In the Time of the Butterflies journals

Journal #1:
Look at the photos in class. Try to observe the sensory details in the picture and capture them for a reader who is not able to look at the picture. Then create a micro-story about the photo. Imagine what people live there. What might be happening inside? Outside? This should just be a glimpse into this world. Each entry should be about 250 words.  Try to think about vivid diction to convey sensory details.

Journal #2:
Think of an object that has some significance for you. It can be something you have saved over the years, a photograph, a Chinese fortune you got when you went to a birthday dinner with your favorite uncle or anything that has a story to tell.  Then, write the significance of that object in the voice of the object (yes, a persona poem! Woohoo!). In this poem, use specific diction to relay a tone. What story would that object tell? More importantly, what would this story reveal about you and your memories?
Be haunted and obsessed with word choice as you revise. Don't necessarily choose the first word that comes to mind (especially if that word is stuff or thing).

Journal #3
What is your definition of courage? Would you consider yourself a courageous person? Under what circumstances would you act on this courage. Be specific!

Journal #4:

How do the Mirabel sisters become heroes? Do you consider each sister equally heroic? In a double-entry journal, select one quote (not from quiz) for two of the sisters and analyze what this evidence illustrates about her heroism (or lack thereof). Evidence should be carefully selected and analysis should be complex and nuanced.

Welcome to Second Semester!

Can you believe it? I can't! Our work for this week wraps up first semester, sets some goals for second and then leaps into third quarter. I am so excited to have Mrs. Guimond, a student teacher from University of Southern Maine, with us for the spring semester. You can read her introduction letter here: Mrs. Guimond's introduction letter

 See below for specific assignments this week:

Monday: Make sure I have checked off your goal sheet for second semester and you have saved it somewhere you can find. Here is the goal sheet:second semester goal sheet
Your BIG work this week is to complete at least 30 minutes worth of interviews AND transcribe them. I'll check both the audio file and the transcription on block day.
Tuesday: Interview and transcription due on block day
Wednesday: Finish webquest Due Monday.
Find the link for the webquest:http://www.zunal.com/process.php?w=172951
Complete worksheet for webquest and submit to work space when completed: Butterflies webquest

Homework for week of 1/14

Your work this week is twofold:

1. To revise your essay when you get feedback and turn in by Friday, 1/18.
2. To prepare for the midterm.

This is fairly straight-forward. Please make sure you leave enough time for someone to review your portfolio in a timely manner. Unless I hear from you, I would like your outside reader to be a parent or relative. Let me know if this is an issue by this Friday, 1/18. See details for midterm below.

Midterm details

Your midterm will consist of two separate assessments:
1. An in-class essay which asks you to respond to the following question:
What does it mean to be a young American?
Using  Into the Wild, The Catcher in the Rye and one other example of your own choosing, you will answer this question fully and specifically. We shall use the rubric from the beginning of the year to assess you:
You may outline and bring notes to the exam, but the actual essay will be written on demand. This will be worth 30% of your midterm grade.
2. A portfolio which asks you to reflect upon the work you have done this semester as a reader, writer and thinker. This will be worth 70% of your midterm grade.

Here are the documents which will help you with this task:
Overview and instructions
Checklist of Skills
Assessment Sheet
Other reader letter

Homework for week of 1/7

Monday: Finish rough draft. 750-900 words. See "essay scaffolds" for reminders about conclusions. Prepare for Round Two of Poetry Out Loud.
Tuesday: Prepare for Round Two of Poetry Out Loud.
Block day: Prepare for Round Two of Poetry Out Loud.
Friday: If rough drafts are not returned yet, none.

Homework for week of 1/2

Thursday: Complete introduction for Into the Wild essay for Friday. Complete rough draft is due on Tuesday, 1/8.
Here is the prompt:

What flaw(s) in Chris McCandless or society contribute to his tragedy?

In this paper you will come up with an interesting claim and argue your point, using direct evidence from the text. The best papers will not only support its claim, but also address the opposition.

Length: 750-900 words.

This essay should be thesis driven and engage the reader with a compelling, complex voice. It should also include direct citation from the novel in each body paragraph.

Friday: Complete body paragraphs, including evidence: 650 words. Due Monday. Begin to memorize second poem for Poetry Out Loud. Memorization should be complete by Thursday, 1/10.