Close Reads and Notes

Today we started with the close reads on page 509, took notes on page 210, and then students had some time to start the homework: the close reads on pages 511-513.

Back to the Textbook

Today we started unit 5 in the textbook with a short warm-up (p. 506) and then took some notes from page 508. Students handed in their compare/cpontrast essays and I returned the Of Mice and Men essays as well.
Binder check tomorrow.

Writing Time (mostly)

After a quick look at one of the problem questions from the Q2 benchmark, we spent the rest of the period on the OMM compare/contrast essay that is due tomorrow.

Compare and Contrast

Today, after getting new seats, we finished the film and discussed the notes in preparation for writing tomorrow.

Semester 2 Begins

Today we started with some thoughts about the new semester and then watched a bit more of Of Mice and Men. Students should reorganize their binder and planner for homework: there will be a binder check later this week.

Of Mice and Men: The Movie

After returning their copies of Of Mice and Men, students spent the rest of the period watching the first half of the film version, taking notes comparing and contrasting the film with the novel.
Final draft essays are due the day of the final.

Re-vis-ion, Re-vision, Revision

We began the period by organizing and handing in warm-ups and OMM chapter notes. The rest of the day was spent on the revision activity below.
Essay Final Drafts Due at the Final Exam (typed in MLA format and including the prewriting, rough draft [showing revision], and the rubric). Late Essays will NOT be accepted.

Wednesday/Thursday

In class today (Wednesday for period 5 and Thursday for period 1), we worked on the final paragraph of the Of Mice and Men essay. Completed drafts of this essay are due Friday.

Body Paragraphs!

Today we reviewed the body paragraph format and students had most of the period to work on the body paragraphs of their essay. These should be finished (in rough draft form) by next class (Thursday for p1 and Wednesday for p5).

The Intro Paragraph

Today we looked at a sample intro paragraph and students got started on writing their own using the model below; #4 from Essay Essay Planning, Part 1; and their thesis from Essay Planning, Part 2. These paragraphs should be completed for HW.

Essay Planning, Part Two

Today we moved on to writing thesis statements and topic sentences for the essay using handouts given in class (images are below). Students should finish part two for homework if they did not finish it in class.

Essay Planning, Part One

Today we did the activity below, focusing on theme in preparation for the analytical essay on Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Students should complete it for homework if they did not complete it in class today.

Theme Posters: Day 2

Today we finished up the theme posters from yesterday and hung them around the room. Afterwards, students had an opportunity to see each other's work. We wrapped up the day with a quick exit ticket focusing on a theme of the novel.

Welcome Back!

We spent the day reviewing Of Mice and Men, especially its themes and symbols, in preparation for the essay we will start this week. See the activity below. (Absent students should do this activity on their own, on lined paper.)