Weekly update

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial this Friday at 11:00.  We'll meet in the visitor center.  Admission for this school trip is $2 plus tax.

For the curious, I am still working on your final grades and hope to be finishing up this weekend.   The essays take time, and we were away last weekend visiting family.

Have a lovely summer if I don't see you Friday.

Mrs. Price

Week 16, Semester 2, Work Due May 2nd

Last day of class!

Prepare for your final exam.  Study all of the items suggested on the final review sheet.

You may bring any of your novels to class for reference but not your American Experience.

Bring paper and your favorite pen/pencil.

Here is the link to the Quizlet review  and here's another set that Kelsey, Mary W., and Marytaylor have created.  Be sure to thank them in person--what a help!

I'm looking at either Wednesday, May 9th or Friday, May 11th for our Thomas Wolfe Memorial Field Trip and will let you know the specifics as I know them.

It's been rewarding to guide you through some American classics.  I see so much growth in your work in all areas.  I'm proud of your work and accomplishments this year!

Mrs. Price

Week 15, Semester 2, Work Due April 25th

Weekly Usuals

Reminder: bring your American Experience next week.

A. SAT Grammar Concept: Pronoun Cases

First, please watch this helpful video review of subject and object pronouns.

Then, test your knowledge with these pronoun case drills.  Complete as many of these as needed, until you get most of them correct:

Pronoun Case--Exercise #1

Pronoun Case--Exercise #2

B.  No Poetry Wall or Journal This Week!  Done and Done!  Yes, I will pick a final winning class wall for fun.  I just need time to look at each set carefully.

Second round of  Poetry Presentations next class.  Come prepared!

Other Work

Finish your timelines--they are due next class.

Start reviewing for the final exam--use the review sheet I provided in class to guide you.  We'll play a competitive review game next week, so know your stuff!

Read the short story "The Far and The Near" by Thomas Wolfe.  It's in your American Experience pp. 785-788.  I think an early May field trip to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial sounds perfect!  Details coming soon.

Look up Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks"---Do a bit of research/reading. Why is it a significant piece?  What does it indicate about the 20th century culture and outlook?

Amy Tan, 1952-?

Alice Walker, 1944-?

Week 14, Semester 2, Work Due April 18th

Weekly Usuals

Bring your big textbook, American Experience, to class next week.

A. SAT Grammar Concept: Dangling/Misplaced Modifiers

Here is a quick review exercise on the deadly dangling modifiers.

For those who can't find their sheet---here is a link to SAT exercises #4-8

B. Poetry wall theme of the week:   

Our last week---Maya Angelou

10:00 Maya Angelou Wall

12:15 Maya Angelou Wall

C. Poetry Journal--plan for your recitation and complete the written analysis that will be your final journal entry.  Be sure your poetry journal is thorough and complete.  All journals due next week, so you may wish to make a copy of your poetry project analysis to consult.

Other Work

First round of poetry presentations will be next week.  Know your stuff! ; )

Begin work on your final timeline segments following the instructions given in class. 

Here are some resources to help you learn more about the characteristics of various generations. The dates vary slightly, so go by the dates from class.  Browse the pages I listed in your textbook for information about the Modern & Contemporary Eras.

http://fourhooks.com/marketing/the-generation-guide-millennials-gen-x-y-z-and-baby-boomers-art5910718593/
https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/us/baby-boomer-generation-fast-facts/index.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Z    (Who knew? A whole Wikipedia article on your generation!  There are marketers and academicians out there studying YOU!  Note also that there are links to information on the other generations at the top, right sidebar)

Complete the following:

Read this short story:
"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker, pp 1090-1098, answer the Critical Reading questions #1-6 on p. 1098 and questions #2 and #3 under Literary Analysis on 1099.

Read this essay:
"Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan, answer questions #1-6 on p.1177.

Some of Our "Found" Poetry (for fun and inspiration)

Here are some the "found" poems from this project.  If you'd rather not have me share your's, let me know, but I think each has something to offer that is visually and verbally interesting.

Eva Rush

Mary Walton

Asher Nejezchleb

Catherine Roberts

Marytaylor Bruns

NickOursler

Ellen Reeder

Niko Rush

Ethan Cain

Kelsey Walker

Owen Koppe

Lori Belanger

Susanne Thomas

Tabi Shepson

Week 13, Semester 2, Work Due April 11th

Weekly Usuals

Progress reports went out this week.  Remember to share them with your parents and bring them back signed for a grade.

Reminder: bring A Separate Peace next week.

I'd like to plan our Thomas Wolfe Memorial field trip and realize that no date will suit all.  However, take this quick poll, so I can figure out a time and day that works for most.

A. SAT Grammar Concept #6: Pronoun Antecedent Agreement

Review this concept from class by completing this quiz and checking your answers.

B. Poetry wall theme of the week:  Nature Poetry

Nature Poetry 10:00
Nature Poetry 12:15

C. Poetry Journal 

Write your own poem about some aspect of nature.  Take something small, like a birch tree or a fish, then look and think closely about it.   Use your senses to describe it or tell a narrative about it.  Here is a link if you are looking inspiration to get you started for nature poetry.

Other Work

1. Finish reading A Separate Peace and answer the study guide questions.  These will be due next class.  

2.  Brainstorm possible themes in A Separate Peace.  Use the method I modeled in class.  Here's a quick recap to guide you.

You will turn in your finished introductory paragraph, your outline, and all brainstorming  for a grade.

3. Choose a poet and poem for your 20th century poetry project.   If you need ideas, the Poetry Foundation, Poem Hunter, and Poets.org  are all good online resources.  You could also choose one from a prior wall or from your literature book.  Remember this must be a 20th century poet and poem.  With regard to choice of poem and week of presentation, first come first serve.  No duplicate poems within a class, but there can be duplicate poets.  You must commit to a poem and poet before you can sign up in a slot.

Here is the sign up sheet.

YOU MUST commit to a poem and poet by next class.

Here is the SOAPS handout  you'll need for that section of the poetry project.

Week 12, Semester 2, Work Due April 4th

Weekly Usuals

Reminder: bring your A Separate Peace next week.

A. SAT Grammar Concept--skipped this week, will pick up next.

B. Poetry Wall--Robert Frost's "Nothing Gold Can Stay"

To celebrate spring, we will memorize "Nothing Gold Can Stay."  Be sure you can recite it effortlessly.  Expect a quiz or recitation.

Take and post an original photo that somehow connects to the poem. If you'd rather be artsy and draw/paint and post your piece of art, that works too.

Nothing Gold Can Stay Wall--both classes

C. Poetry Journal 

Print Robert Frost's poem"Birches" (just page one of this four page document) and paste it in your journal. 

Listen to Robert Frost read the poem while you read it. 

Answer the following questions in your poetry journal:
1. Describe what the poem is about literally.  What is happening in the poem, image by image.
2. What is the poem about thematically?  What does Frost struggle with and what does the birch tree symbolize?
3. Write out and explain two similes Frost uses in the poem.
4. Write out and explain a metaphor Frost uses.
5. Why does Frost personify Truth?  What is he contrasting with it?
6. Why do you think Frost italicizes the word toward? What is he emphasizing with this choice?
7. What do you think the last line means?

Other Work

Read A Separate Peace, chapters 5-10 and answer the study guide questions.  You'll turn these in next class.

A Separate Peace is full of Biblical allusions.  Several allusions are drawn from the book of Genesis.  Read the following passages and answer the questions:

Genesis, Chapters 2-3

1. How many rivers are mentioned?

2. What tree does God tell the man not to eat from and why?

3. What reasoning does the serpent use to convince Eve to eat from this tree?

4. What emotions do Adam and Eve experience when they eat from the tree and God looks for them?

5. What are the consequences of their decision?

6.  In what ways is this story reflected in the actions of Gene, Finny and the tree?  What parallels are there between the two?

Another allusion is to the story of Cain and Abel (the sons of Adam & Eve).  Read the following passages and answer the questions:

Genesis, Chapter 4:1-16

1. What is Cain's occupation?  Abel's?

2. What was the cause of Cain's anger?  

3. What is God's response to Cain's anger?

4. What crime does Cain commit?

5. When God asks Cain where his brother is, what is his reply? 

6. Describe the consequences of Cain's decision.

7.  In what ways is this story reflected in Gene & Phineas's relationship?  

8. Why do you think John Knowles chose to weave these ancient allusions into his novel?  What point do you think he is trying to make?

After reading chapters 5-10, I want you to think about is how the following symbols/motifs are used. Write down and briefly identify the significance of each in the novel.  Click on the links to read analysis that will help you think through them.

*Rural Devon

*Finny's broken leg

*Sports/war  (what parallels are there between the two, think about Blitzball and look up Blitzkrieg in WWII)

*seasons 

*Devon River vs. Naguamsett River (read the analysis part of this)

*Winter Carnival 

*the phrase/title "A Separate Peace"

Here are some famous pieces of propaganda inspired by inspired by WWII.

Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms," 1943 based on President Franklin D. Roosevelt's
January 1941 "Four Freedoms" State of the Union Address

"We Can Do It," J. Howard Miller, made for Westinghouse
Electric & Manufacturing, 1942

Seymour Goff, "This Poster is Published by the House of Seagram
as part of its contribution to the National Victory Effort," 1942

Week 11, Semester 2, Work Due March 28th

Weekly Usuals

Note--I have received Their Eyes Part II quizzes from the following students:   Susanne Thomas, Ethan Cain, Marytaylor Bruns, Kelsey Walker. If you do not see your name, I have not received your quiz.  

Look on the quiz document for directions about how to save a copy.  When you have completed your copy, share it with me.  This quiz is due by Tuesday 3/27.

Their Eyes Quiz II

An unknown student filled out the quiz without saving a personal copy.  Here is a link to that quiz.  If this is your quiz, please let me know.

Reminders for Next Class:

BRING BOTH BOOKS (Their Eyes & A Separate Peace) to class.  I want to finish one and introduce the other.
Bring your homework from our snow day--Janie's journey cycle.

A. SAT Grammar Concept--nothing this week.

B. Poetry wall and journal theme of the week:  Found Poetry  (45 minutes)

This week you will create two "found" poems.  Watch this short video to understand the basic concept.  

Here's another video if you'd like more inspiration:

Hidden Poetry

One of the poems should come from  one page (or a two-page spread) from Their Eyes Are Watching God and reflect a theme/motif from the book.  If you can, make a copy of the page spread  (by "spread" I mean two pages next to each other when you open the book). This way you won't deface your book.  If you don't have the resources to make a copy, you may pull out words from the text copying them down on a separate page.  But all the words must come from the spread. 

For the second found poem, I want you to use an old magazine, newspaper, or book.   If you don't have anything like this at home, look for the free local newspapers when you go out and grab one (like the Mountain Express)  This found poem can be about anything but should create a mood/have some kind of point/theme.

These poems should be visually interesting.

If at all possible, take a picture or scan and post one of these poems to the wall.  The walls are united this week! ; )

Found Poetry 10:00 & 12:15

Again if this is technologically too difficult, you may type out the words you selected from the text.

Other Work

Devon, the fictional boarding school in A Separate Peace, was inspired by John Knowles' time at Philip Exeter Academy.  Google search this academy and find out where it is located geographically.

Read this article about Philip Exeter, then write a well-developed paragraph detailing why you would or would not like to attend this school.

Print and read this historical background information about A Separate Peace, put it in your class notes.

A Separate Peace Historical Background

After reading, answer the following questions:

Read chapters 1-4  of A Separate Peace.  We'll be using this study guide for our reading.  Print this guide and answer the questions for Chapters 1-4 on your own paper.  Note, be specific, but all answers do not need to be complete sentences.  Some will be short and sweet; others will require more response.

We will use this study guide throughout the novel, so if you'd like to read/get ahead over break, that's fine too.  Keep up with the study guide as you read.

Bring all this work to class with you.

Week 10 Semester 2, Work Due March 14th

Weekly Usuals

Reminder: bring Their Eyes Were Watching God next week.

A. SAT Grammar Concept: Fewer vs. Less

I know you are not "young children" but I like the visuals on this site.  Review all the pictures to make sure you can discern the correct choice.

Then take this quiz.

B. Poetry wall & journal theme of the week:   Folksongs

To celebrate Zora Neale Hurston's love of folklore and folk songs, this week we'll familiarize ourselves with some of the most well-know folk songs in America.  Here's what you'll do:

1. Choose one of the songs from the list.  Put your name in the comment box to choose it.

2. Explore videos/audio until you find a high quality version you like.  Post it to the wall.  

3. Research the history of the folk song and singer. What exactly is it about literally and figuratively?  Why is it significant? What are some of its themes?  Who is the singer?  When did he/she live? What is he/she know for?  If the song is "traditional" it means you can choose whatever singer/version you like. Write a well-developed paragraph summarizing these findings in your journal and then post that paragraph on the wall under the video of the song.

View the songs your classmates post.  Pick three you like, reference and reflect about what you like about each in your journal.

Rate the songs you like best on the wall too.

American Folk Songs 10:00
American Folk Songs 12:15

Other Work

Correct any and all grammar mistakes on your Gatsby critique.  Mark the category of the mistakes on the back of the sheet where I wrote your comment/grade.  Next week, turn in the old composition and your revised one.  You will earn back one point for each grammar mistake you fix.  

Finish reading Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Creating a hero's journey circle for our protagonist, Janie.  Label and describe the various events in the novel that comprise her journey.  List page numbers or short quotes when appropriate.  This should be colorful, neat, and thoughtful. Simple illustrations are encouraged.

When reading the second half of the novel, continue to track the motifs listed on your study guide.  Note pages in the novel where they appear. Think about how these images are used and what ideas they represent. We'll discuss these more next class.

Watch this video about Hurston's Eatonville.

Chances are we will have a brief quiz next week on the second half of this novel.  Most of you did well on the recent quiz, but some of you will wish to redeem yourselves on this second one. Pay attention to the imagery, plot, and voices of the characters. Take pains to identify how the motifs are used in the second half of novel. A stray SAT grammar question might find its way on there too.

Week 9 Semester 2, Work Due March 7th

Weekly Usuals

A reminder-----bring the following to class:

Their Eyes Were Watching God 

Your Poetry Journal

*We will have a quiz on the Fitzgerald background, Zora Neale Hurston videos, and chapters 1-10 of  Their Eyes Were Watching God. Also, there will be a poetry journal check.

A. Poetry Journal/Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest   (45 minutes)

Discuss with your parent(s) whether you'd like to participate in the Carl Sandburg Home poetry contest.  Entries must be faxed or postmarked by next Wednesday, March 7th. 

If you choose to participate, print and fill out this sheet, following the directions.  Remember that your parent is your teacher, so they will sign the release. 
General guidelines and information about the contest can be found here.

Participation in the contest is enthusiastically encouraged!  

If you choose to participate, that will count as your journal entry for this week.  Just write "I chose to participate in the poetry contest" and have your parent sign that journal entry.

If you would rather not participate, I'd like you to choose one of the poems on this week's wall and write an analysis of the poem in your journal.  You could discuss what the poem is about, the rhyme scheme, rhythm, meter, figurative language, theme(s), etc.  Be sure to identify the poet and name of the poem at the beginning of your analysis.

B. Poetry Wall---Harlem Renaissance

Harlem Renaissance 10:00
Harlem Renaissance 12:15

Other Work

Watch this TED Ed video on the hero's journey. Although this version of the hero's journey has 12 steps (there are many variations), the basics are quite similar (4 minutes).  Read through 8 stage handout I gave you about the hero's journey.  We will talk more about the hero's journey next week.  
You should begin to look for "stages" in Janie's journey as you read.

Watch this biography of Zora Neale Hurston

Read Their Eyes Were Watching God--Chapters 1-10

Here is a free audio version that may help you become accustomed to the dialect.   

Use this sheet to guide your observations/annotations while reading TEWWG. 

Here is the slideshow of Asheville history and the Fitzgeralds  for those who are interested/wish to review.  I regret we didn't have time enough for me to go through it with the 12:15. Look for my notes beneath the slides, or if you want the presentation bigger, go under "View" then select "Present" to click through. I wish I had time to talk you through all of it as I am fascinated by local history! Both Asheville and the Fitzgerald's flourished in the 1920's.  Sadly, both fell apart in ways during the 1930's.  The city of Asheville experienced economic depression when the booming real estate market collapsed and incurred staggering amounts of debt.  As we talked about in class, the Fitzgeralds' lives fell apart in the 1930's due to Zelda's mental illness and Fitzgerald's alcoholism. Maybe I could squeeze it in sometime if there is interest...

On a happy note, if you would like to learn more about a local man who worked hard and experienced success instead of tragedy, here's a link to an Asheville Citizen Times article about Mr. Ricker.  Mr. Ricker is Kelsey Walker's grandfather.  He hosted our Gatsby party and showed us his vintage cars.  I thought you might enjoy learning more about him because he's a great example of what perseverance and right priorities can accomplish.

Look what I found in the Buncombe Library news:
Who knew that there was an annual "Zelda Sayer Fitzgerald Day" in Asheville, and it's right around the corner!  As part of this, it looks like Pack Library will host a presentation on Highland Hospital where Zelda Fitzgerald stayed on and off for 12 years.

March 10th, 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of Zelda's untimely death in the Highland Hospital fire. Highland Hospital was located in Montford.

Gatsby Pictures

Hello Everyone,

Our Great Gatsby movie night was a "great" success!  Parents--thank you for taking time out of your busy weekends to shuttle your students to and fro---I know much driving we all do.  A special thanks Kelsey Walker's mom and her grandparents who hosted our evening.

Here are some pictures from the night.

The whole crew

Sparkling grape juice "champagne"

Marytaylor & Susanne

Zelda, F. Scott, & Scottie in Fitzgerald's sports coupe, 1923

Mr. Ricker showed us his Model A (1927-1931 production) and helped us into the rumble seat!

Love the lights and grill---sharp car!

Mary and Ellen ready to go...

F. Scott & Zelda

Catherine & Lori

Part of the crew

Eva & Nick

F. Scott & Frances "Scottie"