Week of December 20, Letters to J. D. Salinger

Hi everyone,

This week we are going to write letters to J. D. Salinger, telling him our opinion of The Catcher in the Rye.

This is a formal letter, and it should be typed. Please use the format below. In your letter, please do the following:

Begin with a formal greeting, “Dear Mr. Salinger”

Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself, name, country of origin, grade in school, how long you’ve been in the US, and why you’re writing to him (in my ESL class, we just finished your novel, The Catcher in the Rye)

Paragraph 2: Tell him what the book meant to you. Tell him what you enjoyed about it and why, how it made you feel and why, and any text to self connections you made as you read. Be specific. Refer to actual quotes from the novel (go back to your reading logs to do this, and look at your double entry journals).

Paragraph 3: Ask him questions you have about the book. Make sure you are respectful and only ask appropriate questions.

Then thank him for reading your letter and writing the memoir. Close with “Sincerely” and then print your name and sign the letter.

Layout for a formal letter:

Your name

Street Address

City, State Zip Code

Today’s date

Dear Mr. Salinger,

My name is…(see above for all details from Paragraph 1).

Your memoir The Catcher in the Rye meant so much to me… (see above for all details from Paragraph 2).

I have some questions about the novel…(see above for Paragraph 3).

Thank you for your time reading my letter and for writing the memoir.

Sincerely,

Sign your name

Print your name

Week of December 13, Critical Lens Quotes

Today we are going to think about critical lens quotes and practice for the regents.

Read the quotes below. Pick two and in google docs, please do the following:

1. What does it mean? Paraphrase it in your own words?
2. Do you agree or disagree and why?
3. What literature have we read this semester could prove it? Explain the connection. One must be the Catcher in the Rye.
4. Post your answers to our blog.
5. Read two other students posts and write a response about what you learned from them.

• “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein
• “We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Anais Nin
• “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

• “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Maya Angelou
• “...there are two types of people in the world: those who prefer to be sad among others, and those who prefer to be sad alone.”― Nicole Krauss, The History of Love

Week of December 5 , Explore NYC with Holden

Hi everyone,

This week we will search the internet to visit places in NY that Holden has visited so far. Please click on the links below to visit these places on the internet.

• Grand Central Station
• The American Museum of Natural History
• Central Park and the lagoon at Central Park South
• Radio City Music Hall
• The Ice Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center

Now pick one place and answer the questions below in Google Docs about that place.

1. When was this place created?
2. Who built or designed it?
3. How big is it? How many floors does it have? How many people can fit inside?
4. How is it used today? Who uses or visits it? Why?
5. Find pictures of this place from today. Describe what it looks like.
6. How was this place used in the 1950's? Did it look different then? How?
7. Find pictures of this place from the 1950's. Describe what it looked like then.
8. Write five interesting facts about this place.
9. Why does Holden go to this place? In which chapter and scene is it mentioned in the novel?
10. If you were planning a trip to this place this weekend with your friends or family, what would you do there? Is there anything special happening there this weekend?

Now post your responses to the comments section of our blog.

Finally, check out this great map: Walking in Holden's Footsteps

Week of November 28, Other points of view

Today we are going to imagine how other characters in the story think and feel.

In Google Docs, please do the following:

1. Think of a time that you wanted to do something but couldn’t or didn’t. Describe the situation and how you felt.

2. Holden takes a cab to the club Ernie's in Chapter 12. He has many experiences there where he doesn't do or say what he is thinking and feeling. Pick one of the characters or objects below, and write what Holden wanted to do or say to this person, but didn’t. Describe the situation, how he felt, and why he didn't do what he wanted to do.

• Horowitz’ the cab driver (81-83)
• Ernie the piano player’s (83-84)
• The funny looking guy or girl (85)
• Lillian Simmons (86-87)
• The navy guy, Commander Blop (86-87)

3. Now pick one person from the list above, and write from his/her point of view. Describe what he/she thinks/feels about Holden or about his/her life. You will have to make an inference about this, because we only read from Holden's point of view.

4. When you are finished, post your answer to our blog.

5. Then read two other posts and write what you liked and what you learned from them.

Week of November 13, POV writing

Hi everyone,

Today we are going to use the blog to write from the point of view of Holden and Mr. Spencer.

In google docs, please do the following:

Imagine you are Mr. Spencer. Write a letter to Holden and tell him about what you think and feel about his visit to you. Your letter should be at least 3 paragraphs long.

Paragraph 1 - thank him for coming and tell him what it meant to you to see him

Paragraph 2 - tell him your feelings about the visit

Paragraph 3 - give him advice for his future

Then post your letter to our blog.

After, read another student's letter and write back to this letter, as if you are Holden.

Week of October 31, 2011, Catcher in the Rye webquest

Hi everyone,

Today we are going to do a webquest to help us get ready to read our new novel, The Catcher in the Rye.

Please copy and paste the document below into Google Docs, and use the internet to find answers to the questions. Then post your responses to the comments page of our blog:

1. Who wrote The Catcher in the Rye?

2. Find out three interesting facts about the author’s life. Write them in your own words here.

a.

b.

c.

3. What year was The Catcher in the Rye published?

4. Who was the president of the United States in this year?

5. List two things that were going on in the world politically at this time.

a.

b.

6. List two songs that were popular in this year. What musical style was popular at this time?

a.

b.

c. Musical style:

7. What kinds of clothes were in fashion for women during this decade? For men? How was fashion then different from the clothes we wear today?

a. Women:

b. Men:

c. Differences:

8. List three slang words that teenagers used during this decade and what they mean.

a.

b.

c.

9. What was the average income for a family in the United States in this year?

10. The main character of the novel, Holden Caulfield, studies in a different kind of school than Newcomers High School. What kind of school does he attend? How is it different from Newcomers High School?

a. kind of school --

b. differences from NCHS --

11. Can you find an advertisement or website online for the kind of school Holden attended? Write the name of the school and the website.

12. Some readers think that Holden Caulfield is mentally ill. Find a definition or explanation of the following mental illnesses or problems, and try to write them in your own words.

a. depression --

b. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder -

c. grieving and loss (5 stages) --

13. When The Catcher in the Rye was published, there was some controversy about it. Why were some people upset about this book? What did they do as a response? Why?

14. Can you find a book review online of The Catcher in the Rye from the year it was published? What does it say?

15. Can you find a more recent book review online of The Catcher in the Rye? What does it say?

Week of October 24, "Teenage Wasteland"

Hi everyone,

This week we will be writing dialogues between characters in "Teenage Wasteland".

Please work with your partner to create a dialogue between two characters below, based on the situation described:

1. You’re Donny, talking to your mother about what is happening to you.
2. You’re Amanda, telling your father how you feel about your own life.
3. Amanda talking to Donny about her situation.
4. Donny talking to Amanda about his situation.
5. Donny talking to Cal about his parents.
6. Donny talking to a friend at school about what is really going on at Cal's.
7. Argument between Daisy and Matt over whose fault it is that Donny is gone, and how to handle things.
8. Donny, 3 years later, contacting his mother. Where is he now?

Write the dialogue in Google Docs. Copy and paste it to our blog as a comment, and use the format below:

Names:______________________________________

Situation:_____________________________________________

Dialogue: (where it says "character", please insert your character's name)

Character 1: Ask a question (based on the situation)

Character 2: Give an angry response

Character 1: Apologize and explain

Character 2: continue...

Week of October 17, grade evaluations

Hi everyone,

Today we will reflect on the work we've done this marking period. Please answer the questions below in Google Docs, then post your responses in the comments section below.

1. What did you enjoy about class this marking period? Why? Please refer to specific activities, projects, workshops, etc
2. What didn't you enjoy and why? Please be specific.
3. Were there any activities/projects/topics that we didn't cover that you want us to cover? Which ones
4. What can I do to make the class better for you (aside from no homework J )? Please be specific.
5. Has your English improved since the class began? If yes, how? If no, why not? Please think carefully about this.
6. When and where do you usually do your homework?
7. Do you find it difficult to do your homework? Why?
8. How much time do you spend looking at your class notes each week?
9. What can you do to improve your class participation?
10. How do you study for tests and quizzes?
11. Do you feel that the grade you are getting right now is the best you can do? Why?
12. What strategies will you use to get a better grade next marking period?

Week of October 3, "On Turning Ten"

Hi everyone,

This week we are going to begin reading a poem called "On Turning Ten" by poet laureate Billy Collins.

Here is the poem being read aloud and the words are written below. When you click on the link, a short commercial will play. Then fast forward the video to 16:50 to hear just the poem "On Turning Ten" being read aloud by the poet.

On Turning Ten by Billy Collins

The whole idea of it makes me feel

like I'm coming down with something,
something worse than any stomach ache
or the headaches I get from reading in bad light--
a kind of measles of the spirit,
a mumps of the psyche,
a disfiguring chicken pox of the soul.

You tell me it is too early to be looking back,
but that is because you have forgotten
the perfect simplicity of being one
and the beautiful complexity introduced by two.
But I can lie on my bed and remember every digit.
At four I was an Arabian wizard.
I could make myself invisible
by drinking a glass of milk a certain way.
At seven I was a soldier, at nine a prince.

But now I am mostly at the window
watching the late afternoon light.
Back then it never fell so solemnly
against the side of my tree house,
and my bicycle never leaned against the garage
as it does today,
all the dark blue speed drained out of it.

This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself,
as I walk through the universe in my sneakers.
It is time to say good-bye to my imaginary friends,
time to turn the first big number.

It seems only yesterday I used to believe
there was nothing under my skin but light.
If you cut me I could shine.
But now when I fall upon the sidewalks of life,
I skin my knees. I bleed.

Now please answer the questions below, in google docs:

1. What is your favorite line in the poem and why?
2. What were your favorite things to do when you were ten?
3. What does the poet feel is the difference between being ten and being younger? Do you agree and why?
4. What do you wish you could still believe or do today that you believed or did when you were younger?

Now post your answer to our blog.

Finally, read the posts of two other classmates and do the following:

1. What do you like about his/her post and why?
2. Answer their question if you can.

Week of September 26, Alone time or Isolation?

Hi everyone,

This week, we will learn more about the risks of being alone for teens and the value of alone time.

Please listen to the podcast below about Linda Cuevas' experience with depression.

Now open Google Docs and answer the questions below:

1. Why was Linda depressed? Was she isolated at that time?
2. Who helped her?
3. What did she do to help herself?

Now listen to 11 minutes of this podcast (click on the word podcast to go to the link) about the value of solitude (alone time):

Then open Google Docs again and answer the questions below:

1. What does Robert Kull say are the benefits of solitude (alone time)?
2. Do you agree with him and why?
3. Would you like to spend a year alone in Nature? Why?

Please post your answers to our blog. Then read two other classmates posts and tell them:

1. What do you like about their post and why?
2. What is interesting about their post and why?

Week of September 19, Isolation or Alone Time?

Hi everyone,

This week we are thinking about whether or not it's good to be alone, or just how much alone time a person should have.

Please read the lyrics and watch this video of a song called Up On the Roof below:

Up on the Roof
by Gerry Goffin & Carole King

Untitled from Julie Mann on Vimeo.

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right in to space

On the roof it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below can't bother me

Let me tell you now
When I come home feelin' tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet
I get away from the hustling crowds
And all that rat race noise down in the street

On the roof's the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Oh, let's go
up on the roof

At night the stars put on a show for free
And darling, you can share it all with me

I keep a-telling you
Right smack down in the middle of town
I found a paradise that's trouble proof
So if this world starts getting you down
there's room enough for two up on the roof

Up on the roof
Everyhting's all right
Up on the roof
Oh, come on baby
Up on the roof
Up on the roof

Now please read the lyrics and watch a video of You've Got a Friend below:

You’ve Got a Friend

By Carole King, performed by James Taylor

Untitled from Julie Mann on Vimeo.

When you're down and troubled
And you need some loving care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there

Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

When you finish reading the lyrics and listening to both songs, please answer the questions below in Google Docs:

1. Is it important to have time alone? Why?
2. Carole King goes up to her roof to be alone. Where do you go for time alone?
3. Is it important to have friends? Why?
4. What are the reasons James Taylor feels friends are important? Do you agree?
5. Describe your best friend.

When you finish answering these questions in Google Docs, please copy and paste them into a comment for our blog. Then read two classmates posts and write a response as another blog comment them telling them:

1. What was interesting about their post and why?
2. What you liked about their post and why?
   

Welcome to our class blog!

Hi everyone,

This week we are going to become familiar with using a class blog.

Each week we will be using our blog to share our ideas about the literature we read and the themes we discuss in class.

Requirements:

• Headphones
• Gmail account (click here to get a gmail account) (make sure you choose a user name and password that you will remember because you will have to sign in often)
• Google docs account (comes with gmail and is free)
• Internet at home

I will expect you to finish the assignments on this blog each week. If you do not, you will have to finish them for homework.

This week, please use google docs to answer the questions below:

1. How do you feel about using technology (computers, internet, smart boards, etc.) in the classroom and why?
2. What experience do you have using blogs as part of your classes?
3. Why is it important to learn to use a blog for our class?
4. How will using this blog help you in the future as a college student and when you are a professional adult?

Once you have answered the questions below, please paste your answer into a comment to our blog. Be sure to put your first and last name on your post so we know who you are. Please do not use a nickname because this can be confusing.

Then, read two classmate's comments and write a comment to them answering the questions below:

1. What do you like about their blog post and why?


2. What did you find interesting and why?

Week of June 7th, Do you want to be an activist?

Hi everyone,

This week I want you to learn about a special human rights class I teach here at Newcomers.

• Please visit the website to learn about the human rights class.
  
• When you are there, watch the videos on that website, using the links to Teacher Tube (the You tube links will be blocked). There is a video about the class, and six videos made by students in the class. All have Teacher Tube links.
• Open the book made by the students.
  
• Answer the questions below in Google Docs.

1. How do you feel about the film and book? Why?
2. Are you interested in participating in a class like this next year? Why?
3. Please type a paragraph with the sentence starter..."If I could help change a problem in society, I would change..."
   

• Finally, post your responses to our class blog as a comment.

Thank you!

Week of May 16th, POV writing on The Scarlet Ibis

Hi everyone,

• This week we are going to write POV pieces with a new ending for The Scarlet Ibis.
  


• Please look at the assignment and begin typing your piece. Save it in Google Docs as "Scarlet Ibis POV"
• Then post it in our blog.
• I will grade it as a test, make sure you do a really good job.

HW#29: Finish blog (for grade)

Week of May 2, Writing about "Elsewhere"

Hi everyone, This week we will write an epilogue to The Giver, and find out what happens to Jonas and Gabriel. This is a part II, how the story continues. Be sure to include a conflict to make your story interesting, be creative, and continue the story the way you hope it continues.

1. What happen to Jonas and Gabriel as they enter "Elsewhere".


2. Do Jonas and Gabriel survive?


3. Are they happy?


4. What is their life like?


5. What is "Elsewhere" like?


6. What happens to Jonas' society?


7. What happens to the Giver and Jonas' family he left behind?
   

• Write the story as if you are the narrator.




• Then post your story to our comments area for this blog.

Week of April 18-25, vacation HW, performance of The Giver

Hi everyone,

• Please reflect on the performance of the Giver.


• Please visit the American Place Theatre's backstage wall.


• Click on "Go backstage"


• Post your comments about the show and write 3 good questions for the actors.

Your other HW is to:

1. Complete the Regents Practice (controlling idea and literary analysis paragraphs)


2. Reread The Giver Chapters 17-23.

Thanks, Enjoy your break, Ms Mann

Week of March 14-18

Hi everyone,


Today we are going to talk about Coming of Age ceremonies.

Jonas is going through the change from being a boy to being a man. He participates in a special ceremony to honor that event. In English we call this "Coming of Age".

1. In MS Word, write a description of this kind of ceremony in your native country. What is it called, what do you do, how do you dress, is there a party, what is done? Be detailed and specific.
2. Please find websites that show how this ceremony is practiced in your native country. Paste in links to these websites.
3. Read 3 other students' posts and write about what you learned from each one.
4. How are the ceremonies similar and different?

Here is my example:

I am Jewish and in my religion, when a child turns 13, he or she is given a bar mitzvah (boy) or a bat mitzvah (girl). This ceremony first takes place in a synagogue which is a house of worship for the Jewish people. During the ceremony, the boy or girl reads from the Jewish Bible, called the Torah, in Hebrew. He or she sings songs and is joined by members of his or her family. Candles are lit, prayers are read, songs are sung, and many people are there to watch and participate. After the religious ceremony, there is a big party with food, dancing and more celebrating. It is very exciting and fun.

Here are links to websites with information about the ceremony:

• http://judaism.about.com/od/lifeevents/a/whatisabarmitzvah.htm
• http://www.aish.com/jl/l/bm/48956006.html
• http://www.watchdoit.com/how-to-videos/Bar-Bat-Mitzvah-Rabbi-Jonathan-Ginsburg-wwwJewuinfo-3225

Week Four, March 7 - March 11

Hi everyone,

Today we will learn about our new novel, The Giver

by Lois Lowry.

I. One important feature of this novel are the characters' names which are loaded with meaning. Please visit this website and scroll down to page 14 where they discuss the meaning of the different names. Read this page very carefully. You will have to answer questions about it below.

II. Please visit this website to hear Lois Lowry talk about her childhood, her work, and about our novel. There are several video clips here. Please listen to all of them.

III. In Microsoft Word, please answer the questions below. Then post them into our blog.

1. Why do you think the author chose names with such important meaning?



2. Please make a list of each name and write a one sentence summary of what it means. (there are four)



3. After watching all of the video clips, what is your impression of Lois Lowry and why?



4. How does it feel to listen to an author talk about her work and why?



5. How do you feel about reading The Giver now that you have heard her talk about it and the controversy around it?



6. What is one piece of advice you learned from her about being a writer?

IV. After you post your answers, please read another students' post and respond to it.

Week Three, February 28-March 4

Hi everyone,

Today we are thinking about the short story, "Old Glory" by Bruce Coville.

1. Please visit Bruce Coville's website and check out its features.



2. Listen to the audio sample of "Old Glory". Click on the button that says "audio sample" and wait for it to load. Then listen to the story.



3. In Microsoft Word, answer these questions. Then post your answers to our blog and respond to the post of another student:

• How does this story make you feel and why?



• Who are the S.O.S.? What do they do?



• Write an ending to the story, based on the piece of the story you just listened to.

Week Two, February 14-18

Hi Everyone,

Today we are going to prepare for a new poem we will read in class called "El Dorado" by Edgar Allen Poe.

• Please read and listen to this audio of Eldorado being read aloud.
• Please answer the questions below in Microsoft Word and then post your responses to our blog.

1. The title of the poem is "Eldorado". What do you think it's about and why?
   
   
2. Write down how this poem makes you feel and why. What do you think it's about now?


3. Eldorado represents a mythical place that doesn't really exist. The knight is trying to get there and doesn't succeed. What is your "Eldorado", in other words, what is a difficult goal you are struggling to achieve?



4. Pretend you are the knight in the poem. Write a letter home, telling your mother about your experiences on your journey, and why you will not be returning home.

• When you finish, read another students' post and write a comment.
• If you finish all of that, please visit this website about Edgar Allen Poe.

Week One, Feb 7 - 11

This week, we are reading "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" by William Butler Yeats.

Please visit this website to read and listen to the poem (click on the word website). It is being read by Yeats himself!

Here is a photo of the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Isn't it lovely?

After you listen to it several times, please answer the questions below. Answer them in Microsoft Word and then post it into a response to this blog by clicking below on the word comments. MAKE SURE YOU PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR ANSWER.

Note: If you do not have a gmail account, you will need to create one. Click on this link to create your account. You will be asked to sign into this account any time you want to post to our blog.

1. How does the poem make you feel and why?




2. What do you think it's about?




3. What questions do you have for the poet (create three minimum).

Once you have answered these questions, please read two other students' posts and write responses to their posts. In your response, answer these questions:

1. What do you like about their post?




2. What did you learn from their post?

Welcome to L5R, Spring 2011

Hi everyone,

Welcome to our blog space. Here you will find weekly assignments, interesting activities and discussions connected to our literature and classwork. Be sure to check our blog regularly so that you are always up to date in class.

Thanks,

Ms Mann