English 10 Honors--10/31/2019

Jump Off (8-10 mins.)
--Please spend the first few minutes of the class block preparing for today's discussions.  Also, I need you to brainstorm items for inclusion in our rough "Compact for Group Work" after I share the rationale behind the compact/MODEL.

S. the C. (8-10 mins.)
--rough "Compact for Group Work" created on the whiteboard

--Reminder: Continuing with the end in mind!--the ROUGH End-of-"Unit" Writing Assignment Prompt:

After closely reading Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," write a text-based, grammatically sound, tightly-written response of two paragraphs.  In your response, make it clear that characterization or symbolism (or...) exists/is being implemented within the short story.  Also, analyze/explain how Poe's use of the literary element or literary device helps develop a central idea of (convey a theme statement derived from) the short story: What seems to be Poe's "thesis" about human nature/why people do what they do, say what they say, etc. as revealed in this tale he spins?  Use strong and thorough evidence (3+ pieces per paragraph) from the short story to support your analysis, and be sure to tie back to each of your claims often.  Do not simply summarize the short story.    

--You should leave class today...

• with a better understanding of what close reading of literature looks like
• having processed/discussed close reading annotations for Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" (and, hopefully, having moved forward as a close reader of literature as a result!)
• having hit the following target at least once:
• After reading a piece of literature (closely...like a champ!), I can contribute something (a question, an answer, an important detail, etc.) to a small-group and/or whole-group discussion that deepens our understanding of the text and moves us forward as close readers of literature.
• somewhat more comfortable collaborating with your peers in a variety of groupings
• How well do you, personally, "anchor in" to our rough "Compact for Group Work"?
• with a deeper understanding of Poe's short story
• with a few ideas for how to move further forward with our study of Poe's story.

--agenda/HW

Discussion #1 -- Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death"
--Reminder: Close reading of literature =

• "going after" items noticed during an initial purposeful reading
• reading, rereading, and annotating as per the targets defined within the "'Reading Literature Like a Champ!' Framework" document

--today's "Discussion #2" protocol shared 
--in pre-assigned-by-section-of-the-story groups of four/five and anchored in to our rough "Compact for Group Work," begin sharing contributions (questions, answers, key words/details, meanings of difficult words, etc.)
--Transition

• Please pick up and begin completing the "Soft Skills Self-Assessment" sheet from the front table.

--Closure -- Soft Skills Self-Assessment--Small-Group Close Reading Discussion

• Finish completing the self-assessment sheet quietly and independently as directed.
• When you finish, place your sheet in the black basket on the front table and engage in free reading until further directions are given.

Transition

--Form an alphabetized-by-favorite-type-of-candy circle out of the desks.  (I'm a "t" all day--Toblerone! :))

Discussion #2 -- Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" (cont.)

--students share annotations from close reading/ideas from today's first discussion (preparation block) as per protocol--I encourage a "deeper dig" via prompting, follow-up questions, etc.

• I WILL ASSESS CONTRIBUTIONS VIA THE "DISCUSSION CONTRIBUTION RATING SCALE".

Transition (2 mins.)
--Re-column the desks and pick up a copy of the "Final Countdown" sheet from the front table.

Closure -- Final Countdown (last 5 mins.)
--Please fill in the areas of the triangle to the best of your ability so that I can get a snapshot of how we did today and where we should head next.

HW (Practice/Take-Home Assessment/Class Preparation)
--Complete Membean training until you have earned 100 correct responses (approximately 45 minutes) over three different days before 11:59 PM on Thursday (11/7).  DUE TO RECENT ISSUES WITH GOOGLE ACCOUNT LOGINS, I AM ADDING TOGETHER THE "STATS" FROM THIS WEEK'S REPORT AND NEXT WEEK'S REPORT.  (See the "English Department Membean Routine" sheet.)
Writing
--Continually improve your Thematic Writing Assignment--Partner Interviews essay.  Conferences will continue occurring until I have had a chance to meet with everyone, and a score will be reported as a part of your Marking Period 2 GPA.
--Continue outlining and/or drafting your short story.  The final draft of the assignment is due on Wednesday, 11/13, which is just under 2 weeks from today!  My classroom is open after school for any individuals looking to "workshop" together.
HW (Class Preparation)
--Review your notes for “The Masque…”.  Be prepared for an assessment and/or more discussion about the reading NEXT class (Monday, 11/4).
--Read at least 10 pages of your free reading book between now and next class.  You have up until early December to finish your book.  ALWAYS BRING YOUR FREE READING 
BOOK TO CLASS!
Miscellaneous
--Enjoy the weekend--you only get so many of 'em! :)


On the backburner:

• NYS ELA Incentive Plan Party
• Introducing "Take a Stand" Activity and ThinkCERCA/Article of the Week purpose, framework, etc.
• tablet
• first Grammar Hammer
• continuing to add to "Interest Inventory"--selecting an initial research topic 
• writing an initial claim for the essential question(s) and posting on the greenboard