Mon, April 16

In class, students reviewed analytical papers and discussed the writing process.

HW due Wed: Vocab. Unit 4. Read F. Scott Fitzgerald handout distributed in class and write 1-paragraph response: What four life experiences do you believe most contributed to Fitzgerald's success as a writer?

Thurs, March 22

In class, students discussed elements of suspense in The Monkey's Paw. Students who missed class must read this story and complete the assignment below.

HW due Monday: If you are in class, you need to have a list of ideas related to the topic below. If you will be missing class on Monday, you must submit either to my box or via email a paragraph on the topic.

Select either "The Lottery" or "The Monkey's Paw" and conceive of an alternative ending to one of the two stories.

Monday, March 19

In class, students discussed the elements of suspense in film and writing. Students who missed class must complete homework in time to participate in class tomorrow.

READ: "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson either online or pick up copy from desk in classroom.

Read the story twice. On the first, read solely for entertainment purposes and to follow the plot. On the second, take notes on specific lines from the story or techniques the author uses to establish suspense. After reading the second time and taking notes, write up to 1 paragraph evaluating the effectiveness of the development of suspense in this story.

All work on "The Lottery" due for Tuesday's class. A second story will be distributed in class and posted here Tuesday due in Thursday's class.

Thursday, March 15

In class, students submitted completed Dorian Gray projects and completed a reflective journal entry. Traveling students must submit projects upon return and complete journal on own.

Prompt:
"A man who waits to believe in action before acting is anything you like, but he is not a man of action. It is as if a tennis player before returning the ball stopped to think about his views of the physical and mental advantages of tennis. You must act as you breathe." -Georges Clemenceau

Is is true that acting quickly and instinctively is the best response to a crisis? Or are there times when an urgent situation requires a more careful consideration and a slower response? Plan your response, and then write an essay.



On Monday, we will begin a unit reading and analyzing short stories that will take us through Spring Break. The stories will be posted to this blog on Monday for access if you are traveling. Check back then.

Tues, March 13

Reminder: Picture of Dorian Gray final projects due at start of class Thursday, March 15th. We will complete a journal entry with the remainder of Thursday's class. Students who are traveling and cannot submit projects must do so immediately upon return to campus.

Mon, March 5

In class: students finalized project proposals for their creative Picture of Dorian Gray projects in which they must select a format in order to express their understanding of at least 3 themes from the book.

HW due Tues: Final draft of project proposal. If traveling, please email to cfeehan at burkemtnacademy.org.

In both Tuesday's and Thursday's classes, students will work on their projects. Please bring appropriate materials to class.

Project draft due Monday, March 12 to demonstrate progress and receive feedback. Final projects due Thursday, March 15 (or immediately upon return from travel). Firm deadlines.

Thurs, Feb. 16

Homework due Mon, Feb 27 - finish reading The Picture of Dorian Gray and complete all questions on both sides of the Reading Guide (plot questions and quotations).

Enjoy February Break!