Mrs. Morgan's Blog

Improve your Vocab AND be altruistic!

Play so FREE RICE and help others while helping yourself ... PLUS, it's tons of fun!  I can't wait to hear what level you can maintain - it can be trickier than you think!

Play FREE RICE here!

AP Lang 1/30 - 2/3

Hey guys! So, how was your weekend?  I ask because I am so sure that many of you spent it reading THE SCARLET LETTER or THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (I believe I have finally learned to spell that!) You've still got one day left... MAKE SURE TO BUDGET YOUR TIME!!    Okay, here we go!

Mon (1/30)
** Obviously, we'll do vocab first - I'll collect your cards and then we'll quiz - today you should expect ONE word from week one and TWO words from week two... CONGRATS to all of you who earned the +5 ... way to go!
** After we have vocab you'll be having the first MCM (Multiple Choice Monday) of the semester.  This one will be on "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" - appropriate, huh?  By the way, we'll be discussing that on Wed. so make sure all your formal annotating and the questions are answered by then!

Tue (1/31)
** Well, it's here... (the day you were dreading?) OUTSIDE READING TEST DAY... today is the day to test your knowledge of the Romantic period!

Wed - Thur (2/1, 2/2)
** Back to the letter today - we'll be discussing many aspects about the letter, from rhetoric to content and back again.  Hopefully any confusion you have will be cleared up!

Fri (2/3)
** We'll be going over vocab three quickly today because....
** In-class write on the "Letter from B'ahm" today!  It's silly to analyze the argument, we've been talking about that for two days, so... RHETORICAL ANALYSIS!  woo hoo!  I know you're excited... I can imagine you smiling in anticipation of this bad boy even while you're reading...  =)  Hey, a Lang teacher can dream, can't she??

HBL 1/30 - 2/3

Does it feel like you're getting back into the swing of things school-wise?  I'm hoping this will be the week that everyone hits his (or her) stride!  Loads of stuff to do this week, so let's get going!        

Mon (1/30)
** First of all we'll take the Vocab Unit 9 quiz - it's different from the quiz last week, I hope to see improvements in your scores!  (I'll bet some of you hope that, too!)
** It's pretty standard to do the new unit after the quiz, so that's the pattern we'll follow today, too.  The unit is due on Friday.  Be sure to follow my directions this week!
** Finally, I'll take any and all questions you have about your mini-project ** remember - it's due TOMORROW!!

Tue (1/31)
** Today you'll be turning in your "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" project, but you'll be doing a little share from it, first! 
** It's probably worth mentioning that the project is due today, January 31st, NO MATTER WHAT ... if you get sick and leave school early, your project is STILL DUE... remember that you're in Pre-AP now, and you have GOT to take responsibility for yourself!  I want  you to succeed in this class, but doing that is up to YOU ... YOU control your successes AND your failures... think about that.

Wed - Thur (2/1 - 2/2)
** Back to the Romantics! Today we'll start covering some of my favorite British writers - many of them are quite a bit different from Coleridge - who's poetry do you prefer?
** We'll cover quite a few guys these two days for our test next week.

Fri (2/3)
** We'll do a quick review of vocab today - then I hope to review for your Romantic test.  If we don't get as far as I anticipate on Wed and Thur, don't worry - I'll keep you posted in class as to the final details of what's going to happen with the test, BUT, as it stands right now, the test will be on MONDAY.

What else should you be doing??  It's time to start tracking down your copy of LIFE OF PI!  We'll be starting it soon.

A note about Open House

First of all, let me remind everyone that Open House is Thursday, January 26th. I'm betting that most of you know that, but now I need to get to the reason for this special post about it.

I'll be missing Open House this year - I am sorry that I won't get the opportunity to meet you guys- I always enjoy seeing the Moms and/or Dads that go along with my kiddos - they are truly lucky to have you all!  Anyway, I made a commitment for Thursday night back in December not realizing it was our Open House night.  So, the night will have to roll on without me.  BUT, never fear - I will have a former AP Lang student in my class who will probably be able to answer most of the questions you have, and I will also have some information for you.

The most important pieces of information for AP -
1. Seriously consider signing your child up for the May or June SAT - all the prep the kids do getting ready for AP exams usually translates to a bump in SAT scores (not promising anything, but it usually works that way).
2.  We'll be starting THE THINGS THEY CARRIED in a few weeks, so start tracking down a copy

The most important pieces of information for HBL -
1) The first test will cover the Romantic period, but it will be a couple of weeks before it happens
2) We'll be starting LIFE OF PI in a few weeks, so start tracking down a copy

The important info for EVERYONE -
I'm so sorry to miss you guys at Open House and I sincerely hope you will feel free to email me if you ever need anything!  I love teaching English, and I hope your kids will learn a lot this semester!  It should be a good one!

AP Lang 1/23 - 1/27

I know that you guys have been so anxious to get to the 23rd... I imagine some of you even had a hard time sleeping on Sunday night - that's right - I know you are so, so, so excited about THE FIRST VOCAB QUIZ!!!! What?  you aren't excited... darn!  I was sure you would be :)

The real question for today is this - did any of you go see EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE this weekend?  I read what Ebert had to say (he's my go-to movie critic), now I'll be interested to hear what you guys think - from reading his review (which was not too favorable) it was clear to me that he has not read the novel.  -- We'll talk...

Mon (1/23)
** Vocab week 1 quiz - just to recap - you'll have THREE randomly selected words that you will (1) spell, (2) define and (3) provide a context rich sentence demonstrating that you understand how to use the word properly.  Before you take the quiz you will turn in your cards which will have your first and last name at the top of the first and last card (with you initials on the remainder of the cards) and a sentence and definition for each word.   Yes, there will be a theme (I love a vocab theme!)
** AFTER vocab there will be a NYT crossword focusing on Civil Rights & Freedoms
** It's probably worth mentioning that you will need to have vocab week 2 words ready to go over on Friday.

Tue (1/24)
** Graded discussion day!  Be prepared to discuss 4 LITTLE GIRLS and the essay topic you got on Friday - no, I'm not going to change my mind and make you write the essay, but I AM grading what you say, so you really do need to prepare for this!

Wed - Thur (1/25, 1/26)
** Now we're headed back into the "Letter From a B'ham Jail" - you'll be doing a few more things with it, and I think you'll begin to see why we asked you to pre-read it.  You know, I'm still dazzled by MLK's skill with the argument every year when I read it again. 
** One of these days we'll be doing some MC questions on the "Letter" - and you thought you were getting out of Multiple Choice Monday!  little did you know it was going to happen, it just would not be alliterative... too bad, too - you guys know I love a good alliteration ha ha
** Did any of you check out the stuff available at the King Center?  So much info there!

Fri (1/27)
** Well, the first thing we'll do is go over vocab for week 2 - If you want to earn a plus five on the week two quiz you should be one of the first ten students to email me your name, class period and a sentence telling me what you like about the letter - yes, of course it has to include a week two vocabulary word.
** After we go over the vocab, I think I'll give you a reading day - since either THE SCARLET LETTER or LAST OF THE MOHICANS is due on Tuesday, I'll let you read today after we discuss vocab.

Hope your first "full" week of school turns out to be a good one!

HBL 1/23 - 1/27

Hey guys!  Well, we're finally here for a full, five day week! I guess we'd better make it count, right?  Okay, here we go-

Mon (1/23)
** As I told you last week, today you'll have your FIRST vocab quiz - you should expect to define the words and  use them in context rich sentences.  Now keep in mind that the context is KEY to success with the sentences - I have confidence in you... as long as you study that is!
** After you finish the quiz you'll do the work for Unit 9 - we'll be back to "Rime" tomorrow.

Tue (1/24)
** Back to "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" - I'm going to check in on which 3 - 5 lines you selected for your illustration and then talk a bit more about this part of you independent project - Did you know that "Rime" is one of the most illustrated poems in the English language?  Just goes to show that even if YOU don't like it that tons and tons of other folk do!
** You should also go through the poem with your DVD worksheet and the original sheet I gave you for the poem and make sure you have all the answers to the questions.

Wed - Thur (1/25, 1/26)
** Work on your independent "Rime" project continues - here's the handout -

Download Rime mini-project

** Be sure to have your essay annotated by the end of class today.  Here's the essay -

Download Rime of the Ancient Mariner as allegory Essay

Fri (1/27)
** Today the first thing we'll do is check your vocab work - I'll also go over the words to make sure you really understand how to use them in sentences.  If you want to earn five bonus points of the unit nine quiz you should be one of the first five kiddos to email me your name, class period, and a sentence using a vocabulary word telling me something you think is cool about the poem.
** We'll be totally finished with "Rime" by next Friday, so be sure you're pacing yourself with the projects that go along with it - Next we'll be looking at some of my favorite poets from the Romantic period.

AP Lang 1/16 - 1/1/20

Well, did you use your extra day off to read THE SCARLET LETTER or LAST OF THE MOHICANS??  I sorta hope so since you must be finished by 1/31!!! That's two weeks from Tuesday - so STOP procrastinating!  It's time to get busy reading...  speaking of reading, what are you thinking of "Letter from a Birmingham Jail"?  Isn't it amazing?  You know, I could teach you everything, and I really mean EVERYTHING you need to know about rhetoric from just that piece.  Crazy, I know....

Mon (1/16) Now, this is important - until today the majority of Dr. King's papers have not been readily available on-line, but as of today you can read many of his most famous pieces at The King Center web site, yes, including "Letter from a B'ham Jail" - check out how it looked when it was released as a pamphlet type publication 

Letter from a Birmingham Jail at the King Center Archives

Okay- let's get going!

Tue (1/17)
** First I'll need to collect "The Secret Goldfish" essays from a great number of you - I hope the extra time was a good thing for you!
** Today I'm going to talk for about three minutes about the "Letter from a B'ham Jail" - then we're going to jump right into the documentary, 4 LITTLE GIRLS - now I know that high-interest isn't the first thing that crosses your mind when you hear "documentary" - but trust me - this one is great!
** Today we'll lay all the groundwork for our viewing, listen to a really old song, read a poem and even take a few notes! 

Wed, Thur, Fri (11/18 - 11/20)
** We'll view a third of the film each day while pausing to talk about important things as we view.
** On Wednesday, I'll collect your annotated "Letter" for a minor grade
** On Friday, we'll quickly go over the vocab words because... wait for it... wait for it....

MONDAY IS VOCAB DAY!!!!! expect a theme from me for every week, and DO NOT forget the cards!  why throw away points??

HBL 1/16 - 1/1/20

You know, I think we could get used to these four day weeks, right?  Sadly, we won't be having another day off for a while, so I hope you enjoyed this one!  Here we go!

Mon (1/16)
** I hope you enjoyed your day off and spent a minute reflecting on why you have it off to begin with.

Tue (1/17)
** Well, it's time to get serious about our Brit Lit!  We're going to jump in this semester with the Romantic period - I know you won't like it, but you'll be reading some background info and answering some questions - BUT, it's in your best interest to do a good job - there will be a reading quiz tomorrow.

Wed (1/18)
** First we'll take a reading quiz over yesterday's intro material (don't say I didn't warn you!)
** Next we'll jump right into "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" (no, I didn't misspell "rime" - look it up!)
** This poem is pretty tough (as is most of Coleridge's stuff) - but we'll take our time, so do not stress!

Thur (1/19)
** "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" will continue - I don't know if we'll finish it today or not, if I was a betting woman, I'd say not - especially since we're doing a little project-y thing!

Fri (1/20)
** Hopefully we'll wrap up "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" - have I mentioned there's a video?  Yep, I'm planning on us watching it... it's quite, different!

OVER THE WEEKEND.... DO NOT FORGET.... You have a vocab quiz on MONDAY!!!



AP Lang 1/10 - 1/13

>>BREAKING NEWS>>BREAKING NEWS>>BREAKING NEWS>>BREAKING NEWS>>BREAKING NEWS>>

Today I decided to allow you to turn in your writing prompt for "The Secret Goldfish" on Tuesday, IF you want to.  But, if you turn it in on the "real" due date (Friday) you'll get a +5.  We'll discuss all the details tomorrow, but I wanted to let you know.

WELCOME!! I'm so glad you see (or meet) you guys!  I hope that you had just as much fun and got just as much rest as I did over break... I also hope you had TONS of fun-with-the-family time, isn't that the best??   Okay, now to official stuff - It's worth mentioning that second semester is a busy one, all the skills you started developing during the fall semester will be honed and perfected so that you will be MASTERS when it comes time for the exam in May... don't worry - it's  a LONG time until May!  I'll get you ready, I PROMISE!  Also, I cannot stress to you strongly enough that you need to CHECK THE BLOG - I keep it up to date, and it WILL help you!  seriously...  Okay, enough of this - let's get going!

Mon (1/9)
** Oh wait, only I had to come to school today! I hope you got loads of extra sleep today :)  You know, I'm sure you enjoyed today so much ... why don't you just go ahead and take next Monday off, too?  ... joking, of course, but isn't it nice to start the semester with two four day weeks back-to-back?

Tue (1/10)
** It's second semester update sheet time!  I know you'll get a new syllabus in many of your classes, but that's not how we do it in AP Lang... so, check out the update, AND, if you have not already done it.... MAKE THIS BLOG A FAVORITE!
** YOU will have to do a tiny bit of talking today... what book are you reading for your first AM LIT independent reading?  Do you like it?  Do you love it? Do you OWN it?  This is a not-so-subtle reminder that it is due Tuesday, January 31st!  FYI- both books are free kindle downloads and they're free at Project Gutenberg, too.
** I'll be checking your transcripts today, too (of course!)
** Today we're going to read one of my favorite short stories... I should tell you up front, it's an old WordMasters piece, but don't hate it just because it used to be a WordMasters... it's called "The Secret Goldfish" I think you'll like it, it's pretty great! We're going to do quite a lot with it, so be sure to read carefully -
** We'll have the first vocab quiz on January 23rd, but you know, it's never too early to start making those flash cards - I'm just saying...  (FYI- vocab quizzes will be every Monday)

Wed (1/11)
** Remember when I said you should pay attention to the annotating for "The Secret Goldfish"?  well - here's one of the reasons why -- today you'll be doing the WM MC for the piece.  So, have it finished and have it IN CLASS with you today!
** After you finish the MC we'll divide into 5 groups to look at some questions about the story.  Just one question, so don't stress :)
** You'll also get a writing prompt for the story - we were planning to have you do this in class on Friday, but we forgot about tomorrow's PSAT day, so... you know what they say about the best laid plans, right?  ANYWAY, you're going to write the prompt at home - it's due (typed - manuscript format, please) FRIDAY, now even though you're typing it, it's still like an in-class write, so don't freak out about it.

Thur (1/12)
** It's ALL about the PSAT today... hopefully this will help you, especially if you're taking the REAL THING on the 28th! (maybe I'll see you there... I'm proctoring!)
** Today we'll revisit "The Secret Goldfish" - this time with groups - I think you'll find many interesting things to discuss with this story - so, did you like it?
** Yes, you'll be sharing from your group - you might as well get over the fact that you don't like to talk in class - you're going to have to in here!

Fri (1/13)
** I'll collect your write on the story then we'll get back to it -
** Today we'll revisit "The Secret Goldfish" - it's time for group sharing - I think you'll find many interesting things to discuss with this story - so, did you like it?  Just as an aside, you might as well get over   the fact that you don't like to talk in class - you're going to have to in here!
** I hate to do it to you, but ... you're going to have homework.  You need to read and mark "A Letter From a Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr.  That unit will begin on Tuesday and you need to read it in advance! Yes, I know it's long, but... it's AMAZING!  Be prepared to be impressed!

Well, I hope your first week back was a good one - enjoy your long weekend!  See you on Tuesday :)

HBL 1/10 - 1/13

Welcome!  I hope you are well rested from our great break!  I know you all wanted longer, and getting out of bed on Tuesday was not easy, but we're here now, so let's get to it!

Mon (1/9)
** At least you didn't have to come to school today... unlike your teachers!  I hope you get all your last minute sleep in today :)

Tue (1/10)
** I'm sure we'll have to spend a bit of time on the syllabus and the intro info for the class - I'll also have to check everyone's transcript and report card, so be ready for that!
** Expect to have to say a word or two - I'll need to know who you are!

Wed (1/11)
** VOCAB DAY!  Yes, we'll be working on unit 8 today - make sure you pay special attention to the directions for the close reading section - all this will be checked on FRIDAY, so make sure you're ready to turn it in.

Thur (1/12)
** Today is all about the PSAT - how did you do?  Did you think it was easy? hard? are you pleasently surprised by your performance?  Well, however it turned out for you - we'll be talking about it in class today - so be ready!  I can (almost) promise it will help you with the real SAT.

Fri (1/13)
** Today we'll be going over vocab unit 8 - you'll get a feel for how I grade these units and what (exactly) my expectations are - we'll also talk about the quiz format and perhaps even take a practice one :)
** Well, you made it thru your FIRST WEEK BACK!  You know, how about we take Monday off?  Seriously, I hope you enjoy your extra day on Monday!

 

AP Lang 12/19, 12/21, 12/22

Hey!  Well, I cannot believe this is the very last post for the semester - and while I am truly ready for Christmas/Winter break (as I am sure you are!) I am more than a little sad to think that I may not have you guys next semester!  Your classes are some of the best AP classes I've had - each of you has a unique (and lovely and fun!) personality which I think has made for a great semester! If I could have my way, I'd keep my classes exactly the same for next semester!  (Sadly,we all know, it doesn't work that way!) Suddenly I have the feeling that some of you are sitting at your computer reading this thinking that I am crazy ... that you're totally looking forward to a fresh perspective (and you're right - they are valuable!).  ANYWAY, enough sentiment!  On to the LAST week!

Mon (12/19)
** Will you be the recipient of a final grade of 100 for test prep?  I don't know, but YOU are in control of it!  You know what you need to do in class today!

Wed (12/21)
** Well, I hope your first three exams went swimmingly!  And, I hope today's does as well!  And, dear old 3rd period this is it... BUT, I may have a thing for you from Brian Doyle... just a last parting shot if you will...
** As to your exam - DO NOT forget to:  1) study vocab, 2) make your outlines, 3) ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT IS ASKED, and 4) WRITE NEATLY!  (I have to turn these babies around fast, so keep my geezer eyes in mind!)

Thur (12/22)
** Okay, you've made it to the FINAL day of exams!  Have you been the master of your destiny?  I'll bet you have!  What's that?  You're unhappy that 3rd period is getting something you are not - AGAIN?  well, never fear!  I think I've got it for you, too!) 
** Okay you first period kiddos - this will be the last morning you all start out in here - you guys have made me laugh and generally given me a most excellent start to the day - I appreciate it!  I couldn't ask for a more mellow, more generous class to begin my day with - I thank you!
** And Second period - you guys have definately given me the most laughs!  You have an unusually relaxed demeanor for an AP class which has been a real treat!  The unique perspective you guys have... what will I do without it?!
**Now, let's get to the exam - DO NOT forget to:  1) study vocab, 2) make your outlines, 3) ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT IS ASKED, and 4) WRITE NEATLY!  (I have to turn these babies around fast, so keep my geezer eyes in mind!)

FINALLY, I'm going to work as fast and as hard as I can to get your grades finalized... I'll post an update for each class as I get the grades finalized in Pinnacle, so you can check here to make sure your grade won't change. 

It's my hope that you all have a lovely and restful and fun break - It's my wish that you will read something just because you want to, and you know that reading is fun! - It's my prayer that all of all come back safely in January with renewed motivation and the desire to FINISH STRONG!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah - I love you guys-

=)
M