Sunday, January 02, 2005

 

English I Archives Week of November 29 - December 17, 2004

Friday, December 17, 2004

I. Christmas Party!

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Thursday, December 16, 2004

I. Surprise Test - "Of Mice & Men"

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Wednesday, December 15, 2004

I. Journal #10

If a homeless person would ask you for help,
what could you do for him given your present
limitations, whatever they may be
(financial limitations, etc.)? Write 1/2 Page
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Tuesday, December 14, 2004


I. Journal #9 -- "WANTED: A FRIEND"

Loneliness is a common emotion that everyone
feels once in a while--some more often than others.
The ranch hands in Of Mice and Men were drifters;
they had no families close by and didn't stay in one
place long enough to make lasting friends. Theirs
was a lonely lifestyle. Two fellows, George and
Lennie, found friendship early in their lives and
traveled together. From them we can see what it
means to be a friend and what it means to have a
friend. Friendship has great rewards, but being a
friend isn't always easy.


Your assignment is to design an advertisement

-- "WANTED: A FRIEND".

Your advertisement should carry all the usual
information in a "want ad": what you want, a job
description, the requirements and the rewards.
Your ad must fit on an 8 1/2" X 11" sheet of
paper. Be as creative as you like, but remember
your ad must contain the information requested
above and remember that you are striving for
an effective advertisement.

PREWRITING
The first thing you need to do is to jot down
ideas in your journal that you have about what
a friend's job description would contain. What
does it mean to be a friend? What qualities are
necessary for a person to have to be a good friend?
What are the positive aspects of being a friend?
What are the difficult parts of the job?

Put down all of your thoughts, and then go back
and sort through them. Combine ideas that are
essentially the same. Organize your thoughts into
categories:

job description,qualifications/requirements, and rewards.

From there you can begin to design your ad.

DRAFTING
You need to make a few basic decisions: Are you
going to have any graphics (drawings) in your ad?
What will be the attention-getter in your ad?
How can you make all of your most important
information fit on one page? How will you lay-out
or design your ad? (How will it look on the page?)
Once you have decided these things, you can put
pencil to paper and make a rough draft of your ad.

PROMPT
After you have finished a rough draft of your ad,
revise it yourself until you are happy with your work.
Then, ask a student who sits near you to tell you
what he/she likes best about your work, and what
things he/she thinks can be improved. Take another
look at your ad keeping in mind your critic's suggestions,
and make the revisions you feel are necessary.

PROOFREADING
Do a final proofreading of your paper double-checking your
grammar, spelling, organization, and the clarity of your ideas.

II. Read "Of Mice & Men Chapter 5 together in class

III.
HOMEWORK - Due Wed. 12/15

Of Mice & Men Chapter 5 Questions

1. What happened to Lennie's puppy? What is his reaction?
2. Why did Curley's wife come to see Lennie?
3. What did she tell Lennie?
4. Why did Lennie kill Curley's wife?
5. What was George's reaction when he found out about Curley's wife's death?
6. What was Curley's reaction to his wife's death?
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Monday, December 13, 2004

I. Discuss Expository Response to John Steinbeck’s
“Of Mice and Men” – 5 Paragraph Essay
Due Friday January 14, 2005
(Please include outline, rough draft & final draft)

Format: Typed, double-spaced. 1” margins, font style,
Times New Roman or Arial, Size 12 font only!

Writing Standards 2.2 and 2.4
(1) develop an interpretation which exhibits careful reading, understanding and insight
(2) organize the interpretation around several clear ideas, premises, or images
(3) develop and justify the interpretation through sustained use of examples and textual evidence

II. Discuss Book Report #2 CD - Handout - Due Friday Jan. 28, 2005

III. READ “Of Mice & Men" Chapter 4 together in class

IV. HOMEWORK - Answer Questions 1 - 5 & Word scramble (Handout)
Due Tuesday, 12/14

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Friday, December 10, 2004

I. Vocabulary Quiz
II. Character attributes work sheet (Handout) Due Monday 12/13
III. California Map (Handout) Due Wed. 12/15

IV. Continue watching "Of Mice & Men" film.

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Thursday, December 09, 2004

I. Journal #8 - Idealism vs. Reality

Of Mice and Men tells the story of two simple men
who try to escape homelessness, economic poverty,
and emotional and psychological corruption. Otherwise,
the fate of those who do not abandon the lives they lead
as migratory workers is bleak and dehumanizing.
George and Lennie dream of owning a farm, but by
the end of the novel their dreams are shattered.

Do you feel that people should spend time trying to
fulfill their dreams or should they approach life with
a more realistic perspective and accept thier limitations?
Write 1/2 Page


II. Vocabulary Review


1. derision: the sound of people making fun of, or laughing
2.
defensively: to be on guard against attack
3.
receptive: able and willing to listen and accept new ideas
4.
rheumatism: a painful condition involving the joints and muscles
5.
euchre: a card game
6.
ejector: the mechanism of a gun that
throws out the empty cartridge of a fired bullet
7. sarcastically: in a mean way; bitterly
8.
bemused: preoccupied; deep in thought
9.
bleated: crying out with terror

Idioms

10. roll up a stake: save up some money
11. yella-jackets in his drawers: restless and nervous
12. set on the trigger: someone on the verge of causing trouble
13.
throw a litter: give birth
14. flat bust: completely broke; without any money
15. throw a scare: intimidate


Literary Devices

THE SETTING
Although the setting may not appear to be significant,
the plot could take place in few other places. Migrant
life is essential to the story; it must occur in a location
and at a time in which male migrants were used to farm
the land and carry out the work of ranches. It is also
essential that the ranch be relatively isolated to provide
George and Lennie their cover and escape.

SYMBOLS
Candy’s old dog is a symbol of what happens to migrant
workers when they live alone and can no longer do the work of
the farm or ranch. The rabbits that Lennie constantly imagines
are symbolic of the comfort he wants to find in a home
place. It can also be said that Lennie provides this same
kind of comforting symbol to George. Curley and Curley’s wife
both represent evil-both oppress and abuse the migrants
in different ways.

FORESHADOWING
The killing of Candy’s old dog is the ending of a hard life and
foreshadows the death of another character in the story that
has a difficult time. At the same time, the killing of the dog
represents the end of a relationship that made life worth living
and provided hope. This, too, foreshadows Lennie’s death.
The death of the mouse in the first chapter foreshadows the
later death of the pup and the death of Curley’s wife. When
Curley’s wife suggests that Lennie stroke her hair, we know
she, too, is doomed. Themes: Although this novella does not
have as many themes as some of Steinbeck’s other short
works, students can explore several: the importance of
relationships, responsibility to others, the nature of home,
respect for old age, the difference between right and wrong,
and the evil of oppression and abuse.

III. Working with a partner and using "Of Mice & Men"
Chapters 1 - 3 as a references, Trace the parallels that are developed
between Candy and his dog and George and his companion, Lennie.
Consider the amount of time they have spent together, the way they
view the limitations of their companions, the way they defend their
companions, and any other points of similarity you see. Write 1/2 Page

M & M Chapter 3 - Summary

Friday evening. George tells Slim Lennie grabbed a red-dressed
girl in Weed. Lennie gets a pup. Carlson shoots Candy's old dog
with his Luger. Slim goes to the barn to treat a horse. While the
rest go to see if Slim's with Curley or Curley's wife, Candy commits
his $350 to George and Lennie's $600 dream. When everyone returns,
Curley beats on Lennie until George tells Lennie to "get him." Lennie
crushes Curley's hand. Slim orders Curley to say it was a machine accident.


The 1930's Decade Web Sites
People
Events
Fads & Fashion
Art & Architecture
Music
Radio & Film
Government & Politics
Prices: Then & Now

The Great Depression Web Sites
The Migrant Experience
Photo History: Arkansas, 1935
Photo History: Omaha, 1938
Photo History: Migrant Workers, 1937
Photo History: New York City, 1938
Photo History: Tenant Farmers, 1937
Dust Bowl Memories
The Dust Bowl
The Great Depression: History Links
1930's Timeline
Surviving the Dust Bowl
The Great Depression: Cause & Effect

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Wednesday, December 08, 2004

I. Hand in definitions for vocabulary
(30 words) and idioms (25 phrases)

II. READ "Of Mice & Men" Chapter 3 Pgs. 46- 65
(Popcorn Reading)

III. Questions:
M & M Chapter 3 - Due Thursday 12/09


Copy questions on your own sheet of paper
and provide answers in complete sentences.

Chapter 3 Questions

1. Slim and George have a long conversation.
Slim says it's funny how George and Lennie
go around together. What is George's answer?

2. Identify Candy.

3. What did Carlson do with his Luger? Why?

4. What card game does George play?

5. Describe Curley's wife. What's the problem about her?

6. What will Lennie's job be when he and George get their land?

7. What does Candy want when he hears
about George's and Lennie's plans?
What is he willing to contribute?

8. Why did Curley fight with Lennie? What happened?


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Tuesday, December 07, 2004

I. Hand in WEB QUEST:
Migrant Workers - Questions 1 - 10

II. Journal # 7 - Stereotypes

Based on the story "Mice & Men" explain the similarities
& differences between the treatment of migrant workers
then and now. Write1/2 Page

List as many stereotypes as you can - Discuss

Example:
"All Hillbillies live in Trailer Parks"

III. Read "Of Mice & Men" Chapter 3 Pgs. 38-46

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Monday, December 06, 2004


I. WEB QUEST: Migrant Workers - Meet in Library

Voices from the Dust Bowl (Click on the link below)

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/afctshtml/tshome.html

Find the link titled: "The Migrant Experience" and click on it.

Your web browser will automatically navigate to the page.

Read the "The Migrant Experience" and answer the
following questions on your own sheet of paper (Write out questions)

1)The unemploment rate for displaced
agricultural workers was at what percent?

2) Why did the rich soil of the farm lands loose
their ability to retain moisture and nutrients?

3) What was the Dust BowL?

4) Where did the workers move go to find new work?

5) Why did so many of the refugees pin their
hopes for a better life in the Golden State?

6) The migrants were generically known as _______
referring to the approximately 20 percent who were from ______.

7) California farmers discriminated against what types of workers?

8) What type of recreational activities did migrants enjoy?

9) What job opportunities became available for Migrants that didn't go off to fight in the war?

10) Browse the collection song titles and audio titles to identify familiar
songs and common song themes. You might discover old familiar songs
such as She'll Be Coming Around The Mountain and Skip to My Lou.

You might also identify common song themes such as love, death, work, and home.

Now, imagine that you are a migrant workers at a camp in California.
In that role, write a letter home to Oklahoma describing the songs they
sing at camp and what migrant life is like in California. Write 1/2 to 1 page
using concrete detail in your letter.


HOMEWORK

II. Vocabulary - Mice & Men Chapter 3

Define all 30 vocabulary words
and explain what each of the 25
idioms are. -
Due Wednesday 12/08





Click on the link below to view Vocabulary
Words and Idioms from M & M Chapter 3

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Belmont_HS/mice/

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Friday, December 3, 2004


I. Vocabulary Quiz

II. "Of Mice and Men - Movie

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Thursday, December 2, 2004

I. Have vocabulary sentences for words
1-19 & vocabulary 10 -19 matching stamped.
Use to study for Friday's Vocabulary Quiz


Turn in stamped vocab worksheets
for Full credit on Friday before Quiz.


II. Review for Friday's Vocabulary Quiz

III. Finish reading "Of Mice & Men" Chapter 2

IV. Watch a clip from the film "The Grapes of Wrath."
Respond to the film in your journal
(See details below)


V. Journal #6 - "The Grapes of Wrath" 1/2 Page

The setting of the novel
The Grapes of Wrath is as
much of a character as the other human players in
the story.
The historical context of the Great Depression
and specifically the Dust Bowl that displaced thousands
of Midwesterners from their homes drives the action of the story.

What does the setting of the opening scene suggest about
family life and structure during the Great Depression?

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Wednesday, December 1, 2004

I. Turn in Great Depression questios 1-9 and discuss

II. Hand in "Of Mice and Men" study question
(1-6) Chapter 2 by the end of the period.

III. Continue READING "Of Mice and Men"
together in class. (start at the top of page 26)

IV. Journal #5 - "Friendship"

Discuss what it might feel like to be in George's shoes.
Why does George put up with Lenny any way?
Why not just leave him and go on his own, especially
considering that Lenny has gotten George into so much
trouble in the past. Have you ever had a friend that was
difficult to tolerate. If so, what did you do?


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Tuesday, November 30, 2004

I. Of Mice & Men: America's Great Depression

Click on the links below to view
information about the "Great Depression"


http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/depression/photoessay.htm
http://www.amatecon.com/greatdepression.html

Use the "Great Depression" web sites
to help you answer the questions below
Due Wed. 12/01

1) When did the stock market crash occur?
2) What were some of the causes of the Great Depression?
3) What famous writer was known for writing books set during the Depression?
4) Who was President during the Depression?
5) As soon as Franklin D. Roosevelt became President, he immediatly
starting doing things to try to enfuse hope into discouraged Americans.
This plan was called ...?
6) At the height of the Depression in 1933, how high was unemployment rate?
7) What happened on Black Thursday?
8) What major event helped the USA get out of the Great Depression?
9) Could there be another Great Depression? If so, how do you think it would impact your life?

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Monday, November 29, 2004









I. READ together in class "Of Mice & Men" Chapter 2

II. Study Questions "Of Mice & Men" Chapter 2 Due Wed. 12/01


1. What does George answer when the boss asks what he is trying to put over?
2. Identify and describe Curley.
3. The swamper said, "Seems like Curley ain't givin' nobody a chance." Explain.
4. What advice does George give Lennie after Curley and the swamper leave?
5. Identify Slim and Carlson.
6. What does Slim have that Lennie wants?







III. Vocabulary - Of Mice and Men Chapter 1
Quiz on all 19 words Friday 12-03

Match the vocabulary words to their dictionary definitions.

Last Weeks Vocabulary List

1. morosely A. showing a feeling of guilt
2. pantomime B. imitating
3. contemplated C. unwillingly; hesitantly
4. reluctantly D. acting that consists mostly of gestures; no words
5. dejectedly E. made a motion to express thought or emphasize speech
6. mimicking F. showing an agonizing physical or mental pain
7. anguished G. considered thoughtfully
8. ashamedly H. sadly; depressed or disheartened
9. gestured I. glumly; gloomily










This Weeks Vocabulary List - Quiz on all words Friday 12-03

"NEW" Vocabulary - Of Mice and Men Chapter 2 Continued
Part II: Match the vocabulary words to their dictionary definitions.

10. skeptically A. uneasy; anxious
11. mollified B. in a self-satisfied manner
12. ominously C. showing doubt or disbelief; questioningly
13. derogatory D. twisted or strained out of shape
14. plaintively E. pacified; calmed
15. contorted F. complete; coming from the depth of one's being
16. apprehensive G. detracting or disparaging
17. profound H. mournfully; sorrowfully
18. complacently I. go before
19. precede J. with foreboding

After matching the new words (10-19), Write one complete
sentence for each of the 19 words (old and new)
Due Thursday 12/02 - Vocab Quiz Review to follow

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LITERARY TERMS:

Atmosphere
Is the mood or persistent feeling implied by a literary
work. An author establishes atmosphere partly through
description of setting and partly by the objects chosen
to be described



Mood
The atmosphere or feeling created by a literary work,
partly by a description of the objects or by the style of
the descriptions. A work may contain a mood of horror,
mystery, holiness, or childlike simplicity, to name a few,
depending on the author's treatment of the work.

Tone
the writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers.
Tone may be playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious, ironic,
outraged, baffled, tender, serene, depressed, etc.

HOMEWORK

IV.
Defining Your Own American Dream

The phrase the American Dream came into the
American vocabulary starting in 1867 when writer,
Horatio Alger came out with his book “Ragged Dick.”
It was a rags-to-riches tale of a poor orphan boy in
New York City who saves his pennies, works hard
and eventually becomes rich. It became the model
that through honesty, hard work and strong
determination, the American Dream was available
to anyone willing to make the journey.

What is your definition of the American Dream?
Write one full page - Due Tuesday 11/30

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