Weekly Agenda: January 4-8, 2010

Monday, January 4
Volunteers share their nonfiction narratives
What was easiest about this project? Most challenging?
Writing about yourself: The Personal Essay
Read “What Really Scares Us” (handout)
Journal: Write a 2 page journal entry discussing one of your greatest fears – a phobia. Explain instances when it has reared its ugly head. Then, take a step back and consider, on paper, why it scares you so much. Be as introspective as possible.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal.

Wednesday, January 6
Trade journal with a partner. After reading, volunteers will read the work of their (anonymous) partner.
Read and discuss “The Stereotype Trap” (handout)
- What about the essay do you agree or disagree with?
- What do you find persuasive or unpersuasive?
- What, if anything, did you find educational or surprising?
Journal: This entry has two parts. First, write about the stereotypes that you feel other have applied to you, in the past or the present. Give specific examples of moments or events when these stereotypes have been to obvious to ignore, or when they affected you negatively or positively. Second, address each stereotype (if there is more than one) and explain how you fit it, how you don’t fit it, and what you’ve done to avoid it or encourage it. This should end up at 2 pages or so.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal

Friday, January 8
Trade journal with a partner. After reading, volunteers will read their work aloud
Writing a process piece
- Point: To explain or teach how
- Components:
o A beginning, middle and end
o Something the writer knows about/has expertise in
o Includes all essential information, details, or steps
o Focused, but (ideally) not boring
o Considers the audience
- Examples:
o “How to Become a Writer” (excerpt read aloud) - discuss
o “The American Way of Death” (handout) - discuss
HW Journal: Write a 1-2 page process essay on the topic of your choice.
Brainstorm first, then think of your audience and tone. Be specific and focused, serious or funny or whatever you feel like.

Weekly Agenda: January 4-8, 2010

Monday, January 4
Reading quiz
New Vocabulary
Discuss homework reading
- Section summary
- What did you find confusing or surprising about this part of the book?
- Discuss reading guide responses
- Turn in section 2 reading guide responses (and section 1, if not in yet)
In-class reading, pp.45- (as time permits)
HW: Read to the top of p.54; Answer questions #1-3

Wednesday, January 6
Discuss homework reading and responses
Questions or points of confusion?
Symbolism: “Night” in the novel
- What does it come to represent?
- Cite examples
Other symbols: Read and discuss “Refugee Blues” (handout)
Finish reading section 3 (pp. 54-62)
HW: Complete section 3 reading guide responses; due Friday
Review for vocabulary quiz

Friday, January 8
Vocabulary Quiz
Discuss homework reading
Turn in section 3 responses
Read “A Commandant’s View” and discuss (handout)
Read and discuss “Choiceless Choices” (handout)
Begin reading section 4 (pp. 63-)
HW: Read to p.72; respond to RG questions #1-7

Weekly Agenda: December 14-17

Monday, December 14
In-class:
Vocabulary Quiz
Discuss “The Bear That Wasn’t” and homework responses
PowerPoint on Novel Background
Check out Night
Begin reading with Reading Guide
- pp 3-15 (as time permits)
HW: Read Night to p. 15; respond to questions #1-8

Wednesday, December 16
LATE START
In-class:
Discuss homework reading and questions
Read Night, pp.15-22; respond to questions #9-13
Make reading response journals
Journal Prompt #1: What in the first section did you find surprising or difficult to understand?
HW: Read the second section of Night (23-46) and answer the corresponding post-reading questions. Due the first day back from the break.

Have a safe and relaxing Winter Break!

Weekly Agenda: 14-17

Monday, December 14
In-class:
Share examples of homework journal entries
Read excerpt from The Harvey Pekar Story
Brainstorm short topics for a brief autobiographical assignment
- strange moments?
- habits or quirks?
- pet peeves?
- unsusual or little-known facts about self?
- unusual hobby, talent, interest, etc.?
In-class time to outline, draft and begin work on graphic narrative project
HW: Complete graphic narrative project for Wednesday

Wednesday, December 16
LATE START
In-class:
Graphic narrative DUE
- partners trade
- volunteers share
Read “Conversations With My Father” (handout)
- respond and discuss
Journal #3: Auto/Biographical Narrative assignment
- brainstorm interview subject
- generate possible interview questions
HW: Interview a family member or family friend (an adult) about a real event from their life. Then write a nonfiction narrative that documents their experience OR that documents your conversation with them about that experience.
Part One: Write up the interview questions and responses.
Part Two: Write the 1½ - 2 page account.

Have a safe and relaxing Winter Break!

Weekly Agenda: December 7-11

Tuesday, December 8
In-class:
Final Draft DUE
Literary Memoir: Nonfiction with fiction elements
Read aloud: “Snapshot of a Dog” (handout)
- What elements of fiction are found here? How are they used?
In-class Journal Prompt #1:
- Part One: In ½ page or more, explain what this short example of literary memoir reveals about the dog, and what it reveals about the writer. Why do you believe James Thurber chose to write this essay? (Discuss)
- Part Two: We have all likely lost someone or something (whether a pet, family member, friend, etc.). Write your own brief (1-2page) creative nonfiction piece based on Thurber’s title, completing it with your own subject: “Snapshot of a….” (Be prepared to share with others)
HW: None (complete your in-class journal if necessary)

Thursday, December 10
In-class:
Read “The Chase” (handout)
For discussion:
- Which details convince you this really happened?
- What makes her happy with getting in trouble, and the chaser heroic?
- Whom do you think she is writing for?
- What message do you think Dillard is trying to convey?
In-class Journal Prompt #2:
This essay covers the classic conflict that arises because of the acts of children and the response of an adult. Brainstorm a few times in your own life that fit this description. Select one to write about in a 1-2 page narrative. Be prepared to share with the class.
HW: Complete today’s journal entry if necessary

Weekly Agenda: December7-11

Tuesday, December 8
In-class:
Essay #2 FINAL DRAFT DUE
Introduction to Night
- Complete and discuss a “pre-opinionairre”
- New vocabulary
- Background information packet
HW: Complete the background information packet and questions if necessary

Thursday, December 10
In-class:
Theme Discussion: Race & Identity
- Read “the bear that wasn’t”
- Respond to and discuss post-reading questions
- “I Am…” activity à discuss and compare
- “Race and Science” reading and discussion questions
HW: None!