Monday, December 8, 2008

The Multigenre Project, EWC


With the end of the semester approaching, now is the time to combine the effective writing strategies we've been practicing with our knowledge of the genres we've studied to create a Multigenre Project on any topic you choose. As we spend the next few weeks creating our Multigenre Projects, use this post to share ideas, seek inspiration, and discuss the creative process. OMG! MGP! LOL!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Sula by Toni Morrison, E1SH


We will be reading Sula by Toni Morrison as our introduction to African American writers. Use this post as an extension of our class discussions. Explore themes, characters, motifs, and any reactions you may have to the novel.  

The Color Purple by Alice Walker, E5H


Alice Walker covers the struggles and triumphs of several black women throughout the first half of the 20th Century in her Pulitzer Prize winning epistolary novel, The Color Purple. Share your reactions and insights as we read. 

Monday, December 1, 2008

Mr. Oginar as Macbeth

Enjoy this video of Mr. Oginar performing Macbeth's famous "Tomorrow" soliloquy. As you prepare for your own performance, here are some things to think about: The rhythm in the language, where will you pause? speed up? Which words will you stress? shout? whisper? What emotions will you convey? How will you use body language in your performance? 


Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer


Most of us have been sucked into the drama of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. As requested, here is a posting for you all to discuss the series and the film....

Friday, November 14, 2008

Anthony and Ivan Video

Anthony and Ivan discuss our study of the theme appearance vs. reality in Macbeth and in the art we analyzed at the MoMA. We chose symbols to represent our outer (appearance) and inner (reality) selves to explore how this theme relates to our own lives. Here, Anthony and Ivan are displaying this theme through their own artwork. What are some symbols you all chose? 

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

OBAMABILITY!


I'm working on getting Obama's Victory Speech. What does Barack Obama's win mean to you? To America? To the world? We are all fortunate to experience this historical milestone and see first hand that anything is possible if you apply yourself. Remember, we agree to disagree, and we respect everyone's opinions.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Appearance vs. Reality in Frida Kahlo's Self-Portrait


For Homework, Blog about today's lesson with Jackie from MoMA. How does this theme of appearance vs. reality work in Macbeth? How does it relate to Kahlo's paintings?

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Video! Seniors discuss Blogging

We have Adam, Josh, and Chris discussing why we blog. Don't miss Mr. Seymour's cameo! Peep it while you can! Remember to keep your posts academic in nature!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

William Shakespeare's Macbeth, E1SH


"Fair is foul, and foul is fair" in this bloody play. Let's Blog to continue with our class discussions. What are some strategies you are using to handle the Elizabethan English? Which lines are your favorites and why? How does Shakespeare explore the theme that things are not always as they appear to be in this play? How does this theme relate to the art we studied at the MoMA? 

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, E5H


Let's share our thoughts about this timeless classic. Why is To Kill A Mockingbird such a celebrated work of fiction? Which passages from the novel are your favorites and why? Atticus Finch is famous for his integrity; when I am faced with difficult decisions in life, I like to ask myself, "How would Atticus handle this situation?"  

Monday, October 6, 2008

College Writing Elective, EWC


It's that time! Time to stop procrastinating and begin writing the dreaded College Application Essay. Remember that this essay is a good thing; it is your chance to breathe life into your college application and let the admissions directors get a sense of who you are beyond the numbers, scores, and forms. Remember: you have had a lot of practice with descriptive and narrative writing, so use all you've learned.  As we continue to draft our essays, let's use the Blog to share insights, offer constructive criticism, and seek inspiration.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Writing We Love To Read, Everyone!


We are all reading renowned works of literature either in our English classes or for pleasure. Let's use this Blog to share our love for literature. What passages from your book wow you? Share some quotes, passages, and/or insights with your peers! Happy reading...