Fri. Dec. 19, 2014: The Lottery

Today, we finished watching the sequel "The Lottery." I then discussed some of the themes that appeared in the story:
* Human sacrifice
* scapegoaing
* bandwagon
* Why did all have to participate
* Who was the nicest person in the story (written)?

All of your short story active readings and quesions had to be in today. They will be returned when you come back. We will then work on an essay using them.

Tues. Dec. 16-19: Short Story completion/prep

Students have been given all the information they need to actively read and answer questions on the following short stories:
"Miss Brill"
"The Rocking-Horse Winner"
"The Lottery"

These active readings and answers to questions (as indicated) are due by the end of class on Friday. In addition, you will watch visuals on these and also work on your final project (the independent novel study is due on Monday, January 5).

Mon. Dec. 15: "Miss Brill" and "The Lottery"

Today, we viewed "Miss Brill" on YouTube. I then explained that you need to complete three assignments in order to get a full mark for this unit: "Miss Brill," "the Rocking-Horse Winner," and "The Lottery." This includes answering questions and actively reading each one. I then handed out the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson for you to read actively. If you were not here, I have put this in your portfolio. It can also be found as a reading on line (just Google it with the word "reading").

Thurs. Dec 11 and Fri. Dec. 12: "Miss Brill"

You were given the short story "Miss Brill" to read actively. Once this was done (and shown as completed) you were given the questions to answer on a separate sheet of paper. These are due at the start of class on Monday.

Wed. Dec. 10, 2014:" Rocking-Horse Winner" Cont.

Today, you were given class time to finish up your answers to the questions for "The Rocking-Horse Winner." You were then instructed to hand your answers as well as your active reading of the story itself. If you finished early, you were to work on your independent novel study. The projects are due on January 5.

Tues. Dec. 9, 2014: Rocking Horse Cont.

Today, we viewed "The Rocking-Horse Winner" on UTube. If you were not here, do so (1976 version). Notice the differences between it and D.H. Lawrence's version.
I will allow time tomorrow to work on the questions (make sure the story is actively read).

Mon. Dec. 8, 2014: "The Rocking-Horse Winner" Discussion

Today, we discussed the short story "The Rocking-Horse Winner." I provided you with Powerpoint notes on theme, stylistic devices and plot.
Students who had completed their homework were given the questions to answer. Others will get the questions once they demonstrate that the story has been actively read.

Fri. Dec. 5, 2014: "The Destructors" Discussion

Today, we discussed the short story "The Destructors" by Graham Greene. If you were not here, the story and information about it can be found online. If you were not here, I also am providing you with questions to answer as you missed the discussion. These are in your portfolio.
You were also given a copy of the short story "The Rocking-Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence to read this weekend.

Thurs. Dec. 4, 2014: "Paul's Case" Discussion

Today, we discussed the short story "Paul's Case," by Willa Cather. The focus was on personality. If you were not here, you need to see me for notes. If you were not here for the reading, Google it (it is online).
I then handed out the short story "The Destructors" by Graham Greene. You are to read this for tomorrow's class.
If you were not here, you can find the story online by Googling it.

Tues. Dec. 2, 2014: Short Story Intro. and "Paul's Case"

Today, I gave you a handout about the elements of a short story (review). I then explained that you will be reading five short stories before the holidays and listed them for you. They are as follows:

"Paul's Case" by Willa Cather
"The Destructors" by Graham Greene
"The Rocking-Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence
"Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

I then introduced the background information on "Paul's Case." The students were then given a copy of it to read actively. They will get additional time tomorrow.

Students were reminded to bring their independent novels to class for tomorrow.

Mon. Dec. 1, 2014: Final Discussion and Draft Reading

Today, I discussed the final with the students and informed them of what is still left to accomplish before the end of the term (Hamlet; short story/poetry comprehension; independent novel study assignment).
The final will consist of at least three readings (a draft, a poem and a short story). Students will be expected to be able to apply conventions to these, as well as literary devices and demonstrate comprehension skills. In addition to these readings, students will be creating two written responses: a full essay on one source and another essay utilizing three sources. We will be discussing these as we progress through this period before the holidays.
Today, students were given a draft reading with questions to complete. I then spoke to each student individually about their progress. If you were not here, this activity is in your portfolio.

Fri. Nov. 28, 2014: Writing Class

Today was the last day given to complete the revisions on your essay. They were due at the end of class, but I extended the deadline to the end of the day.