Mrs. Morgan's Blog

AP Lang 10/31 - 11/4

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  I hope you have a fun day today!  OH! Remember, if you want to stay after school for a conference call with BRIAN DOYLE meet me in the Career Center (behind guidance) after school!  Bring your copy of "The Meteorites" and your questions!  I think third period found it helpful for their rhetorical analysis papers and interesting, too!  So, drop by and enjoy!

Mon (10/31)
** Will this week's vocab be a trick or treat for you?? I'd say that all depends on how PREPARED you are!  But, either way, just think... only TWO more vocab weeks to go! :)

Tue (11/1)
** Well, I hope yesterday was fun for you, but today is ALL about THE GLASS CASTLE evaluation! I know that some of you are desperate to know what I've got planned, but I'm sticking with this: 1. if you've read the book and 2. if you've annotated it in the manner I asked you to then 3. you WILL BE FINE!
** I know that 3rd period got a little off plan from 1st and 2nd last week with regards to the intro of "The Meteorites" but NOW everyone is back together again!  You MUST turn in your intro paragraph - I WILL be keeping it over night...

Wed (11/2)
** Let's put your intros away and move on into the body and conclusion of the essay - yes, of course I have tips for you! That's why I get the big bucks :)  AND, even more helpful - we'll have mini-writing conferences today (about the intro).

Thur (11/3)
**This is probably when we'll start the SS on TGC, so BE READY! It'll run today, Friday (except for vocab review) and MAYBE Monday (except for the vocab quiz and final tips of the conclusion paragraph)  By the way, when I say "be ready" I mean you need TWO COPIES of your THREE questions (TWO with answers) and, as you're tempted to be slack about this, just realize that it's a HALF A TEST GRADE!

Fri (11/4)
** Socratic continues, yes, of course I'll go over vocab with you, too!

Dates to remember:
10/31 - Talk to Brian Doyle after school!
11/1 - final reading check/evaluation for TGC and turn in intro paragraph for "TM"
11/3 - turn in SS questions (3, with 2 answered - do not forget the TEXT SUPPORT!) and begin seminar
11/7 - vocab 11 quiz
11/8 - NO SCHOOL! (put the finishing touches on "The Meteorites" essay
11/9 - "The Meteorites" rhetorical analysis is due (full MLA requirements!)

HBL 10/31 - 11/4

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  I hope you have a great, spooky day and that you're not too crashed from all the sugar by the time you get to HBL!

>>> BREAKING NEWS >>> BREAKING NEWS >>>
Find a copy of Barry Unsworth's novel, MORALITY PLAY - we'll be starting it as soon as we finish up MACBETH!
AND
Not breaking news, but still - SIGN-UPS for "Saying Shakespeare" will begin on TUESDAY! Are you studying??

Mon (10/31)
** Today we'll take the THIRD vocab quiz from the MACBETH words.
** Now we'll start to read Act IV - it will go quickly!  Be sure to download the questions from last week's post!  AND, are you keeping up with your quotes?? It's sorta feeling like it might be time for a quote check!
** Guess what, one week from today you'll be taking your MACBETH test, so START STUDYING!  Remember, you waited on BEOWULF... how'd that work out for you? - DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!

Tue (11/1)
** Just think... this time next week, you'll be enjoying a DAY OFF!  Yes, I know, this is always a good thing!
** But, since we're here today, I think we should carry on to the end of MACBETH! (I meant the play, but it applies to him, too! hee hee)
** Remember, there will be an Act IV quiz when we finish up (you're going to take it on iRespond- yep, I'm serious!)

Wed (11/2)
** I'm sure we'll finish this baby today - well, tomorrow at the latest - Act V questions are on last week's post as well (I was overly optimistic!) and yes, there will be a quiz, and even BIGGER YES!  There will be a final - yes, part of it is scantron-able, but part of it is QUOTES!

Thur (11/3)
** We'll either finish the play or review!

Fri (11/4)
** We'll either review or do MORALITY PLAY vocab - either way, the test on MACBETH is MONDAY!!!

AP Lang 10/24 - 10/28

Just think ... the end of your vocab is in sight! I sure hope you reviewed your old words - you need to make that a habit!  Ok, here we go!

Mon (10/24)
**First of all today  we're going to get into alphabetical seats - that's for tomorrow's benchmark test - I know that everyone may not require their classes to sit like this for the test, but it will make life easier for me!  (so, we're doing it!)
** Vocab week 9 - I cannot believe we've already been in school for over 9 weeks!  Oh well, time flies when you're having fun, right? :)
** We'll either work on WordMasters a bit (in an effort to improve your grade) OR we'll read THE GLASS CASTLE
** I'm going to get some formal opinions about an afternoon discussion with Brian Doyle about "The Meteorites" and writing in general - think which day works best for you - I'm open any day except Thursday.  After we pick a couple of options, I'll ask him about his schedule.  You know, if you have LUNCH 3rd period, you could come on Wednesday - if you can/want to do that let's talk...

Tue (10/25)
** Come in, get settled, and get to that BENCHMARK TEST!  You will need to be sure to put your name on the "booklet" and mark your answers there as well as using the click-y things - Your paper test WILL NOT be looked at unless we're fairly confident there is a mistake with your click-y thing, so, BE CAREFUL!! HIT SUBMIT!

Wed (10/26)
** Back to "The Meteorites"! we'll be discussing the analysis (paper) you'll be writing about it - I have some good examples, but do you want to hear them?  I can see some advantages, but I can also see that it's not a good idea - we'll talk...
** Third period:  We'll talk with Brian Doyle today - thanks to the construction company re-installing our phone jack we can do this in our room today :)  Be sure to be ready to discuss and ask questions!

Thur (10/27)
** let's look at your intro paragraphs... remember... IT IS TIME to leave the 5-paragraph essay behind!! (yes, I'm TOTALLY serious!)

Fri (10/28)
** We'll go over vocab 10 today -- maybe this will be a good time to talk about TGC a little bit?  Or work on your essay?  Or introduce your THIS I BELIEVE assignment... so many options!! How will I decide!?!

HBL 10/24 - 10/28

So, did you have fun seeing MACBETH?  I am sure you'll have an easier time understanding the play now that you've seen it (at least I THINK you will!)

Mon (10/24)
** first of all you'll have your second MACBETH vocab quiz - yes, that means the third one will be NEXT Monday (and, yes - it probably means we'll still be studying MACBETH words after we're done with the play)
** After the quiz we'll talk about any quotes you want to from Acts I and II - then we'll jump back into Act III

Tue - Fri (10/25 - 10/28)
** We'll continue the play -- I expect to be finished with it by the end of the week.  Here are questions for Acts IV and V:

Download MACBETH act IV study questions

Download MACBETH act V study questions

** I'll make a game-time decision on quizzes for Act IV and V ...

READ THIS!  IT IS IMPORTANT!!
1. You should be re-reading and/or reviewing our MACBETH reading EVERY SINGLE NIGHT... that is the way to success when you're reading something that is tough for you - you know how your mom tells you that you'll get out of something whatever you put into it?  Well, SHE'S RIGHT!  SO, put the effort in!!
2. You should be beginning to prepare for SAYING SHAKESPEARE - think of this as an opportunity - IT IS!  FYI - I believe the secret to success here is picking a speech you understand well AND starting early!

As soon as I know when we'll be testing MACBETH, I'll let you know!

AP Lang 10/17 - 10/21

Can you believe it's already HOMECOMING WEEK?  It seems like this year is moving along VERY quickly!  I guess we'd better get to it since time is breathing down our necks --

Mon (10/17)
** VOCAB 8 -- Well, in one way this week is also pretty easy, you KNOW you're going to have one word from week 7 and three from week 8 - I know, I know...you're used to only three words total, but remember, I'm doing the DOE thing today so you're having a written quiz, which means no spelling! (yes, I know you HATE that ha ha)
** SURPRISE!  No MCM today - I just decided to skip it, we'll get back to it, I promise!  Anyway, you can read in THE GLASS CASTLE or finish annotating "The Meteorites" whichever you prefer - do you think you'd like to listen to "The Meteorites"? I have an audio version of it - I like it pretty well ... we'll talk -
** DO NOT FORGET you have a reading quiz on pages 1 - 93 in TGC tomorrow (it'll be set up like the first reading quiz for EL&IC).

Tue (10/18)
** It should come as NO surprise to you that you'll be taking a READING QUIZ over pages 1 - 93 in THE GLASS CASTLE - I hope you're liking the book - I'm enjoying my repeat trip though...
** When you finish you can either (1) continue reading TGC or (2) finish annotating "The Meteorites" - you MUST be done with that when you come to class tomorrow - DO NOT "Pie" it - PLEASE do your work!  You know, you guys can do anything you put your minds to ... but I really need you to trust that I'm never going to give you work that I don't really believe has a purpose... seriously!  SO, if I ask you to do it, DO IT!!!!  Okay, I'm off my soapbox now...

Wed (10/19)
** It is SO good to be back with you guys!  I know I'm going to miss seeing all of you.... Okay, enough sentiment! 
** First I've got to give you guys the word list for WORDMASTERS... now you guys have big things to live up to -- last year's juniors WON this baby... yep, they WON the WHOLE THING... NATIONALLY - so, no pressure or anything, right?? :)  By the way - you'll TAKE the WordMaster's challenge on FRIDAY!
** Now, let's get down to seeing what makes "The Meteorites" tick!  (unless I decide we need to listen to it - do not think this means your annotations are not going to be collected!  They are, NO MATTER WHAT!)

Thur (10/20)
** We'll probably wrap up the analysis of "The Meteorites" and you'll get started with the RHETORICAL ANALYSIS you're going to be writing about it.

Fri (10/21)
Yes, I know it's a pep rally day, BUT, you're STILL going to go over vocab words AND take WORDMASTERS... don't worry, I'm SURE you are ALL the Masters of your Words!  All that's left is for you to PROVE it :)

HBL 10/17 - 10/21

Okay guys, this is the week that MANY of you have been waiting for ... THAT'S RIGHT!!  The MACBETH TRIP!!  I hope we'll all have a really great time!  Okay, let's get to this week!

Mon (10/17)
** today you'll be doing two things... You'll take your vocab quiz - the first for MACBETH words - you'll need to go ahead and pull the definitions for the second set of words - use the packet in the 10/3 - 10/7 post.  ** remember, if you turn in your cards THIS week they're extra credit -- NEXT week, they're required!
** After you finish the quiz, you can work on your quote packet - remember, these are due TOMORROW (at the end of class)
REMINDERS FOR THE TRIP:
1.  Dress appropriately, no sweat pants, hoodies, or PJ bottoms - I believe it goes without saying that you MUST NOT participate in the homecoming dress up day-  but, better safe than sorry!
2.  Bring lunch money for the Varsity or pack a lunch if you don't like the Varsity
3.  Bring a little extra money if you'll want a snack or drink at the play
4.  CHECK YOUR BUS ASSIGNMENT
5.  TURN OFF your phone at the play, DO NOT talk or sleep during the show
6.  Be sure that the WHOLE time we're gone, you ACT in a way that WOULD NOT embarrass your MOM!

Tue (10/18)
** Go tell your first period teacher, "Good Morning!" and then meet me in the front of the school-  You MUST check in with me BEFORE you get on your bus!
** ENJOY THE SHOW (and lunch!)
** IN CLASS -- (1) - if your teacher needs you after we get back and you want to, and THEY want you to, I'll let you go work for them IF you have a note signed by them asking for you-  OTHERWISE it's (2) work on quotes and/or vocab set 2 -- QUOTES ARE DUE TODAY!

Wed (10/19)
** We'll talk about the play just a bit before we get rolling on Act III - here are the questions you need to print -

Download MACBETH act III study questions

** We'll start Act III today - I'm not sure how far we'll get, but I expect to be able to move more quickly now that you've seen the play!

Thur (10/20)
** Finish Act III?
** IF we do, we'll have the quiz tomorrow, if we don't then the quiz will be on Monday.

Fri (10/21)
** MACBETH rolls on, of course!
** Perhaps there will be a quiz, perhaps not... Either way, there will certainly be a vocab quiz on Monday! (word set 2, please) Oh!  Remember, you'll have ONE word from the first set of words.

AP Lang 10/10 - 10/14

Hey guys!  Well, we've had another beautiful weekend, haven't we?  And, this weekend was even better because you're done with Task 1, Task 2, AND Task 3 for EL&IC!  Now all that's left if for me to grade it all :)  (don't get anxious, it'll take a while!)  Okay, let's get started:

Mon (10/10)
** Perhaps this is the vocab week you've been looking forward to!  YES, we've hit WEEK 7!!! That means that you will have THREE words from week 7... that's right!  It's a FRESH START!  Now, before you get too excited, DO NOT destroy your cards for weeks 1 - 6... not only will they be invaluable to you the Friday night before SAT tests, but they'll also be QUITE necessary to prepare for your SEMESTER FINAL!!
** NO MCM today - you pretty much did that Friday with "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" -- so, today we'll be discussing "The Pie" (Gary Soto piece - '96 exam) I know, I know.... I gave it to you forever ago, but I'm going to believe that means that you've really prepared it ... that you're ready to discuss it and show your  knowledge!
** Do you have your copy of THE GLASS CASTLE?  It's time to get started reading that - I'll add the reading deadlines here SOON!

Tue (10/11)
** Since the PSAT is tomorrow and Dr. Brown's babies have challenged you to a competition (really??) I'll answer any questions you may have about that - I have total confidence in your abilities!!
** We'll wrap up any discussion over "The Pie" that we didn't get to yesterday - PERHAPS you'll get the next piece - my favorite... "The Meteorites"

Wed (10/12)
** Get here on time -- bring a pencil -- report to Advisement first thing for your PSAT TEST!!!
** I don't think any of my AP classes will meet today -- if we DO have 3rd period .. Bring your copy of THE GLASS CASTLE!!!

Thur (10/13)
** It's finally time, for sure now... "The Meteorites" - this is the perfect fit for right now - it's a mini-memoir, it's by our fave, Brian Doyle, and it's FULL of wonderful language to analyze!

Fri (10/14)
** We'll go over vocab week 8 - did you enjoy your week of no old words?  Well, at least I can only go back one week this time!  Since I'm going to be out doing another AP presentation on Monday the quiz will be different... we'll talk about that, AND MCM...
** I'm sure we'll fit in some "Meteorties" too!

HBL 10/10 - 10/14

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

I think I figured out why you can't see the MACBETH etext link -- if you've got the blog sorted by H. Brit Lit, the featured post may not show on your screen - to fix that click on my name (at the top of the page) and that will take you to the "home" page of the blog which will show you everything.  Hope this helps!  :)

Well, it's FT - 8 and counting! YES!  that means only 8 days until you get to go to MACBETH!  It's going to be great, I am sure -- I've seen these guys put on this play for the last seven or eight years -- one year I even saw it twice!  SO, trust me when I say it'll be good!  BUT, in order for you to love it, love it, love it you need to read it, read it, read it! :)  So, let's get started!

Mon (10/10)
** Today we'll talk about the vocab quiz (which will be FRIDAY) we may do a trial run, just for fun, OR we may just jump right back into the play.
** We'll continue with Act I - I anticipate we'll finish this act up today or tomorrow.  As soon as we finish, we'll go over the questions for Act I and then there will be a quiz - YES, THIS TIME we'll go over the questions BEFORE the quiz - That will NOT happen for subsequent acts.

Tue (10/11)
** I'm going to spot check your vocab cards and randomly call on some of you to tell me your sentences.  It may or may not be a graded activity - I have not decided yet.
** You may have Act I quiz today, if not today, then tomorrow.
** Conclude Act I if needed

Wed (10/12)
** You should all be fairly non-stressed this afternoon as you will have no morning classes due to the PSAT - did you CRUSH it?  I hope so, you know, it's really great practice for the real thing! (Which you need to start taking next year!!)
** MACBETH rolls along - Here's the Act II handout:

Download MACBETH act II study questions

Thur (10/12)
** We'll continue with the play, but in addition to that you'll get your portfolio prompts for this unit and we'll talk about proper etiquette for the play next Tuesday!
** IF we didn't take a practice quiz on Monday, we will do it today - remember... THIS week only - your cards will count for some extra credit on the quiz grade!  SO, bring your cards!

Fri (10/13)
** We should be able to get to the end of Act II this week which means you will very probably have a VOCABULARY QUIZ AND a MACBETH QUIZ today - if we're not finished with Act II, we'll finish it up and quiz it on Monday.

Just a word of advice:
Be sure you are keeping up with your Act questions AND that you are reviewing your reading each night - that is a good way to guarantee that you're understanding what you need to in the play!!! If you're struggling with the play, PLEASE let me know!  I can help you... not to brag, but I'm pretty much a MACBETH master... AND I want YOU to be one, too!!!

 

Want to read the classics, AT HOME? FOR FREE??

If you are all about the bargain,  check out this site! It's an online library of sorts; 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

What's that?  You would rather put books on your eReaders, and you want them for free??  Well, thanks to Austin R for finding this for you all!  You still shouldn't expect a lot of contemporary stuff, but still, free is free!

www.gutenberg.org  
now you WILL need a (totally free) program to use the downloads -- get it here:

http://calibre-ebook.com/
Happy reading!!!

Yes, guys - this is where you can get MACBETH at home - have fun!

AP Lang 10/3 - 10/7

Wow - was it a beautiful weekend or what?!?  (even if you did start Saturday morning out with the SAT! - did you review your vocab cards?? Did you see any of our words?)  Okay, okay - let's get started.

You know, I've been meaning to mention to you ... you need to track down a copy of Jeanette Walls memoir - THE GLASS CASTLE -- it's the next book you'll need. There are loads of copies floating around - you can probably borrow one.

Mon (10/3)
** Well, hopefully you were not up until the wee hours of today finishing up Task 1 and Task 2 for EL&IC - honestly, the whole point of the "progress checks" was to try to keep you from procrastinating - I'm not sure it was entirely successful, but maybe it helped!
** So, what did you think of the book?? I cannot wait until the Socratic Seminar tomorrow - they are always SO interesting for this piece!  I should get to what we're actually doing today -
**  I'll collect your Tasks - IF you have printer trouble, get to school EARLY to use mine - I DO NOT intend to have lines at the beginning of each class!  Also remember - separate T-1 and T-2...
**VOCAB QUIZ... yes, week 6 is FINALLY here! will the old word be from week 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5?? So many words!  (so little time...)
** Instead of MCM #4, we'll have ELIC # 3... yes, we're doing a final reading check, yes, we'll use the click-y things.
** TONIGHT:  get T-3 ready to turn in!  REMEMBER - you need TWO COPIES!!!

MORE MONDAY NIGHT HOMEWORK:  read this short memoir-esque piece by J. Safron Foer - I'll expect it to be incorportated into the SS on Tuesday and Wednesday!

"My Explosion" - Jonathan Safran Foer

Tue - Thur (10/4 - 10/6)
** SOCRATIC SEMINAR!!! have fun with this, BUT take it seriously, too - it's a 50 point major grade after all! 
** My real plan is to shift into "The Pie" for the final part of the SS, so BE READY to discuss that on THURSDAY.
** Also today we'll have to go over Vocab 7, since I'm off in Dalton tomorrow presenting our AWESOME AP LANG program to new AP Lang teachers!  (you'd BETTER be good!)

Fri (10/7)
Okay, honestly, I'll have to get back to you on this one - it's quite likely that I'll start you on my very favorite thing we do all year - "The Meteorites" - but it's also possible that I'll go a totally different way - either way, I'll update --

HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEKEND:  Track down a copy of THE GLASS CASTLE!