WINTER BREAK

When it comes to thinking, there is only winter; there is no break.

REQUIRED: Read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

RECOMMENDED: Get a jump on your literature analyses for spring semester

See you (and your active reading notes, and your literature analyses) on January 12--Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

December 13

JOURNAL TOPIC:
(no journal today or during finals week; next entry will be January 11, 2011)

AGENDA:
1. Grade your group
2. Grade conferences (continued)
3. Final presentation prep
*rehearsal/time check
*in-class logistics (seating arrangement, tech, materials)
4. Winter break & Spring semester preview

December 10

JOURNAL TOPIC:

FINAL JOURNAL evaluation

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Literature circles/presentation prep

December 9

JOURNAL TOPIC:
On your way home, the neighborhood dog starts talking to you. He won't talk in front of anyone else, and he won't let you record him. No one else will ever see this but you. Are you crazy? Support your perspective with at least two reasons.

AGENDA:
1. VOCABULARY FINAL

HW:
1. All required/extra credit literature analyses due tomorrow, 12/10
2. Literature circles binders due tomorrow (Friday, 12/10)
3. For literature circles presentations: bring materials (to work with group) and any technology (to test in class) on Friday

December 8

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Many of us acquire (and occasionally wear out) words or phrases that catch our attention. Describe some words or phrases you and your friends have adopted and/or put out of their misery.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Literature circles (brief status meeting)
3. End-of-novel discussion
4. Vocab review

HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's vocab final

December 7

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Happy Pearl Harbor Day. Describe an unpleasant surprise and your reaction to it.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Literature circles

HW:
1. Finish remaining reading; prepare active reading questions for discussion tomorrow
2. Prepare any vocabulary materials/questions for review tomorrow

December 6

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Our culture makes being "comfortable" seem like an important goal. Describe a situation (from your experience or imagination) in which it is better to be uncomfortable.

AGENDA:
1. Journal/return Caesar essay
2. Literature circles

HW:
1. (Per literature circle-- remember that your reading must be finished by tomorrow night)
2. Study for vocab final (Thursday 12/9)

December 3

JOURNAL TOPIC:
What grade are you aiming for on this presentation (and for the semester)? What are you doing to achieve this goal?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Literature circles meet
** Presentation proposals due by end of period

HW:
1. (Per literature circle agreement)
2. Study for vocabulary final (12/9)

December 2

JOURNAL TOPIC:
As you read the novel, what background information do you wish you had? What types of knowledge would improve your understanding? What does the book make you more curious about?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Presentation guidelines
3. Literature circles

HW:
1. (per Literature Circle)
2. Presentation proposals due tomorrow (Friday 12/3)

December 1

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Imagine that Amir gets the phone call from Rahim Khan, hangs up-- and is shocked to see Caesar, Cassius and Brutus walk into the room. What advice does each of these characters give Amir, and why? Support your ideas with textual evidence from both Caesar and The Kite Runner.


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Literature Circle update
*status/schedule/timeline
*presentation proposals
3. Master groups
4. Socratic reporting
5. Lit. circles meet

HW: (per Literature Circle assignment)