Hey there!
Many of you put a great deal of effort into your literary analysis assessments. This was a tough unit that asked us to be very formatted and academic, writing for a specific purpose and audience. I am proud of your improvements and you will be graded accordingly.
We are now gearing up for the CAHSEE - March 13th and 14th. We will review a little bit each day, practicing skills and strategies that will allow you to tackle this test with confidence and ease. Please participate in class and gauge your understanding of the types of questions you will be asked.
We will be viewing the documentary "Slamnation" this week. This is an awesome film that documents the spoken word movement that began in Chicago in the mid-nineties. You WILL love this movie, the poets, the poems, and the themes related. The film does contain some language - however it is not rated. If this is a problem - please let me know and we will find an alternative assignment.
You can expect to try writing some spoken work on your own and with classmates!
This film is meant to inspire and bring us back to center as creative writers and thinkers. We will dabble with some poetry until the CAHSEE...we will then transition into our debate and argument unit. We will revisit poetry come May and June with our own in-class Slam tournament! More to follow.
Reminder!
* Goodreads Book Review due THIS SUNDAY. Must be on time and must follow the checklist to receive full credit.
* Poetry Club on Wednesdays - Get some extra points for attending
* Six-week grades close on Friday 3/9
Stay focused on the tasks at hand.
Samakosky
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Week # 5 Update
Hello Sophomore!
Tomorrow - Monday 2/27
We will complete our Literary Analysis for the short story "The Bracelet". This is a test grade to assess your understanding of literary devices, thesis, format, and language conventions.
Please check the blog for continued updates and due dates this week this week.
Independent Reading will be on Tues and Thurs of this week. Please be prepared with your book. If you are done - you should have with you your next reading selection. Goodreads updates are due on or before Sunday.
Have a good week.
Samakosky
Tomorrow - Monday 2/27
We will complete our Literary Analysis for the short story "The Bracelet". This is a test grade to assess your understanding of literary devices, thesis, format, and language conventions.
Please check the blog for continued updates and due dates this week this week.
Independent Reading will be on Tues and Thurs of this week. Please be prepared with your book. If you are done - you should have with you your next reading selection. Goodreads updates are due on or before Sunday.
Have a good week.
Samakosky
Monday, February 20, 2012
Week #4 - Write On!
Hello Sophomore!
You are on top of it for checking in. This week will not be a mystery to you and now you can plan accordingly for success. Stay ahead and get the assistance you need.
Independent Reading this week is on Tuesday and Thursday.
I have been reading through your Cultural Analysis and finishing up your Interlopers Analysis. I expect to return those to you at the end of the week. Grades are being updated accordingly. If you are concerned - please come speak with me at the appropriate time.
Here is the week's tentative schedule:
Tuesday -
1. Independent Reading - Have your book with you
2. Literary Analysis 'War" - Laptops
* Introduction paragraphs - Sharing of quality writing, academic language
* Body Paragraphs - Take notes on topic sentences, transitional language, see example
* Write!
Wednesday - WRG
1. Literary Analysis "War" - Laptops
* Conclusion -Using academic language, restating thesis, finishing strong, see example
2. WRG - You will have the opportunity to get feedback from your peers. Ideas? Directions? Usage of academic language. Write On!
Thursday - Lit. Analysis "War" - due today!
1. Independent Reading - Have your book with you to receive participation credit
2. Write, Reread, Revise, Improve your draft.
3. Due by the end of the period.
4. Print in class!
Friday - Literary Analysis Unit Test
1. In-class read and write.
2. You will receive a short story to read and annotate. You will then provide a written analysis that resembles the same format we will have just completed for the story "War". With this in mind - please work hard to gain the skill set needed to do this assessment properly and individually. This is very indicative of what is expected of you on the CAHSEE.
Important Dates:
* Tuesday 2/21 - Tutoring/Office Hours/Literary Analysis Workshop - 2:15 p.m.
Come get all the assistance you need in order to do well on your writing/test this week!
* 6 week semester grades close on 3/9
* Goodreads Review is due 3/4
* CAHSEE - 3/13 and 3/14. CAHSEE review session begin on Monday 2/27.
Please continue to work hard and advocate for yourself. You are being assessed always for your class contribution, participation, and work ethic.
Be good.
Samakosky
You are on top of it for checking in. This week will not be a mystery to you and now you can plan accordingly for success. Stay ahead and get the assistance you need.
Independent Reading this week is on Tuesday and Thursday.
I have been reading through your Cultural Analysis and finishing up your Interlopers Analysis. I expect to return those to you at the end of the week. Grades are being updated accordingly. If you are concerned - please come speak with me at the appropriate time.
Here is the week's tentative schedule:
Tuesday -
1. Independent Reading - Have your book with you
2. Literary Analysis 'War" - Laptops
* Introduction paragraphs - Sharing of quality writing, academic language
* Body Paragraphs - Take notes on topic sentences, transitional language, see example
* Write!
Wednesday - WRG
1. Literary Analysis "War" - Laptops
* Conclusion -Using academic language, restating thesis, finishing strong, see example
2. WRG - You will have the opportunity to get feedback from your peers. Ideas? Directions? Usage of academic language. Write On!
Thursday - Lit. Analysis "War" - due today!
1. Independent Reading - Have your book with you to receive participation credit
2. Write, Reread, Revise, Improve your draft.
3. Due by the end of the period.
4. Print in class!
Friday - Literary Analysis Unit Test
1. In-class read and write.
2. You will receive a short story to read and annotate. You will then provide a written analysis that resembles the same format we will have just completed for the story "War". With this in mind - please work hard to gain the skill set needed to do this assessment properly and individually. This is very indicative of what is expected of you on the CAHSEE.
Important Dates:
* Tuesday 2/21 - Tutoring/Office Hours/Literary Analysis Workshop - 2:15 p.m.
Come get all the assistance you need in order to do well on your writing/test this week!
* 6 week semester grades close on 3/9
* Goodreads Review is due 3/4
* CAHSEE - 3/13 and 3/14. CAHSEE review session begin on Monday 2/27.
Please continue to work hard and advocate for yourself. You are being assessed always for your class contribution, participation, and work ethic.
Be good.
Samakosky
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Week #3 - War...What Is It Good For?
Hello to you!
Thanks for checking in! Here's the 411 on this week.
Monday
1. Independent Reading. Have your book. No book no credit = participation
2. Continue our "slow ride" through "War" - we will continue our reread/annotation for chunking and setting/characterization context and diction. Our goal: How does Pirandello tell this story and how does his use of setting and characterization (narrative devices) contribute to the text's purpose and themes.
3. "War" - Packet - Complete handouts - Compare/Contrast Characters and Setting.
Tuesday
1. Reread/Annotate "War" for symbolism, irony, tone, and stylistic devices
2. "War" - Packet - Complete Handout - Enrichment: Consolation
3. Work Check - Packet activities.
Wednesday/Thursday
1. Literary Analysis - Intro Paragraphs, Thesis Statements, and Body Paragraphs
2. We will use the laptops in class - come prepared to write! You can use all of your annotations, notes, handouts!
3. Thursday = Independent Reading. Have your book.
Due Dates: Cultural Analysis Due on Thursday.
Analysis Workshop during Office Hours on Tuesday 2/14.
Come get the assistance you need! If you need help with your comprehension of War or any related assignments - please come speak with me.
*Make up work/quizzes - Office Hours or Advisory. Take care of missed assignments.
"War" Analysis will be due on Thursday 2/23
Literary Analysis Unit Assessment will be in class on Friday 2/24.
Goodreads review - deadline is 3/4
No school on Friday 2/17 and Monday 2/20
6 Week Grades close on 3/9
Be Good.
Samakosky
Thanks for checking in! Here's the 411 on this week.
Monday
1. Independent Reading. Have your book. No book no credit = participation
2. Continue our "slow ride" through "War" - we will continue our reread/annotation for chunking and setting/characterization context and diction. Our goal: How does Pirandello tell this story and how does his use of setting and characterization (narrative devices) contribute to the text's purpose and themes.
3. "War" - Packet - Complete handouts - Compare/Contrast Characters and Setting.
Tuesday
1. Reread/Annotate "War" for symbolism, irony, tone, and stylistic devices
2. "War" - Packet - Complete Handout - Enrichment: Consolation
3. Work Check - Packet activities.
Wednesday/Thursday
1. Literary Analysis - Intro Paragraphs, Thesis Statements, and Body Paragraphs
2. We will use the laptops in class - come prepared to write! You can use all of your annotations, notes, handouts!
3. Thursday = Independent Reading. Have your book.
Due Dates: Cultural Analysis Due on Thursday.
Analysis Workshop during Office Hours on Tuesday 2/14.
Come get the assistance you need! If you need help with your comprehension of War or any related assignments - please come speak with me.
*Make up work/quizzes - Office Hours or Advisory. Take care of missed assignments.
"War" Analysis will be due on Thursday 2/23
Literary Analysis Unit Assessment will be in class on Friday 2/24.
Goodreads review - deadline is 3/4
No school on Friday 2/17 and Monday 2/20
6 Week Grades close on 3/9
Be Good.
Samakosky
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Week #2 - HW for Weds 2/8 - Another Update To Ensure Your Success
Thanks for being on task today. I will score your "Interlopers" analysis and return them to you shortly. Please make good use of your time and get your work organized and done well.
For Wednesday
1. Read Pre-Reading A and B for "War" - complete the activities on the side of the selections. Do as follows and answer the questions in your NB. Please be neat and indicate the assignment and date.
2. First read "War" - annotate for plot, characterization, setting
3. Cultural Object/Practice Analysis - 2nd draft. Bring 5 typed copies for your WRG. Be sure to bring some questions and concerns. Did you follow the steps on the checklist? Is your writing error free?
If you are concerned or feel lost...please come and speak with me on your own time. Some of you are very in tune to what is going on and others seem to be checked out. Please know you and your efforts are being assessed all the time. Completing the work does not mean that you are doing it correct - writing and thinking is a continual process.
Samakosky
For Wednesday
1. Read Pre-Reading A and B for "War" - complete the activities on the side of the selections. Do as follows and answer the questions in your NB. Please be neat and indicate the assignment and date.
2. First read "War" - annotate for plot, characterization, setting
3. Cultural Object/Practice Analysis - 2nd draft. Bring 5 typed copies for your WRG. Be sure to bring some questions and concerns. Did you follow the steps on the checklist? Is your writing error free?
If you are concerned or feel lost...please come and speak with me on your own time. Some of you are very in tune to what is going on and others seem to be checked out. Please know you and your efforts are being assessed all the time. Completing the work does not mean that you are doing it correct - writing and thinking is a continual process.
Samakosky
Monday, February 6, 2012
Week #2 - Update for Tomorrow's Analysis
Dear Students,
Here are a few statements for you to consider for tomorrow's in-class writing prompt related to "The Interlopers". We discussed ONE possible theme and looked for examples, however some of you may feel compelled to state a different theme. This is fine as long as you can provide evidence.
1. How does the author use setting to create the mood in the story?
2. Describe setting. The story is set in …., a place that is described as
3. Describe feeling / mood Saki creates a very __________________ mood by using _____________ (what types of words does he use to create this feeling?)
4. Give an example of the setting and explain why it creates this mood. One example of this is …
5.The setting causes the characters to …(describe how this influences the character’s thoughts, actions, decisions).
I hope this is helpful to you. I will also provide you with an opening template if you need help getting started. We will continue to explore setting, characterization, mood, conflict, and irony with other the other two pieces that we will read. You will get a copy of the story "War" by Pirandello tomorrow. There are a number of related activities to help you along. This will be followed by an excerpt from "Night" by Elie Wiesel.
Please work hard and show that your are understanding these narrative devices and how author's use them to reveal theme. You can expect an additional update later on this week. Please be sure to check back in.
Be good.
Samakosky
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Week #2 - Super Week Intro Update
Hello Super Student!
I hope this note finds you well. Here is a quick update of what you can expect this week as we continue with our Literary Analysis and Short Story Unit.
I am very proud of the effort that most of us put in last week. Starting off the new semester correctly is what it is all about - hard work and most importantly attitude. It is all about the focus you bring into class each and every day. Your effort and want to improve is what I am assessing daily. Please continue to bring good vibes and influence one another in positive ways.
Tutoring/Office Hours continue! This Tuesday - after school.
Keeping it germ free! Bring in tissues (five box max per student) - get five points extra credit per box.
No School - Friday 2/17 and Monday 2/20 - Presidents Weekend.
Goodreads Book Review - due by 3/4
* Please continue to read on your own. Take advantage of our Mon/Thurs in class reading times. You must have your book with you to receive credit.
CAHSEE - 3/13 and 3/14 - Expect us to prepare big time!
Monday
1. Independent reading - 15 min.
2. "The Interlopers" - Finish fishbowl discussion - prepare for in-class analysis assessment. Prompt preview and discussion - take notes
3. Author's Chair Revisit - honoring and respecting student voice
Tuesday
1. In-class - "The Interlopers" assessment. This will be graded. You will be able to use the text and all notes/annotations/handouts to assist you. This should not take you more than 20 minutes.
2. Work independently on your 2nd draft for your Cultural Object/Practices/Development Analysis. Use the laptops, reread, revise, rewrite. (See checklist at the bottom of this blog) You may print your copies in class. Use your time well. Prepare for your Wednesday WRG session. Come with questions and purpose.
3. Read independently
HW - Read the story "War" by Pirandello. Annotate for plot, characterization, and setting
Wednesday
1. WRG - Draft and Revision for Cultural Object/Practices/Development Analysis - you will have another WRG to assess your revision process. Your final copy will be due on Thursday 2/15
2. "War" - Reading check quiz/discussion
HW - Reread "War" for author style, theme(s) and correlation to real life. What is Pirandello really stating about the human condition (theme) and how does he use the setting and characters to indicate this?
Thursday
1. "War" - Questions and Answers - handout. Work independently.
2. Independent Reading - 15 min - Make sure to have your book!
Friday
To Be Determined.
Please check the blog on Wednesday for further updates and deadlines. Some plans are subject to change. Please continue to do genuine work - this is the expectation to excel in our class.
Here is to a Super Week!
Samakosky
I hope this note finds you well. Here is a quick update of what you can expect this week as we continue with our Literary Analysis and Short Story Unit.
I am very proud of the effort that most of us put in last week. Starting off the new semester correctly is what it is all about - hard work and most importantly attitude. It is all about the focus you bring into class each and every day. Your effort and want to improve is what I am assessing daily. Please continue to bring good vibes and influence one another in positive ways.
Tutoring/Office Hours continue! This Tuesday - after school.
Keeping it germ free! Bring in tissues (five box max per student) - get five points extra credit per box.
No School - Friday 2/17 and Monday 2/20 - Presidents Weekend.
Goodreads Book Review - due by 3/4
* Please continue to read on your own. Take advantage of our Mon/Thurs in class reading times. You must have your book with you to receive credit.
CAHSEE - 3/13 and 3/14 - Expect us to prepare big time!
Monday
1. Independent reading - 15 min.
2. "The Interlopers" - Finish fishbowl discussion - prepare for in-class analysis assessment. Prompt preview and discussion - take notes
3. Author's Chair Revisit - honoring and respecting student voice
Tuesday
1. In-class - "The Interlopers" assessment. This will be graded. You will be able to use the text and all notes/annotations/handouts to assist you. This should not take you more than 20 minutes.
2. Work independently on your 2nd draft for your Cultural Object/Practices/Development Analysis. Use the laptops, reread, revise, rewrite. (See checklist at the bottom of this blog) You may print your copies in class. Use your time well. Prepare for your Wednesday WRG session. Come with questions and purpose.
3. Read independently
HW - Read the story "War" by Pirandello. Annotate for plot, characterization, and setting
Wednesday
1. WRG - Draft and Revision for Cultural Object/Practices/Development Analysis - you will have another WRG to assess your revision process. Your final copy will be due on Thursday 2/15
2. "War" - Reading check quiz/discussion
HW - Reread "War" for author style, theme(s) and correlation to real life. What is Pirandello really stating about the human condition (theme) and how does he use the setting and characters to indicate this?
Thursday
1. "War" - Questions and Answers - handout. Work independently.
2. Independent Reading - 15 min - Make sure to have your book!
Friday
To Be Determined.
Please check the blog on Wednesday for further updates and deadlines. Some plans are subject to change. Please continue to do genuine work - this is the expectation to excel in our class.
Here is to a Super Week!
Samakosky
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Semester Two - Week One 1/30/12 - Update
Good Day Sophomore!
Thanks for being responsible and checking in. I hope you are choosing to make smart decisions this semester. I apologize for being absent today (Wed. 2/1) and we will work accordingly to make sure everyone understands the assignments and knows what to do.
No one showed up for Office Hours/Tutoring on Tuesday and plenty of time was set aside to assist you in your writing and brainstorms for our advanced analysis. If you are having trouble - you need to take the time to learn the process. Please let me help you.
I do realize more time will be needed (plus plenty of revision) for your Cultural Object Analysis. Know that you will be given more time and will not be graded until your product is worthy of assessment. Everyone must show understanding and success! I want you to do well.
Thursday:
Independent Reading (15 min) - have your book
Reading Check - "The Interlopers" - Quiz ( Work Check - Anticipatory Guide) - Discussion
Cultural Object Analysis - continuation
Friday:
Folders - Keep your work. Dispose of unnecessary papers.
Author's Chair - Room for Three (Did you sign up!) Get some credit.
Cultural Object Analysis
"The Interlopers" - discussion, notes, analysis.
Please continue to read independently and update your Goodreads status. Book review deadline is 3/4. You will not get credit for reviews that are not authentically yours. You will not get credit for reviews that do not abide by the checklist.
Enjoy the weekend. Watch football. Be ready to work hard next week.
Office Hours/Tutoring - Tues. 2/7
Bring in a box of tissues for five pts extra credit!
Be good.
Samakosky
Thanks for being responsible and checking in. I hope you are choosing to make smart decisions this semester. I apologize for being absent today (Wed. 2/1) and we will work accordingly to make sure everyone understands the assignments and knows what to do.
No one showed up for Office Hours/Tutoring on Tuesday and plenty of time was set aside to assist you in your writing and brainstorms for our advanced analysis. If you are having trouble - you need to take the time to learn the process. Please let me help you.
I do realize more time will be needed (plus plenty of revision) for your Cultural Object Analysis. Know that you will be given more time and will not be graded until your product is worthy of assessment. Everyone must show understanding and success! I want you to do well.
Thursday:
Independent Reading (15 min) - have your book
Reading Check - "The Interlopers" - Quiz ( Work Check - Anticipatory Guide) - Discussion
Cultural Object Analysis - continuation
Friday:
Folders - Keep your work. Dispose of unnecessary papers.
Author's Chair - Room for Three (Did you sign up!) Get some credit.
Cultural Object Analysis
"The Interlopers" - discussion, notes, analysis.
Please continue to read independently and update your Goodreads status. Book review deadline is 3/4. You will not get credit for reviews that are not authentically yours. You will not get credit for reviews that do not abide by the checklist.
Enjoy the weekend. Watch football. Be ready to work hard next week.
Office Hours/Tutoring - Tues. 2/7
Bring in a box of tissues for five pts extra credit!
Be good.
Samakosky
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