Summer Reading!

Summer vacation means summer reading! The assigned texts are The Catcher in the Rye for the 10th graders and The Crucible for the juniors. My students entering AP and E7 should read The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. Also, fill us in on your summer adventures and keep blogging...See you in September! I'll miss you all this summer...

In Print

Congratulations on the Scholars' Academy Literary and Arts Magazine! The staff's hard work paid off because In Print came out spectacular. I hope you all enjoy the finished product highlighting your work. Share your responses to the submissions here.

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

As we read O'Brien's collection of stories about the Vietnam War, we will contemplate questions such as: What is fiction? Why do we tell stories? What do the things we carry reveal about us? When, if ever, is violence justified? What has the United States learned from Vietnam? How is the war in Iraq similar and different from the Vietnam War? What responsibilities does our country have to its veterans? Use this post to share your thoughts as we read...

What Story Will You Tell?

We've immersed ourselves in all different kinds of short fiction this marking period. We've analyzed: plot, imagery, theme, characterization, conflict, style, diction, authentic dialogue, genre, descriptive writing, allusions, and figurative language. We've discussed what makes a story a good story, what stories mean to us, and we've answered why we (as individuals and as a culture) tell stories.  So, here is your chance to write your own fictional narrative. Use this post to share your frustrations and inspirations. Have fun!

"For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo"

To help prepare us for our Midterm, let's use this posting to discuss what we've been studying, ask/answer questions, and provide insights. Some elements to think about: foil characters, paradox, Shakespearean sonnet, couplet, figurative language, anaphora, characterization, themes, prologue, chorus, foreshadowing, and rhyme scheme...What else? 

Their Eyes Were Watching God, E6H

I remember reading Their Eyes Were Watching God in high school and feeling instantly drawn into Janie's story and her search for self.  In this unit, we will explore our own identities through various writing exercises beginning with the "I am searching for..." Writing Activity. As we read Zora Neale Hurston's novel, use this posting to share your writings and your reactions to the novel. Enjoy! 

Rock On! Writing Elective

Music and Writing are closely linked. Does music inspire you to write? Can images and feelings be expressed through music? You have all been enthusiastic about sharing lyrics that speak to you. We have been analyzing these lyrics and focusing on what makes the lyrics effective: figurative language, anaphora, rhythm in the language, universal emotions, imagery, symbolism, etc.  As we begin thinking about the songs we will write, use this post to share your ideas and original lyrics, lyrics you enjoy, or any bit of inspiration...

Rosie featured by the MoMA!

We are all involved in activities outside of school. Rosie takes teen art courses offered by the MoMA. What about you? Share your adventures, stories, and triumphs here. What types of courses are you taking? Which sports team are you on? What kinds of community service projects are you volunteering for? Do you have an interesting after school job? Get involved!

I am a part of everything I have read. -John Kieran

Here is a post to discuss the book(s) we are reading over Mid-Winter Recess. Give a little teaser without giving too much of the story away. Do you recommend the book and why? What themes are being explored? Is there are a particular passage that you love (for whatever reason) and want to share? Have a restful vacation and happy reading!

To Kill A Mockingbird, E2SH

Let's share our thoughts about Harper Lee's timeless classic. Why is To Kill A Mockingbird  such a celebrated work of fiction? Which passages are your favorites and why? Atticus Finch is famous for his integrity. How is his character an inspiration to you?

The Great Gatsby, E6H

As we read F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrait of the "roaring" 1920's, let's share our insights and responses to theme, characterization, and style. Enjoy this classic...

Turning Point

We are at a turning point in the year: The first semester is over, Regents Week is upon us, President Barack Obama offers hope and change. We begin a new chapter in history, and in school, as we begin the Spring semester. Let's use this posting to reflect on all that we've been through since September and also to look ahead. Brandeis will begin "phasing out" next year, so how does this make you feel? 

"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Blog about your responses to this haunting short story based on the author's own experiences with depression and the controversial Rest Cure. Discuss the effective literary elements and techniques as well.