March 18 - 22

Great work on the essays last week, and again many thanks for all of the participation in discussions and debates throughout the gender unit! This week, we'll begin The Great Gatsby. I'm looking forward to reading it with you, and I have two flapper dresses ready to go for acting it out in class.


MONDAY/TUESDAY: Journal warm-up. Read through "The Declaration of Independence" and analyze it as an argument. Review the most famous lines and discuss how to use it as an example or evidence to support claims in arguments. Intro: The Great Gatsby and the American Dream. Is it possible for anyone? Mention how the College Admissions cheating scandal, "Operation Varsity Blues" ties into this theme, (we will have a chance to talk about it further on Friday). Pick up Gatsby, begin reading and acting out Chapter One. Introduce Gatsby Song Assignment.

Due: Read through The Declaration of Independence as an argument. Bring any outstanding library books that you may have to class today to turn in.

Homework: Please finish reading Gatsby, Chapter 1. 

Complete the Gatsby Song Assignment and be ready to share with the class.  

Study for the quiz.

WEDNESDAY: Journal warm-up. Current event day - March Madness theme! Read and annotate two opposing viewpoints about whether or not college athletes should be paid. Watch a debate, then  think/pair/share, vote. Outline the majority opinion in a synthesis/ACT-style outline response based on the discussion with the whole class.

Due: N/A

Homework: (Same as Monday, for Friday.)

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Journal warm-up. Quiz covering Vocabulary #17, grammar, reading. Collect Gatsby song assignment. Begin reading and acting out Chapter 2. View three film interpretations of the introduction of Myrtle. Discuss the college cheating scandal and analyze arguments for possible solutions.

Due: Read Gatsby Chapter 1. Complete the Gatsby Song Assignment.

Homework: Finish reading Gatsby, Chapter 2. Start thinking about who you would cast to play the various parts in a Gatsby movie remake and why.