"The House on Mango Street"

At the beginning of the period, as students worked on a warm-up journal about their names, I collected the nature writing portfolios. Following this, we shared some of the name journals and I collected the "Sonrisas" homework.
After a brief introduction to the style and theme of The House on Mango Street, we began our dialectical journals and read the book's first chapter.

HW: Write about your name following the prompts on the handout (and the example of chapter 4 of HMS).

"Sonrisas"

We spent today looking at Pat Mora's poem "Sonrisas." We annotated it, discussed it and then answered the questions below on the back of the annotation. Finish these for homework if needed.

Sonrisas

I live in a doorway
between two rooms. I hear
quiet clicks, cups of black
coffee, click, click like facts
budgets, tenure, curriculum,
from careful women in crisp beige
suits, quick beige smiles
that seldom sneak into their eyes.

I peek
in the other room señoras
in faded dresses stir sweet
milk coffee, laughter whirls
with steam from fresh tamales
sh, sh, mucho ruido,*
they scold one another,
press their lips, trap smiles
in their dark, Mexican eyes.

1. On the back of your annotation, do the following:

Sketch (draw) the poem in some way, either literally or symbolically. Be prepared to explain your sketch.

2. On a separate sheet of paper, answer these questions.

In what way might you live in a doorway between two rooms? What would the two “rooms” be? What would be happening in them? Explain.

Nature Writing Conclusion

Today we wrapped up the nature writing unit. Students responded to each others' work and then responded to their own. Finally students were given a chance to begin revising (or finishing in some cases).

Final, revised portfolios are due Wednesday.

Registration

Though we had a bit of work time, the bulk of the period was spent on next year's registration. Remember to see me if you are interested in Sophomore Accelerated English for next year.

HW Finish your nature writing portfolio.

The Portfolio

Today Mrs. Nystrom went over the nuts and bolts of the Nature Writing unit portfolio. The notes are available on the handout page.

Here Comes the Essay!

Today, Mrs. Nystrom started students on the task of actually writing the essay we've been working on for the past two weeks. The introduction is due tomorrow. For details, see her blog: http://nystrom9.blogspot.com/

Welcome A116

Today we moved into our new home in the annex where Mrs. Nystrom led us further down the nature writing trail without skipping a beat. For details, see her blog: http://nystrom9.blogspot.com/