Jump Off--Discussion Preparation #1 (THINK)
--Please pick up a copy of the "Title Analysis" halfsheet from the front table. Then, obtain your Chromebook and login. Finally, complete #1-5 quietly and independently as preparation for today's continued discussion of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death".S. the C.
--turn and talk about the halfsheet (PAIR)
--FYI: Wrapping up with the end in mind!--the ROUGH End-of-"Unit" Writing Assignment Prompt:
Write a text-based, grammatically sound, tightly-written response of two to three paragraphs. In your response, respond to the following question so as to reveal a theme statement (central idea) drawn from "The Masque of the Red Death": What seems to be Edgar Allan Poe's "thesis" about human nature/why people do what they do, say what they say, etc. as revealed in the story he tells? Then, analyze how Poe's use of characterization or symbolism (or...) helps develop his "thesis" about human nature. Use at least three pieces of strong textual evidence spanning the entire text to support your analysis, and be sure to tie back to your claim often.
--Reminder: Beginning with the end in mind!--the essential questions explored throughout the entirety of the course:
Why do people say what they say, do what they do, etc.? What are human beings really like? What is your "why?", and how is it related to your observations about/understanding of human nature?
--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 "Compact for Group Work"?
- with a deeper understanding of Poe's short story
- having demonstrated your depth of understanding of Poe's story via a meaningful and complex theme statement (to be turned in at the end of the class block)
Discussion Preparation #2 (THINK/PAIR/SHARE) -- Interpreting Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death"
--oral "gist" reading of "Are Some Interpretations Simply Wrong?" [a section of Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein's They Say/I Say]) via SMART Notebook as preparation for today's discussion
- turn and talk (with a different classmate than earlier in class!) about "takeaways" for today's discussion of "The Masque..."/run potential contributions by each other
- whole-class share-out
- application to the following question: "Is the whole body thing valid?"
Discussion (cont.) (SHARE) -- Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death"
--Next class, a multiple choice and short-ish answer assessment will take place. The assessment aims to measure the following:
- your ability to hit the targets inherent within the "Reading Literature Like a Champ!" Framework
- For example, the framework notes that "English 10 Honors students...comprehend...[the] basic plot" of stories studied. A "fair game" multiple choice question, then, might ask the following (providing four options from which to choose):
- What happens when Prince Prospero confronts the masked figure?
- Additionally, the framework notes that "English 10 Honors students...notic[e] literary devices, techniques, concepts, etc. in action and draw...conclusions about potential authorial purpose(s)." The framework also notes that "English 10 Honors students...create truly complex theme statements (central ideas)." A "fair game" short answer question, then, might ask the following:
- How does Edgar Allan Poe use symbolism to develop a theme of the story?
- how well you closely read and re-read the story
- how well you engaged in our discussions of the story
--today's discussion protocol reviewed
- "Ready to Answer/Still Thinking" signs handed out
- manipulation of text on the SMART Board described (scribe and/or contributor)
- I WILL ASSESS CONTRIBUTIONS VIA THE "DISCUSSION CONTRIBUTION RATING SCALE".
--Re-column the desks and pick up each of the following from the front table:
- an index card
- your the "Final Countdown" sheet
--On your index card, ...
- write your first and last name at the top of the lined side.
- craft a meaningful and complex theme statement for Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" on the lines.
- What does Poe want readers to learn/understand about the "big ideas" that emerge in his story?
- What seems to be Poe's "thesis" about human nature/why people do what they do, say what they say, etc.?
- fill in some more areas of the triangle to the best of your ability so that I can get another snapshot of how we are progressing through our analysis of this story.
--Complete 45 minutes of Membean training in three different days before 11:59 PM on Thursday, 11/8 (see the "English Department Membean Routine" sheet).
HW (Class Preparation)
--Review your notes for “The Masque…”. Be prepared for an assessment (SEE INFORMATION INCLUDED EARLIER IN BLOG POST) and/or more discussion about the reading NEXT class (Tuesday, 11/6).
--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!
Writing
--Continue drafting your short story. The final draft of the assignment is due on Tuesday, 11/13, which is about 1.5 weeks from today! My classroom remains open after school for any individuals looking to "workshop" together.
Miscellaneous
--Enjoy the weekend--you only get so many of 'em! :)
On the backburner:
--Review your notes for “The Masque…”. Be prepared for an assessment (SEE INFORMATION INCLUDED EARLIER IN BLOG POST) and/or more discussion about the reading NEXT class (Tuesday, 11/6).
--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!
Writing
--Continue drafting your short story. The final draft of the assignment is due on Tuesday, 11/13, which is about 1.5 weeks from today! My classroom remains open after school for any individuals looking to "workshop" together.
Miscellaneous
--Enjoy the weekend--you only get so many of 'em! :)
On the backburner:
- Introducing "Take a Stand" Activity and ThinkCERCA/Article of the Week purpose, framework, etc.
- tablet
- first Grammar Hammer
