Animal Farm Chapters 5-9

Animal Farm is rolling along. However, thanks to several interruptions this week, the assignments have changed.
Chapter 5 is due Monday, March 3rd.
Chapters 6-7 is due Wednesday, March 5th
Chapters 8-9 is due Friday, March 7th
The planner is already ready!
We will also be watching the TBS version of Animal Farm beginning on Thursday. We will be doing some film analysis and also some blog conversation based on the book and movie versions.

Animal Farm Chapter 1-5 (revised)

"Serious sport is war minus the shooting" - George Orwell

Animal Farm has now begun!
You are responsible for dialectical journals for this novel, at least four per chapter unless otherwise specified.
For potential enhanced credit (+5 above normal score), use any research from the Orwell site in your dialectical journals and/or comment on them during class!
There will also be some close readings and other assignments.
Monday, February 25th: Chapter 2 (same as Friday) Also, get the new planner
Tuesday, February 26th: Chapter 3 (reading only)
Thursday, February 27th-28th: Chapter 3 and 4 dialectical journals (focus on symbolism and connections to Communism)
Friday, February 29th: Chapter 5 dialectical journal: Theme: The role of technology in society; elements of satire in this chapter

Animal Farm Unit Begins

I hope the break was good for you. However, in true Grin fashion, we're right back at it.
We start Tuesday with a mini-research project to fulfill the state standard in researching, one that is critical since all of you are college bound.
That mini-project is due on Thursday, February 21st, although students with a "A" or "B" can receive an extension if they notify me by Wednesday morning.
One link I will give you is to the Animal Farm movie page, but the rest (read the directions) must be done by you!
The first two chapters will be due by Friday, February 22nd. You will need to do a dialectical journal on them, but it must be on any quotes that reflect the following themes: education as a weapon, propaganda, or Orwell's warning concerning communism.
The planner for this week is also now available!

TKAM Blogs Revisited

The TKAM blogs are no longer available, but the comments have been preserved as pdf files and as archives for future reference.
Blog 1: Chapter 1-11
Blog 2: Chapters 12-20
Blog 3: The strongest character
Blog 4: The Trial and Conclusion
Honors, great first effort!!!

Break (yeah right, Mr. Tyler) time

There will be a one week break between the completion of To Kill a Mockingbird (except the essay) and the start of Animal Farm.
We are going to be focusing on how to take AP/SAT style multiple choice tests, especially since the final exam will be styled like such tests as we prepare you to advance into sophomore year and the PSAT exams.
Monday is the root test, and the freshmen registration video (The new Planner is now available for week of Feb. 11th, by the way).
Tuesday 2.12: Rough Draft
CHANGE: Friday 2.15: Final Draft

TKAM Literary Analysis Paper

The novel is just about over, and now it is time to reflect via essay. This is a critical essay for you right now, so make sure you take the time, organize yourself properly, and be focused. DO NOT TAKE SHORTCUTS.
The rough draft is due Monday, February 11th. You must do the rough draft in order to turn in the final draft, which is due on Wednesday, February 13th.
If you need help with your essays, be sure to download the literary essay essentials handout, which has a link on this page. You can also get your peer editing checklist for TKAM early.
Remember, even though it is a 7-11 sentence body paragraph essay, students should be writing close to 125 words.