Thursday, November 18th - Period 5

Politics: Day 4

Do Now: How has the literacy of the pigs made them powerful?

The Animal revolution happens quite easily because Mr. Jones was depressed and drinking.  He neglected feeding the animals, and the cows break into the store shed and begin eating.  When Mr. Jones and his men find out, he begins whipping them and the rest of the animals fight back and drive him off the farm.  At the end, we find out that the pigs have learned to read and write.  They make up rules for “Animal Farm” and write them.  

Critical Thinking Question:  How does literacy give you power in some situation?  

Content:  Chapter 2 review and beginning of Chapter 3

Class Activities:  Discussion of literacy and power, Reading beginning of Chapter 3, Drawing of the Animal Farm Flag: Green background with a white hoof and horn, Reading and Comprehending from context: vocabulary skills. Review of commas, periods, and semicolons.

Homework: 1) Finish reading chapter 3.
2) Complete vocabulary in context sheet. Write the sentence it is found in and the what you think it means within that context: Resolution, Indefatigable, Maxim, Welfare

Thursday, November 18th - Period 7

Power: Day 4

Do Now: What is more difficult to go through, personal embarrassment or physical pain?

Critical Thinking Question: Why did the beggars from the church have so much wisdom of the people of the town?

Content: Critical passages and quotes from chapter 1 and beginning of chapter 2.

Class Activities: Review of critical passages and quotes, Discussion of multiple perspectives, Acting out the scene

Homework: Write a story or poem about a moment of shame that you have either experienced or witnessed and the strong emotions that came from that.  Think about Kino’s shame and his reaction.

Wednesday, November 17th - Period 3

 Do Now:  Write 3 things you have heard about or know about Ancient Rome. (Think of movies or cartoons you have seen or history classes you have had.)

Classroom Activities: Group Agenda

Writing Reflection: Group Agenda

Homework: Do you agree that Ancient Rome is more similar than different to Washington DC today?  Why or why not?

Wednesday, November 17th - Period 7

Power: Day 3

Do Now: If you ever have a child, what are among the most important things you want for your child?

Critical Thinking Question: What do we value the most for those we care about and love?  

Content:  Group Agenda, Pages 4-7 from The Pearl to “‘The doctor,” she said. “Go to get the doctor.”

Class Activities:  Group reading and completing agenda, Spider creation, Brief group skits of the critical incident.  

Homework: 1) Finish reading chapter 2.  
2)If you were Kino or Juana, how would you feel after the doctor denied your son healthcare?

Wednesday, November 17th - Period 1, 5, 6

Politics: Day 3

Do Now: Old Major argued in chapter 1 that they should overthrow the humans, but afterwards, they should never engage in human behavior themselves like living in a house, sleeping in a bed, wearing clothes, smoking tobacco, or drinking.  Why did he not want the animals to act like humans?

Critical Thinking Question:  What are ways that our human behavior and excess leads to sin?  What is the importance of patriotism and patriotic songs?  Why is intelligence and literacy so important and valuable, especially in respect to political movements?

Content: End of Chapter 1, “Beasts of England” rally song. Beginning Chapter 2

Class Activities:  Discussion of importance of patriotism and patriotic songs and symbols, Comparison to American songs, Singing “Beasts of England” by different characters in story, Writing about the “new outlook on life” or which character do you connect with, Napolean, the fierce pig who gets his way, Snowball, quick in speech and inventive, or Squealer, brilliant speaker and good at convincing others.  

Homework: 1) Finish reading Chapter 2.
2) How can brilliant speaking and communication help people to get their way even if they are wrong or evil?

Jay-Z Interview

 

Listen to it all, but I suggest the 30 minute mark.

Tuesday, November 16th - Period 3

Caesar: Day 2
 
Do Now: (CRQ Day)
Reread the poem, “Out, Out” by Robert Frost.  Describe how the poem can be considered tragic.  Give 2 examples from the text to support your answer.
 
Content: CRQ Paper, Shakespeare's Tragedy

Classroom Activities: CRQ, "Why Does Shakespeare Matter?" video clip, Shakespeare and Tragedy PPT

Writing Reflection: Explain 3 reasons how Shakespeare’s writing and plays were influenced by Elizabethan society.

Homework: Why does Shakespeare matter to Overbrook High School students? If he doesn’t, why not?  Include 1 new fact that you learned about Shakespeare.

Tuesday, November 16th - Periods 1, 5, 6

Politics: Day 2

Do Now: In the beginning of Animal Farm, an older pig named Old Major gives a speech to the rest of the animals about his opinion of the farmer.  What do you think his speech will be about?

Critical Thinking Question:  How can Old Major’s complaint relate to groups of people in the real world? In Philadelphia?  Who are the animals a metaphor for? Who is Mr. Jones a metaphor for?

Content: Animal Farm, Chapter 1

Class Activities: Reading and discussion, Acting out a scene, Writing about story metaphors

Homework: 1)  Finish reading Chapter 1
2) Written Response: Right now, if you were an animal, would you side with Old Major or Mr. Jones?  Why?

Tuesday, November 16th - Period 7

Power: Day 2

Do Now: When the Europeans first came to America, who do you think was more culturally advanced and/or intelligent?  The Europeans or the Native Americans? Why?

Critical Thinking Question:  How does ethnocentrism affect us? Do we think we are better than other cultures? What is the evidence of rich culture among Kino, Juana, and Coyotito?

Content: “You Are The Rain” by Bill Miller, First 3 pages of Chapter 1 to “this is warmth, this is the Whole.”

Class Activities: Presentation of colonialism and cultural domination, Reading from The Pearl, Discussion about representation of music and songs as cultural

Homework: 1) Finish reading chapter 1.  
2) What kind of music or song represents you and your culture?  What does this music tell us about you as an individual?

Monday, November 15th - Period 3

Do Now: Explain in your own words what "tragedy" means.

Content: "Out, Out" by Robert Frost

Classroom Activities: Analyzing tragedy in "Out, Out"; writing about tragedy

Homework: Choose a story that you believe to be a tragedy.  Explain what makes this story a tragedy to you.

Monday, November 15th - Periods 1, 5, & 6

Politics: Day 1

Do Now: What are social groups that exist at Overbrook High School?

Critical Thinking Question: What is politics?  How are politics a part of our everyday, social lives?

Content:  Left Leans on National Mall from NPR, Introduction to Animal Farm

Class Activities: Presentation on the political spectrum, Discussion about social cliques, Writing about social decisions

Homework: Portfolio Entry #6: Tell a story of how your group of friends or social cliques make decisions. Explain an example like deciding what to eat, how to act in school, or what to do on the weekend.  How and why is the decision made among the members in the group?

Monday, November 15th - Period 7

Power: Day 1

Opening Inquiry: At Overbrook High School, who are the most misunderstood people? Why?

Critical Thinking Question: How does our ability to communicate in some situation affect the power that we have in that situation or control that we have over that situation?

Content: “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone, “Speaking with Hands” by Luis J. Rodriguez

Class Activities: Unit Review, Book Distribution, Introduction to Unit Inquiry

Homework: Portfolio Entry #6 - Tell a story of a time when you could not communicate effectively, where it felt like you were not being understood and you were upset about it. Where were you? What happened?

Friday, November 12th - All Periods

Constructed Response Day 1

Do Now: How is writing on a test different from writing in an email, diary, or journal?

Critical Thinking Question: Hot do test-taking writing skills differ from personal expression writing skills?  How are they the same?

Content: “Carl Hancock’s Rux on Drama” describe is attitude towards literature and drama in his life.  Use at least 2 example from the text to support your answer.

Class Activities: Discussion of writing process, poetry writing, constructed response

Homework: Complete Essay/Unit Reflection sheet

Tuesday, November 9th - Period 5

Culture: Unit Reflection LP

Do Now: What was the most memorable lesson or presentation for you in this unit about culture, identity, and our packet with stories about Tyree, Donald Duk, and the Evil Fairies?

Critical Thinking Question: What have we learned from this unit?  Why is it important to have an understanding of culture, identity, and racism?

Content: A Mom’s Tough Standards NPR, Daymond John discusses hip-hop and culture

Class Activities: Reflection on themes thought about and inquiries generated from this unit, Application of knowledge and inquiry to NPR Article and History Makers

Homework: Have you ever thought about your own culture before this unit?  How do you think about yourself and other cultures differently?

Tuesday, November 9th - Periods 3 & 7

Politics: Unit Reflection LP

Do Now: What was the most memorable lesson or presentation for you in this unit about politics, democracy, and Animal Farm?

Critical Thinking Question: What have we learned from this unit?  Why is it important to have an understanding of politics and power distribution?

Content: WHYY Analysis of Mid Term Elections, Mid-Term Losses for Democrats - NPR

Class Activities: Reflection on themes thought about and inquiries generated from this unit, Application of knowledge and inquiry to NPR Article

Homework: What are the responsibilities that we have as democratic citizens who can vote?  Why is voting and education so important?

Tuesday, November 9th - Periods 1 & 6

The Power of Literacy Unit Reflection

Do Now: What was the most memorable lesson or presentation for you in this unit about power, literacy, and The Pearl?

Critical Thinking Question: What have we learned from this unit?  Why is it important to have an understanding of literacy?

Content: Newsweek’s Power 50, Rush Limbaugh Clip, Unit Reflection Sheets

Class Activities: Reflection on themes thought about and inquiries generated from this unit, Application of knowledge and inquiry to Newsweek Article

Homework: Who is a radio host that you listen to?  How does their literacy and communication skills affect the way you think?

Politics, Literature, and American Democracy Unit Project - Periods 3 & 7

Unit Project: Politics, Literature, and American Democracy

How do politics affect our lives as democratic citizens?

Project Assignment:
You must write a 1 1/2 - 2 page descriptive essay where you explore your own current political beliefs and the ways in which these political beliefs have been informed and critically developed through reading Animal Farm.

Part 1: (1-2 paragraphs)
Draw a straight line with Communism on the left and Fascism on the right.  Mark where you would position yourself along this political spectrum and explain why you would represent yourself at that point.

• You must use at least one quote of your own writing (do nows, writing reflections, or portfolio entries) that supports your ideas in this section.

Part 2: (2-3 paragraphs)
In your opinion, were the animals better off under Mr. Jones or the leadership of the pigs? Explain why and use specific examples from the story to support your response.

Then, describe how the leadership of the pigs have influenced your own political beliefs.

• You must use at least one quote from Animal Farm to support your ideas in this section.

Part 3: (2-3 paragraphs)
What is your position on food stamps as a social service in the community?  When people are struggling in the community and are out of work, should the government use taxes to provide them with food stamps and unemployment checks?
At the end of Animal Farm, do you think the pigs would be in favor of food stamps?

Cultural Identity Unit Project - Period 5

Unit Project: Cultural Identity

What is my cultural identity and how does this identity affect the way I experience the world?

Project Assignment:
You must write a 1 1/2 - 2 page descriptive essay where you explore your current understanding of your racial and cultural identity and how this racial and cultural identity impact the way you act and the way other people treat you in the world.

Part 1: (1-2 paragraphs)
Describe your culture as the beliefs, values, and rules that you have learned from people you respect and care about you.  
How did you learn this cultural identity? (How were you influenced by others think the way that you do?)  
In addition, how does your race impact your cultural beliefs, values, and rules?

• You must use at least one quote from your own writing (do nows, writing reflections, homework, or portfolio entries) to support your ideas in this section.

Part 2: (2-3 paragraphs)
Tyree and Donald Duk were both forced faced similar bullying problems.  They each had people on their block who wanted to bully or mess with them.  Look at the body biographies of Tyree and Donald Duk.  Explain how their cultural identities led them to handle the situations differently.
Remember:

• Tyree handled his situation by fighting the biggest member of the group.
• Donald Duk handled his situation by making the bullies laugh.

Part 3: (1-2 paragraphs)
On a separate piece of paper, draw a body biography for yourself, and explain how you can be in control of your own identity instead of letting other people influence and shape your identity for you.
Stories to keep in mind:

• Bernard Hopkins
• The Pact
• Think about how do these men control their identities, and thus, their destinies in life.

Part 4: (1-2 paragraphs)
In your opinion, does racism still exist in today’s society?  Explain your belief and why you believe it.

• You must use at least one quote from your own writing (do nows, writing reflections, homework, or portfolio entries) to support your ideas in this section.

Power of Literacy Unit Project - Periods 1 & 6

Unit Project: The Power of Literacy

Essential Question: How does literacy and education relate to power?

Project Assignment:
You must write a 1 1/2 - 2 page descriptive essay where you explore these issues of literacy, education, and power in your own life and in The Pearl.  

• You must use at least one quote from The Pearl to support the ideas in your essay
• You must use at least 2 quotes from your own writing (homework, portfolio entries, and do-nows) to support the ideas in your essay.

Part 1:
From this unit, how do you define or explain literacy? And, how does this this understanding of literacy relate events and characters in the The Pearl?
(1-2 paragraphs)
Ideas to think about:

• Reading the Word and the World
• Moment of Poor Communication (Portfolio Entry)
• Music and Culture
• Communicating with family and friends vs. communicating with strangers and people you dislike

Part 2:
From this definition of literacy, describe how you use literacy to make you powerful.
(1-2 paragraphs)
Ideas to think about:

• Where do you feel comfortable communicating?
• Where does it feel like your voice is heard and validated?
• How do you express yourself the best?
• Where do you communicate and express yourself often? (School, out on weekends, on the phone, dance, singing, Facebook)

Part 3:
From the same definition of literacy, describe how Kino’s literacy abilities make him powerful or weak during one of the following critical situations in the book.
(1-2 paragraphs)
Critical Situations that you could use:

• Kino’s visit to the doctor’s house when the servant refuses to speak the native language.
• When the doctor visits Kino’s hut to service Coyotito (after he heard about them finding the pearl).
• When Kino attempts to sell the pearl to the traders.
• Kino’s expedition to the capitol city where he is followed by trackers who want to steal the pearl from him.

Part 4:
Compare your literacy with Kino’s literacy.  In what ways is your literacy different?  In what ways are they the same?
(1-2 paragraphs)
Ideas to think about:

• How do you read the word and the world?
• How does Kino read the word and the world?
• How would it be possible for you and Kino to communicate?