Mon. Nov. 30, 2015: Chapters Nine and 10 in Lord of the Flies

Today, we discussed Chapters Nine and 10 of the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I then presented you with the glasses allegory, the religious allegory and the sea allegory. If you were not here, you will need to do a web search to find out about these. They are easily accessible.
For tomorrow, read Chapter 11. It is 14 pages, which is a reasonable request to meet.

Fri. Nov. 27, 2015: Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies

Today, you wrote a journal (summary with question to answer) for Chapter Eight of Lord of the Flies. I discussed the importance of getting the topic word into that sentence introducing the text and then moving to answering the question while touching on the chapter to show completion.
You assignment for the weekend is to have Chapters Nine and Ten read (though I would get it all read!) and be ready for discussion of these chapters on Monday.

Thurs. Nov. 26, 2015: Chapter Seven/Lord of the Flies

Today, we finished our talk about faulty logic. I then gave you a summary question to answer for Chapter Seven (timed). You were then instructed to read Chapter Eight: "Gift for the Darkness."

Wed. Nov. 25, 2015: Chapter Six: discussion and faulty logic

Today, you wrote a response to a question about Chapter 6 (10 minute summary). We then discussed it.
From here, we moved on to a discussion about faulty logic. If you were not here, the Powerpoint I used came from on-line. I have found a better one and have printed it out for all of you.
You have to read Chapter 7 for tomorrow's class.

Tues. Nov. 24, 2015: Chapter 5 of Lord of the Flies

Today, you wrote a summary about Chapter Five of Lord of the Flies. We then discussed it. I then gave you further notes on the psychological allegory of the novel as well as an allegory of WWII tying in some of the boys' personalities with countries at the time.
I then read part of Chapter Six to you in order to ensure you understood that a "sign from the adults" had arrived.
You are to read the rest of Chapter Six for tomorrow's class. I will also discuss faulty logic with you then.

Mon. Nov. 23, 2015: Discussion of Chapter 3 and 4 of Lord of the Flies

Today, you wrote a journal in relation to these two chapters of Lord of the Flies. We then discussed the symbolism of the pig hunt. If you were not here, do a web search on this symbol in relation to the novel.
I then assigned you to read Chapter Five: "Beast from Water," for tomorrow's class (and prepare to write a summary).

Fri. Nov. 20, 2015: Reading Class/Chpt. 3 and 4 Lord of the Flies

Today, you were instructed to read Chapters Three and Four of the novel Lord of the Flies, for Monday's class. I also gave you questions to answer (just jot/point form) to ensure you are active in this.
I have pasted these questions below for those who were absent.

Lord of the Flies: Chapter Three: Huts on the Beach

1. How successful is Jack in the second hunt? Explain (value:1)
2. Who is the only one to help Ralph with the building of huts? (value: 1)
3. What happened to the others who were initially helping? (value: 4)
4. What is the conflict which arises between Ralph and Jack? (value: 2)
5. Why is Jack so intent on hunting rather than helping with the shelters? (value: 1)
6. Why is Ralph so concerned about the little ones? (value: 1)
7. What is revealed about Simon in this chapter? (value: 2)
8. What are Golding’s implied comments, as revealed in this chapter, concerning the parliamentary system of government? (value: 2)

Lord of the Flies

Chapter Four: Painted Faces and Long Hair: Answer Key

9. What strange mysteries occur in the hot afternoon sun and how are they explained? (1)

10. Describe the activities of the “littluns” (value: 5)

 11. Who knocks over the sandcastles? (value:2)

12. What is revealed about Roger in this chapter? Why does he stop short of hitting Henry with the stones? (value: 2)

13. In what ways do the hunters prepare for another hunt? (value: 2)

14. How do the boys react to Piggy? (value:1)

15. Why doesn’t the ship which passes near the island see the fire? (value: 1)

16. Describe the hunters’ return from the hunt. (value: 3)

17. How do the hunters react to Ralph’s tongue lashing? (value: 1)

18. Describe the encounter between Jack and Piggy. (value:3)

19. Describe the feast (value:4)

20. Why does Jack refuse to give Piggy some meat? Who shares his with Piggy? (2)

Thurs. Nov. 19, 2015: Chapter Two Lord of the Flies

Today, students wrote a journal summary on Chapter Two of Lord of the Flies. We then discussed these, focusing on structure (in order to understand an easy to grasp and follow format that transfers over to essays).
I then provided notes on the microcosm of this story (The boys Archetype) as well as notes on the symbolism of the conch and the fire. If you were not here, this information can be found on the Web. I also reinforced the meaning of "paradox," as fire is both a symbol for rescue and destruction.

By the end of the weekend, you need to have completed reading Chapter Three and Chapter Four. If you are a slow reader and find the pace during the week to be too tedious (we are reading roughly a chapter a night) read ahead this weekend to give yourself some space.

Wed. Nov. 18, 2015: Chapter One Discussion

Today, we discussed Chapter One of Lord of the Flies. The students wrote a summary of this chapter (which we also discussed, focusing on the form). We then discussed Simon's seizures (something students have trouble understanding as it is not explicitly stated).
I then gave an overview of Sigmund Freud's understating of the human psyche (Id, Ego, and Superego) and tied these to the  characters (Jack = Id; Ralph = Ego, Piggy = superego).

For tomorrow's class, you are to read Chapter Two: "Fire on the Mountain."

Tues. Nov. 17, 2015: Lord of the Flies Introduction

Today, I introduced Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. If you were not here, you will need to do a web search to discover who William Golding was, what his views were, what the summary of the book is, and what Golding wants us to "get" out of this novel (purpose/theme).
You were also instructed to read Chapter One for tomorrow's class. I have provided you with reading questions. If you were not here, they are in your portfolio (stay caught up on the readings and the web search!).

Tues. Nov. 10, 2015: Writing Class AND Mon. Nov. 16, 2015

Today, you were to complete your essay. It must be in by the end of the day (3:45).

You were also instructed to get the novel Lord of the Flies out of the library.

On Monday, you will be allowed to read your independent novel in class (catch-up). I want you to have Lord of the Flies for Tuesday's class (that is the day I will introduce it).

Mon. Nov. 9, 2015: Writing Class

Today, we discussed your independent novel study second month check-in. Many of you have now finished the reading and are working on your major assignment. For those of you who have not, you need to pick up the pace in order to ensure you have the reading completed for the third month check-in (Friday, December 4).

You then used the rest of the class time to work on your essay.

Fri. Nov. 6, 2015: Second Month Novel Study Check-In/Writing CLass

Today, you completed your second month independent novel study check in. You were then given the remainder of the class time to work on your essay.

Thurs. Nov. 5, 2015: Writing Class/Novel study check in

Today, you completed your second month novel study check in. You were then allowed to use the remaining time to work on your essay, which is due at the end of the day on Tuesday.

Wed. Nov. 4, 2015: Writing Class/more info on arriving at a thesis

Today, we discussed how to arrive at a thesis (the pre-writing steps). We took all of the questions and highlighted the topic words. We then chose to "chart" the first question to see what the evidence is
There are seven possible texts you can use (you must use three). If you chart your points and use process of elimination, you can get these down to a workable number and arrive at a thesis.

We looked at "Are there Universal Ideals that all strive to reach?'

We charted all seven texts on the left-hand side.
We then wrote "ideals" across the top
for each one, we wrote down the ideals we could identify (eg: helpful).
we then circled all the ideals that were used more than once. If we hit three ideals in three stories, we could easily see these were the ones to use in the essay. If we didn't hit any, we could remove it as a possible source of evidence.

I also handed out "How to Write a Multi-Source Essay Introductory Paragraph" to help you arrive at a workable pattern.

I will only be at parent teacher interviews until 8 tonight due to a medical. Please let parents know so they can structure their time accordingly.

Tues. Nov. 3, 2015: Writing Class

Students worked on their essays. I also handed out a sheet of transition words and a sheet of figurative/stylistic devices (MOSES sheet).
For those who were absent, these have been placed in your portfolios.

THE DEADLINE DATE FOR YOUR ESSAY IN TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10.

Students have a novel study check in on Friday, so be sure to have novels here for that date.

Parent-teacher interviews are tonight and tomorrow night from 7 to 9 pm. Please let parents know. Further, I will only be there until 8 tomorrow (Wed.). Please schedule with this in mind.

Mon. Nov. 2, 2015: Essay Prep and Assignment

Today, we discussed the article " 'The Drop Box' ..." and examined how it tied to the idea of ideals. I also explained the term "Paradox": When something said seems untrue, but when it is explained, it makes sense.
I then handed out and explained the following sheets:

1. Essay editing checklist
2. How to Write a Seven Sentence Critical Analytical Essay Introduction in Seven Sentences
3. Your "Ideals" essay assignment

The deadline for the essay is still TBA but will probably be next Monday or Tuesday. Right now, you should be examining each choice, figuring out which one you like and can easily provide evidence for and then determine which one you want to use.