Mon. Oct. 31, 2016: Chapter Discussion: 8,9 & 10

Today, we discussed chapters 8, 9, 10 ten. I showed you the journal from chapter eight, which discussed the problems Ralph, Jack and Simon dealt with and the outcomes.

I then discussed the religious allegory (Chapter 9), And the allegory of the boys and politics (chapter 10.
Finally, I explained cognitive dissonance and the connection between this theory and the novel.
If you were not here, see me for the notes.

Thurs. Oct. 27 and Fri. Oct. 28, 2016: Reading

Today, we did a journal activity on Chapter Seven. If you were not here, see me about an alternative. I then assigned you to read chapters 8, 9, 10 ten for Monday. This means Friday will be a reading class. I am pasting the notes from today's class below:

October 27, 2016

How does this chapter demonstrate that the boys are becoming more savage, challenging and dangerous to one another? 

Five minute Journal : 250 words

In Chapter Seven, “Shadows and Tall Trees,” of the novel, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, it is obvious that the boys are becoming more savage, challenging and dangerous to one another. Jack constantly challenges Ralph, going to far as to climb to the “beast” without him and Roger to show his bravado. The fact that they are all competing to show they are the bravest; thus, taking chances like walking around in not so ideal lighting conditions, show that they are putting themselves in more dangerous situations. All of these, however, are not as disturbing as the reality that the boys are becoming more savage, both in appearance and in actions. Ralph comments on their change of appearance: they are not dirty, but still seem unkempt; this is their new normal (long hair, bitten nails, stiff or non-existent clothing). Further, the boys engage in a mock hunt using Robert as the pig. Even Ralph participates in this brutal assault. The scary part is that Robert has to hit panic for it to end and then complains that his “bum hurts” indicated some violence consistent with a sexual assault. Further, all of them discuss playing this game more, maybe even to the detriment of life and laughingly suggest that a littlun could play the role of the pig if no pig was available. Keep in mind that even Ralph is fall for this (he injured a pig and felt the need to brag).

Additional Notes (student generated)

Simon: Tells Ralph that he will get home (prophetic)

Ralph throws a spear at the pig (engages in the violence) and BRAGS

Ralph looks like he is going to use the spear on Jack when they are arguing.

Ralph flat out asks Jack why he hates him.

Littluns not seen as people of equal value.

Ralph is chewing his nails until they bleed (his nerves are “showing”)

Wed. Oct. 26, 2016: Chapter Six and Seven

Today, you wrote a journal on chapter 6 of Lord of the the Flies.
If you were not here, you can speak to me about alternatives/exemptions. We also examined the faulty logic present in the boys' belief that what Sam n' Eric saw was a beast. I also explained that eyewitness accounts are often flawed. We also examined the irony that, while the boys wanted a sign from the world (man), what they got (a dead parachutist) is a pretty negative one.
I also put the faulty logic notes from my Powerpoint yesterday in your portfolios.
For tomorrow's class, please read Chapter 7.

Tues. Oct. 25, 2016: Chapter Five/Faulty Logic Discussion

Today, you write another journal/summary response. I then discussed faulty logic with you.
If you were not here, see me when you return to discuss alternatives. The notes will be in your portfolio.

Mon. Oct. 24, 2016: Lord of the Flies Chapter Discussion

Today, students wrote a summary questions for chapters three and four (combined). These are timed activities. See me for alternative questions and I'll see what I can find.

We then discussed a number of symbols
the fire
the glasses
the pighunt
Ralph's hair
Clothing
the sea allegory.
Imagery of wounds
Painted faces

For tomorrow, you are to read chapter five of the novel. Build reading time in (it's less than twenty pages).

If you want to find out about these symbols (and you do), do a google search.

Fri. Oct. 21, 2016: Chapter Two Question and Readings

Today, you wrote a journal question and we discussed it (it was then submitted).
I then instructed you to add to your "Works Cited" sheet so you are current on chapters you are reading.

I then instructed you to read Chapters Three and Four for Monday.

Thurs. Oct 20, 2016: Chapter Two of Lord of the Flies and Citation

Today, you were to submit your chapter one questions and read chapter two of the novel. I also instructed you to create an MLA citation page for the chapters of this novel. We did the first chapter together. You should have chapter two read for tomorrow's class. We will also discuss the Chapter 1 answers.

Wed. Oct. 19, 2016: Chapter One: Lord of the Flies

Today, we discussed Chapter One of Lord of the Flies.
First, the students wrote a summary and we discussed these.
I then explained "suspended disbelief."
We then discussed Symbolism (the allegory of the story itself and the conch).
 as well as a tie-in between Freud and the boys.

Finally, the rest of the time was used to address the questions provided yesterday.
I am not assigning you a reading completion for tomorrow's class, but there will be one for the next class. Time is valuable, so read ahead when you can.

Tues. Oct. 18, 2016: Introduction to Lord of the Flies

Today, the students signed out the novel Lord of the Flies from the library. I then provided a Powerpoint instroduction to the story and author as well as terms and themes. I also explained Freud's theory about the characteristics of man (Id, Ego, Superego).
I then instructed the students to read Chapter one and gave them reading questions which will not be due tomorrow.

Tues. Oct. 13, 2016: Lord of the Flies Introduction and Reading

Today, I introduced this novel. If you were not here, either see me to view the powerpoint or ask a friend for the notes. For tomorrow's class, you were to read all of chapter one.

I also gave you questions to answer for the first chapter.

Thurs. Oct. 13, 2016: Unit Exam: M.C.

Today, the students wrote their unit exam. Their papers are now due in the morning tomorrow at the latest due to some glitches.
Please bring your independent novels to class tomorrow (and/or your work on the independent assignment).

Wed. Oct. 12, 2016: Writing Class

Today is your last in-class writing day to work on your essays. They are due at the end of the day tomorrow.
Tomorrow, you will write a multiple choice reading comprehension exam.

I am posting the test prep sheet here for those who are absent. The rest of the students received this as a handout.

ELA B 30 Unit One: Test Prep

Your exam will consist of three readings relating to ideals, characteristics or understanding of self. There are twenty-four questions.

Each reading must be read actively (highlighting main points, 5Ws and other

pertinent information; paraphrasing).

Each question must be answered using process of elimination (eliminating the

“wrong” answers to arrive at the best one(s).

You will be marked as follows:

M.C. questions = 50 marks (some are worth two points; some are worth

three points)

Active Reading = 25 marks

Process of elimination = 25 marks

Total = 100

Words/concepts to familiarize yourself with:

• Gratification
• Expression
• Contrast
• Theme
• Compulsive
• Reinforce
• Affliction
• Ravenous
• Ignorance
• Juxtaposes (juxtaposition)
• Contempt
• convey
• armaments
• monitoring
• battalion
• oppressive
• impoverished
• idealism
• consequence
• irony (all three types)
• tone
• theme
• contrast
• illustrate
• connotation
• denotation
• compensation
• excel
• dexterity
• contrary
• passive
• conscious
• subconscious
• dominant
• misconception
• phenomenon

Tues. Oct. 11, 2016: Writing Class

Today and tomorrow, you will get class time to work on an essay that is due on Thursday, at the end of the day.
You will write your unite reading comprehension exam (M.C.) on Thursday.

Fri. Oct. 7, 2016: Writing Class

Today, you were given time (and computers) to work on your essay that is due at the end of the day on Thursday. Keep in mind that you will have a reading comprehension exam on Wednesday so you will not get class time that day for this.

Thurs. Oct. 6, 2016: Essay Discussion and Assignment

Today, I gave your four handouts:

1. How to Write a Critical Analytical Introductory Paragraph
2. Attention-Getters
3. Transitions
4. Essay Assignment

The essay will be due on Thursday, October 13; however, you will only get class time until the end of Wednesday's class.

You will also have a unit exam on Thursday, October 13. It will be reading comprehension (active reading).

Wed. Oct. 5, 2016: Assignment Completion

Today, you completed the questions I gave you yesterday. I will go through your major unit assignment tomorrow.

Tues. Oct. 4, 2016: Discussion about Recent Readings & Assignments

Today, we reviewed the critique for "Robin Hood and the Three Squires." We then discussed "What Men Live By" and "Man in the Water." From these, we got a more modern understanding of the concept of "Hero."
We then briefly discussed "The Lowest Animal." I then handed out questions for you to answer relating the two readings together. I have pasted these below.

I will give you until 3:10 tomorrow to answer the questions but will not expect them in until Thursday's class.

Comparing “The Man in the Water” and “The Lowest Animal”

Once both of these texts have been read actively, these questions should be really easy to answer.

1.      In the text, “The Man in the Water,” What is Roger Rosenblatt trying to get us to understand about people?

2.      In the text, “The Lowest Animal”, what is Mark Twain trying to get us to understand about people? Keep in mind that this was written in 1892.

3.      What examples does Rosenthal provide to prove his thesis about people? List these.

4.      What examples does Twain provide to prove his thesis about people? List these?

5.      Based solely on the evidence presented, who best proves their case? Explain.

6.      On a personal, subjective level, what is your opinion about people? Are we capable of selflessness? If so, why does Twain even have an argument? Explain. 

Mon. Oct. 3, 2016: Self-Awareness Reflection and Reading

Today, you were given a self-reflection activity to complete. I then gave you your final reading for this unit: The Lowest Animal by Mark Twain. Please have this actively read for tomorrow's class (no critique).