September 30

We started class with 30 minutes of blog time (it really turned out to be more like 45 minutes). I shared some stellar student blog entries as model texts. And I reminded students of the blogging procedure and suggested that they proofread their posts before publishing them. The final blog entry for this 9 weeks is due before 11pm Tuesday, October 11.

Students turned in their Prologue and Parados analysis charts. We recapped Scene 1 of Antigone (come in A block Tuesday for this review) and analyzed Creon's tone (handout). We also read and interpreted Ode 1.

Important Dates

• Thursday, October 6 - Blog time and Greek roots quiz
• Friday, October 7 & Monday, October 10 - No school!
• Tuesday, October 11 - Blog entry due by 11pm
• Wednesday, October 19 - All sophomores and registered juniors will take the PSAT in the morning. 3rd and 4th period classes will review for exams.
• Thursday, October 20 - 1st and 2nd period classes will review for exams. 3rd and 4th periods will take exams.
• Friday, October 21 - 1st and 2nd period classes will take exams. Students will have early release (12:15pm) this day.

Today's Board

September 29

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Outside of class entry

We recapped the prologue and parados from yesterday, then students continued working on the character and tone analysis charts. We also read Scene 1 of Antigone. We will read and do more analysis tomorrow. (See Classroom for instructions on how to access the online textbook if you need to work at home.)

Here is the schedule for 1st 9 week exams:

• Wednesday, October 19 - All sophomores and registered juniors will take the PSAT in the morning. 3rd and 4th period classes will review for exams.
• Thursday, October 20 - 1st and 2nd period classes will review for exams. 3rd and 4th periods will take exams.
• Friday, October 21, 1st and 2nd period classes will take exams. Students will have early release (12:15pm) this day.

Today's Board

September 28

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: A different take on yesterday's entry--of the five values, which one do you think is LEAST important?

I returned work from the Socratic seminar on Friday. Students did a really good job! The majority really enjoyed discussing the stories and poems with their classmates.

Students examined Greek roots and came up with words that use these roots (handout). We will have a quiz over these roots next Thursday, October 6.

We read the Prologue and Parados of Antigone. Students worked in groups to analyze the relationship between the two sisters in the Prologue and the tone of the chorus in the Parados (handout). We will have time to work on this in class tomorrow before we continue reading the play.

Time is running out!

Today's Board

September 27

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Of these five values, which do you believe is most important? Explain your response!

• loyalty to family
• obedience to local and national laws
• observance of religious beliefs and customs
• following your own conscience
• achieving respect and recognition

Students calculated their reading rate. After reading for 10 minutes, students noted the number of pages they had read, then multiplied that by 6. That number is how many pages they can read in one hour. Then we determined how long it would take to finish that book by dividing the total number of pages by the number of pages in an hour. The point of this is for students to recognize that it's important to read outside of class in addition to our independent reading time. Students should also understand that the reading rate will depend on the book.

How to calculate your reading rate

I shared my Greek notes with students so they could fill in any missing pieces in their own notes. I also introduced Antigone. We will begin reading this play tomorrow!

Today's Board

September 26

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Article of the Week - "You Can't Do Two Things at Once"

Ms. Scott from the counseling office visited our classes today to walk us through Career Cruising. Students had time to explore the site and learn about interesting careers and different colleges to help them on their path to success.

(Fourth period had a substitute today while I attended a meeting, but they completed the same work.)

Today's Board

Week-at-a-Glance

September 23

IRT: ~15 minutes (1st only; 2nd watched Hawk TV, and 4th did not have enough time due to the pep rally schedule)
WNB: No entry today!

Students participated in a Socratic seminar today using prepared questions to discuss major ideas in all of the stories and poems we've read so far. Discussions ranged from parents and divorce to violence and bullying to the Golden Rule and Selena Gomez!

Here's the most recent Hawk TV episode if you're interested!

Today's Board

September 22

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: "There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting." - Buddha
Is there ever a time when the truth should not be pursued? Why is it so important to humans to know the truth?

We went over the lit terms test. Students who have questions about their specific test should plan to come to tutorials.

Students continued working on their collaborative Greek drama notes. I shared a brief introduction to Oedipus Rex, which included this Shmoop video.

Tomorrow, students will participate in their first Socratic seminar! Come prepared with questions for discussion.

Today's Board