Exams are Finished

Today, the fall 2017 Exam Period closed. Thank you to all Freshmen for your time, attention, and attendance.

Exam grades are now posted for all classes in Infinite Campus. Posted grades include the +3 points.


Have a safe and wonderful Winter Break!

Gearing Up For Winter Break

Between the Fall and Spring semesters, please obtain a copy of Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

This image links to Amazon.com

Local Stores to Try:

• McKays Used Books
• Rhino Booksellers
• Parnassus Books
• (RIP Bookman/Bookwoman. I miss you still.)

Membean Common Word Lists

• 2nd Period
• 3rd Period
• 4th Period
• 5th Period
• 7th Period

The last Membean session just closed yesterday, 12/10.

There is no Membean assigned over the upcoming Winter Break.

Membean will resume in January, upon our return in 2018.

Exam Study Guide: Fall 2017

This is a link to the Exam Study Guide

More Skill-Based, Less Text Based

The Exam Period will also feature the Membean Common Words Final,
as a separate component.

Career Fair - TKAM Trial 16-20

The MNPS Career Fair was awesome! Good job you guys!

There's no reading HW tonight, but...

HW:

• Quiz tomorrow over the Trial of Tom Robinson (Ch. 16-20)
• There's a study guide on this website, I encourage you to scroll down and use it.
• Also, why not: https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=to-kill-mockingbird-trial

Trial of Tom Robinson

Link to the Court Testimony Analysis document, due Monday.

Career Fair 2017: Info & Maps

Link to the 2017 Career Fair Floor Map

Link to the Career Fair Info Powerpoint from class

MOTIF: Boundaries

Today, students used this linked Powerpoint:

TKAM Trial Prep: 12-15

To both review the assigned chapters, as well as focus on motif as a literary element. Yes, slides explaining Motif, and several examples, are included in the .pptx





HW:

• Study for the Ch. 12-15 Quiz tomorrow
• Complete a session of Membean studying
• Bring book to class tomorrow for reading the beginning of the Trial out loud!

TKAM RVW Pt. 2

One additional note: Tomorrow's TKAM quiz will also feature a handful of questions about the History and Background of the novel's setting. I'm re-linking the TKAM BAckground powerpoint here below, for students to review:

TKAM History & Background Powerpoint (.pptx)

TKAM History & Background Notes (.pdf)

Below you'll find a study guide and other handy links.
Hope you had a great Wednesday!

Reviewing for TKAM

Say, students...Would you like access to a TKAM Study Guide? Well sure! Let me link one for you below:

TKAM Study Guide

(1-31)

*Spoiler Alert* This is a Study Guide for the entire book. You don't have to go past Part 1 (Ch. 1-11)

But Tiiiiiidyyyymaaaaan...that's not enough! Give me more stuff to review! 

Happy Halloween! Be safe out there!

PS: Need a last-minute costume idea? How about going as a Ham?

Pro-Tip: Have your older brother keep an eye out for you. Mighty hard to see in that Ham.

Membean Quiz; TKAM Kahoot

First, there was a Membean Quiz. Click here to log in and take it if you missed class today.

Then, students had the opportunity to participate in a TKAM Part 1 Review Kahoot, which was for a Formative score. I would post it here, but I can't, cause it's a Kahoot.

HW:

• Review for the TKAM Part 1 Quiz on Thursday
• Membean Session 4 is going on now: 10/30-11/12

Advisory: Climate Survey

Surveys.panoramaed.com/Nashville

Access code for students: student@king497

TKAM: Historical Background & Context

Link to the TKAM Historical Background .pptx from class today.

Link to the TKAM Anticipation Guide from the Thursday before break.

HW:

• Review the rest of the .pptx from class. Take notes.
• Bring the Anticipation Guide to class tomorrow for a discussion.
• Bring your copy of TKAM to class tomorrow, if possible.
• Keep studying Membean (current session: 10/16-10/29)

2 AdvancED Surveys

Link to Survey One: http://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/34905/18858

Link to Survey Two:http://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/34920/18858

Please complete both.

SPEAK Final; Common Word Lists

Today, students took their final tests on Speak. Please see me to make it up, if you missed today.

Also, tomorrow Freshmen will take their Common Words Quiz, which will be unique to each period. The word lists are linked below:

• 2nd Common Words
• 3rd Common Words
• 4th Common Words
• 5th Common Words
• 7th Common Words

HW:

• Study Membean Vocab Words

Required Surveys; SPEAK Quiz

Link to Student Survey #1: (Inventory)

http://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/30358/18858

Link to Student Survey #2: (Culture & Climate)

http://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/29577/18858

Take these quickly! Because right afterward, we have the Speak quiz over Marking Periods 1 & 2!

SPEAK Study Guides

Study Guides (optional)

Membean Information Sheet

Today, after a brief walking-tour review of a day's worth of thematic ideas, students all received a hard copy of the

Membean Information Sheet

And just for good measure, here's a link to Membean's main site.

Please do not attempt to sign-in, or Enroll in a class.

This is a link to the ENGL Department Guidelines

All Freshmen will Enroll in their teacher's classes on

Tuesday, 9/4.

Bonus Repost! Membean Payment Online Link!

A handul of students asked about Dubious Minutes.

What does 'dubious' even mean, brah?

So here is a screenshot of what a teacher will see:

These minutes will be subtracted from a student's studying, "Trained Minutes". Clicking on these minutes will yield a more detailed report of the reason for why such minutes were flagged:

And finally, here is the method students may use to view their own Dubious Minutes:

Thank you, Sarah, wherever you are.

HW:

• Pay for Membean on or before 9/4.
• The link is already on here.
• Obtain a copy of Speak
• A link to Amazon is already on here. Scroll around and find it.

Membean Online Payment Link

Click Here to Pay For Membean

10.00

Theme: Gallery of Gold Stars

Today, I checked students' HW to make sure that they had completed the 3 Theme Application slides from over the weekend.
This was for a HW grade, so please see me if you were absent and want to make the assignment up.

Then, students divided up into small groups to collect statements of thematic ideas onto large pieces of poster paper around the classroom. 90% of students informed me that they were familiar with Gallery Walk activities, and most classes had no problem navigating through the day.

But before students were completely finished with the activity, their final task was to rotate through the Theme Posters once more, and to award a Gold Star (⭐️ ) to the theme statement they believed to be the best.

Thanks, students, for the new wallpaper:

HW:

• Pay for Membean
• Bring Cash or Check for 10.00 to class tomorrow
• Or pay online!
• Obtain a copy of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak (scroll down for a link to an Amazon order page.)

THEME: Notes and Examples

Link to today's Powerpoint Notes
(3rd period: this does not include our extended discussion of Reason vs. Instinct)

Link to The Weekend HW:

Theme Application Slides 2-4

Writing Workshop: Paragraph Feedback

Today, students provided feedback regarding 3 student-authored samples from yesterday's in-class Compare and Contrast Paragraph activity. The passages were anonymous when examined.

Each of the 3 sample passages featured several strengths and weaknesses. Students identified these and provided commentary, marking their notes with a + for Strengths and a - for weaknesses.

Here is a .pdf of the sample passages, with the student names removed. I cannot tell you what the exact notes were that students too, as each class provided a unique perspective. If you missed today, please read these passages, and then ask to see a classmates notes from your class period.

Link to the student sample passages

HW:

• Bring Notes notebook back to class tomorrow, for Theme Notes
• Membean can be paid for starting MONDAY 8/28, and up through Labor Day
• Please obtain a copy of Speak by 9/5 (see below for handy Amazon.com link.)

STEAL: Compare and Contrast

After attendance, today's classes enjoyed a brief excursion outside for a mini-lesson on what to do, an where to go, in the event that we have a fire drill during that class period:

If there is ever a Fire Drill during our class:

Meet Me By The Light Post

(the first student to correctly connect that instruction to the Narnia books will receive 3 bonus* points)

Once re-settled in class, students retrieved their S.T.E.A.L. Charts on Rainsford and Zaroff. This was last night's HW. And I checked it, for a grade. You can find it in IC right now.
If you were absent yesterday, and didn't complete the HW, scroll down to find the document. Or see me and ask me to print it out for you. Either way, bring me a completed piece of work to receive credit.

Students then began to think about both characters at the same time using this Venn  Diagram.

After a few minutes of individual brainstorming, I invited students to chat with an elbow partner (a classmate sitting to the right or left) about character comparison ideas. Just a bit of a sounding board moment, before jumping in to this writing prompt: (see slide 2 for the prompt, and slide 3 for the BONUS question from 3rd period.)

Here's a link to a helpful website with contrasting and connective transitions to use, as well as several sample Compare and Contrast writing samples!

That was it; students had the rest of the class to draft their responses. The BONUS was not required. HW for tonight was just to be aware of information, which is here below:

HW:

• Bring $10 for Membean between 8/28 and 9/4
• We begin using the program after Labor Day
• Order, or otherwise obtain, the book Speak by Labor Day
• This, for example, would be a great place to start.

The Most Dangerous Quiz

What a neat eclipse! I hope everyone kept their eyes safe and had a ton of fun in the dark sun!

As students returned this morning for the beginning of our short week, my expectation had been that they read "The Most Dangerous Game", linked below.

In order to check that students had, in fact, read the story, they all took a little quiz. 16 Questions -  see me if you missed it. That was the first thing.

After that, I shared some (informal) feedback with students about the STEAL presentations from last Friday. They were mostly OK, and generally better than last year's crew did on their first time around.
My notes going forward:

Then I invited students to give me some feedback of their own, by filling out the Peer Evaluation Sheet:

Link to the Document

(not required)

Finally, students got their HW: a document to STEAL the two main characters from MDG:

HW:

• USE THIS DOCUMENT to STEAL Rainsford and General Zaroff for tomorrow
• Note: you only have to do 1 quote per acronym letter
• You do have to complete both characters.

WKND HW: The Most Dangerous Game

Read This 

Short Story

For Tuesday

It's The Most Dangerous Game

by Richard Connell

No, you don't have to annotate it.

But you should be able to apply your skills from the first two weeks of class to it -- plot diagram, conflict, climax, character analysis, etc.

Also -- be safe during the Eclipse!

S.T.E.A.L. Project Docs

Here are digital copies of almost everything I shared with classes today about:

• Making the STEAL Poster
• Presenting Character Analysis Information

LINK to Project Rubric

Sample Poster:

Not Uploaded: Sample Presentation Video.

HW:

• Finish Character's S.T.E.A.L. Poster
• Prepare to present Character Analysis tomorrow
• Remember, the best presentations will focus on answering the question, "What is this character like?" and the worst will read off the poster like a script.

S.T.E.A.L: Summer Reading Application

Today, armed with notes about the STEAL Character Analysis Framework, students got into groups and chose a character to STEAL from the summer reading books. Students chose blindly the names from 3x5 cards.

Each group had the following:

• 2-3 Freshmen
• Access to the Summer Reading books
• An assigned character

All they needed was a place to start collecting character information. So at this point, each Freshman got a copy of the STEAL Character Chart.

The first task was for students to work with their group to complete the chart. Completing the chart means we can move on to the next step of the project: creating a poster of the information and presenting it.

HW:

• Finish any parts of the Character Chart that your group didn't finish in class.
• Groups will receive poster-paper from me when they show me a completed Character Chart, for tomorrow's Poster work day.

S.T.E.A.L. Character Analysis Framework

After attendance and a brief stretch, students recorded several notes on the S.T.E.A.L. Characterization Framework into their Notes composition notebook.

This is a link to the powerpoint, with attached Image Examples from class.

Special shout-out to 5th Period for analyzing (in and one instance, over-analyzing) The Runaway Bunny himself from yesterday's group reading. I really appreciated this moment.

HW:

• Bring summer reading books to class tomorrow, for S.T.E.A.L.ing a character from one of those texts.

Reinforcement: Identifying Literary Climax

After attendance and a little beginning-of-class stretch, here's how the day unfolded:

• Written Reflection (just an invitation, not an assignment, trust me)
• Review of the Hidden Figures Plot Point Questions
• Identifying Climax

A handful of students demonstrated some confusion last week when asked to identify the respective climaxes of the two summer reading books:

-Some students thought that Russia launching Sputnik was the climax of Hidden Figures

-Some students thought that Ender killing Bonzo was the climax of Ender's Game.

These ideas are somewhat misguided, and we clarified why today:

Everything leads up to the climax

Every detail points towards it

For a quick in-class practice, we read Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny.

Students' job was to listen closely, and to be able to identify the story's climax.

It's when the little bunny decides to stay, and not run away. (Looking towards tomorrow, It's also the only moment of dynamic characterization. But more on that tomorrow.)

HW:

• Bring Ender's Game tomorrow, if possible
• Bring NOTES composition notebook for Characterization notes.

Hidden Figures Plot Points

Link to the Plot Points Document

And Questions

from class today

HW: 

• Finish Hidden Figures Plot Point Questions (if not finished in class)
• Email me!
• Emails due by Midnight Sunday - click link above for details

Ender's Game Plot Points

Link to E's G Questions and Plot Points

from class today.

HW:

• Finish Ender's Game Plot Point Questions in classwork composition notebook
• Bring Hidden Figures to class if possible tomorrow
• Syllabus Signature sheet due tomorrow!
• This includes 6th period PLT as well

Agendas; Notes; Plot Diagram Notes

Well, 2nd period got a pass on today's class, as Freshmen had to report to the MLK Auditorium for the Grade Level Expectations meeting with our Administrators.

All the rest of the Freshmen were issued an official MLK Magnet Agenda (a.k.a. assignment book.) Students signed off on a roster to verify their receipt of said agenda.

Then classes set up and labelled their NOTES Composition Notebook for class. The label on the front should look like this:

(Student Name)

NOTES

Tidyman (class per.)

Then, with the help of several enlightened contributors from each class, students reviewed the classic Plot Diagram (occasionally called a Plot Chart)

Here is a link to the skeleton of what we covered today.

Each class then added unique contributions and explanations based on their prior experiences with the diagram. Ask a classmate to see theirs if you didn't get the specific notes in class.

HW:

• Bring Ender's Game tomorrow, if possible
• Class Syllabus Signature Sheet due Fri 8/11 (scroll down for link from Monday) 

Summer Reading Assessment

Today, Freshmen took their Summer Reading Assessment. It was a test over both summer reading books.

See me to make it up if you missed today.

First Day of School!

First, I took attendance. Tons of beautiful names across my rosters this year, now I just have to learn to say them correctly.

Then students got put into their Q1 seats. Yeah, you guessed it, it's alphabetical by last name. It'll help me put names with faces and take attendance quickly.

Finally, students received the ENGL - I Course Syllabus. Click the link for the .pdf file.

Study Hall was interesting. Lunch was even more interesting. Shaping up to be an interesting year.

HW:

• Summer Reading Test tomorrow. Study
• Course Syllabus Signature Sheet due by Friday, 8/11. Click for .pdf.

Gearing Up for the New Year

Link to the Powerpoint Slides from Freshman Orientation

R&J Debate Prepwork

This is the R&J Debate Prep Document

Remember, you got your letter assignment in class today.

You won't know whether you're on the Pro or Con side of the debate until class tomorrow -- this means you have to prepare for both possible sides. 

Subpart 2&3 Tomorrow

This is a link to the Foreign Words & Phrases Document

And here is a link to a handy practice activity.

Link to the Lit Terms Powerpoint from today's class.
ANNNNNNNDDD A bonus Lit Term Guide!


The TNReady Study guide is linked in the post below.

HW:

• Review for the TNReady Subparts tomorrow.
• Membean

Reviewing for the TNReady

This is a link to the Study Guide document

(3 pgs)

This is a link to the online Jeopardy game that Mrs. Syes introduced to 3rd and 6th periods.

HW:

• Do some Membean.
• Enjoy your weekend!
• Testing schedule starts next week.

TNReady Subpart 1 - Cont'd

Tonight's HW is to draft an answer to the TNReady Question:

How do both authors develop the theme of an individual's relationship to the sea?

This is a link to the 2 reading passages, Robinson Crusoe and "Sea Fever".

And here is a link to the 4-square graphic organizer from class.

Field Trip Day!

Just kidding. Kind of.

Today, Ms. Howell and I switched classrooms. As our venerable Latin teacher, and good friend, I was delighted to invite her to use 3NW to give the National Latin Exam.

In Rm. 100, Freshmen had the opportunity to review for our Mythology Test on Monday, or the quiz in Wellness, or their Engineering Quiz.

Check out this cool map of Odysseus' pathway home!

And on an un-related note:

Come See

Grease

@ MLK Auditorium

Friday 3/10 7pm

Saturday 3/11 7pm

Sunday 3/12 3pm

Jeopardy REMATCH

Y'all...if you didn't come to the After-school Mythology Study Session...let me just say, you missed a good time.

It was in Mrs. Syes' room. Energy was high. Many screams were scrum. Birdman Jr. accused me of foul play.

And...Mrs. Syes' class won.

By 100 points.

Special thanks to the student who left me this on my whiteboard.

As if losing wasn't bad enough...This is the song Mrs. Syes played (VERY LOUDLY) at the end:

Mythology Review Day

Today, students received this document that focused on the Introduction to Mythology:

Link to Review Sheet

We also took a moment to watch one of the best animated features of 2016: "Greek Mythology for Students:

Now Available in Original Greek!

If you were unable to attend the after-school Mythology RVW Session today, in Mrs. Syes' room:

Link to the Mythology Jeopardy Game

ODY: Test Review Materials

Link to the Q3 Study Guide

From Class:
Part 1 Review Questions: 1083
Part 2 Review Questions: 1115

From Study Session:
Mrs. Syes programmed a Kahoot. I don't know how to incorporate that into a website.

This is a link to the Odyssey Review Powerpoint Game

It was Mrs. Syes students versus mine. Here was the final score:

Please no one show this to Dr. Miller. I'll get fired.

Sad.

Upcoming Class Schedule:

• Weds 3/8: Odyssey Test
• Thurs 3/9: Mythology RVW Session AFTER SCHOOL
• Fri 3/10: Mythology RVW Cont'd
• Sunday 3/12: Membean Session 11 Ends
• Mon 3/13: Mythology Test
• Tues 3/14: Last Membean Quiz & Make-Ups

Lit Focus: Epithets

First of all, it being Monday and all, students logged into Membean for a 15 minute study session.

Link to the Membean Page

This Session (11) Ends:

Sunday 3/12 @ Midnight

Then, students received this handout: the Notes & Activity Sheet involving Epithets:

Link to the Document from class (2-sided)

I also shared the following notes on, and examples of Epithets:

Link to the informational powerpoint from class

In the final minutes of class, students shared their epithets that they had written about their partners.

Dubious Minutes: How To Investigate

From Membean HQ:

Reminder: Keep an eye on your own dubious minutes. Minutes flagged as Dubious will be subtracted from the overall number of minutes studied.

O Mrs. Sottek Where Art Thou

In honor of the conclusion of Mrs. Sottek's student-teaching placement here @ MLK, classes enjoyed a rare treat!

Video Clips! From this very film!

Paired with scenes from The Odyssey

This is a link to the notes-sheet students received in class!

Just so you know, the film is available IN FULL on Netflix.

The Soundtrack (SO GOOD) is available on YouTube!

A Gift From Uncle Brocust!

You're the best, Uncle Brocust!

Check out dat Scylla! 7th period is awesome!

No, this image won't be on the test.

Lit. Term Focus: Epic Similes

This is the powerpoint from class today. This got incorporated into the Notes Composition Notebook:

Link to Powerpoint File

ODY Pt. 2: Study Session

During your studies for the upcoming Quiz on Part 2 of The Odyssey, you may wish to reread/review details pertaining to the following:

• Odysseus' Return to Ithaca
• The Reunion of Father and Son
• The Plan. You know the one. The big one.
• The Disguise
• Argus 😢
• The Suitors' Treatment of "the beggar"
• Queen Penelope and her Conversation With "the beggar"
• The Challenge (The One That Penelope Gives The Suitors) AND The Winner
• The First To Die & The Suitors' Reaction
• Penelope's Test & Royal Carpentry 101

Also:

• Questions 1, 2, and 3 on page 1115 (After You Read)
• Epic Poetry Lit Terms

But Mr. Tidyman it's Sundaaaaaaayyyyyy and I only wanna review for, like, 12 minutes!!

Did you know that the author of YA-Lit megahit The Fault In Our Stars

John Green

explains it better, and faster, than I ever could?

Link to Crash Course Literature 201: The Odyssey*

*Disclaimer: This video covers some plot that has been cut

from your version of the text.

It also deals honestly (but not lewdly) with the issues

of sex and faithfulness in the story.

Thanks, "jared" from YouTube, for this whiteboard rendition.

The Hero's Journey

Thank you, Joseph Campbell. Heroes walk the same path.

https://prezi.com/9bmnwcgio1lx/heros-journey-the-lion-king/?webgl=0

Wanna blow your mind? Check out all the results for this idea:

https://www.google.com/#safe=strict&q=joseph+campbell+hero%27s+journey+prezi&*

Tomorrow: Tues 2/21

I'm not saying that there's a Quiz over Part One of the Odyssey tomorrow.

I'm not saying that at all.

But if there were to be one, hypothetically, tomorrow would definitely be the day to give one. If one were, in fact, to give one. Hypothetically.

And furthermore, if one were to review for this hypothetical quiz, here's what one might undertake to review:

• Know the Elements of Epic Poetry
• Several of these lit terms can be found in the Textbook itself, before The Odyssey begins, on pages 1040e-1040F
• These ones, specifically, might be handy
• Know The TEXT
• Not just the text of Odysseus' Adventures, but read (and KNOW) all of the yellow-box Summary information. The stuff that's set apart from the text of the story itself.
• Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of HOW the text of The Odyssey serves as an example of an epic poem, with particular regard to HOW the adventures of Odysseus communicate the values of Ancient Greek culture.

Stay Gold.

Anticlea

That was Odysseus' mom's name.

Anticlea.

Essays Due; Land of the Dead

Students handed in their Synthesis Essays on the heroic question: Is it more important for a hero to be smart? Or to be strong?

If you belong to the population of students who wanted to whine about this assignment,

please remember:

It was assigned last Friday.

You had 7 days.

BUT THEN!

Students accompanied Odysseus, son of Laertes, on his hair-raising, heart-wrenching journey to the

Land of the Dead

This is a link to the in-class listening document

We stopped several times along the way to check for listening comprehension, as well as savor Odysseus' heartbreak.

HW:

• Finish Part 1 of The Odyssey
• 1071-1082
• I'm not saying that there'll be a Quiz on Tuesday. But hey. You never know
• Except I know you haven't had one yet.
• And I know that the major divisions between sections of a story are a good time to pause and assess.
• And I know y'all have a 3-Day weekend to read, review, and catch up.
• Just sayin'.

ODY: Textbook Citation

This document has a copiable-and-pastable Works Cited entry for our textbook!

When quoting in your essay, be sure to use:

(Fitzgerald #)

💻M👏L👏A👏FORMAT👏PLZ

Another MLA Powerpoint
(Instructions, not examples)

YouTube Tutorial! YOU'RE WELCOME
There are several others, too

Purdue Online Writing Lab

Hero Synthesis: Drafting Day

Re-Link to the Hero Synthesis Assignment

(this was introduced in class last Friday, 2/10

Don't believe me? Scroll down.)

Link to the Thesis Brainstorming Document

(optional. Possible helpful? But not graded)

Synthesis Rubric

Shout out to Lakethia W. for pointing out (in a spicy comment) that one had been available since January.

This one has been gently tweaked and clarified for this assignment.

Writing Workshop Day 1: Opening Brainstorm

After school today, from 3ish to 4 ish, Freshmen were invited to a Writing Workshop in which they participated in a Group Brainstorming session.

Remember, the central question in the Hero Synthesis Essay is:

Is it more important for a hero to be 

strong?

Or to be

smart?

And so students first had to stake out a position. Then, they got together with like-minded students to collect, on big papers, points for their argumentative side:

There will also be another Writing Workshop held tomorrow, after school, from 3:15-4:15.

Intro to Odyssey (Membean Minutes)

Upon arrival to class today, students took their MB Session 9 Quiz (if you were absent today, please see me to re-set your quiz).

During, and after the Quiz, I shared the following details with students, details specifically concerning the treatment of Dubious Minutes:

This is a link to the Membean Issues powerpoint.

Dubious Minutes Explanation

General Help On Membean

(Searchable Solutions Center)

If you were one of the 7th period students who

was pointedly interesting in seeing Dubious sessions,

I have sent an e-mail to Membean HQ on this very topic,

and will share what I hear tomorrow.

Then, we moved along directly to some notes introducing The Odyssey as an example of the genre called epic poetry.

Link to the Odyssey Introduction & Epic Poetry Terms
(.gslides credit Mrs. Sottek 2017)

And here is the Notes Sheet that accompanied the Slides

HW:

• Read The Odyssey: 1050-1063 The Cyclops, Polyphemous
• 1 DJ Entry to accompany
• 
  
• Membean Session 10 is on: 2/13-2/26

The Hero's Journey: Listening

Students completed a Listening Assignment in class today, on the topic of the Hero's Journey.

This is a link to the audio file from class!

And this is a link to the Hero's Journey Notes sheet from class

Students filled this out, and handed it in at the end of the period

Which means that if I don't have yours, please hand it in

Infinite Heroes. A Singular Journey.

HW: 

• Begin The Odyssey: read pgs 1044-1049
• Complete 1 Dialectical Journal Entry
• Membean Quiz Tomorrow (Session 9 just ended: 1/30-2/12)

Bonus Material: The 17-Step Hero's Cycle Diagram

Quiz #3 & Synthesis

Link to the Synthesis Essay Document
Due Friday, 2/17

Also, Mythology Quiz #3 was given today. If you were absent, please see me to make up the quiz.

Quiz Tomorrow: Study Session

Mrs. Syes hosted a rather well-attended study session over Mythology today after school:

No one got injured. I think.

The focus was basically "Mythology So Far". There was a Kahoot (Shout out to Kahoot Champion BOB Q!). Mrs. Syes then answered, with broad and full explanation, questions donated anonymously by Freshmen in attendance.

Study Tips For The Quiz:

• Refresh your knowledge of the main points of Hamilton's Introduction. Why does Greek mythology matter? What does it mean for us?
• Know the Big 12 (Olympian Gods and Goddesses). Like, really know them. We've been reading myths for a couple weeks - you should know these gods like the back of your hand.
• Here's a helpful sheet that you should've already filled out in class.
• Seriously, you should know all of the information in the above doc by now.
• 
  
• Be familiar with the important figures and stories from the Creation chapter.
• Know how to complete a (high-quality, thorough) Dialectical Journal entry
• Here's a re-link to the Powerpoint that explains this.
• Come prepared to demonstrate knowledge & understanding of the Trojan War, as well as the Fall of Troy (Chapters 13 and 14 in Mythology)
• Questions might be drawn from the chapters, the in-class lectures (see below for powerpoints), the documentary from today, or any combination thereof.

Finally, here is a pic of some of my favorite student questions from this afternoon:

Click to zoom in. Then, in the new tab, right click the image and choose 'Open Image In New Tab' for best viewing.

Fall Of Troy: Fact or Fiction?

Today, students (hopefully) enjoyed a rare English-class opportunity:

We watched a PBS Documentary: "Secrets of the Dead"

This show examined multiple perspectives on whether or not the city of Troy, and the fabled Trojan Horse, were FACT, or just MYTH.

This is a link to the Listening Note-Taking Sheet from class. And just so you know: this document was turned in, for a grade, at the end of class. So if I don't have yours, you don't have a grade.

No, I cannot post the video online. I had to purchase it from YouTube, which means re-posting it for free is copyright infringement.

HW:

• Quiz tomorrow on Mythology. Everything we've covered is fair game, as well as the 4 Major Heroes (Jason, Perseus, Theseus, and Hercules), The Trojan War, and The Fall of Troy.

The Trojan War

TWO POWERPOINTS FROM CLASS:

Made by Tidyman
Sorry the formatting didn't carry over from Powerpoint.


 Made by Mrs. Sottek
You can tell.

Link to the Guided Lecture Notes from Class

HW:

• Read Ch. 14: The Fall Of Troy

Students Present: Myths! (Day 2)

A handful of final presentations were conducted today.

Two other goals for the day:

1. Do a 15-minute Session of Membean
2. Get your ENGL Textbook signed out to you (see me for this if you were absent)

HW:

• Read Ch. 13: "The Trojan War"

Students Present: Myths! (Day 1)

Students presented their multi-media Myth projects today.

Almost every group go to go, but we'll have a few more tomorrow. We missed the SSMV Vandy Squad Nerds.

Tomorrow: Mythological Presentations!

Even though I know it's Sunday and I don't expect this site to get much traffic today, here's a quick post in preparation for tomorrow:

This is the Multi-Media Myth Project Assignment Sheet

This is the Rubric

This is a guide to who-all is presenting on what, and when:

How to "Hand In" This Project:

• Frankly it depends on the kind of multi-media visual your group has prepared
• For saved visual files, consider the following:
• Bring it in on a USB Drive
• Email it to jesse.tidyman@mnps.org (as an attachment)
• For web-based or cloud-hosted visuals, you might:
• "Share" it to me (Dropbox, Google Drive, and MNPS Office365 all have this feature)
• Email me a link to the website with your visual (Prezi comes to mind)
• Special Note on Movies:
• I have no idea how many groups decided to film anything and make a movie. But let me warn you now: I use a Macbook in 3NW. Which means I can play MANY video-file formats, but I CANNOT play Windows MovieMaker (or any other Windows OS movie-creation/project program)  project files.
• You can use whatever software you want but you have to export your project to a video file format such as .mp4, .mov, or .mkv. Or you can burn it to a blank DVD, if you have the hardware for that.

Bonus: Done with your project? Bored? 

I have this book in my classroom.

This is a link to an audio-drama of the Cupid & Psyche myth.
No, it's not required for class. But it's listening and not reading, so hey, maybe you might enjoy it.

Socratic Circle: Heroes of Mythology

Students participated in a socratic circle discussion activity today. Results were generally underwhelming.

Project Work & Socratic Prep

A handful of my classes reviewed the Hero Chart columns for Perseus and Theseus.

A handful did not, after it became rankly apparent that only about 7 students did the reading and HW. Thanks, 3rd period.

The reading is the easiest part, you churls.

After that, groups had time to work on their Mythological Presentation Projects, which will be due Monday.

HW:

• Prepare Questions for tomorrow's Socratic Circle concerning Heroes
• Bonus link to the Socratic Guidelines for tomorrow
• Read Hercules' chapter.
• Complete his column on the Hero Chart
• Complete one Dialectical Journal.
• Continue to prepare the Multi-Media Presentation Project due Monday
• Don't forget: Membean is still going on!

Jason as Hero; Project Work

First objective for class today was to review Jason's column in the Hero Chart.

The balance of class time was spent working in groups on the Multi-Media Myth Presentation Project (scroll down to see post below.)

HW:

• Read Perseus & Theseus
• Fill out both Hero Columns
• Complete 1 Dialectical Journal entry (two passages total)
• Membean Session 9 is ON! 1/30-2/12
• Continue to work on the Multi-Media Presentation (due Mon)

Membean Quiz, DJs; JASON

First of all, if you haven't already, please sign in to Membean and take your Quiz.

After taking the quiz, Freshman took notes on Dialectical Journal Entries, which will be assigned for each of the 4 Major Heroes we're going to read about:

Created by Mrs. Sottek 2017

Students also received a copy of the Hero Chart, which will organize notes on each of the 4 major heroes that we will read about.

Multi-Media Myth Projects!

Multi-Media Myth Project Assignment Sheet

Digital Resources on pg. 3

These were the slices of Chapters 4, 5, and 6:

Here is a link to the Rubric for the Project!

Freshman Crayon The Universe

What a wonderful of collection of illustrations I received last night!

Link to Freshman 'Creation' Powerpoint

Yo, give it a minute or two to load - there are 77 image-laden slides! It's a big file!

Also, here's tomorrow's schedule of classes, for Homecoming:

HW: Study for Mythology Quiz #2 Ch. 2-3 tomorrow (grades for Quiz #1 available in IC)

• KNOW about Demeter & Dionysus
• KNOW about the creation myths - the genesis of the gods and the different versions of Men they made, various punishments delivered to immortals and mortals alike.
• KNOW the various kinds of gods as they were brought into the world, leading up to the olympians.
• REFRESH your knowledge of the Introduction and Chapter 1 - there will be some information brought back on this quiz because the 1st quiz was so so bad.

Here is a small gift from 3rd and 6th period students:

And here is a small gift from me:

Scene Illustrations: Creation

We're Illustrating (Greek) Creation!

This is a link to the handout explaining the illustration activity.

Here are the various Powerpoint slides with the illustration chunks,

the bullet-point requirements,

and the sample of what a slide might look like.

HW:

• PowerPoint slide that includes information about your scene (main points) as well as 1-2 important direct quotations from Mythology. In order to include your illustration in your slide, you will need to take a picture of your illustration, email it to yourself (or a group member), and ‘Insert’ it into your PPT slide.
• Email your PPT slide to Mr. Tidyman by tonight at 11:59 p.m to jesse.tidyman@mnps.org.
• Subj line of the email contains: [Myth Scene], [Group Members], [Class Period]

Transitioning into Ch. 3: Creation

Link to the Information Slide from class:

Reading Purpose -- Chapter Chunks, etc

HW: Read Ch. 3 and annotate for tomorrow

         Tomorrow we begin an Activity for Ch. 3

Grain, Pomegranates, and Grapes, Oh My!

Demeter & Dionysus

This is a link to the slides above, presented as the handout students received in class today.

In addition to looking at Chapter 2 of Mythology, students completed 15 minutes of Membean studying in class:

Log In To Membean

Membean Session 07: 1/16-1/29

Quiz; Mythology Close Reading

First thing in class today, students took a Quiz over the Introduction, and Ch. 1, of Mythology. Students were...less than pleased about this. Please see me to make this up, if you were absent today (looking at you, 6th period).

Then, I shared a powerpoint with students about how to rigorously read (ideally with more comprehension success) Mythology

This is a link to the notes I shared on the .pptx

Also I shared small Annotation-Guide squares for Mythology - Click the image below for the link:

HW for Weekend:

• Read Mythology Ch. 2: The Two Great Gods of Earth
• Reading Purpose 1: What connects these gods to Earth?
• Reading Purpose 2: Why are these two gods known as the 'suffering' gods? What is the source of their suffering?

The Lesser Gods

The Lesser Gods

Guide (Ch.1)

The Big 12: Olympians

Guide to the Olympians

Who's Who on Mount Olympus? (chart)

Introduction to Classical Mythology

Introduction to Classical Mythology

Study Guide

Oh that's right! It's Tuesday! So in class today, there was a

Membean Quiz

So please come and see me if you missed it.