around review twice a week.

Expect new seats, and in an in-class activity (Cultural Symbol Reflections)
to bring analysis to real life - let's have some purpose before we delve into our new reading selections.
You will be expected to write about your chosen topic (we will go over all of this) on Tuesday.

Let's get this semester off to a great start.  This week will allow you to be successful if you try hard and take advantage of the opportunities given to you.

Monday - Independent Reading/Cultural Symbol ReflectionActivity/Welcome back
Tuesday - In-class writing/handout
Wednesday -Text "The Interlopers" - Read/annotate/questions - independently
Thursday - Independent Reading/ "The Interlopers" - reading quiz and fishbowl discussion
Friday - Midterm Review/Class folders/Author's Chair

*Plans are subject to change depending on allotted time.

There will be office hours and tutoring on Tuesday 1/31 for anyone who has questions or concerns.

Please check back mid-week for any updates.

Be good.

Samakosky

Week #17 - The Calm Before the Final...

Hey! Student!

First semester...where did you go?

Hope all is well with you.  Review sessions are on.  Today we covered and reviewed Memoir and related terms.  Friday 1/20 - we will revisit Expository/Informational text.  Monday is Poetry. Tuesday will be close with Literary Analysis.  We will also throw some Drama terms and related vocabulary in their as well.

After school Finals study session on Tuesday 1/24 - Office Hours/Tutoring
(I will be around on Monday (1/23) afternoon as well if this suits your schedule better than Tuesday.

Finals Schedule:
Weds. 1/25 - Per. 3, 6
Thurs. 1/26 - Per. 1,4
Fri. 1/27 - Per. 2,7

Due Tomorrow (Friday 1/20) - Song Analysis w/annotated lyrics
Due on the day of your final - Lit Analysis for "Exile" - 5 paragraphs, 12 pt, double spaced,
*Use your texts, graphic organizers, TWIST, notes, etc...
*Show that you have acquired these skills! Proofread your work....please.

Goodreads Deadline - Tuesday 1/24 at midnight. Two reviews must be posted.  Do not bother posting reviews that are not original.  Do not jeopardize your semester grade.  I am l ooking for honest reflection.  If you have posted reviews and have not had it approved by me - please email me and let me know.

It has been a great semester.  Look for updates next week.  Grades are influx - so please be patient.  Most of us know what our grades are because we know the effort we have given.  Come and speak with me if you have specific concerns.

Be good. Study hard.

Samakosky

Week #17 - Four Day Work Week

Good Day Sophomore!

Thanks kindly for checking in.  Many of you are communicating and discussing important aspects of the classwork and your grade as the semester twists to it's final two weeks.  There will be Office Hours/Tutoring tomorrow (Tuesday 1/17) - please make sure to clear up any concerns you may have.

You will get your midterm study guide on Wednesday. You should be reviewing these terms EVERY night until your final.  We will begin reviewing in class on Thursday.

Here is a brief breakdown of the week.


Tuesday - You will need your choice of song lyrics/poem for tomorrow.  Please come prepared to annotate and TWIST.  You will work independently and will then work with a partner.  You will explain, ask questions, discuss, and interpret.  You may even allow each other to listen to each others selection.  This is a fun activity and it really allows us to put the TWIST methodology to work in a real life situation, responding analytically and authentically to a writer's work.  Let's have fun with this.  Please come prepared.  You WILL NOT be allowed to print your selection in class.

Wednesday - Return to "Exile" - Let's build on our opening paragraphs.  Some will work to improve their initial introductions, while others will begin providing body paragraphs with specific text examples that support and indicate the intentions of the writer. This includes specific word choices, imagery, and stylistic components which allude to tone and theme.  You will use your annotations, notes, and resources to assist you.

Thursday - Continue to work with "Exile".
* We will also begin to review for our midterm.  Expect to revisit Memoir today!

Friday - Finish body paragraphs/conclusion to "Exile" - Literary Analysis completion.
* Midterm review continued.  Expect to work with Expository/Informational text today!

Homework will be announced daily.  Please be sure to write everything down.  You can check back to the blog mid-week for further updates or changes.

*Goodreads - deadline is 1/24 @ midnight to have TWO reviews posted that meet checklist/sample guidelines.  Please see your classmates posts and the handout your were given to meet requirement.

Grades are always being updated and if you are concerned about your current status - please come and speak with me so we can make sure it is accurate.

Have a good week. Work hard.  Play hard.

Samakosky

Week #16 - Weds. Update

Hello to you!

Today was awesome!  Great conversation and insight into SO many aspects of tone, word choice, imagery, and style....all leading to theme.  Pico would be proud.

For tonight - please complete the "WWC" Pico Iyer packet. This includes the questions and the graphic guide.  Some of you have amazing annotations and may not need the guide.  If you think that I will ask you to see it - it means that I think you need it - so make a smart decision. 

Also, you need to do a one paragraph intro to a "would-be" analysis of the piece.  This means that if I were to ask you to write a multiple paragraph response - this would be your opening paragraph.  Located below is a template.  Free free to use it if need be.  If you are feeling very confident, then do your own thing!  I will be checking you work and efforts at the door tomorrow. Get down on it!

Tomorrow and Friday we will look at a poem called "Exile" by poet Julia Alvarez tomorrow. You will be expected to use these methods and skills to continue to identify how writers show aspects of culture in various forms of literature.

I will update the blog again this weekend.  You need to do your TWO reviews on Goodreads by 1/24 at midnight.  Please make sure to do this in an honest and authentic fashion.  It is very easy to see unoriginal thought and last minute efforts - you will be assessed a such.

Expect a study guide next week, as well as some review sessions leading up to the midterm.

Be the process!

Samakosky

Personal Response

In “_________ (text Title) ______________________” by ___________________________, the poet addresses/explores/discusses the topic of ____________________________________.    Using ____(literary device) _________, the author helps the reader to understand/discover/visualize the theme of _____________________________________________. For example, line(s) __________, read “__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.”  In other words,______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.  The author is suggesting to the reader that _________________________________________________.

Week #16 - 1/9/12

Hello to you!

Thanks for checking in.  You always know what is going on in class when you check the blog.  Here is to a positive week, more skill building, critical thinking, and interacting with our curriculum in the most genuine of ways.  Please be involved and do your work.  Set the right tone for the class and our expectations as a reading and writing community.

Monday - 1/9

* We will view each others poems and participate in our gallery walk.  We will use the TWIST method to offer insight and feedback to our classmates.  Please be ready to interact.

* We will also read the short essay "Where Worlds Collide".  We will use the TWIST method to note how author Pico Iyer, makes a statement about identity and immigration culture.  This is a piece that features plenty of examples and is accesible to all readers.  You will read and annotate for discussion on Wednesday 1/11.

* Literary Terms handout.  You will need to know these for the final.

Tuesday - 1/10

* Gear Up activity in the library.  Please meet in the back of the library and be on time.  

Wednesday

* Resume discussion, questions, notes, and TWIST for the essay "Where Worlds Collide".

* Introduction of SASFAT method to further note author purpose and stylistic device

* Be prepared to begin response analysis for "Where Worlds Collide".

Thursday/Friday - To Be Determined.  Please check the blog on Wednesday for additional updates.

Tutoring/Office Hours:  Tuesday after school.  This is the time to get assistance, inquire about grades, use classroom resources, or to get ahead.  Please take advantage of this time as the semester is coming to and end.  Your concerns at the last minute should not be mine.  I am continuing to update grades at a pace that accommodates my schedule - if you want specific information you must approach me at the appropriate time.

Midterm Dates:

Wed. Jan 25 periods 3&6

Thurs. Jan 26 periods 1&4

Fri.   Jan 27 periods   2&7

You will receive a study guide with information and terms you will need to know for the midterm.  We will also be reviewing in class in the days leading up the test.

Have a good week.  Be involved.  Be present.

Samakosky

Week #15 - Midweek Update - 1/4/12

Hello to you!

Here we are - back at!  We are just getting going on our Response to Literature Unit. Here is some information for you.

You should have completed your Concrete Culture handout - page 2 in your NB
You should also have set up your NB and Table of Contents so that you can stay organized.
Get on Goodreads and make your status current.  Also post your review(s) - two must be done by the week of Finals - week of 1/23.

Tonight's HW - Read and annotate the poem.  Analyze it using the TWIST method - use your handout and fill it in completely.  Complete he brainstorm questionairre to get ideas, words, images, etc...that you canuse fo r your own "Where I'm From" poem. This poem will be due on Friday and must be typed.  See student examples for format, ideas, and expectation.

Thursday - you can expect for us to work more with the TWIST method.  You will work with a partner.

Friday - Poems are due.  We will have a gallery walk. 

Extra Credit is due on Monday.  No late work is accepted.  See previous posts for the link.

Please stay focused and get help if you need it.  Finals are approaching quickly (Week of 1/23).  Your work ethic, effort, and attitude can really help you in these last few weeks before grades close.  It really is up to you.

Be good. Work Hard.  I will update the blog again this weekend.  Next week will build on this week - so follow along!

Samakosky

Week #15 - Happy New Year!

Hello!

Welcome to 2012!  I hope you are well and rested and ready to close out the first semester of your sophomore year of high school!  The following is a quick introduction to our Response to Literature Unit.  This week we will be introducing and discussing culture and identity.  This will include how author's use voice and literary devices to illustrate cultural perspective   Get ready for a interactive and fun week.  You will have an assignment due on Friday - please use your time well.

Response to Literature - Culture and Identity.

When you think of culture, do you think of your country, your heritage, your ethnicity, your community, or maybe the sports teams for which you play? Perhaps you think of things you eat, how you dress, things you value, or how you communicate. All of these elements are a part of culture.

Cultural identification is one way you create a sense of self in the world. Cultural background and experiences create a perspective from which you understand yourself, others, and the world. Each of us belongs to different and often overlapping groups and subcultures that shape and influence our perceptions of the world around us.

Authors of literary and nonfiction texts express voices that reflect the subcultures and cultures to which they belong as they grapple with stereotypes and engage in thoughtful conversations about the relationships between self, society, and the world.

Voice is the unique style by which we express our identity in speaking and writing. Voice conveys attitude, personality, and experiences. We all have many voices that are influenced by the cultures with which we identify. Since language is the primary means by which writers share their perspectives and create a distinctive cultural voice, a deep understanding of diction, syntax, imagery, symbol, and tone enhances your ability to analyze the voices expressed by others and create your own distinctive voice in writing. As you begin to consider how your own voice is shaped by your cultural identities and personal experiences, you will be better able to make stylistic and language choices that express your distinctive voice.

In this unit you will consider how an author uses their voice to make a statement about their identity and culture and consider how culture has influenced their perspective. Specifically, you will analyze a text for structure and style to analyze the statement about the values and behavior of the group the author is writing about.

Homework: Due on Friday 1/6/12


What is your culture and how does it influence how you see the world? 
Choose at least 3 subcultures to focus on. Create your own "Where I am from" poem.
You will receive the poem with handouts/examples on Wednesday.
Other mediums for project work can and will be honored (ie: songs, imovies, poster, etc) - Come and speak with me if you have a unique idea. 

Tutoring/Office Hours will continue to be held on Tuesday afternoons.  Please attend if you have any concerns.  

Please continue to read indpendently and to update your reviews and status on Goodreads. 

Be good.

Samakosky