AGENDA 1/15

Continue to introduce vocabulary from Death of a Salesman
Watch opening scenes of Death of a Salesman and then read to page 33 where Linda says "Diamond mines."

Be prepared to answer the following tomorrow:
What is wrong with Willy at the beginning of the play? Why is his family concerned?
Why is willy unhappy with Biff?
Describe Willy and Linda's relationship--how do they act toward each other?
How are Biff and Happy similar--in what ways are they both "lost"?
Who are "Uncle Charley" and Bernard?
Who is Uncle Ben?

HW: continue independent reading ~60 pages a week
Work interview transcript and reflection due 1/23
Sample work interview and transcript
Read to page 33 for tomorrow and be prepared to discuss answers to the questions above

AGENDA 12/7

Grammar - Comparison Errors #1

Finish reading Ragged Dick aloud
Turn in final Thinking While Reading next Tuesday - chapters 17-27
17, 18, 19 : one quotation and response for each chapter

Ch 20 : Who is Jim Travis? What does suspect about him?

Ch 22 & 23: Quickwrite

In your opinion, have teenagers changed since Dick’s time? Do you know teenagers who work hard, save their money, give to charity or others who need it? Or are many of today’s teenagers selfish and lazy, and if they are, why do you think that might be? What keeps teens “on track” and helps them learn to be responsible and generous?

Ch 24:
1) What does Dick learn in the letter he receives, and why does reading it make him happy/proud?
2) Why does Micky Maguire think that "pride had had a fall," and what does Micky misunderstand?

Chapters 25, 26, 27: How did reading and studying Ragged Dick add to your understanding of TWO of the circles of identity to which you belong? Include two quotations from Ragged Dick with page numbers as part of your response.  See this handout for help.

HW: Complete Thinking While Reading for chapters 17-27, information above, due on TUESDAY.

AGENDA 12/6

Seminar: "Kids These Days": Are today's teens as generous and responsible as Ragged Dick?

HW: Read Ch 24 of Ragged Dick and answer:
1) What does Dick learn in the letter he receives, and why does reading it make him happy/proud?
2) Why does Micky Maguire think that "pride had had a fall," and what does Micky misunderstand?

AGENDA 11/26

Timed essay practice - model two body paragraphs on Topic #3 (Mariano)
Students write a practice body paragraph using A7, A8, and A9 of their FLT sheets applied to Topic #4 (Grant) - check in and coach in class


Read Ragged Dick,  chapters 15 and 16, and complete "Thinking While Reading" questions

Ch 15: What mistake does Dick make restitution for in this chapter? What arrangements does Dick make with Mr. Greyson and with Henry Fosdick?

Ch 16: What contrasts does Alger make between Dick and Henry Fosdick? How does Dick begin to apply himself and turn his weaknesses into strengths?

HW: Finish body paragraph for Topic #4 if not finished in class. Use my sample paragraphs that I wrote on Topic  #3 to help you.  Complete Chapter 15 and 16 "Thinking While Reading" sheets for Wednesday.

NOTE: Timed essay on a new topic in class on Thursday!!! See me soon for extra help if needed!

AGENDA 11/16

Reading Quiz over Ragged Dick, chapters 1-11

Introduction to timed essays - FLT sheets and practice prompts
Continue book checks for independent reading
Read ahead in Ragged Dick, chapter 12, 13, 14

HW: Read Chapter 12, 13, 14 of Ragged Dick and answer the following questions for "Thinking While Reading"
Chapter 12: How is Dick's character changing?
Chapter 13 & 14: Who is Micky Maguire? What do Dick's encounters with Micky Maguire show us about Dick's character?

AGENDA 11/9

Grammar Practice: Misplaced Modifiers #2
Election project reflections
Read Chapter 9, Chapter 10, and Chapter 11 of Ragged Dick on your own; as you finish each chapter, add a quotation and response to your "Thinking While Reading" assignment for chapters 9-11.

HW: Finish reading Chapter 9, Chapter 10, and Chapter 11 of Ragged Dick on your own; as you finish each chapter, add a quotation and response to your "Thinking While Reading" assignment for chapters 9-11. Complete 400 pages of independent reading for a book check no later than Tuesday.

AGENDA 11/8

Read Chapters 7-8, then answer the following questions for your "Thinking While Reading" on notebook paper:

1) Explain why Chapter 7 is called "The Pocket-Book." Why is the pocket-book significant?
2) In Chapter 8, what are some of the things Dick has done in order to survive?
3) What does Frank encourage Dick to do at the end of Chapter 8?

HW: Finish questions from Ch 7 and 8 if needed.  Finish 400 pages of independent reading and be ready for book check tomorrow or Tuesday.