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!