Mrs. Morgan's Blog

LONDON -- SUMMER READING QUESTIONS!

Here are the questions you need in a word document.

Please type all your answers!

Download London Summer Reading Questions

Happy reading!  This book is really good, just don't delay starting -- it's a little long (in case you didn't notice!)

May 18 - May 22!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You guys made it through and as of Friday at noon-ish you'll be officially SENIORS!  wow... we've really come a long, long way this year!  I'll miss you guys next year, but you know where my room is!  Okay, okay, no more sentiment!

5/18 (Mon)
** Today you'll get quite a few papers back and we'll finish the project presentations!  I really enjoyed those of Thursday, so I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing about your ideas!

5/19 (Tue)
** Today we'll do a little exam prep -- literally, you'll make the work sheet/template you'll be using for your exam.
** After that we'll talk about summer reading, next year's English class and whatever else you need to know about.

5/20 (Wed)
EXAM DAY >>> EXAM DAY >>> EXAM DAY>>>
for 4th and 5th period.
By the way, if your project is still in my room after your exam I will throw it out!

5/21 (Thur)
EXAM DAY >>> EXAM DAY >>> EXAM DAY>>>
for 1st and 2nd period.
By the way, if your project is still in my room after your exam I will throw it out!

5/22 (Fri)
Well, this is it!! All of your grades will be posted by the end of the first final time slot.  Honestly, they'll probably be up before that, but they will be up by then, I PROMISE!

Have a wonderful, restful, SAFE, fun, reading-what-you-want-to-read summer!

OH! DO NOT FORGET... you ALL have one last assignment to complete for me.  EMAIL ME YOUR AP SCORE WHEN YOU GET IT!!! beth.morgan@cobbk12.org

May 11 - May 15

5/11 - 5/12 (Mon - Tue)
** It's all about answering questions and getting ready for Wednesday at this point... You know what you should be doing, but just in case ... work on your Semester Project and read your Booker Book!

5/13 (Wed)
TEST DAY!! TEST DAY!! TEST DAY!! TEST DAY!!
keep your focus, skip it if you can't rule out two, bring a couple of pens AND pencils, eat breakfast, tie rhetoric to purpose, if you use diction, syntax then use an adjective with it, skip lines if your writing is really bad, read carefully, and most importantly RELAX!!!!

5/14 (Thur)
PROJECT DAY!! PROJECT DAY!! PROJECT DAY!!
Drop if off early if you want, just BE SURE TO HAVE IT TODAY... THIS IS THE DUE DATE FOR EVERYONE even if you don't share today!!  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE double check the directions to make sure you have done everything correctly... I want you to do well, but you HAVE to follow the directions! (the directions are in the April 20 - 24 post) On a personal note, I cannot wait to see these babies!

5/15 (Fri)
Read for your Booker exam!  I hope you are loving your book... you pretty much have 4 or 5 days to finish unless you are a senior, Jon, get a move on!  Billy, I guess this is the due date for you!

Have a great weekend, you can ALMOST relax!  Just finish that book and all is well!

OH! you should download your summer reading assignment from Lassiter's Home Page... it's there!  Don't forget -- read HOW TO READ LITERATURE LIKE A PROFESSOR first!! It'll make reading the other two easier!

May 4 - 8

Well, the end is in sight!  Of course, we all have to navigate the roadblock of AP and EOCT testing to get there, but hey... the light IS visible!

Mon (5/4)
** Today we're going to talk about the synthesis question (the Lang version of the DBQ) -- we'll probably go over things for all the free responses, but the synthesis q. is the main focus.
** read and prep the synthesis articles (you'll leave all your notes with me)
** sign up to take the practice test if you're interested!

Tue (5/5)
** You guessed it! Write the synthesis question
** sign up to take the practice test if you're interested!

Wed (5/6)
****** BE IN THE THEATER AT 7:15 OR 3:30 IF YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE THE PRACTICE TEST TODAY!!!!!!!!!!
** Today we'll analyze the synthesis prompt you wrote yesterday.
** We'll also talk about how to handle a Compare -- Contrast  analysis essay -- this is another one they have not used in awhile.  Loads of people think this may be the year for its comeback.

Thur (5/7)
** Go over vocab FOR THE LAST TIME!!!  Seriously, if you're not done with the SAT, keep these cards to review before you take the test...
** Write a compare -- contrast.  Surely this isn't a surprise to you!

Fri (5/8)
** The very last vocab quiz in AP Lang... be honest, you're going to miss them just a little, right?
** How about we read for the Booker assignment today?  We'll see... I think it'll be fine as long as we're productive this week!

TO DO:
1. STUDY your Lang handbook -- it'll help, REALLY!
2. Work on your Second Semester Project
3. Read your Booker book

April 27 - May 1

Mon (4/27)
**Well, how did you guys like the ending of GULLIVER'S TRAVELS?  I can't wait to discuss it with you guys today.  I also can't wait to see what you guys think of "A MODEST PROPOSAL" -- a satiric essay written by Swift!  You can (and probably should) add to your notes as we discuss the novel / mini-series in class today. 
** Make sure to bring your GULLIVER notes with you tomorrow!  Yes, I'd take that as a not-so-subtle hint! (especially if you read Tuesday's plan!)
** I should have put this first, you'll have to tell me your Booker book title today -- I have new things to say about CARRY ME DOWN (SL '06).  I'm about 130 - 150 pages in -- it's a pretty easy read and I like it (I think), but there are parts that I did not see coming at all! ... it's quite a bit different than I expected it to be.  I'm going to have to see if Mrs. Henderson has read it and get her opinion...  ANYWAY, today YOU are going to tell me what your choice is!
** Today is also the last day you can ask about a topic for your Second Semester Project... I hope you have some great ideas!  I love these projects...

Tue (4/28)
** It should come as no surprise that today we will have a GULLIVER write!  :)
** Last call for Booker titles... maybe I should just assign random titles (long books, of course!) to you slackers, I mean students, who didn't select one for yourself!!  just kidding... sort of!
** You'll have most of the class for your writing today, so focus, but DO NOT STRESS!!  Actually, if you finish early, you can read your book!

Wed (4/29)
Today is all about reading "A MODEST PROPOSAL" also by Jonathan Swift!  If you are out today find a copy online -- you can read the whole text (FOR FREE!) using the link at the top of the blog (you'll find at least two of the AP Lit summer reading titles there, too!).  Then answer the 10 questions on this sheet:

Download A Modest Proposal for blog

We'll begin class tomorrow by discussing this essay and these questions.

Thur (4/30)
** We'll go over Vocab 11 today.
** Wrap up "A MODEST PROPOSAL" and look at some other (shorter, more modern) pieces of satire.
** Finally, we'll look at the last satiric prompt that appeared on the exam.

Fri (5/1)
** Can you believe it's MAY???  Well, today we'll have vocab 11 -- one old word from 7, 8, 9, or 10 and two from 11!  REVIEW... REVIEW... REVIEW  Yes, there is a 99% chance I'll be taking your cards!
** Remember you'll also be taking a short quiz on SATIRE today, too ... review that sheet!
** We'll wrap up talking / outlining/ pre-writing the satiric prompt today, too.

THINGS TO BE DOING:
If you have a light homework night you should:
** Read your Booker book
** Start working on your Second Semester Project
** Review your AP LANG handbook (folder/booklet thing we gave you in August) for the exam
** Think about attending the PRACTICE TEST that I'll be talking to you about...

April 20 - 24

Mon (4/20)
** Today is all about the BOOKER PRIZE!  It was so interesting to hear the info about the books that caught your eye!  I always add to my already too long list of 'books I want to read when I have time' too bad I never seem to get the time!  Remember, your chosen book title is due to me by MONDAY, APRIL 27!!

Tue( 4/21)
**After you get the satire sheet with the character map for GULLIVER'S TRAVELS we'll start the film.  Since this was  a mini-series it will take most of the rest of the week, but PAY ATTENTION, TAKE NOTES... you'll be writing about GULLIVER next week... and YES, of course you may use the notes you took while viewing!  Today it's all about Lilliput!

Wed (4/22)
** Today we enter the world of Brobdignag and the giant people!  Contrary to what some of you think-- Swift was not crazy (or on drugs) he was a major social reformer of his time!  What things did he see in his society that needed changing?? Do some of those SAME things STILL need to be changed? 
** In an effort to remind some of you that school is not, in fact, over yet I am assigning EVERYONE to get a grade sheet signed... a note clearly stating your average will be fine.  THIS IS DUE TOMORROW!!!  Perhaps some of you want to turn your grade sheet into the subject of a satiric piece?  I might feel some extra credit for sincere efforts!

Thur (4/23)
** Turn in your signed grade sheet or note from mom and/or dad
** REMINDER:  vocab week 11 NEXT WEEK... quiz will be May 1
** Today is all about Laputa... does the phrase "pie in the sky" come to mind?  Think about what that cliche means... Connections anyone??

Fri (4/24)
** Wrap up GULLIVER'S TRAVELS... so, what did you think?  I can't wait to see what you think of Swift after you read "A MODEST PROPOSAL"! (next week)
** Make sure you bring your viewing notes to class with you on Monday.  There will be an AP prompt on this baby... you KNOW it's  not just movie time, especially this close to the exam!!
** Speaking of the exam, I have been meaning to tell you guys, I appreciate (and so does Mrs. Gasaway) that all you guys took care of your bubbling sessions so efficiently!!

>>>>> PLEASE READ THIS >>>>> PLEASE READ THIS >>>>> PLEASE READ THIS>>>>>
!! This weekend you need to get your Booker Prize book AND start reading it!!!

!! This weekend you need to get a plan for your SECOND SEMESTER Project.  Monday is the deadline for suggesting something that is not on the list (so far only ONE person has done that!)  You know, you should be taking advantage of these light homework days to make some progress on this.

Just in case you need it:
WINNERS OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 

When you get here, click on the cover of the winning book to get the short listed titles for that year.  Remember... your requirements are simple -- ANY year's winner, or SHORT LISTED from the last 15 years.

Here is the assignment for the Second Semester Project:

Download Second Semester Project-09
 

April 13 - 17

WELCOME BACK!!! I truly hope everyone had a restful break!  Some time off is always a nice thing, isn't it?

Mon (4/13)
** Today is all about Multiple Choice... to be honest, this whole WEEK is about Multiple Choice!  That is how important the MC is... it determines 45% of your Lang exam grade.

Tue( 4/14)
** First we'll have to finish the MC from yesterday -- unfortunately there are not 60 minutes in a class period, so you can't do a whole test in one period.  We'll get close to that before the actual day, though... no fear!
** Next, you're going to score yourself and see how you wold have done on the '96 exam!  oh what fun!
** finally, it's all about groups now!

Wed (4/15)
** Be nice to mom and dad -- it's TAX DAY!  (code for don't ask to go out to dinner!)
** We'll continue working on the MC today and probably get the final two long-term assignments for the year!  (Booker Prize book and Semester Project)

Thur (4/16)
** Go over vocab week 10!  (only 3 more!!)
** Wrap up work on the '96 exam

Fri (4/17)
** Vocab 10!!! This quiz goes back to the normal way, so be sure to bring your cards, and STUDY THE OLD WORDS!!
** How well did all the MC practice work this week?? We'll find out -- you're taking a half test today.  Yes, it is timed, and yes, it counts for a GRADE (scaled, of course!)

WOW... you know, FREE is always GOOD!

Hey you guys, I got this web site from Mrs. Richter and I just had to share it!  She is so awesome at finding resources for us all!  Well, anyway, you will really want to check this out, it's an online library of sorts...

It has MANY, MANY complete books and they are TOTALLY FREE!  (and, as I always say, FREE IS GOOD!).  HAMLET (and all of the bard's work as far as I can tell) is there, along with tons more you may need in the future.  You probably shouldn't expect to find too many "modern" pieces, but if you're looking for a classic, this is likely the spot!

Okay, so what are you waiting for??  CHECK IT OUT!

http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au

March 30 Through SPRING BREAK!

3/30 (Mon)
** The very minute you walk in today I'm picking up the work for EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE... I'll want Task 1 and 2 stapled together with Task 3 separate... You WILL need a copy of task 3 for yourself for tomorrow's Socratic Seminar -- NO, I won't be giving these back for you to use!  You know, I also really, really, really hope you all double checked (by that I mean made sure you followed!) the DIRECTIONS!
** Today is the HAMLET test day 2!  I  have already started grading day 1 and so far, I am really pleased!  I hope day 2 goes as well! 
** When you finish the HAMLET test (be honest, won't you miss that whiny Dane just a bit??) you'll pick up the words for this week's... wait for it... wait for it... WORDMASTERS!!!!  yes, YOU ARE the Masters of Words, and Thursday will be the day you show that off! (yes, I know all you guys going on the band trip just breathed a sigh of relief!)

3/31 - 4/1 (Tue & Wed)
** I'm really looking forward to the Socratic Seminar for EL&IC... I can't wait to see what you guys want to talk about!  I wonder if you noticed some of the same things I did -- I'll bet you noticed other things as well -- it'll be hard, though, because there are a few things I want to hear discussed!  Like, did you guys notice just how many times Foer used the words extremely and incredibly within the story?  But only a few times did he use extremely loud and incredibly close... I didn't notice that AT ALL the first time I read the book... humm  I also think the parallels he draws between Grandpa and Oscar with regards to the bombing of Dresden and 9/11 are interesting... oh well, like I said, I'm psyched to hear these discussions!
** SPECIAL NOTE TO YOU GUYS WHO ARE HAWAII BOUND!  You had better be sure to get all your comments in on Tuesday during discussion, because there will be no Wednesday for you guys!  And, yes, just like last time it is a graded discussion.

4/2 (Thur)
** Well, I'm out today and tomorrow as you guys know, I know you'll be good to Mrs. Kramer, and I appreciate that about you guys!
** Today is all about WORDMASTERS... I'm offering +5 for defining the words from Monday (a list is fine, but I don't want a typed one -- WRITE THE DEFINITIONS!).  Do it if you want, don't do it if you don't want to... it's 5 points andyour decision. ** IF you're a band kid who will miss this, you have 2 options -- 1) you can make it up upon return (7:50 Tuesday after break -- yes, it is early) or 2) you can omit the grade.  I'd say the decision comes down to how much you want a grade. 

4/3 (Fri)
** Well, I hope you enjoyed your 2nd week straight of no vocab!  That trend is over as we'll be right back on the vocab road when we get back from break.  BUT, today we will ease into the break in a mellow, non-stressful way... you'll just have to wait and see what that means! ... trust me...

March 23 - 27

Welcome to the exciting week of TESTING!  Things will be (obviously) a bit unusual this week since there will be no first or second period for juniors!  Be sure to get a good night's sleep each evening and BRING YOUR STUDENT ID for your FREE BREAKFAST!!

Just in case you are looking for me this week... I have to help with the test distribution in the mornings and during 3rd period.  So, if you need me, you had better leave a note on my desk or send an email.  Those are your two best bets for tracking me down during the graduation testing.  Of course, I should be around in the afternoons with my classes, but, just in case!

Hey, did you realize that ONE WEEK FROM MONDAY, yes, Monday the 23rd... one week from THAT DAY ALL three tasks for EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE will be due?? You had BETTER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! (download it from the March 2 post)

Speaking of things you need to be doing...

You had better memorize that speech from HAMLET and while you're at it review ONE ACT PER NIGHT to get ready for the quote test which begins on FRIDAY!

Let me just list it out for you:

HOMEWORK:
1. Prep for the final HAMLET day
2. Finish memorizing your speech
3. FINISH EL&IC work.

Download Sign up sheet with names

Okay, as to AP Lang...

3/23 - 3/26 (Mon- Thur)
** THIS JUST IN... BREAKING NEWS... STOP THE PRESSES... I HOPE YOU READ THIS!
We're meeting in the THEATER for 4th and 5th period Mon - Thur FOR THE FILM. It should be an excellent viewing environment!  Pass the word to folks you see, but no worries, I'll put a note on the door. 
** The first thing we'll do is take the vocab quiz from last Friday. 
** We'll begin HAMLET today, obviously.
** I may get your feedback on the test from this morning, too.

3/25 (Wed)
** SAYING SHAKESPEARE -- the recitations start today, so BE SURE to remember your time and SHOW UP FOR IT!  It's pretty much a one shot deal, so DO NOT blow off your appointment!! I have the list of appointments typed up at school, I'll add it to the blog so that you can check it out.

3/26 (Thur)
** I'm sure we're done with HAMLET by now and we're likely back in the regular classroom.  This is the last chance you have to ask me any HAMLET related questions because the QUOTE TEST STARTS TOMORROW! 
** The good news is today's was the LAST DAY OF TESTING!
** Be sure to review HAMLET one last time... if you don't study for this test it is going to be very, very hard to pass it.

3/27 (Fri)
** HAMLET day one. 
** For first and second period your vocab week 9 will be incorporated somehow, I have not figured it out yet, but I will.

Here's the homwork again... just in case you missed it (or ignored it!) the first time!
1. Prep for the final HAMLET day
2. Finish memorizing your speech
3. FINISH EL&IC work.

March 16 - 20

3/16 (Mon)
** today we're doing another AP style MC practice with HAMLET.  I know you don't love these, but they are SO GOOD for you! 
** Be sure to prepare tonight -- tomorrow is the HAMLET Act 4 and 5mini-test.  It's always a good idea to look at the study questions for the acts -- again, I 'm not saying you should write all the answers -- just REVIEW them!
** the reading deadline for EL&ICis creeping up on you  --- speaking of deadlines, two more --- GA Virtual School practice exam AND Saying Shakespeare.  Sign-ups for that start tomorrow.

3/17 (Tue)
** Happy St. Patrick's Day!
** Sign-ups for time slots to Say your Shakespearean Speech start this morning at 7:50!
** Today is the HAMLET act 4-5 mini test
** When you finish with that, you may want to get started on tomorrow's project!

3/18 (Wed)
** It's arts and crafts time!  This time you're the shrink... how do you "analyze" the characters of HAMLET and their relationships?? Not too many healthy ones, huh? 
** IF you miss class due to Lassiter's Laff Olympics, don't worry!  You'll have some time tomorrow with sharing on Friday after vocab.

3/19 (Thur)
** Wrap up the arts and crafts and begin to share
** Go over vocab week 9, too!

3/20 (Fri)
** Vocab quiz first (of course!)
** Share your view of the character tableau!

TO DO:
1. read EL&IC AND do the three tasks... Remember, you're earning TEST GRADES for these assignments -- treat them accordingly!
2. do your GA Virtual School AP practice test!
3. MEMORIZE YOUR SPEECH!

Preview for next week:
1. GHSGT all morning, all week!
2. view HAMLET in the afternoon classes ... sorry 1st and 2nd, but hey, at least you don't have to do any work at home!
3. Friday, 3/27 HAMLET test, DAY 1