--Around the classroom in three different locations, you will find posters listing the "Have You..." items from the blog posts about purposefully reading The Alchemist. Please spend the first three minutes or so of class looking at the posters and picking an item about which to think/write/talk. Once you've made a selection, return to your desk and get thinking/writing (on an index card, in your notes...wherever)!
For example, Mr. Martin might pick the note "Have you found any meaningful quotations that have 'spoken to you'?" from the poster by the door and begin planning as follows:
--FYI: If you already have some planned contributions pertaining to the "Have You..."s from diligently completing your homework, you can use this time to read through all of your reading notes as preparation for discussion.
*MR. MARTIN WILL RETURN YOUR READING ASSESSMENTS FROM LAST CLASS DURING THIS TIME*
S. the C.
For example, Mr. Martin might pick the note "Have you found any meaningful quotations that have 'spoken to you'?" from the poster by the door and begin planning as follows:
- Quotation from page 11: "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."
- My question: What about when the dream actually does come true? Is it what was expected or a disappointment? What about when it is a disappointment--what then?
--FYI: If you already have some planned contributions pertaining to the "Have You..."s from diligently completing your homework, you can use this time to read through all of your reading notes as preparation for discussion.
*MR. MARTIN WILL RETURN YOUR READING ASSESSMENTS FROM LAST CLASS DURING THIS TIME*
S. the C.
--agenda/HW
--Mr. Martin will look through some of your reading notes if you want him to--if you are confident in your abilities and happy with how you have been doing in discussion, does Mr. Martin really need to see your notes?!
--share sample quiz responses from last class--MODELING
Transition
--Mr. Martin will look through some of your reading notes if you want him to--if you are confident in your abilities and happy with how you have been doing in discussion, does Mr. Martin really need to see your notes?!
--share sample quiz responses from last class--MODELING
Transition
--Form an alphabetical circle out of the desks. Have your Jump Off items, discussion ideas, and notebook handy.
Discussion -- The Alchemist up to the End
Discussion -- The Alchemist up to the End
--Reminders: the discussion protocol/"Discussion Contribution Rating Scale"
--engage in discussion via protocol
Items for (an elevated [Mr. Martin hopes!]) discussion:
- Purposeful reading notes
- Application of new terms (e.g., dilemma, fable, foil) to the novel
- The "Have You..." lists (the Jump Off ought to help here!)
Transition -- re-column the desks
Closure -- "Today, I learned..."
--On a scrap of paper (or an index card from the front table if you prefer), finish the sentence-starter above in no fewer than three sentences. Practice writing in a detailed and explanatory fashion.
--You must properly use at least one Unit #1 vocabulary word somewhere within what you write, and try not to force it!
--You must properly use at least one Unit #1 vocabulary word somewhere within what you write, and try not to force it!
HW
Mandatory assignments:
--Bring your vocabulary book on Monday so that we can begin our work with Unit #2.
--Enjoy the weekend!
Optional assignment:
--Re-read Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist over the weekend. Now that you know how the plot unfolds/have some "notions" about the text developed/solidified during discussion, much of the reading can be re-contextualized! Also, this book has a tendency to "speak to" readers differently with each read. Oh, and this time, you don't have to take any notes unless you want to, so the reading experience has the potential to be more pleasurable!
FYI:
FYI:
--The following is a list of terms we should learn/apply in our dealings with The Alchemist (beyond the typical [setting, symbol, theme, etc.]): aphorism, dilemma, fable, foil, genre, interior monologue, leitmotif, magical realism, monomyth (hero's journey), motif, myth, and quest--have you confidently learned/applied all of these terms such that you could demonstrate your knowledge and understanding independently in writing?
