Wednesday, June 7

Reminder: permission slips are due! 

Class took attendance in the classroom then traveled to the library to finish recording their podcasts.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, JUNE 8: Try to get your finished podcast to Mr. Brown's flash drive by the end of the block, so it can be archived.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects (essay and recording) are due AT THE START OF THE BLOCK.   If you were unable to get your podcast to Mr. Brown's flashdrive yesterday, share with Ms. Bishop and Mr. Brown by uploading it to your Google Drive and then sharing it with us.

(No permission slip? -1 point on project.  Students do NOT have to obtain permission, but they MUST bring in a signed form indicating one way or the other.)

Tuesday, June 6

Reminder: permission slips are due! 

Class took attendance in the classroom then traveled to the library to begin recording their podcasts.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8: Try to get your finished podcast to Mr. Brown's flash drive by the end of the block, so it can be archived.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects (essay and recording) are due AT THE START OF THE BLOCK.   If you were unable to get your podcast to Mr. Brown's flashdrive yesterday, share with Ms. Bishop and Mr. Brown by uploading it to your Google Drive and then sharing it with us.

(No permission slip? -1 point on project.  Students do NOT have to obtain permission, but they MUST bring in a signed form indicating one way or the other.)

Monday, June 5

Reminder: permission slips are due!  And any students who will not be in class on Friday, need to submit their podcasts by the end of class on THURSDAY so they will be available the next day.

Class took attendance in the classroom then traveled to the library to experiment with Garageband and other podcasting apps and/or to finish polishing their drafts.

We should be beginning recording tomorrow!

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, JUNE 2: Essays should be DONE.
MONDAY, JUNE 5: Permission slips handed in by today grant +1 extra credit on project.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects (essay and recording) are due AT THE START OF THE BLOCK (so they can be shared!). 

(No permission slip? -1 point on project.  Students do NOT have to obtain permission, but they MUST bring in a signed form indicating one way or the other.)

Friday, June 2

Listened to sample This I Believe essay.

Working in Google Docs, students continued work writing the script for their own This I Believe essays.
Ms. Bishop gave feedback as requested on student drafts.

NOTE: Students out on Friday should be sure to submit make-up journals in order to regain participation points.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, JUNE 2: Essays should be DONE.
MONDAY, JUNE 5: Permission slips handed in by today grant +1 extra credit on project.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects (essay and recording) are DUE. 

(No permission slip? -1 point on project.  Students do NOT have to obtain permission, but they MUST bring in a signed form indicating one way or the other.)

Thursday, June 1

Distributed voluntary summer reading lists for AP Literature and Composition

Distributed permission forms for podcasts. 
Listened to sample This I Believe essay.

Working in Google Docs, students continued work writing the script for their own This I Believe essays.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, JUNE 2: Essays should be DONE.
MONDAY, JUNE 5: Permission slips handed in by today grant +1 extra credit on project.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects (essay and recording) are DUE. 

(No permission slip? -1 point on project.  Students do NOT have to obtain permission, but they MUST bring in a signed form indicating one way or the other.)

Wednesday, May 31

Distributed Podcast rubrics.

Working in Google Docs, students continued work writing the script for their own This I Believe essays.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, JUNE 2: Essays should be DONE.
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects (essay and recording) are DUE. 

Tuesday, May 30

Students explored This I Believe podcasts, resources; began work on their own essays.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects.

Friday, May 26

This lesson taught by a sub in Ms. Bishop's absence.
Introduced This I Believe final projects, resources.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Final projects.

Thursday, May 25

Groups presented their projects; students submitted their accompanying essays.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Wednesday, May 24

Groups completed their projects; individual students completed their accompanying essays.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Tuesday, May 23

Groups continued researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Monday, May 22

Groups continued researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Friday, May 19

Groups continued researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Thursday, May 18

Groups continued researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Wednesday, May 17

Groups continued researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Tuesday, May 16

Make up essays.
Groups continued researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Monday, May 15

Groups continued researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Friday, May 12

Groups began researching and working on their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Thursday, May 11

Introduced "Fake News" and source reliability/bias project with short video by Dan and Dan on The Daily Mail.
Reviewed project and essay requirements and descriptions.
Reviewed resources available online and at the library to assist groups.
Announced extra credit option for timely return of textbooks (by end of next week!).

Groups began planning their projects.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 9: Junior class "This I Believe" projects.  

Wednesday, May 10

No class today; students taking the AP English Language and Composition exam.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.
THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 

Tuesday, May 9

This lesson taught by Mrs. Bidwell in Ms. Bishop's absence.
In the absence of the AP Calculus students, class continued watching Season 1 of Downton Abbey.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.
THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 

Monday, May 8

Returned scored elements of timed AP test.
Students used online calculators to estimate possible AP scores on Wednesday's test.
Groups checked in around their use of Friday's rubric to evaluate website reliability.
Groups discussed, charted news sources for quality and bias using library evaluation tool.
Distributed project descriptions for final project on "fake news" and/or media bias and reliability.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.
THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 

Friday, May 5

Visit to LRC for introduction to "Fake News" project work: students used rubric to evaluate website reliability.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.

THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 

Thursday, May 4

15 minute make-up period for missing test components.
Visit to LRC for introduction to "Fake News" project work.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.
THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 

Wednesday, May 3

Brief intro to Edwardian English inheritance laws among the aristocracy.
Began watching Downton Abbey.
(Tomorrow will begin with some time for making up missing test components, followed by a library visit to begin our orientation to the Final Project.)

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.
THURSDAY, May 25: Final projects due. 

Tuesday, May 2

Checked in around missing pieces of the AP practice test, allowing 15 minutes to finish the Argument prompt and other timed intervals for students needing to make up parts of the test.

Independent reading or study followed completing all missing work.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.

Monday, May 1

COLLECTED the rhetorical analysis essay of Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal."

Continued full AP practice test, finishing up the Argument prompt.

• Students absent today will have at least 15 minutes of time to complete this section of the test.
• Students absent Friday took this time to read and annotate the prompt for the Synthesis essay, and still have 25 minutes to complete the Argument prompt (TBA).
• Students absent Friday will also have an additional 17 minutes to work on their Multiple Choice section.

Students began work on AP Synthesis prompt; 15 minutes remain for this essay.
COLLECTED completed and incomplete tests; students will be given 15 minutes to work complete the Synthesis prompt tomorrow.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, May 10: 2017 AP English Language and Composition exam.

Friday, April 28

HOMEWORK: Read and annotate the 2015 Synthesis Prompt before Monday. (Students absent today will be able to pick up packet early Monday OR read in class before beginning essay on Monday.)

Reminder: Finish reading and annotating Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and write a rhetorical analysis essay for Monday, May 1. 

Continued full AP practice test, finishing up the Multiple Choice section. (Students absent today will have up to 17 minutes of time to complete this section of the test.)

Students began work on AP Argument prompt; 15 minutes remain for this essay.
COLLECTED completed and incomplete tests; students will be given 15--20 minutes to work on the Argument prompt before beginning the Synthesis essay on Monday.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, May 1: Rhetorical analysis essay on Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" due for a grade.

Thursday, April 27

Reminder: Finish reading and annotating Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and write a rhetorical analysis essay for Monday, May 1. 

Continued full AP practice test with Multiple Choice section.
COLLECTED completed and incomplete tests; students will have additional time tomorrow, up to the timed limit.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, May 1: Rhetorical analysis essay on Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" due for a grade.

Wednesday, April 26

Reminder: Finish reading and annotating Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and write a rhetorical analysis essay for Monday, May 1. 

Began full AP practice test with 2015 Essay 2 (Chavez/King). Timed.
COLLECTED completed essays.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, May 1: Rhetorical analysis essay on Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" due for a grade today.

Tuesday, April 25

Short class today due to early release schedule.
HOMEWORK: Finish reading and annotating Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and write a rhetorical analysis essay for Monday, May 1.

Students shared opening sentences from yesterday's rhetorical analysis with their groups; discussed strategy for the introduction to an AP essay.
COLLECTED the opening sentences. (Students absent yesterday do NOT submit this assignment.)


Introduced and distributed Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal." Discussed the complications of irony in archaic texts; began reading together.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, May 1: Rhetorical analysis essay on Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" due for a grade today.

Monday, April 24

HOMEWORK: Write the first 2--3 sentences of a rhetorical analysis essay based on the 2014 prompt. (Students absent today will NOT be required to submit this assignment.)

COLLECTED the do-over AP style argument essay on either "The Cave" or Machiavelli's "The Prince." 
Quick review of approaching a rhetorical analysis essay.
Read and annotated the 2014 AP Rhetorical Analysis essay on child labor.
Groups discussed purpose, tone and shifts in tone, and significant rhetorical strategies around diction and syntax.
Groups shared their insights with the class.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, April 24: The Do-over! AP style argument essay on either of the prompts listed yesterday ("The Cave" or Machiavelli on promises).  Will be collected for a grade!

Thursday, April 13

Homework: MONDAY, April 24: The Do-over! AP style argument essay on either of the prompts listed yesterday ("The Cave" or Machiavelli on promises).  Will be collected for a grade!
Watched and discussed "What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?" with an eye to rhetorical analysis.  Groups discussed audience, purpose, tone, syntax, and diction, and other strategies.
Groups reported back to the class as a whole.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, April 24: The Do-over! AP style argument essay on either of the prompts listed yesterday ("The Cave" or Machiavelli on promises).  Will be collected for a grade!

Wednesday, April 12

Homework: For Thursday, read and annotate "What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?" with an eye to rhetorical analysis.  Consider audience, purpose, tone, syntax, and diction, and other strategies as you read!

Students self-evaluated their AP argument essays from yesterday; groups gave feedback.

Ms. Bishop, in a fit of mercy not to be duplicated this year, allowed all students the chance to re-do their essays over vacation, and to submit them when they are representative of their best (not worst) work...

DUE DATES

MONDAY, April 24: The Do-over! AP style argument essay on either of the prompts listed yesterday ("The Cave" or Machiavelli on promises).  Will be collected for a grade!

Tuesday, April 11

Homework: For Wednesday, write an AP-style argument for or against either:

• Socrates' suggestion that the best rulers are reluctant philosopher kings: "the state whose prospective rulers come to their duties with the least enthusiasm is bound to have the best and most tranquil government," or
• Machiavelli's advice that "A wise ruler...cannot and should not keep his word when such an observance of faith would be to his disadvantage and when the reasons which made him promise are removed."  (For "rulers" consider substituting nations, and for promises, consider treaties with other nations.)

Whole class discussion of Plato's "The Myth of the Cave" the excerpt from Machiavelli's "The Prince."
COLLECTED paragraphs based on questions accompanying "The Prince."

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, April 12: AP style argument essay on either of the prompts listed above.

Monday, April 10

This class taught by a sub in Ms. Bishop's absence. 

Homework: For Tuesday, read and annotate excerpt from Machiavelli's "The Prince."  Write a journal entry on any of the seven questions that follow it.

Groups shared and discussed annotations on Plato's "The Myth of the Cave" and questions 2--5 following it.
Groups began reading and discussing Machiavelli excerpt.

DUE DATES

MONDAY,  April 10: Read and Annotate Plato's "The Myth of the Cave." 
TUESDAY, April 11: Read and annotate excerpt from Machiavelli's "The Prince."  Write a journal entry on any of the seven questions that follow it.

Friday, April 7

New Homework: For Monday: Read and Annotate Plato's "The Myth of the Cave." 

Homework check for yesterday's missing synthesis essays.
COLLECTED revised synthesis essays.

40 minute timed AP synthesis essay, to 2009 prompt on space exploration.

DUE DATES

MONDAY,  April 10: Read and Annotate Plato's "The Myth of the Cave."

Thursday, April 6

Homework check for yesterday's missing synthesis essays.
Groups wrapped up evaluating each member's 2013 (monuments) essay.

As groups finished work, members began working on revising their chosen synthesis essay, due Friday.
15 minute document review period for tomorrow's timed synthesis essay.
COLLECTED prompt and document packets.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY,  April 7: Choose stronger of the two AP Synthesis essays to revise and submit for a grade on Friday.  

Wednesday, April 5

HOMEWORK: Missing your synthesis essay to 2013 AP prompt yesterday?  Write it for tomorrow!
Groups wrapped up evaluating each member's 2014 (value of college) synthesis essay, using the Synthesis Essay Rubric and began evaluating each member's 2013 (monuments) essay.

As groups finished work, members began working on revising their chosen essay for Friday.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, April 5: 2013 Synthesis essay due!
FRIDAY,  April 7: Choose stronger of the two AP Synthesis essays to revise and submit for a grade on Friday.  

Tuesday, April 4

HOMEWORK: By tomorrow: write synthesis essay to 2013 AP prompt (on monuments).
Returned 2014 synthesis essays for group evaluation today.
Groups reported their consensus (or lack of consensus) regarding "Fight over Confederate Monuments Turns Ugly."
Reported the strongest arguments in support and in opposition to the group.

Groups began evaluating each member's 2014 (value of college) synthesis essay, using the Synthesis Essay Rubric; gave specific feedback regarding each indicator. (Will continue this process on Wednesday.)

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, April 5: 2013 Synthesis essay due!
FRIDAY,  April 7: Choose stronger of the two AP Synthesis essays to revise and submit for a grade on Friday.  

Monday, April 3

COLLECTED Last 2014 makeup essays.
Discussed importance of concession/refutation essay structure in real-world persuasion.
PowerPoint notes on etiquette for difficult conversations in social justice.

Groups read, annotated, and discussed article "Fight over Confederate Monuments Turns Ugly."
Groups attempted to reach a consensus as to their position (OK to disagree with group!) and to identify the strongest argument for the opposition.

DUE DATES

TUESDAY, April 4: Students who missed today's class due to the college fair field trip should catch up with the Confederate monuments article; read, annotate, and find a position and the strongest counter-argument to your position!

WEDNESDAY, April 5: 2013 Synthesis essay due!

Friday, March 31

Short block due to half day/inclement weather schedule.
Wrapped up writing to the 2014 AP Synthesis question.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, April 3: Last 2014 makeup essays due.

Thursday, March 30

Seniors absent yesterday completed the timed writing to the 2014 AP Synthesis question.
Juniors met with guidance about class enrollment.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, March 29: Read and annotate the sources for the 2014 AP Synthesis question.
WEDNESDAY, March 29: Third Quarter ends.

Wednesday, March 29

Most seniors missed class today due to the principal's cap and gown talk.
Timed writing to the 2014 AP Synthesis question.

NOTE: Due to the overtime meeting, seniors will be given an opportunity to take the timed-writing in class tomorrow.  Due to the interrupted schedule and unequal period lengths, those in class today will have a chance to complete their essays; the time limit will not apply.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, March 29: Read and annotate the sources for the 2014 AP Synthesis question.
WEDNESDAY, March 29: Third Quarter ends.

Tuesday, March 28

Groups finished critiquing one another's multiple choice questions on Walden.Multiple-choice creation groups reconvened to edit and revise questions.
Groups submitted sets of questions and keys to Ms. Bishop for a grade.

Groups discussed the question of the value of a college education, in preparation for tonight's homework: read and annotate the sources for the 2014 AP Synthesis question.  (We will be doing a timed response to the sources in class tomorrow.)

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, March 29: Read and annotate the sources for the 2014 AP Synthesis question. Be prepared to write when you arrive in class!
WEDNESDAY, March 29: Third Quarter ends.

Monday, March 27

Groups divided, administered their questions on Walden to other divided groups.
Groups began sharing answers, challenging poorly formed questions.

DUE DATES

TUESDAY, March 28: Each group must submit the best TWO of the three AP-style multiple choice questions per group member for a grade. (Deadline has been revised.)

WEDNESDAY, March 29: Third Quarter ends.

Friday, March 24

HOMEWORK: Write more Walden AP-style multiple choice questions for your group as needed. 

Groups continued work on their sets of AP-style multiple choice questions on Walden.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, March 27: Each group must submit the best TWO of the three AP-style multiple choice questions per group member for a grade. (Deadline pushed back to accommodate today's group discussions.)

WEDNESDAY, March 29: Third Quarter ends.

Thursday, March 23

HOMEWORK: Write more Walden AP-style multiple choice questions for your group as needed.
Reading quiz on "Why Facts Don't Change Our Minds."
Read, annotated, discussed related article, "These Scientists Can Prove It's Possible to Reduce Prejudice."

Groups discussed articles, including relevance to us as writers.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, March 27: Each group must submit the best TWO of the three AP-style multiple choice questions per group member for a grade. (Deadline pushed back to accommodate today's group discussions.)

Wednesday, March 22

HOMEWORK: Write more Walden AP-style multiple choice questions for your group as needed. Read and annotate the article "Why Facts Don't Change Our Minds," noting areas of confusion and (especially) important ideas for us as writers. (There may be a reading quiz.)

Groups met and continued work on their sets of AP-style multiple choice questions on Walden.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 24: Each group must submit a total of three AP-style multiple choice questions per group member for the class's use.

Tuesday, March 21

Reviewed prompt for synthesis essay, 167--end of Chapter 4, but added a required concession/refutation to the prompt.

Timed synthesis essay writing.
COLLECTED finished essays to score.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 24: Each group must submit a total of three AP-style multiple choice questions per group member for the class's use.

Monday, March 20

HOMEWORK: For Tuesday: Read texts for synthesis essay, 167--end of Chapter 4.  Be aware of the 15 minute guideline for reading AP texts (though not necessarily bound by it).

Homework check: annotations and evidence from Chapter 4 through page 166.

Whole class discussed rhetorical purposes of evidence in essays from Chapter 4.
Groups shared and discussed evidence for a concession argument, as in the Activity on page 162.

DUE DATES

TUESDAY, March 21: Read texts for synthesis essay, 167--end of Chapter 4.  Be aware of the 15 minute guideline for reading AP texts (though not necessarily bound by it). HINT: be aware of need to collect evidence for a concession/refutation section of tomorrow's synthesis essay.

FRIDAY, March 24: Each group must submit a total of three AP-style multiple choice questions per group member for the class's use.

Friday, March 17

Groups continued creating and editing Walden AP-style multiple choice questions based on individual group member's contributions and further ideas.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, March 20: Read and annotate Chapter 4 through page 166; do the activity on page 162.
FRIDAY, March 24: Each group must submit a total of three AP-style multiple choice questions per group member for the class's use.

Thursday, March 16

Shared and COLLECTED Blizzard Bag #5; students may submit for a grade through Thursday, March 23.

Class corrected Walden AP-style multiple choice questions; groups discussed the answers.
Shared handouts on how to write AP-style questions.
Groups began creating Walden AP-style multiple choice questions based on passages from Walden; by tomorrow, each group member should have one question to share with their group.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, March 16, BY MIDNIGHT: MLA format Personal Essay Walden final drafts are due for a grade. (This change reflects snow days.)

MONDAY, Read and annotate Chapter 4 through page 166; do the activity on page 162.

Monday, March 13

Assigned Blizzard Bag #5.
Whole class corrected questions 38--50.
Groups discussed any wrong answers.
Students used the AP score calculator to estimate an AP score based on previously graded essays, and on the full 50 question packet.

Groups began work on Walden AP-style multiple choice questions.
HOMEWORK: Finish Walden questions at home; remember to bring your copy of Walden to the next class!

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, March 15: MLA format Personal Essay Walden final drafts are due for a grade. 

Friday, March 10

Groups brainstormed how to solve questions 25--37.
Whole class checked answers.

HOMEWORK: For MONDAY, March 13: complete questions 38--50, working individually.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, March 15: MLA format Personal Essay Walden final drafts are due for a grade. 

Thursday, March 9

Groups met to discuss and seek consensus on AP sample questions 12--24.Whole class corrections of question set.

Groups read, began discussing how to solve questions 25--37.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, March 15: MLA format Personal Essay Walden final drafts are due for a grade. 

Wednesday, March 8

Last writers' group wrapped up reflections on personal response essays; students began revising rough drafts.
Groups met to read, annotate, and discuss passage for AP sample questions 12--24.
HOMEWORK: Answer questions 12--24 for use in tomorrow's class.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, March 6: Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.
WEDNESDAY, March 15: MLA format Personal Essay Walden final drafts are due for a grade. 

Tuesday, March 7

Short class due to early release schedule.

Spin off groups met to discuss personal response essays reflecting on Walden and other texts.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, March 6: Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.
TUESDAY, March 14: MLA format Personal Essay Walden final drafts are due for a grade. 

Monday, March 6

Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.

Spin off groups met to discuss personal response essays reflecting on Walden and other texts.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, March 6: Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.
TUESDAY, March 14: MLA format Personal Essay Walden final drafts are due for a grade. 

Friday, March 3

This lesson taught by a sub in Ms. Bishop's absence.

Students continued work on personal response essay.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 3 MONDAY, March 6: Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.

MONDAY, March 6: Spin-off groups discuss personal essays on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

FRIDAY, March 10: Final drafts of response essays due for a grade.

Thursday, March 2

Students shared essays with spin-off groups, in preparation for writers' group tomorrow.
Students continued work on personal response essay.
Owing to slower-than-expected progress, writers' group was rescheduled to MONDAY, to allow students to finish rough drafts over the weekend, if desired.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 3: Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.

MONDAY, March 6: Spin-off groups discuss personal essays on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

FRIDAY, March 10: Final drafts of response essays due for a grade.

Wednesday, March 1

Distributed Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 word lists (also available on Quizlet).
Students continued work on personal response essay.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 3: Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.

FRIDAY, March 3: Spin-off groups discuss personal essays on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).
FRIDAY, March 10: Final drafts of response essays.

Tuesday, February 28

Lesson and discussion on forms of plagiarism and how to avoid them.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 3:  Advanced Word Power Chapters 6 and 7 vocabulary quiz.
FRIDAY, March 3: (Tentatively) Personal essay on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

Monday, February 27

Reviewed prompt for personal essay in response to Walden and the other texts from this unit.

Shared MLA essay template, with Works Cited section.

Students began work on 1200--1500 word essay.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 3: (Tentatively) Personal essay on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

Friday, February 17

HOMEWORK CHECK: At end of class today, COLLECTED double-entry response journals on texts.

Reviewed prompt for personal essay in response to Walden and the other texts from this unit.

Groups discussed their observations from the Double entry journals, discussed own ideas in response to the essay assignment.

Whole class discussion of simplicity, nature, and student responses to ideas in Walden and our other texts.

COLLECTED DEJs.

COLLECTED Blizzard Bag #4.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, March 3: (Tentatively) Personal essay on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

Thursday, February 16

HOMEWORK: Referring to Walden and at least one other text from this unit, write 3--5 double-entry response journals on texts that speak to you strongly (not necessarily positively).

Described personal essay in response to Walden and the other texts we've read or viewed in this unit, including the need to correctly cite and use sources in MLA format in the essay.

Finished watching No Impact Man.

Regular groups wrapped up discussion of Walden, No Impact Man, and the other texts from this unit--especially the excerpt from Refuge. 

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, February 16: WILL COLLECT the annotated chapter of The Nature Principle.

REMEMBER: You will be writing a personal essay on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

Wednesday, February 15

HOMEWORK: For tonight, read Chapter 3, Using Sources in your Bedford Reader (49--72).

Finished correcting AP Language Multiple Choice Questions as a full class.

Calculated percentage correct (before and after reviewing with group) and projected a possible number right out of 55 questions. 

Used an online AP score calculator, with students' understanding of own scores on essays, to predict a possible AP score.

COLLECTED Blizzard Bag #3 (Multiple Choice Questions) for credit.

Spin off groups began discussion of Walden and the excerpt from Refuge.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, February 15: WILL COLLECT the sample AP Multiple choice questions after review. (Date changed by snow day.) "Spring" and "Conclusion" AND the passage from Refuge are due with a  last "pot luck task" for discussion in spin off groups groups. 

THURSDAY, February 16: WILL COLLECT the annotated chapter of The Nature Principle.
Also, read Chapter 3, Using Sources in your Bedford Reader (49--72), and re-read/annotate Refuge as needed.

REMEMBER: You will be writing a personal essay on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

Tuesday, February 14

Reviewed AP Language Multiple Choice Questions in groups.

Began correcting questions as a full class.

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, February 15: WILL COLLECT the sample AP Multiple choice questions after review. (Date changed by snow day.) "Spring" and "Conclusion" AND the passage from Refuge are due with a  last "pot luck task" for discussion in spin off groups groups. 

THURSDAY, February 16: WILL COLLECT the annotated chapter of The Nature Principle.

REMEMBER: You will be writing a personal essay on the role of simplicity and/or nature in living well, drawing from Walden and one or more additional sources we've discussed in class (No Impact Man/"The Year Without Toilet Paper," The Nature Principle, and Refuge).

Monday, February 13

No school; weather cancellation.

Friday, February 10

Short class due to weather delay.
 
Reminder on Blizzard Bag #3:AP Multiple Choice Questions should be complete.  We will be reviewing them on MONDAY owing to today's short class.
Checked progress on Blizzard Bag #4: To read and annotate the introduction and opening chapter of Richard Louv's The Nature Principle.

Assigned Homework for Tuesday: Read and annotate the excerpt from Terry Tempest Williams' Refuge: an Unnatural History of Family and Place. Note similarities and differences to Thoreau, and read in light of question of how man should relate to nature and to what degree simplifying our lives is necessary or desirable.

Be prepared to discuss Refuge along with "Spring" and "Conclusion" with your group by Tuesday, as homework if there is no snow day.

Spin off groups discussed The Nature Principle as well as "Former Inhabitants," "Winter Animals," and "The Pond in Winter."

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, February 8: "Former Inhabitants," "Winter Animals," and "The Pond in Winter" are due with a "pot luck task" for discussion in your spin off groups. (This date will be pushed back by a day if there is a snow day tomorrow.)
MONDAY, February 10: Sample AP Multiple choice questions for review in class.

TUESDAY, February 11: "Spring" and "Conclusion" AND the passage from Refuge are due with a  last "pot luck task" for discussion in your regular groups.

Thursday, February 9

No school; weather cancellation.

Wednesday, February 8

Short class due to weather delay.

Checked progress on Blizzard Bag #3: Sample AP Multiple choice questions with passage. Clarified my intent: this class did NOT have a week to complete this assignment, but should have completed it for today... Due to confusion, students have until FRIDAY's class to complete this assignment.

Assigned Blizzard Bag #4: Read and annotate the introduction and opening chapter of Richard Louv's The Nature Principle.  Note similarities and differences to Thoreau, and read in light of question of how man should relate to nature and to what degree simplifying our lives is necessary or desirable. Be prepared to discuss along with "Former Inhabitants," "Winter Animals," and "The Pond in Winter" with your group by Friday in the event of a snow day tomorrow... by Monday, as homework if there is no snow day.

Continued watching No Impact Man.

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, February 8: "Former Inhabitants," "Winter Animals," and "The Pond in Winter" are due with a "pot luck task" for discussion in your spin off groups. (This date will be pushed back by a day if there is a snow day tomorrow.)
FRIDAY, February 9: Sample AP Multiple choice questions with passage due at the start of class.  We will be basing our work in class on these questions; have them ready before class!

MONDAY, February 10: "Spring" and "Conclusion" are due with a  last "pot luck task" for discussion in your regular groups. (This date will be pushed back by a day if there is a snow day tomorrow.)

Tuesday, February 7

No school; weather cancellation.

Monday, February 6

Checked "pot luck" tasks for participation points.

Distributed Blizzard Bag #3: Sample AP Multiple choice questions with passage. (Will NOT be graded on accuracy; will use as foundation for work in class.)

Groups met, discussed "Higher Laws," "Brute Neighbors," and "House-Warming."

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, February 8: "Former Inhabitants," "Winter Animals," and "The Pond in Winter" are due with a "pot luck task" for discussion in your spin off groups. (This date will be pushed back by a day if there is a snow day tomorrow.)

FRIDAY, February 10: "Spring" and "Conclusion" are due with a  last "pot luck task" for discussion in your regular groups. (This date will be pushed back by a day if there is a snow day tomorrow.)

Friday, February 3

COLLECTED Blizzard Bag #2.
Walden 2 vocabulary quiz.

Reminder: "Higher Laws," "Brute Neighbors," and "House-Warming" are due with a "pot luck task" on Monday!

Continued watching No Impact Man (the movie).

DUE DATES

MONDAY, February 6: "Higher Laws," "Brute Neighbors," and "House-Warming" are due with a "pot luck task" for discussion in your REGULAR groups. (This is a change!)

Tuesday, January 31

Short class today; early release schedule due to impending storm. 

Reminder: "The Ponds" and "Baker Farm" are due with tasks on Wednesday; Blizzard Bag also due by Wednesday.Friday.

Quick write and share: if you were to take a year for an "experiment in living" a la Thoreau, what would it look like?  Discussed with groups.
Shared article "The Year without Toilet Paper."  Highlighted, annotated, and discussed in groups.  (Keep your copy!  You will need this for an eventual writing assignment!)

Tomorrow, spin-off groups will meet to discuss "The Ponds" and "Baker Farm" with a sub; Thursday, class will watch the first half of No Impact Man (the movie).

DUE DATES

MONDAY, February 6: "Higher Laws," "Brute Neighbors," and "House-Warming" are due with a "pot luck task" for discussion in your REGULAR groups. (This is a change!)

WEDNESDAY, February 1: "The Ponds" and "Baker Farm" due with tasks. (We will discuss ending or continuing tasks at this point.)
FRIDAY, February 3:  Walden Vocabulary Unit 2 Quiz.  due.

Monday, January 30

Reminder: "The Ponds" and "Baker Farm" are due with tasks on Wednesday; Blizzard Bag also due by Wednesday.

Spin off groups shared tasks and discussed "Visitors," "The Bean Field," and "The Village."

Whole class check in around the chapters.
COLLECTED artwork.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, January 30: "Visitors" "Bean Fields" and "Village" are due with your tasks for discussion in your spin-off groups.

WEDNESDAY, February 1: "The Ponds" and "Baker Farm" due with tasks. (We will discuss ending or continuing tasks at this point.)
FRIDAY, February 3:  Walden Vocabulary Unit 2 Quiz. "Higher Laws," "Brute Neighbors," and "House-Warming" due.

Friday, January 27

Returned midterms.
Regrouped remaining chapters of Walden into four more "chunks":

• "The Ponds" and "Baker Farm" (26 pages, due by 2/1).
• "Higher Laws," "Brute Neighbors," and "House-Warming" (26 pages, due by 2/3).
• "Former Inhabitants; and Winter Visitors," "Winter Animals," and "The Pond in Winter" (20 pages).
• "Spring" and "Conclusion" (19 pages).

Regular ("Half-task") groups checked in together on "Visitors," "The Bean Field," and "The Village."

DUE DATES

MONDAY, January 30: "Visitors" "Bean Fields" and "Village" are due with your tasks for discussion in your spin-off groups.

WEDNESDAY, February 1: "The Ponds" and "Baker Farm" due with tasks. (We will discuss ending or continuing tasks at this point.)
FRIDAY, February 3:  Walden Vocabulary Unit 2 Quiz. "Higher Laws," "Brute Neighbors," and "House-Warming" due.

Thursday, January 26

Reminder of next set of readings and tasks.
Introduced Walden 2 Vocabulary unit.
"Spin-off" groups wrapped up discussions of "Sounds and Solitude."
Shared observations in a wider class discussion; began reflecting on the discussion group process.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, January 27: Read half or more of "Visitors" "Bean Fields" and "Village" before class.  Come with ideas and questions to discuss with your regular (half task) groups, as well as ideas for your next task in the rotation.

MONDAY, January 30: "Visitors" "Bean Fields" and "Village" are due with your tasks for discussion in your spin-off groups.

FRIDAY, February 3:  Walden Vocabulary Unit 2 Quiz.

Friday, January 13

Short block today due to exam schedule.

"Half chapter" Walden discussion and brainstorming around tasks in groups.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, January 13: Read at least through "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" for "Half Chapter" discussion in groups.
(These dates have been corrected!)
  
WEDNESDAY,  January 18: Midterm exam: consisting of Midterm Rhetoric and Argument Vocabulary AND one AP Analysis prompt.


THURSDAY, January 19:  Finish reading the current "chunk" of Walden (through "Reading" on page 104) and bring your completed task to class to share.

Thursday, January 12

Walden 1 Vocabulary quiz
In class response to the 2005 AP Argument prompt.
Friday next chapter of Walden is due!

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, January 12:  Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz.

FRIDAY, January 13: Read at least through "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" for "Half Chapter" discussion in groups.
(These dates have been corrected!)
  
WEDNESDAY,  January 18: Midterm exam: consisting of Midterm Rhetoric and Argument Vocabulary AND one AP Analysis prompt.

Wednesday, January 11

Reminder: tomorrow is the Walden Vocab quiz; we will also write to the 2005 AP Argument prompt.  Friday next chapter of Walden is due!

Checked and discussed Lit Circle Tasks.
Whole-class Lit Circle modeling session; discussion of  Walden's "Economy."

DUE DATES

THURSDAY, January 12:  Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz.

FRIDAY, January 13: Read at least through "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" for "Half Chapter" discussion in groups.
(These dates have been corrected!)
  
WEDNESDAY,  January 18: Midterm exam.

Tuesday, January 10

Introduced Midterm review vocabulary for upcoming exam. 

Reviewed AP Argument rubric, priorities.

Read and interrogated the text of the 2005 AP Argument prompt.  Save for writing session on Thursday after the Walden vocabulary quiz!

DUE DATES

WEDNESDAY, January 11: First chapter of Walden, "Economy" due, with tasks (3--75).

 THURSDAY, January 12:  Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz.

FRIDAY: Read at least through "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" for "Half Chapter" discussion in groups.
(These dates have been corrected!)

Monday, January 9

Discussed changes to scheduling.
Usual groups met for "Half Chapter" check in around any confusions, discussion, and brainstorming around tasks for WEDNESDAY's lit circle style discussion of Walden. 

DUE DATES

MONDAY, January 9: First 1/2 to 2/3 of first chapter of Walden, "Economy," due to discuss in groups today.
WEDNESDAY, January 11: First chapter of Walden, "Economy" due, with tasks (3--75).
THURSDAY, January 12:  Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz.
FRIDAY: Read at least through "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" for "Half Chapter" discussion in groups.
(These dates have been corrected!)

Friday, January 6

Completed notes on Transcendentalism.
Discussed confusing or especially interesting passages from what we've read so far in Walden.
Discussed Lit Circle group structure and pacing of tasks.
Rescheduled first task group meeting to Monday.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, January 9: First 1/2 to 2/3 of first chapter of Walden, "Economy," due to discuss in groups today.
WEDNESDAY, January 11: First chapter of Walden, "Economy" due, with tasks (3--75).
THURSDAY, January 12:  Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz
(These dates have been changed!)

Thursday, January 5

Introduced first Walden vocabulary unit on Quizlet.
Discussed confusing or especially interesting passages from what we've read so far in Walden.
Began notes on Transcendentalism.

DUE DATES

MONDAY, January 9: First 1/2 to 2/3 of first chapter of Walden, "Economy," due to discuss in groups today.
TUESDAY, January 10: First chapter of Walden, "Economy" due, with tasks (3--75).
THURSDAY, January 11: Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz
(These dates have been changed!)

Wednesday, January 4

Wrapped up discussion of the 2003 AP Argument Prompt.

Signed out copies of Walden and assigned Walden 1 vocabulary unit (quiz on TUESDAY).
Assigned first chapter, divided book into sets of readings, identified additional resources.
Began reading and discussing passages from the book; discussed a final "project" involving creating official tee shirts and mugs.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, January 6: First 1/2 to 2/3 of first chapter of Walden, "Economy," due to discuss in groups today. Tentatively.
MONDAY, January 9: First chapter of Walden, "Economy" due, with tasks (3--75). Tentatively.
TUESDAY, January 10: Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz

Customized AP Tee Shirts and Mugs?

Henry David Thoreau wants to help YOU create our class quote and bling...

Tuesday, January 3

Short block due to 2 hour delay schedule.

Returned and discussed scored essays, responses to the 2003 AP Argument Prompt.
Began analyzing prompt as a whole class.

DUE DATES

FRIDAY, January 6: First 1/2 to 2/3 of first chapter of Walden, "Economy," due to discuss in groups today. Tentatively.
MONDAY, January 9: First chapter of Walden, "Economy" due, with tasks (3--75). Tentatively.
TUESDAY, January 10: Walden 1 Vocabulary Quiz