Trimester One: Blog 8 (due 11/2 at midnight)

I would like for you to summarize for us a news story that you’ve encountered recently—one you read in the newspaper, one you heard on the news, one you found on the internet,etc. When I say “news,” I mean that it should be a nonfiction account of an event—the genre (personal interest, crime, politics, etc.) does not matter.

After you’ve summarized this story, analyze it. Think about why it caught your attention, why it stuck with you, and why you think it’s important enough to share with us. What was particularly effective about the way in which it was delivered? You can also go one step further to provide us with your reaction to this story. I want to see what types of events in the world around you are capturing your attention and making you think about issues.

Please respond in some way to at least one other person’s blog. This blog should be more conversational in nature than past blogs have been.

Trimester One: Blog Seven (due 10/19 by midnight)

This week’s blog provides a break from material that we’re covering in class. I think it is one that will provide entertaining content. Remember that it will be graded according to the 6+1 Writing Traits rubric. This does not mean that you must write more than you usually do! Rather, make the answer that you do provide as effective as possible.

Let’s pretend for a few minutes that all of us have some extra free time on our hands—time to watch a compelling movie or read an insightful book! Provide me and your classmates with a movie or book recommendation. Support your recommendation with several specific reasons. This movie or book may be a classic, a new release, or something in between. Feel free to respond to your classmates’ recommendations with affirmation or disagreement if you are familiar with the work he/she is recommending.

Trimester One: Blog Six (due 10/12 by midnight)

Think about the critical reading skills you’ve practiced this year (or should have been practicing) throughout the poetry unit and throughout The Awakening unit. Many of you indicated—via the last blog’s goals—that you wish to further develop these skills by annotating, fondling the details, etc. How have those skills helped you read through the research materials you’ve found? Do you find yourself reading the research materials differently? Have you researched for this essay differently than you have for other essays after hearing the research tips that Mrs. Bontrager presented? Reflect upon your growth as a reader and as a researcher.

Finally, let the rest of the class know what topic you're researching! Feel free to comment on others' topics.

Trimester One, Blog Five (due 10/5 at midnight)

YES! You all have made it through your first six (but really almost seven) weeks of AP English. A lot of you have displayed the desire to challenge your own thinking and to take responsibility for some aspects of your education. I've spent the first six weeks evaluating you through quizzes, essays, discussions, etc. Now, I want to give you an opportunity to evaluate some areas of this class and to set goals. Please answer both prompts below.

1. Please post any and all comments--positive and/or negative--that you have regarding different aspects of the class. You can focus on items such as what's being taught, specific assignments, classroom procedures, and grading practices. If you have suggestions for how I could do things differently to help your learning, please comment.

2. Set at least two specific goals for yourself in regards to what you’d like to accomplish in the next six weeks. Consider your weaknesses and strengths, and set your goals accordingly. These goals should relate specifically to critical reading and/or critical writing.