Hello Students,
For Friday's test, you are responsible for knowing:
Vocabulary Words from the Unit 1 Packet: know the definitions, parts of speech, spelling, and be able to use the words in sentences.
Information found in the Oedipus Rex Introduction Handouts
Literary Terms and Examples for Oedipus Rex and Greek Drama(index card project terms)
Characters, Plot, and "big ideas" (themes) in Oedipus Rex
Study Tips:
- Make study cards for the vocabulary words
- Study literary terms index cards (quiz yourself and each other!)
- Reread the introduction-to-the-play handout and make a list of important facts
- Review all of the notes we have taken in class since we started reading Oedipus
- Make a finalized list of all the characters and their roles
- Make a list of characters who have conflicts, and list the conflicts
- Ask questions in class about facts and ideas you are unsure about
- Make a list of the important events that take place in the play
- See me in S.O.S. or during lunch for a review of anything you are unsure about
*If you have been absent during this unit at all, copy the notes from that day from someone in the class, and then show me the notes when you are finished. You are responsible for all the material covered in this unit, whether you missed school or not.
Happy studying,
Ms. Walsh
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
New Link For Creative Writers
Hello Students,
I have created a blog site for the creative writers among us. It's set up as a link under "School Information." If you want to be able to post your own creative writing or comment on someone else's, send me an email and I will invite you as an author.
Ms. Walsh
I have created a blog site for the creative writers among us. It's set up as a link under "School Information." If you want to be able to post your own creative writing or comment on someone else's, send me an email and I will invite you as an author.
Ms. Walsh
Friday, September 19, 2008
Oedipus Rex : "Big Ideas"
Write one paragraph on the discussion question of your choice. In this paragraph, you must do the following:
- Explore and analyze the literature
- Reference at least two specific moments in the play
- Reference today's discussion
- Use at least 3 new vocabulary words from the packet we went over today.
CHOICES FOR TOPICS:
1) Are Oedipus' attempts to ecape his fate and search for the truth an attempt to be all-seeing and all knowing (like a god)? Or, does Oedipus actually gain stature because he is willing to do anything to escape his fate? In other words, do we respect his search for the truth, or look down on it?
2) What is the the role of the gods in this play? Are they interfering with the lives of mortals too much? Are they abusing their control? Or what?
3) If Oedipus is the protagonist, who is the antagonist? In other words, with whom is Oedipus in conflict with? Who is your nominee for the antagonist?
* Sign your post in this format: First Name. Last initial. period you have English
Happy blogging!
- Explore and analyze the literature
- Reference at least two specific moments in the play
- Reference today's discussion
- Use at least 3 new vocabulary words from the packet we went over today.
CHOICES FOR TOPICS:
1) Are Oedipus' attempts to ecape his fate and search for the truth an attempt to be all-seeing and all knowing (like a god)? Or, does Oedipus actually gain stature because he is willing to do anything to escape his fate? In other words, do we respect his search for the truth, or look down on it?
2) What is the the role of the gods in this play? Are they interfering with the lives of mortals too much? Are they abusing their control? Or what?
3) If Oedipus is the protagonist, who is the antagonist? In other words, with whom is Oedipus in conflict with? Who is your nominee for the antagonist?
* Sign your post in this format: First Name. Last initial. period you have English
Happy blogging!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Icarus and Daedalus: You Are a Team of Casting Directors
***The following assignment is for both 7th and 8th period classes.
Read the Greek myth titled, Icarus and Daedalus: Wings of Man. When you are finished, read the situation and complete the task below.
Situation: You are all part of a casting team at a television company. You are working on a show (talk show, news show, special series) about confrontation and controversy. It is up to you to decide which characters from the myth should confront each other in an interview, and which controversies should be addressed. For example, some of us may feel Daedalus should be confronted by his son Icarus (Hades would have to enable him to visit his father on the show, of course). Or perhaps we imagine a confrontation between Daedalus and Minos. The possibilities are endless!
Task: Engage in a dialogue amongst yourselves about the myth. Tell which characters you believe should be interviewed and explain why you feel this way. Pose the controversies and confrontations that you feel should be addressed concerning these characters and explain. Present the questions you would ask these characters. After posting, you must address at least one other student’s comment.
Happy blogging,
Ms. Walsh
Read the Greek myth titled, Icarus and Daedalus: Wings of Man. When you are finished, read the situation and complete the task below.
Situation: You are all part of a casting team at a television company. You are working on a show (talk show, news show, special series) about confrontation and controversy. It is up to you to decide which characters from the myth should confront each other in an interview, and which controversies should be addressed. For example, some of us may feel Daedalus should be confronted by his son Icarus (Hades would have to enable him to visit his father on the show, of course). Or perhaps we imagine a confrontation between Daedalus and Minos. The possibilities are endless!
Task: Engage in a dialogue amongst yourselves about the myth. Tell which characters you believe should be interviewed and explain why you feel this way. Pose the controversies and confrontations that you feel should be addressed concerning these characters and explain. Present the questions you would ask these characters. After posting, you must address at least one other student’s comment.
Happy blogging,
Ms. Walsh
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Characteristics of Greek Myth
Characteristics of Greek Myth
(with examples from Prometheus and Io)
Hero with a fatal flaw
Prometheus gives fire to mortals
Adventures of a hero
Prometheus and how he gets where he is, chained to a rock as a punishment by Zeus
Intervention of gods and goddesses
Hera intervenes with Zeus and Io, Zeus does not intervene with his wife’s wrath and lets Io become a cow, Hera takes the eyes after the monster is killed
Supernatural Activity (underworld, superhuman tasks)
Zeus causes black clouds to cover the land, Hera turns Io into a cow
Problem caused by greed and jealousy
Zeus likes Io and is so greedy he has to have her, Hera is jealous and turns the girl into a cow
A woman is responsible for causing problems
Io was pretty and so Zeus liked her, Hera became jealous- catalyst
Explanation of how things are now
Prometheus is chained to the rock as a punishment, Zeus restores Io eventually, Hercules descends Io, Hercules frees Prometheus eventually
References to the natural world
Ionian Sea, Bosphorus Sea, Fire used by man
Not always a happy ending
(several possibilities)
Lesson in the story for the reader
(several possiblities)
(with examples from Prometheus and Io)
Hero with a fatal flaw
Prometheus gives fire to mortals
Adventures of a hero
Prometheus and how he gets where he is, chained to a rock as a punishment by Zeus
Intervention of gods and goddesses
Hera intervenes with Zeus and Io, Zeus does not intervene with his wife’s wrath and lets Io become a cow, Hera takes the eyes after the monster is killed
Supernatural Activity (underworld, superhuman tasks)
Zeus causes black clouds to cover the land, Hera turns Io into a cow
Problem caused by greed and jealousy
Zeus likes Io and is so greedy he has to have her, Hera is jealous and turns the girl into a cow
A woman is responsible for causing problems
Io was pretty and so Zeus liked her, Hera became jealous- catalyst
Explanation of how things are now
Prometheus is chained to the rock as a punishment, Zeus restores Io eventually, Hercules descends Io, Hercules frees Prometheus eventually
References to the natural world
Ionian Sea, Bosphorus Sea, Fire used by man
Not always a happy ending
(several possibilities)
Lesson in the story for the reader
(several possiblities)
Friday, September 5, 2008
Greek Mythology Homework
Due Monday, September 8, along with your supplies and Declaration of Understanding and Acceptance (syllabus document)
Tasks:
1. Read through the information contained in the links located on the right hand side of this blog, under the category Greek Myth Resources
2. Write one literal, one interpretive, and one applied question for two of the stories you read (you still have to read all of the stories, though)
3. Writing Assignment: Based on the Greek myths you have read, evaluate the way Greek myth represents men and women. For example, both Prometheus and Io suffer because of Zeus. Io suffers because Zeus finds her physically attractive. Hera cannot trust her husband, yet Zeus fears her jealous wrath. Your response must be one full page, typed, and include evidence from more than one myth. You must discuss how men are represented, and how women are represented.
* Note: Expect a quiz on what we have learned so far some time next week.
* Note ii: There are tons of Greek mythological stories all over the web. Don't be afraid to do some research of your own!
Happy surfing,searching, and writing,
Ms. Walsh
Tasks:
1. Read through the information contained in the links located on the right hand side of this blog, under the category Greek Myth Resources
2. Write one literal, one interpretive, and one applied question for two of the stories you read (you still have to read all of the stories, though)
3. Writing Assignment: Based on the Greek myths you have read, evaluate the way Greek myth represents men and women. For example, both Prometheus and Io suffer because of Zeus. Io suffers because Zeus finds her physically attractive. Hera cannot trust her husband, yet Zeus fears her jealous wrath. Your response must be one full page, typed, and include evidence from more than one myth. You must discuss how men are represented, and how women are represented.
* Note: Expect a quiz on what we have learned so far some time next week.
* Note ii: There are tons of Greek mythological stories all over the web. Don't be afraid to do some research of your own!
Happy surfing,searching, and writing,
Ms. Walsh
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Our Reading Profiles
Dear Students,
Hooray! Harrah! Haroo! You made it! Below, you will see the Reading History Questionnaire we worked on in class. Only this time, you can see all of my answers!
Your Task:
1) Read through my responses
2) Highlight the Reading History Questionnaire
3) Press CTRL C or right click and select “copy”
4) Click on “comment” (located below the survey)
5) Place the cursor in the body of the blog and press CTRL P or right click and select “paste”
6) The survey should appear in the space. Delete my answers, but leave the questions.
7) Now it’s your turn to complete the survey! Use complete sentences, of course.
8) Add one question (to make 25 questions) and answer it.
9) Delete the original title and create a personalized title. Post your comment, and do not forget to select "name" and write your first name, last initial, and period.
10) Now it’s time to explore each other’s comments. Choose three of your peers to write five interesting reading facts about. Do this part in your notebook.
Happy blogging,
Ms. Walsh
P.S. While you’re on here, it wouldn’t hurt to vote on the polls I have on the right.
P.P.S. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the information contained in the links.
English Frogs Hop from Book to Book: Ms. Walsh’s Reading Profile
1. How old were you when you learned how to read?I am not sure how old I was when I learned how to read, but I do remember that the first sentence I read aloud was, “stand up to be tall and sit down to be small.” I was so proud!
2. Were you a big reader growing up?I was definitely a big reader growing up. I didn’t enjoy classics much, though, until I was a bit older. As a teenager, I was obsessed with the writer Lois Duncan, and I loved Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley Twins and Sweet Valley High series. I also read the heck out of the Nancy Drew books.
3. Are there any books that left a big impression on you as a kid?In Cold Blood by Truman Capote gave me nightmares, Steven King’s Rose Madder inspired me to write, and J.R.R. Tolkien made me dream. As a really small child, I loved these books that had the best cartoon pigs dressed in uniforms- I don’t know who wrote them or what they were about, but I loved them so much!
4. Do you have favorite genres? (Example: Do you read mainly fiction or non-fiction? Do you have a soft spot for horror, science fiction, or romance?) I would have to say that I really love historical fiction books. I have a soft spot for fictitious novels that are set in ancient times.
7. Where do you prefer to read?I love to read in the park, under a tree. In the summer, I like to read at the beach. If it’s raining, or cold, I like to sit on my couch, near the window. I always read on the train.
8. Do you like to eat or drink something while you read? If so, what are your foods and beverages of choice?For me, the best reading snack is chips and guacamole.
10. On average, how many books do you read a month?At some times during the school year, I have read up to six books in a month. On average, I probably read two books per month.
11. How do you get hold of the books? Do you buy them at a bookstore, visit an online store, borrow from a friend or family member, or do you use the library?I love collecting books to share with students, friends, and family, so I often buy books.
12. Paperback or hardcover?I prefer paperback because it’s nice to be able to fold a soft book in half when you are in a crowded space and have to read with one hand holding onto a metal rail (the train).
13. At what point do you give up on a book? I try to get through all of the books I pick up, but if I get halfway through a book and I don’t care about the characters, I put the book down.
14. How do you find out about new books and authors?I like to read books based on recommendations, best. I also check out the New York Times bestselling list. My mom often tells me about good books she has read and then I read them so we can talk about them.
15. Best reading-related memory?Reading the final book in J.R. Rowling’s Harry Potter series gave me dreams of the Hogwarts Castle every night until I was done with the book.
16. Worst reading-related memory?One time, in college, I had to read three thick novels in one week. I procrastinated (teachers are human, too) and didn’t have time to finish one of the books. I had to go to the discussion group and admit to the class (when I got called on) that I didn’t finish the book. I was mortified.
17. What was the last book(s) you read?The last book I read was Jeanette Wall’s memoir, titled The Glass Castle. It was awesome.
18. What was the last book you checked out from the library?The last book I checked out from the library was Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible.
19. On average, how many hours a week do you spend reading?Aside from reading at school with my students, I spend at least five hours a week reading.
20. Are you a fast or a slow reader?
I read at a fast pace only if I’m reading for pleasure. If I am reading a book with my students, I read at a slower pace, so that I can think about what the hidden messages are and figure out what is most important to teach about.
21. Do you sometimes read more than one book at a time?I often read more than one book at a time. Sometimes, I confuse the characters and the stories. I find that if I make a character list for each book, it makes it easier to keep the stories straight.
22. Are you what Stephen King refers to as a Constant Reader, or are there periods where you do not read at all?
I am a “Constant Reader.”
23. What is the longest you have gone without reading?The longest I have ever gone without reading was one week, when I stayed with my best friend at her parent’s lake house. I had forgotten to bring a book, and the town was so small, we would have had to drive an hour for the nearest bookstore or library!
24. Why do you read? (This is a tough one, I know)I read because it helps me to understand the world around me. This helps me to change, as a person, which I think is very important.
Hooray! Harrah! Haroo! You made it! Below, you will see the Reading History Questionnaire we worked on in class. Only this time, you can see all of my answers!
Your Task:
1) Read through my responses
2) Highlight the Reading History Questionnaire
3) Press CTRL C or right click and select “copy”
4) Click on “comment” (located below the survey)
5) Place the cursor in the body of the blog and press CTRL P or right click and select “paste”
6) The survey should appear in the space. Delete my answers, but leave the questions.
7) Now it’s your turn to complete the survey! Use complete sentences, of course.
8) Add one question (to make 25 questions) and answer it.
9) Delete the original title and create a personalized title. Post your comment, and do not forget to select "name" and write your first name, last initial, and period.
10) Now it’s time to explore each other’s comments. Choose three of your peers to write five interesting reading facts about. Do this part in your notebook.
Happy blogging,
Ms. Walsh
P.S. While you’re on here, it wouldn’t hurt to vote on the polls I have on the right.
P.P.S. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the information contained in the links.
English Frogs Hop from Book to Book: Ms. Walsh’s Reading Profile
1. How old were you when you learned how to read?I am not sure how old I was when I learned how to read, but I do remember that the first sentence I read aloud was, “stand up to be tall and sit down to be small.” I was so proud!
2. Were you a big reader growing up?I was definitely a big reader growing up. I didn’t enjoy classics much, though, until I was a bit older. As a teenager, I was obsessed with the writer Lois Duncan, and I loved Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley Twins and Sweet Valley High series. I also read the heck out of the Nancy Drew books.
3. Are there any books that left a big impression on you as a kid?In Cold Blood by Truman Capote gave me nightmares, Steven King’s Rose Madder inspired me to write, and J.R.R. Tolkien made me dream. As a really small child, I loved these books that had the best cartoon pigs dressed in uniforms- I don’t know who wrote them or what they were about, but I loved them so much!
4. Do you have favorite genres? (Example: Do you read mainly fiction or non-fiction? Do you have a soft spot for horror, science fiction, or romance?) I would have to say that I really love historical fiction books. I have a soft spot for fictitious novels that are set in ancient times.
7. Where do you prefer to read?I love to read in the park, under a tree. In the summer, I like to read at the beach. If it’s raining, or cold, I like to sit on my couch, near the window. I always read on the train.
8. Do you like to eat or drink something while you read? If so, what are your foods and beverages of choice?For me, the best reading snack is chips and guacamole.
10. On average, how many books do you read a month?At some times during the school year, I have read up to six books in a month. On average, I probably read two books per month.
11. How do you get hold of the books? Do you buy them at a bookstore, visit an online store, borrow from a friend or family member, or do you use the library?I love collecting books to share with students, friends, and family, so I often buy books.
12. Paperback or hardcover?I prefer paperback because it’s nice to be able to fold a soft book in half when you are in a crowded space and have to read with one hand holding onto a metal rail (the train).
13. At what point do you give up on a book? I try to get through all of the books I pick up, but if I get halfway through a book and I don’t care about the characters, I put the book down.
14. How do you find out about new books and authors?I like to read books based on recommendations, best. I also check out the New York Times bestselling list. My mom often tells me about good books she has read and then I read them so we can talk about them.
15. Best reading-related memory?Reading the final book in J.R. Rowling’s Harry Potter series gave me dreams of the Hogwarts Castle every night until I was done with the book.
16. Worst reading-related memory?One time, in college, I had to read three thick novels in one week. I procrastinated (teachers are human, too) and didn’t have time to finish one of the books. I had to go to the discussion group and admit to the class (when I got called on) that I didn’t finish the book. I was mortified.
17. What was the last book(s) you read?The last book I read was Jeanette Wall’s memoir, titled The Glass Castle. It was awesome.
18. What was the last book you checked out from the library?The last book I checked out from the library was Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible.
19. On average, how many hours a week do you spend reading?Aside from reading at school with my students, I spend at least five hours a week reading.
20. Are you a fast or a slow reader?
I read at a fast pace only if I’m reading for pleasure. If I am reading a book with my students, I read at a slower pace, so that I can think about what the hidden messages are and figure out what is most important to teach about.
21. Do you sometimes read more than one book at a time?I often read more than one book at a time. Sometimes, I confuse the characters and the stories. I find that if I make a character list for each book, it makes it easier to keep the stories straight.
22. Are you what Stephen King refers to as a Constant Reader, or are there periods where you do not read at all?
I am a “Constant Reader.”
23. What is the longest you have gone without reading?The longest I have ever gone without reading was one week, when I stayed with my best friend at her parent’s lake house. I had forgotten to bring a book, and the town was so small, we would have had to drive an hour for the nearest bookstore or library!
24. Why do you read? (This is a tough one, I know)I read because it helps me to understand the world around me. This helps me to change, as a person, which I think is very important.
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