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