September 9 - 13

We're into our third week already, though it's the first full, five-day week. I'm excited to get into our first unit, which is rhetorical analysis and writing, paired with a group-choice reading book and project. (Rhetorical analysis is what students are expected to be able to do, and write about, for the SAT essay.)

Independent reading books are free choice, and will be read by 2-4 students at the same time. They must be between 150-300 pages long, grade and school appropriate, and full text (not graphic novels this time). Please get approval from Mogilefsky before obtaining and beginning the reading book.  Choose wisely; since it's for a group project, you will not be able to switch books for this assignment if you decide later you don't like it.

We'll also take the first vocabulary/grammar quiz at the end of the week. Ms. Jessop, my collaboration teacher for 1st and 2nd periods, has created a quizlet for the vocabulary words that anyone can use. It can be found at "jessopr" if you search for that on the quizlet website. 


MONDAY/TUESDAY: Journal warm-up. Continue with Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle. The SOAPS technique, a way to analyze a passage. Read and analyze President George W. Bush's 9/11 speech. Trip to the library to get ideas for free choice books. Return to class and use Chromebooks to set up accounts on Goodreads. Discuss in groups which book you would like to choose for the first independent reading assignment. Note: it must be submitted on a piece of paper with 2-4 names and accepted by me. (6th period only: Presentation from Ms. Joanne Lewis of the College and Career Center.)

Due: Completed Interest Inventory Sheet.

Homework: Confirm an independent reading book choice with group members, and have a piece of paper (one per group) of group names and the book request for approval by Thursday/Friday.

Study for the quiz on Thursday/Friday. Understand what SOAPS stands for, the vocabulary and the grammar.

WEDNESDAY: Journal warm-up. Current event day - read and annotate two opposing viewpoints. Discuss and debate, vote. Outline the majority opinion in a synthesis/ACT-style outline response based on the discussion.

Due: N/A

Homework: same as Monday.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Journal warm-up. Quiz covering vocabulary, grammar, and SOAPS. Continue with rhetorical analysis and the rhetorical situation. Share independent reading book choices with the class. (1st period only: presentation by Ms. Joanne Lewis of the College and Career Center.) Time on Chromebooks to sign up for Goodreads, Turnitin.com, and Naviance if need be.

Due: One piece of paper per group with names and choice of independent reading book ready to go at the beginning of class.

Homework: Obtain a copy of your approved independent reading book. (NOTE: Must be pre-approved by Mogilefsky.)  Read the first 25 pages and come back to class next week with an opinion.