Hello Observers...
Thanks for taking the time to observe the blog. I hope this information is helpful and allows you to feel successful. Please meet your due dates and deadlines - see below. You are responsible for your attendance and participation.
Office Hours - Wednesday after school. If you need to meet at an alternative time - please ask.
Poetry Club - Weds. @ lunch
Additional Credit:
Symposium Involvement -attend Poetry Club
Lyrical Exchange - Queen Bee's in N.Park on Tues @ 8:30 pm
Poets Meet Poets III is in the works....stay tuned for details
Open House at Saans Lena Studio - Sunday 3/9 from 11-2. Come by the
studio! Tell friends and family. There will be a sign in sheet, food,
activities, and a raffle!
*** TED TALK Redemption Opportunity
* For Monday 2/24 - Have your typed TT Analysis with you on your desk when class starts. Make sure it meets the standards of what was presented to you on Friday. You will earn partial credit.
Monday
* SWT - Letter- Begin writing a series of letters to a "friend" - feel free to imitate Charlie's style...
* Continue reading selections from "Perks of Being a Wallflower"
You will work in small groups. Please read, take notes, and discuss themes/content/and style. Be sure to take notes and share your ideas and insight. This will help you with both the upcoming Socratic and your own written analysis.
Tuesday
* SWT - Letter
* "Perks of Being a Wallflower" - Begin Film
Take notes - compare/contrast to readings, characters, dialogue, script, tone/mood, etc..
Wednesday
* SWT - Letter
* Continue film - PBW
Notes - see above
Thursday
* SWT - Letter
* "Perks..." - writer/director and cast interview
Notes - Note perspective, adaption, and artistry
Friday
* TED Talks - Inspirational Texts. Be ready to present
* WW Cipher
* Authors Chair
*** Spring Slam Group/WRG submissions due - Teams will consist of FOUR members
*** Proposals due for alternative writing/work study instead of Spring Slam participation
*** Failure to do either and you will be placed in a group
DUE NEXT WEEK - Your letters will be submitted next week - date TBD (with additional letters you will write next week). All letters must be typed, multiple paragraphs, and publishable. Include dates and format which imitates Charlie's style (please highlight these style choices to make it very clear). Indicate ONE specific letter that you want read.
Participate, Observe - whatever your perk...somehow find a way to get involved.
Have a good week.
Samakosky
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Week #4 - The Perks of Being....Infinite
Hello Seniors!
Are you active or passive? An introvert or an extrovert? When you think back on your years in high school are you happy with your participation or do you believe you could have been more involved? What are the advantages/disadvantages of observation? What are the advantages/disadvantages of participation? We will be discussing, writing, and exploring these themes (and more) as we delve into Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower".
As with our previous unit this semester - this will require class attendance, participation, discussion, and in-class work completion. In order to assure your achievement - I would suggest you get your own copy of the for-mentioned novel - you can find it online, at a bookstore, at the library. We will have classroom readings available - but you will not be able to annotate or take them home. Below you will see our selected readings.
We will be noting Chbosky' style and writing choices. We will also work with the film adaptation of the book, interviews with the cast and writer/director, as well as assess some of the lyrics to some of Charlie's favorite songs. We will culminate this unit with a healthy Socratic discussion - you will want to use your notes, texts,and insight to guarantee your success.
Extra Credit Opportunities:
* Tuesday - Lyrical Exchange - Queen Bees in North Park @ 8:30 pm
* Turn in your Villanelle and allow Photography to use it? Do thisby Weds. and get additional credit
* Poetry Club - Weds @ lunch - Participate in the Spoken Word Poetry symposium. Your participation can/will assure you an A or B for the semester. Make sure to attend poetry club this Weds for more information.
* Poets Meet Poets III is in the works....stay tuned for details
* Open House at Saans Lena Studio - Sunday 3/9 from 11-2. Come by the studio! Tell friends and family. There will be a sign in sheet, food, activities, and a raffle!
Tuesday
* Anticipatory Guide
* Sacred Writing Time -See initial Q's in opening blog paragraph
* "PBW" - Pages 2-13 - note style, voice, tone....Who is Charlie?
* "PBW" -Trailer - What emotions does the clip convey?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQPhbA1luzw
Wednesday
* SWT
* "PBW" - pages 14-18
* Charlie's Letter as Mentor Text - note/examine language choice, dialogue, style
Thursday
* SWT
* "PBW" - Pages 28-39
* Notes - authenticity, voice, themes characters,
Friday
* Inspirational Texts - TED Talks - random selections....if you want to present right away please come to class on Tues/Weds with an index card that has your name, your TED Talk name/presenter, and a note that lets me know you are ready to present.
* Authors Chair - present your independent writing
* WW Cipher
Please work hard and be prepared for high level critical thinking and discussion. We will also preview guidelines for our upcoming Spring Spoken Word Slam....team selections, expectations, and writing response groups! Office hours are Wednesday after school. Come by if you have any questions or concerns. You have 14 weeks left in your high school career....make these days count!
"and in that moment, I swear we were infinite..."
Samakosky
Are you active or passive? An introvert or an extrovert? When you think back on your years in high school are you happy with your participation or do you believe you could have been more involved? What are the advantages/disadvantages of observation? What are the advantages/disadvantages of participation? We will be discussing, writing, and exploring these themes (and more) as we delve into Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower".
As with our previous unit this semester - this will require class attendance, participation, discussion, and in-class work completion. In order to assure your achievement - I would suggest you get your own copy of the for-mentioned novel - you can find it online, at a bookstore, at the library. We will have classroom readings available - but you will not be able to annotate or take them home. Below you will see our selected readings.
We will be noting Chbosky' style and writing choices. We will also work with the film adaptation of the book, interviews with the cast and writer/director, as well as assess some of the lyrics to some of Charlie's favorite songs. We will culminate this unit with a healthy Socratic discussion - you will want to use your notes, texts,and insight to guarantee your success.
Extra Credit Opportunities:
* Tuesday - Lyrical Exchange - Queen Bees in North Park @ 8:30 pm
* Turn in your Villanelle and allow Photography to use it? Do thisby Weds. and get additional credit
* Poetry Club - Weds @ lunch - Participate in the Spoken Word Poetry symposium. Your participation can/will assure you an A or B for the semester. Make sure to attend poetry club this Weds for more information.
* Poets Meet Poets III is in the works....stay tuned for details
* Open House at Saans Lena Studio - Sunday 3/9 from 11-2. Come by the studio! Tell friends and family. There will be a sign in sheet, food, activities, and a raffle!
Tuesday
* Anticipatory Guide
* Sacred Writing Time -See initial Q's in opening blog paragraph
* "PBW" - Pages 2-13 - note style, voice, tone....Who is Charlie?
* "PBW" -Trailer - What emotions does the clip convey?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQPhbA1luzw
Wednesday
* SWT
* "PBW" - pages 14-18
* Charlie's Letter as Mentor Text - note/examine language choice, dialogue, style
Thursday
* SWT
* "PBW" - Pages 28-39
* Notes - authenticity, voice, themes characters,
Friday
* Inspirational Texts - TED Talks - random selections....if you want to present right away please come to class on Tues/Weds with an index card that has your name, your TED Talk name/presenter, and a note that lets me know you are ready to present.
* Authors Chair - present your independent writing
* WW Cipher
Please work hard and be prepared for high level critical thinking and discussion. We will also preview guidelines for our upcoming Spring Spoken Word Slam....team selections, expectations, and writing response groups! Office hours are Wednesday after school. Come by if you have any questions or concerns. You have 14 weeks left in your high school career....make these days count!
"and in that moment, I swear we were infinite..."
Samakosky
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Week #3 - Valentines Week, Writing, Workshops, and a Whole Lotta Love....
Dear Seniors!
Valentine's Week is upon us. We will be writing and work-shopping in class during our FOUR day work week. Please note that there will not be a lot of homework - so your efforts in class, participation, and attendance are crucial to your success. Please join in, find your voice, have fun, and take some risks with your writing.
Opportunities this week:
SD Poetry Slam - Monday @ Queen Bees @ 8 pm
Lyrical Exchange - Tuesday @ Queen Bees @ 8:30
Submit a poem for photography. Please ask for more info - easy extra credit points.
Office Hours are this Weds after school. Please let me know if you have any concerns.
Here is our tentative schedule.
Monday
*Valentine Villanelle's - We will revisit this poetic form to write poems for our loved ones, friends, crushes, pets, etc....
* Plan on using a portion of this assignment for your Valentine...you can also use your writing for our in-class Valentine's celebration on Thursday and/or Author's Chair
Tuesday
* Freaks and Geeks - Boyfriends and Girlfriends
* Reflect on this episode - themes, characters, writing. Turn this in by Thursday. This is not a mandatory assignment. It can/will only help you.
Wednesday
* Workshop with Nashona from ourmommieshands.org
* Feel free to visit her website in advance or "like" her Facebook page
* Today's workshop is Day 1 - Nashona will join us again to complete our writing activities
Thursday
* Valentine's Day Celebration - We're going old school! Bring valentines, poems, writing, candy, chocolate, sweets for your friends and classmates!
* Author's Chair - share your Villanelle or any other writing of your choice...
* Sing Along Jams!
* WW Cipher - V Day Edition
Have a fun week! Work hard! Write on!
Samakosky
Valentine's Week is upon us. We will be writing and work-shopping in class during our FOUR day work week. Please note that there will not be a lot of homework - so your efforts in class, participation, and attendance are crucial to your success. Please join in, find your voice, have fun, and take some risks with your writing.
Opportunities this week:
SD Poetry Slam - Monday @ Queen Bees @ 8 pm
Lyrical Exchange - Tuesday @ Queen Bees @ 8:30
Submit a poem for photography. Please ask for more info - easy extra credit points.
Office Hours are this Weds after school. Please let me know if you have any concerns.
Here is our tentative schedule.
Monday
*Valentine Villanelle's - We will revisit this poetic form to write poems for our loved ones, friends, crushes, pets, etc....
* Plan on using a portion of this assignment for your Valentine...you can also use your writing for our in-class Valentine's celebration on Thursday and/or Author's Chair
Tuesday
* Freaks and Geeks - Boyfriends and Girlfriends
* Reflect on this episode - themes, characters, writing. Turn this in by Thursday. This is not a mandatory assignment. It can/will only help you.
Wednesday
* Workshop with Nashona from ourmommieshands.org
* Feel free to visit her website in advance or "like" her Facebook page
* Today's workshop is Day 1 - Nashona will join us again to complete our writing activities
Thursday
* Valentine's Day Celebration - We're going old school! Bring valentines, poems, writing, candy, chocolate, sweets for your friends and classmates!
* Author's Chair - share your Villanelle or any other writing of your choice...
* Sing Along Jams!
* WW Cipher - V Day Edition
Have a fun week! Work hard! Write on!
Samakosky
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Week #2 - How do different writers in different genres differ stylistically when all still exploring the same/similar themes?
Hello Seniors!
This is an important week. Make sure you are keeping all of your resources, taking notes, and spending some time organizing your thoughts. We will continue to explore how different writers purposefully make decisions that affect the way readers interpret their work and words. You can learn a lot from these writers and I hope I get to see you trying on these different styles in the future.
This week your grade is dependent upon your participation during class - specifically Weds/Thurs Socratic Seminar.
On Friday you will have an in-class writing assignment (open note) which will ask you to synthesize all of the work we have been doing. Your own creative and unique analysis will be assessed as a test grade. Make sure you are prepared.
Office Hours - Weds after school. If you would like some help with your organization for Friday's writing assignment - please attend office hours.
Poetry Club - Weds @ lunch
Extra Credit Opportunity - Poets Meet Poets - this SATURDAY from 10-1 - right here at PLHS in room 854. Bring a friend!
* Guest poets include: Imani Cezane, Matt Cuban, Preston Clark, Jordan Hamilton, Glassless Minds, and more!
Here is this weeks tentative schedule:
Monday
* Finish "Notes" from "The Things They Carried" - you should check out your own book to use for notes/comments/discussion
* Video Clip - Vietnam Ambush
* "Facing It' - poem activity - read/annotate for devices and purpose
Tuesday
* "Facing It" - poem activity - read/annotate for devices and purpose
* Video Clip discussion
Weds/Thurs
* Socratic Discussion - be prepared with notes/resources/handouts
* Failure to attend or participate will affect your grade
Friday
* In Class Writing Assignment - see prompt Q below. Be prepared. Open Notes
Your participation is key this week. I look forward to seeing you think critically. I look forward to seeing you write with purpose, citing evidence, and making solid connections between all of the sources we are using. Please use the overarching question below to help guide you along.
Be Good.
Samakosky
Overarching
Question we are Exploring:
How do
different writers in different genres differ stylistically when all still
exploring the same/similar themes of war? (ie: loss, death, loyalty,
brotherhood, innocence, longing, (dis)connection, aftermath, PTSD)
Sources
Anticipatory guide
Goodnight Saigon – Billy Joel
Tim O’Brien – Transrcipt (style)
Obama – State of Union
Speaking of Courage - O' Brien
Notes – O’Brien
Jordan Hamilton
Facing it – poem
Film Clip – Soldier AmbushSocratic Seminar
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