Playing in Clay

Notebook Grade (MP2)

Choose 5 notebook entries from the list below to hand in. These entries will be your notebook grade for Marking Period 2. This is worth 50 points.

• 10.17 Sounds Writing (10 Freewrites)
• 10.20 Identity Writing (Bubble Maps)
• 10.22 Artifact Writing
• 10.27 Family Tree
• 10.28 Friends Tree
• 11.07 Conflict
• 11.10 “An Underground Movement”
• 11.12 Character I’d Least Like to Be
• 11.12 Yellow Mexican Tile
• 11.14 Peruvian Gourd
• 11.17 Rothko’s Blue Painting
• 11.17 Line Writing (Freewrites)
• 12.04 My Experience with Clay

Vocab: consolidate (v)
Tim had three jars of jelly beans that were half full, so he decided to consolidate them all into one jar.

Artist Reflection

You will write an artist reflection about the decisions you made with your story and the experience you had with clay. The final product should be typed, double spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins. Make sure you also have a heading.

Name
English 10
Artist Reflection
Date

Paragraph 1: The Important Part of My Story

• Why did you choose to tell this particular story? What does it show about you?
• Describe the scene you choose to show in a tile? Why that particular scene?

Vocabulary to use in Paragraph 1

• character, introduction, event, conflict, setting, resolution, symbol(ize), point of view
  

Paragraph 2: Working in Clay

• What did you do to get the point of your story across using clay? What colors, lines, figures, and imagery did you use?
• Discuss your experience with clay as a medium to tell a story. What was challenging about clay? What did you find interesting or fun about working in clay?

Vocabulary for Paragraph 2

• composition, emphasis, carve, texture, abstract, color, line, symbol(ize), shape, glaze
  

Getting Back to Reading

Today is the day to reconnect with our independent reading books.

Vocab: visage (n)
After she won the game, you could see the joy in her visage, because her grin was huge and her eyes glimmered.

Storytelling in Clay

Finally we got the clay in our hands! We have been working for a few weeks to express our personal stories on an earthenware tile, about 5" x 5". Again, as always, all of my students leave me speechless with their creative expression. Here are some pics of their diligence and ingenuity.

Sketch Outlines

Based on the three tile sections you divided your first draft into, make a sketch for each tile section. There is an orange outline sheet for this purpose.

Today's Vocab Word:

Three Parts

Today we re-read our story drafts and divided them into three parts for our three tile sketches.
On the draft, bracket the section that is the Introduction to Characters, Setting, & Plot and label it Tile #1.
Bracket the section that describes your conflict and label it Tile #2.
Bracket the section that describes the resolution and label it Tile #3.

Today's Vocab Word: acrid (adj.)

Story Conflict

Today we want to outline and develop our stories to the end. We will be working on the conflict and resolution on page 2 of the story outline.
Literary Element
Conflict: a problem or struggle that the protagonist (main character) deals with in a story.

Internal Conflict: a problem or struggle that the protagonist has within him/herself, e.g. he/she feels guilty for doing some thing wrong; overcoming feelings.
External Conflict: a problem or struggle that the protagonist has with something or someone outside him/herself, e.g. a difference of opinion with another person; struggles with weather, beasts, enemies; struggles with social conditions, like inequality, discrimination, money.

Today's Vocab Word: animosity (n.)
The two sisters have animosity for one another, because they always fought about everything and hold grudges against each other.

REMINDER: Your Next Vocab Quiz

Next vocab quiz is on Tuesday, November 18. It will include the following words:

• animosity
• narrative
• bibliophile
• noxious
• acrid
  

Make sure you use your flashcards to quiz yourself and your buddies!

The lost vocab word! FOUND!

fluid (adj.)

Choosing a Story Idea

Vocab Word: capricious (adj.)

Friendship Stories

Most of us value our friendships deeply. Here is your opportunity to pay homage to your friends in a story!

1. Create a small friendship tree. Make branches for all the people you consider your close friends.
2. Read "Goat Wrestling."
3. Taking Notes about your friends: Who is an important friend in your life? Why is that person important to you? What is a story about that person that comes to mind?

Vocab Word: erudite (adj.)
Tom looked erudite in his cap & gown at graduation, because he acquired knowledge and wisdom at school.

The next vocab quiz will be on Thursday, November 6!!! Be ready!


My friends Katie, Taiwo, and Jenny. A long time ago!

Family Stories

We are returning one of the most abundant sources of story inspiration: the family. Love 'em or not, they are there. And they always offer us stories. Today we read "Let It Snow" by David Sedaris from his collection Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.

1. Create a small family tree. Make branches for all the people you consider your family.
2. Read "Let It Snow".
3. Taking Notes about your family: Who is an important family member in your life? Why is that person important to you? What is a story about that person that comes to mind?

Vocab Word: filial (adj.)
Karina had a filial relationship with her teacher. It was like they were mother and daughter.

My niece, Hannah, and my nephew, Colin.

Artifact Stories

So you have a personal artifact, an object that has significance for you and indicates to someone else what you value. In order to find a story in this artifact, write about the following things:

1. Describe the artifact in detail. What does it look like? How does it feel? How does it sound? What does it smell like?
2. Where & when did you get this artifact?
3. Why is this artifact important to you?
4. What do you think this artifact says about your personality?

Your final product should be two paragraphs about your artifact.

Vocab: artifact (n.) an object that has significance for a person or for a group of people; an object that shows the lifestyle and values of a person or a group of people

Vocab: esoteric (adj.)
Jeff & Sally kept their conversation esoteric. They were whispering in the corner of the library.

Finding Stories in Your Identity

Many of us can tell stories that show how we cam to be the people we are today.

1. First you identify things describe your identity: culture, ethnicity, activities, personality traits, and our home or important places.
   
2. Second, you explode two of those descriptions using a bubble map. Ask yourself what are the details?
   
3. Lastly, choose two things that have stories behind them. Write a one paragraph story for each.

Today's Vocab Word: acquiesce (v.)
During his dog training, Rover learned to acquiesce to his owner's commands. When he was told to sit, he sat. When he was told to roll over, he rolled over.

Vocab Word: malicious (adj)

Javish's Haloween costume scared me, because it looked so evil and malicious.

Vocab Quiz!

Today we had a vocab quiz on the following words: ubiquitous, palpable, irrelevant, voracious, cherub, & juxtapose. If you missed the quiz, make sure you see me for the make-up!

I know I'm not there, BUT . . .

you still have a story to read and notes to take.

If you are in Block B, you are reading "White Angel" by Michael Cunningham. A beautiful story! Do not miss out on all the IMAGERY and the poignant SYMBOLISM.

If you are in Blocks C, D, & E, you are reading "Spear" by Julius Lestor. A powerful story about being yourself. Do not miss the IMAGERY and the SYMBOLISM that shows each characters identity!

You all are responsible for taking detailed notes for your discussion next week. See you Tuesday.

REMINDER: The vocab test has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 15. STUDY!

Did I mention paragraphs?

Today I need your final draft paragraphs about one symbol in "Nineteen Thirty-Seven" by Edwidge Danticat. In my hand! So I can read it! Thanks!

Today's Vocab Word: irrelevant (adj.) The judge said the evidence was irrelevant, beceause it had nothing to do with the crime.

Paragraph Projects are due on Wednesday, October 8!!!

Make sure you hand in the following items and staple them together:
• Final draft with a title;
• First draft with revision suggestions;
• Completed Symbolism Brainstorm sheet;
• “Nineteen Thirty-Seven” Imagery Brain Organizer (green);
• Annotated “Nineteen Thirty-Seven” story.

Today's vocab word: palpable (adj) In the haunted house, my fear was palpable, because I could feel my body shaking.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

White Angel - BLOCK B ONLY!

Have you noticed I love reading sad, melancholic stories? This one in particular has so much beautiful, palpable imagery. Ultimately we will be engaging in a Shared Inquiry Discussion about this story. But in order to prepare for it, you must take careful notes on its imagery, symbolism, and relationships. You can take notes on the sheet I gave you or in the margins of the short story. Enjoy!

"White Angel" by Michael Callinan



Today's Vocab Word: palpable (adj.)

Editing

As we continue to write and revise our writing, you must become a bit of an editor. Today we learned some editing marks and practiced using them on a piece of writing. Check them out here:

http://www.reallygoodstuff.com/product_details.aspx?item_guid=defead31-248a-42aa-978a-b36209e76c36


Today's vocab word: cherub (n.) My baby nephew is divinely chubby and sweet like a cherub.

What NOT to write in your essays . . .

I solemnly swear I will not use these words or phrases in my formal writing:

• I think . . .
• I believe . . .
  
• I feel . . .
• I know . . .
• My opinion is . . .
  
• In conclusion . . .
  
• good
  
• bad
• stupid
• dumb
• b/c; w/o
• They talk about . . .

Today's vocab word: juxtapose (v.) When my brother and I juxtapose ourselves, you can see how much taller he is than I.

Organizing Ideas

Now that you have chosen a symbol from "Nineteen Thirty-Seven"and brainstormed all the ideas about that symbol, it's time to organize those ideas.

On the back of the Symbol sheet, organize your ideas into the appropriate boxes. NOTE: You do not need to come up with more ideas for the back of the sheet; just organize the ones you already have.

Today's vocab word: voracious (adj.) We ate voraciously and without a word at Thanksgiving dinner. We had spent the whole day preparing and cooking but not eating!

Vocab! & Symbolism

After our vocab test today, we reviewed the symbolism assignment. Remember these things!

1. Your brainstorm should include associations from your background knowledge AND from the story.
2. When assembling these ideas for your paragraph, organize them into the categories I have required in the assignment: I. Identify and describe a symbol in "1937" (1 sentence); II. Describe what this symbol stands for (1 - 2 sentences); III. Explain how this symbol helps you understand the meaning of the story, based on where the symbol appears in the story (2 - 4 sentences).
3. Write a paragraph of about 5 - 8 sentences, that includes all of the information above.
   

Vocab word: ubiquitous - adj. Taxi cabs are ubiquitous in Manhattan. The streets are like a river of yellow.

Brainstorming Symbols

Today's vocab word: context (n.) In the context of the streets, cursing is acceptable. However, in the context of English class, cursing in inappropriate.

Symbolism in "1937"

Today's vocab word: vivid (adj.) My memory of that day is so vivid that I feel like I am still there.

Independent Reading today!

Vocab: rejuvenate - v. - The nap I took this afternoon rejuvenated me, so I had the energy to go out all night.

Finishing Imagery with "1937"

Today's vocab word: tangible (adj.)

Vocabulary Quiz Today!

Don't forget. If you miss today's quiz, you may make it up on Wednesday, September 24 at 12:25 in Room 403C. If that is not a good time for you, please make sure you make an appointment with me.

Our story imagery continues with "Nineteen Thirty-Seven" by Edwidge Danticat. We will finish the green imagery sheet, considering what the imagery in the story tells us about Hatian culture.

Today's Vocab Word: indistinguishable (adj.)

My friends Jessie and Jodi were indistinguishable from one another because they were identical twins.

"Nineteen Thrity-Seven" by Edwidge Danticat

How do writers use imagery to tell stories about their cultures?

Today we started reading "Nineteen Thrity-Seven" by Edwidge Danticat. We are in search of imagery she uses to tell us about aspects of her culture. (Worksheet from Heather.) Read pages 33 - 41.

Before we read the story, though, we researched some background information about Haiti and Port-au-Prince. Check it out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti

Consider the following questions to add to your notes:

1. What does Haiti look like?
2. Where is Haiti?
3. What languages do they speak in Haiti?
4. What recently happened in Haiti?

Today's Vocab word: crimson (adj.) When I cut my finger, my hand became covered in crimson.

REMINDER: Vocab Quiz on Monday!

The Dead Guy's Story

What is that dead guy's story in "The Flowers"? Using the imagery you collected in your Six Rooms, answer the following questions. (HINT: There are more than one interpretations and you must use your imagination!)

1. Who was the man when he was alive?
2. How long ago did he die?
3. How did he die?
4. Why did he die?
5. Does Myop know all this?
6. Why was the summer over?

Today's Vocab Word: tenacious (adj).

Independent Reading!

Today's Vocab: vague (adj.)

Reminder: Vocab Quiz on Monday, September 22.

Imagery as Storyteller

Often stories are told by what happens. But imagery can help tell stories too. This week we dug deep into Alice Walker's short short story "The Flowers" to see how imagery can tell a story.

You can read the story here: http://theliterarylink.com/flowers.html. Read carefully! It's a tricky story.

Make sure you understand the basic story elements: characters, setting, plot (events).

Then pay attention to the images and how they answer some questions you may have about what happened in the story.

Today's Vocab: restless (adj.)

Back to School!

Oh, yes. We are back. The Heritage English 10 classes are better than ever. We will immerse ourselves in The Art of Storytelling this semester.

Our introductory unit is based on studying the art of storytelling so we may become skillful storytellers ourselves. We will be reading the following texts:

• "Please Don't Take My Air Jordans" by Reg E. Gaines
• "Flowers" by Alice Walker
• Selected stories from Krik? Krack! by Edwidge Danticat
• "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara
• Blindspot by Kevin Pyle
  

Our final project is a visual storytelling in clay tiles. Students will choose their own stories to tell through literal figures, symbols, and abstractions. The tiles will be accompanied by an artist's statement. Stay tuned for more details!

Diligently researching social issues for persuasive essays!

Internet Research for Opinion Essayshttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Recommended Sites for Information

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.procon.org/

http://www.sadd.org/

http://www.nytimes.com (for current events)

http://www.fbi.gov/publications.htm (Facts and statistics from the FBI)

http://www.greenhope.org/index.shtml (Information about women in prision)

http://www.ssbx.org/ (Sustainable South Bronx: information about global warming related to urban areas)

http://www.correctionalassociation.org/index.html (Information about prisions)

Recommended Search Engines for Your Research

http://www.kidsclick.org

http://yahooligans.yahoo.com


Websites about Online Research

"The New Plagiarism," Jamie McKenzie
http://www.fno.org/may98/cov98may.html

Guide to Student Research
http://www.slu.edu/departments/english/research

Purdue University's Online Writing Lab
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/index.html

New York Public Library Online Databases
http://nypl.org/databases

"Using the Internet for Student Research," Peggy Maslow
http://teachersnetwork.org/ntol/howto/incorptech/netresrch.htm

Citation Machine
http://citationmachine.net

In class we explored photographic representations of our school's neighborhood and how that informs people who live there.

Choosing an Issue

Look through the issues on your brainstorm lists. At each issue ask youself three questions about each of them in order to find the best issue for your essay.

1. Do I feel passionately about this issue?
2. Is this an issue that people will want to read about?
3. Will I be able to find evidence about this issue?

If you can answer yes to all three of these questions, then that is the issue that might make the best essay topic.

Freewriting on Three Issues

Today we did three freewrites on three issues that each of us felt passionately about.

A freewrite can be done by timing yourself for about 1 - 2 minutes. In that time you must write as much as y0u can about your issue.

Brainstorming Important Issues

Today we brainstormed three lists of issues:

1. Issues that are important in the world and in the U.S.A.
2. Issues that are important to teenagers
3. Issues that are important to me

You should have at least 5 issues for each category.