* Collect CWP
- Check Your Head
- If you typed...submit to turnitin.com
* Perrine's Ch. 11
- Reading, notes, review
* Bleakness
HW: None
* Perrine's Ch. 11
- Reading, notes, review
* Bleakness
HW: None
The Handwriting is on the Blog
Some wonder if handwriting is necessary now that we are in a digital age and have iPads, etc. I've collected some articles that support the idea that handwriting might just help you:
Become less stressed and healthier (click: LA Times)
Get smarter (click: WSJ)
Become less distracted (click: Atlantic)
Remember more of your notes and so finish homework/studying earlier (click:Science News, Education News)
Learn more in less time (click: Lifehacker)Get smarter (click: WSJ)
Become less distracted (click: Atlantic)
Remember more of your notes and so finish homework/studying earlier (click:Science News, Education News)
So the muscular and digital is a good combination for us.
A Good Family
We wonder what a husband and wife really are biblically...is submission really part of the equation?
Another student asked me what I thought about last week's speaker's parents leaving him at a school to pursue their mission. Is that good?
Both treat the nature of the family, and my pastor is doing an excellent series on it. So, I'll provide some good links for you.
Foxy Fox
My parents found a grey fox on their deck (we're remodeling) yesterday. Their property overlooks the Bay Area.
Joining you in your CWP time: Here is a poem I wrote for my wife today to send with the picture.
Wednesday 2/29: CWP
* Pray
* Perrine's Review
* CWP
Remember: If you are handwriting your CWP, single space. If you are typing your CWP, double space. If you don't do a CWP, your grade is lost in space.
* Submit your CWP to Turnitin.com through Focus
HW: Finish your CWP; Turnitin.com
* Perrine's Review
* CWP
Remember: If you are handwriting your CWP, single space. If you are typing your CWP, double space. If you don't do a CWP, your grade is lost in space.
* Submit your CWP to Turnitin.com through Focus
HW: Finish your CWP; Turnitin.com
Tuesday, 2/27: Grammar
* Pray
* Note: Our novel M.C. is not this week. I've moved it to Monday as so many students will be gone on our block day.
* Grammar: Punctuation
* CWP
HW: CWP
* Note: Our novel M.C. is not this week. I've moved it to Monday as so many students will be gone on our block day.
* Grammar: Punctuation
* CWP
HW: CWP
Block Day, Week 28: Two ICE's
* Pray
* ICE #1: Austen: Passage-based format
* ICE #2: Austen: Open-prompt format
Per. 1 and 3 will start 5 min. after the tardy bell. Per. 6 may start before the tardy bell but not before the first bell.
How do I get a higher score? For most, provide ample
1. Textual support. Your statements are probably correct, but does each have a specific support from an event or conversation? Let, "for insance," be your motto, even though we won't write those words so often.
2. Development. If you don't get much down on paper, there's less room for you to make a good case.
3. Intelligent word choices and phrases.
4. Sentence variety.
5. Slip in literary elements connected to your thesis and text whenever possible.
Format:
- Pen
- Single space
- Write on the front of each paper
- Plan for 2-4 minutes before your write the essay
- Don't forget your thesis (first sentence or last sentence of first paragraph)
HW: CWP Due on your Next Block Day
* ICE #1: Austen: Passage-based format
* ICE #2: Austen: Open-prompt format
Per. 1 and 3 will start 5 min. after the tardy bell. Per. 6 may start before the tardy bell but not before the first bell.
How do I get a higher score? For most, provide ample
1. Textual support. Your statements are probably correct, but does each have a specific support from an event or conversation? Let, "for insance," be your motto, even though we won't write those words so often.
2. Development. If you don't get much down on paper, there's less room for you to make a good case.
3. Intelligent word choices and phrases.
4. Sentence variety.
5. Slip in literary elements connected to your thesis and text whenever possible.
Format:
- Pen
- Single space
- Write on the front of each paper
- Plan for 2-4 minutes before your write the essay
- Don't forget your thesis (first sentence or last sentence of first paragraph)
HW: CWP Due on your Next Block Day
Wednesday, 2/22: Austen
* Opening Assignment: Compose two example sentences with a semicolon with the subject of good or bad manners.
* Leithart and Austen continued
HW: J35 Choose any Thought Question (from either set of questions) to answer in a well-developed paragraph (10 sentences; sweet punctuation and thought).
* Leithart and Austen continued
HW: J35 Choose any Thought Question (from either set of questions) to answer in a well-developed paragraph (10 sentences; sweet punctuation and thought).
Tuesday, 2/21: Austen
* Opening Assignment:
Review this Family Diagram
* Austen
* Deric (p6): Please see me about an electronic device question.
HW: Leithart
Review this Family Diagram
* Austen
* Deric (p6): Please see me about an electronic device question.
HW: Leithart
Block Day, Week 27
* Pray
* Collect: J34 (all printed) and your poetry card
* Put your cards out on your desk for me to check while you look over you quiz.
* Quiz
A. Memorization
B. Terms
* Bleakness
HW: Finish reading Austen
* Collect: J34 (all printed) and your poetry card
* Put your cards out on your desk for me to check while you look over you quiz.
* Quiz
A. Memorization
B. Terms
* Bleakness
HW: Finish reading Austen
Greater Gardens, Batman!
My March Term class filled up, but I can handle a few more, so they increased the class limit.
If you'd like to take the class, feel free to join. If you already selected your classes, you'll probably have to change the class by visiting your adviser in student services.
Our main project will be changing the nasty-shrubishness in front of the library into a clean, beautiful space with benches and potted plants for outside study. We probably won't finish this in one week, but will get it well on the way. We will also cover the general basics of grass seeding, bush trimming, planting, and the like (you will receive up to 15 hrs of community service).
Blessings,
Mr. S
If you'd like to take the class, feel free to join. If you already selected your classes, you'll probably have to change the class by visiting your adviser in student services.
Our main project will be changing the nasty-shrubishness in front of the library into a clean, beautiful space with benches and potted plants for outside study. We probably won't finish this in one week, but will get it well on the way. We will also cover the general basics of grass seeding, bush trimming, planting, and the like (you will receive up to 15 hrs of community service).
Blessings,
Mr. S
Perfect Timing for our CWP!
The 19th Annual Santa Cruz County High School Poetry Contest.
- Up to 3 poems.
- See the website for the title and naming format (it's very specific and important to keep the judging somewhat objective).
- You will hear back in April and will get extra credit if you win or are published in the book.
- Be sure to edit your work multiple times.
- Up to 3 poems.
- See the website for the title and naming format (it's very specific and important to keep the judging somewhat objective).
- You will hear back in April and will get extra credit if you win or are published in the book.
- Be sure to edit your work multiple times.
Dread Wheelbarrow
I want you to enter the Poetry Santa Cruz contest; however, I can't enter it (students only). If you want to try your hand at an email submission contest today, compete with me in the Red Wheelbarrow De Anza publication. You'll be competing as an adult (yes, some of you can...yes, that means you Nikki and Sydney and Jason), so don't let on you're in high school when you write your two or three sentence biography.
Blessings,
Mr. S
Blessings,
Mr. S
Wednesay 2/15: Writing
* Pray
* J34; handwritten or printed on paper. On your iPad will not count this week and until further notice. You will have to use your late pass in such cases. If you have already used your late pass, it will be a 0. If you have below a 70%, it will be 1/2 credit until you reach the C range.
* All cards printed out and in order.
* CWP
HW: Study terms; finish cards; memorize 10 lines; J34
* J34; handwritten or printed on paper. On your iPad will not count this week and until further notice. You will have to use your late pass in such cases. If you have already used your late pass, it will be a 0. If you have below a 70%, it will be 1/2 credit until you reach the C range.
* All cards printed out and in order.
* CWP
HW: Study terms; finish cards; memorize 10 lines; J34
Tuesday, 2/14: Grammar
* Pray
*St. Valentine:
Feastday: February 14
Patron of Love, Young People, Happy Marriages
Died: 269
"Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II]. Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome [when helping them was considered a crime], Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269]" (Catholic.org/saints).
* Collect Quiz corrections
* Writing Reminders
It's evident/ the art of losing's not too hard to master/ though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster:
- "view of _________" (not view on)
- the semicolon is lonely and in the cold; let him in now and then
- If you chose the Perrine prompt and you didn't focus on figurative language (like irony), you could not have done well. That was the point of the prompt.
- If you chose Austen did not give specific textual support, you could not have done well. There is no other way to support an AP lit. essay.
- For many, you would have done well to ease up on Charlotte a tad and recognize that Elizabeth's perspective isn't faultless.
- Beware projecting our modern, enlightened, view of ourselves over those bedimmed dark ages of five minutes ago. Women have sung out for love in marriage since the days of Sarah and Abraham, since the days of Abigail and David, since the Shulamite sang to Solomon. Elizabeth may represent the "new woman" to a modern feminist but wouldn't have to Austen. It has always taken more than money to make the world go round.
* Questions?
* Work on your Journal (handwritten) and Cards
HW: Continue J34
*St. Valentine:
Patron of Love, Young People, Happy Marriages
Died: 269
"Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II]. Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome [when helping them was considered a crime], Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269]" (Catholic.org/saints).
* Collect Quiz corrections
* Writing Reminders
It's evident/ the art of losing's not too hard to master/ though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster:
- "view of _________" (not view on)
- the semicolon is lonely and in the cold; let him in now and then
- If you chose the Perrine prompt and you didn't focus on figurative language (like irony), you could not have done well. That was the point of the prompt.
- If you chose Austen did not give specific textual support, you could not have done well. There is no other way to support an AP lit. essay.
- For many, you would have done well to ease up on Charlotte a tad and recognize that Elizabeth's perspective isn't faultless.
- Beware projecting our modern, enlightened, view of ourselves over those bedimmed dark ages of five minutes ago. Women have sung out for love in marriage since the days of Sarah and Abraham, since the days of Abigail and David, since the Shulamite sang to Solomon. Elizabeth may represent the "new woman" to a modern feminist but wouldn't have to Austen. It has always taken more than money to make the world go round.
* Questions?
* Work on your Journal (handwritten) and Cards
HW: Continue J34
Love is Strong as Death
The Grammy awards are this Sunday, and I won't watch them; however, I'll venture a guess. There are only four categories, but I would be surprised if Adele does not walk away with something.
What does she sing about? Something fresh as a wound; something as old as the world: Love in a fallen world.
Consider Song of Solomon 8:6:
[F]or love is strong as death,
jealousy is cruel as the grave;
the coals thereof are coals of fire
which hath a most vehement flame.
Compare the fire to:
Adele: "Fire to the Rain"
Compare the death to:
Perry: "If I Die Young"
Those are not assignments, just for thought.
What does she sing about? Something fresh as a wound; something as old as the world: Love in a fallen world.
Consider Song of Solomon 8:6:
[F]or love is strong as death,
jealousy is cruel as the grave;
the coals thereof are coals of fire
which hath a most vehement flame.
Compare the fire to:
Adele: "Fire to the Rain"
Compare the death to:
Perry: "If I Die Young"
Those are not assignments, just for thought.
Monday, 2/13: Reading
* Pray
* We need a tea party break for a few weeks. This week has quizzes; next week has essays.
* Course note, this week's journal (and all work following unless otherwise stated) must be handwritten. This is important for three reasons:
1. Some of you have wretched handwriting; I could hardly read some of these last ICE's, so you need practice. Writing is a communication art, and I want you all reasonably artful in this regard. Some are blessed with elegance but all should be able to be clear.
2. I cannot conveniently comment on an emailed document.
3. The mixed work makes grading more chaotic than it need be.
* This week on your block day you will show me your cards (all printed). Your poetry card must include 20 lines of poetry. You must have 10 lines memorized this week.
* This week on your block day you will have a quiz on your terms from the past three weeks (Weeks 25-27; J31-33). This will be a written quiz where I list terms and you provide defintions and examples from literature or rhetoric.
* If you wish to get 1/2 credit for each you missed on the M.C. 2009 46-55, you may write an explanation for the correct answer (at least one full sentence). Turn them in tomorrow at the beginning of class.
* J34: In summary, it's mostly reading, some notes, and one good paragraph on Austen.
1. Terms and introductory notes. Take notes on poetry ch. 10 (tone) and Dr. Leithart pp. 35-45 (see below). You have no story notes and no new terms (you have a quiz on previous terms this week).
2. Shorter Prose: We have finished our Perrine story work for the present. We will return to some short fiction when appropriate, but we have covered the essential story bases. Our short prose reading this week and next is nonfiction. On focus, you will see Dr. Leithart's guide for Pride and Prejudice. Read the first section (pp. 35-35) and answer one of the "Thought" (not the review questions as they are too basic for you) questions in a well-developed paragraph (roughly ten strong sentences).
To get full credit on these paragraphs, you need:
i. Faultless execution of the basics (solid length, titles, commas, spelling, character names)
ii. Ample evidence that you're playing with advanced techniques (semicolon, colon, mature vocabulary, at least one clever turn or insight, at least one rhetorical flourish/element).
iii. Clearly legible penmanship
An "A" covers all. A "B" covers "i." A "C" may fulfill parts of both.
3. Poetry: Ch. 10: Tone. Read the chapter and be prepared for discussion on Wednesday. I will assign no writing assignment this chapter as you have much to do with your cards and memorization.
4. Novel: Austen: (Ahhh, the double colon; thank you Kubla Colon!) Read through ch. 55 (see short prose for you writing assignment). Our focus will center on Austen as we close this novel together.
HW: Quiz corrections; poetry card; all cards printed out; begin a printed J34
* We need a tea party break for a few weeks. This week has quizzes; next week has essays.
* Course note, this week's journal (and all work following unless otherwise stated) must be handwritten. This is important for three reasons:
1. Some of you have wretched handwriting; I could hardly read some of these last ICE's, so you need practice. Writing is a communication art, and I want you all reasonably artful in this regard. Some are blessed with elegance but all should be able to be clear.
2. I cannot conveniently comment on an emailed document.
3. The mixed work makes grading more chaotic than it need be.
* This week on your block day you will show me your cards (all printed). Your poetry card must include 20 lines of poetry. You must have 10 lines memorized this week.
* This week on your block day you will have a quiz on your terms from the past three weeks (Weeks 25-27; J31-33). This will be a written quiz where I list terms and you provide defintions and examples from literature or rhetoric.
* If you wish to get 1/2 credit for each you missed on the M.C. 2009 46-55, you may write an explanation for the correct answer (at least one full sentence). Turn them in tomorrow at the beginning of class.
* J34: In summary, it's mostly reading, some notes, and one good paragraph on Austen.
1. Terms and introductory notes. Take notes on poetry ch. 10 (tone) and Dr. Leithart pp. 35-45 (see below). You have no story notes and no new terms (you have a quiz on previous terms this week).
2. Shorter Prose: We have finished our Perrine story work for the present. We will return to some short fiction when appropriate, but we have covered the essential story bases. Our short prose reading this week and next is nonfiction. On focus, you will see Dr. Leithart's guide for Pride and Prejudice. Read the first section (pp. 35-35) and answer one of the "Thought" (not the review questions as they are too basic for you) questions in a well-developed paragraph (roughly ten strong sentences).
To get full credit on these paragraphs, you need:
i. Faultless execution of the basics (solid length, titles, commas, spelling, character names)
ii. Ample evidence that you're playing with advanced techniques (semicolon, colon, mature vocabulary, at least one clever turn or insight, at least one rhetorical flourish/element).
iii. Clearly legible penmanship
An "A" covers all. A "B" covers "i." A "C" may fulfill parts of both.
3. Poetry: Ch. 10: Tone. Read the chapter and be prepared for discussion on Wednesday. I will assign no writing assignment this chapter as you have much to do with your cards and memorization.
4. Novel: Austen: (Ahhh, the double colon; thank you Kubla Colon!) Read through ch. 55 (see short prose for you writing assignment). Our focus will center on Austen as we close this novel together.
HW: Quiz corrections; poetry card; all cards printed out; begin a printed J34
Block Day, Week 26: Spiritual Emphasis
* Pray: Spiritual Emphasis
* "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." --G.K. Chesterton.
* Make up quizzes
* J26
* Correct Quizzes
* CWP Assignment
* Work on your CWP: Due March 1 or 2 (depending on your block day).
- If you wish, you may enter a writing contest for your CWP. You still have to write three full pages. Your paragraph would be briefly explaining the contest and how your chosen writing fits the parameters.
- The contest link is on the right side under the first set of labels on the blog. I would suggest writing one that you will enter next month or the month after: March, or April. Unless you have a good reason otherwise, choose one that has no entry fee.
HW: Read
* "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." --G.K. Chesterton.
* Make up quizzes
* J26
* Correct Quizzes
* CWP Assignment
* Work on your CWP: Due March 1 or 2 (depending on your block day).
- If you wish, you may enter a writing contest for your CWP. You still have to write three full pages. Your paragraph would be briefly explaining the contest and how your chosen writing fits the parameters.
- The contest link is on the right side under the first set of labels on the blog. I would suggest writing one that you will enter next month or the month after: March, or April. Unless you have a good reason otherwise, choose one that has no entry fee.
HW: Read
Wednesday: Writing, CWP
* Pray: Spiritual Emphasis
* No ICE tomorrow as I'm still catching up on your last essay. We will focus on the CWP for now.
* Work on your CWP: Due March 1 or 2 (depending on your block day).
Or work on your J33.
* Has anyone else missed last week's M.C.? Take it tomorrow during block, please.
* Questions?
HW: Finish J33
* No ICE tomorrow as I'm still catching up on your last essay. We will focus on the CWP for now.
* Work on your CWP: Due March 1 or 2 (depending on your block day).
Or work on your J33.
* Has anyone else missed last week's M.C.? Take it tomorrow during block, please.
* Questions?
HW: Finish J33
Happy Birthday, Charles Dickens
200 years ago today, Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England.
Did you know that UCSC has a Dickens Project (like a club or society...but with a different name because it's UCSC)? Well, you do now.
Did you know that UCSC has a Dickens Project (like a club or society...but with a different name because it's UCSC)? Well, you do now.
Tuesday 2/7: Trading G for J
* Pray
* More Journal time this week
* If ahead, work on your CWP
* If I can get through all our grading, then we will have a CWP #2 on our block day. If not, then we will have more CWP and Bleak House time on our block day.
HW: Work on your journal; work on your cards
* More Journal time this week
* If ahead, work on your CWP
* If I can get through all our grading, then we will have a CWP #2 on our block day. If not, then we will have more CWP and Bleak House time on our block day.
HW: Work on your journal; work on your cards
Monday, 2/6/12: Reading
* Pray
* Sign up if you wish a tea party this week.
* This Week Block: ICE #2; Next Week Block: Terms Quiz,
* Drumroll...(many of) the cards are finally uploaded into the blog. If you hit the "Card" label, you will see them. Time to update your cards. Please be sure you have cards for:
Lewis
Beowulf
Chaucer
Dante, Pearl, or Gawain
Lear
Tempest
Drama of Your Choice
Next card: Poet of your choice: Biographical information; poetic style, elements, and themes. Memorize 20 or more lines of verse. Each line should be roughly 10 syllables. If there are fewer syllables per line on average, then you must increase your line count accourdingly. Due next block day. I will quiz you on 10 lines next week.
8 cards total so far
Memorization: 50 or more words per card (except the poet; that is by line)
Please print out your cards (even if you have electronic versions).
I will be checking all cards printed (sans Austen), not this week but next.
* Extra Credit: If I use your work for the blog in any way, I will be awarding your extra credit.
* Review J33
1. Notes (Story ch. 6; Poetry ch. 9) and Terms:
* symbol
* allegory
* fantasy
* total meaning
* prose meaning
* sprung rhythm
Turco on argument
* hypothetical syllogism
* disjunctive syllogism
* enthymeme (EN-thuh-meem)
* tautology
* adage
* empiricism
* textual support
* validity
* artistic proofs (list and describe)
* inartistic proofs (list and describe)
2. Story: Perrine's ch. 6 (pg. 291 ff): Read "Young Goodman Brown" (pg. 316 ff) by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Respond in one, well-developed paragraph: Explain the allegory of this story (there is more than one possibility; you choose one and go with it). Examine at least fifteen significant details that support your interpretaiton.
3. Poetry: Perrine's ch. 9 (pp. 862-878): Meaning and Idea. This chapter is important to read in its entirety and in the order of the poems presented. Notice how the poems form sets of two for comparison. Your assignment is to answer the questions for the last two poems of the chapter (by G.M. Hopkins).
4. Novel: Austen: Ch. 36-45 (Vol III, ch. 3).
* Sign up if you wish a tea party this week.
* This Week Block: ICE #2; Next Week Block: Terms Quiz,
* Drumroll...(many of) the cards are finally uploaded into the blog. If you hit the "Card" label, you will see them. Time to update your cards. Please be sure you have cards for:
Lewis
Beowulf
Chaucer
Dante, Pearl, or Gawain
Lear
Tempest
Drama of Your Choice
Next card: Poet of your choice: Biographical information; poetic style, elements, and themes. Memorize 20 or more lines of verse. Each line should be roughly 10 syllables. If there are fewer syllables per line on average, then you must increase your line count accourdingly. Due next block day. I will quiz you on 10 lines next week.
8 cards total so far
Memorization: 50 or more words per card (except the poet; that is by line)
Please print out your cards (even if you have electronic versions).
I will be checking all cards printed (sans Austen), not this week but next.
* Extra Credit: If I use your work for the blog in any way, I will be awarding your extra credit.
* Review J33
1. Notes (Story ch. 6; Poetry ch. 9) and Terms:
* symbol
* allegory
* fantasy
* total meaning
* prose meaning
* sprung rhythm
Turco on argument
* hypothetical syllogism
* disjunctive syllogism
* enthymeme (EN-thuh-meem)
* tautology
* adage
* empiricism
* textual support
* validity
* artistic proofs (list and describe)
* inartistic proofs (list and describe)
2. Story: Perrine's ch. 6 (pg. 291 ff): Read "Young Goodman Brown" (pg. 316 ff) by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Respond in one, well-developed paragraph: Explain the allegory of this story (there is more than one possibility; you choose one and go with it). Examine at least fifteen significant details that support your interpretaiton.
3. Poetry: Perrine's ch. 9 (pp. 862-878): Meaning and Idea. This chapter is important to read in its entirety and in the order of the poems presented. Notice how the poems form sets of two for comparison. Your assignment is to answer the questions for the last two poems of the chapter (by G.M. Hopkins).
4. Novel: Austen: Ch. 36-45 (Vol III, ch. 3).
Jane Austen's humble writing desk. I remember hearing that she forbade others from oiling the hinges on a certain door so that she would know when people were nearing and could quietly cover or remove her work.
HW: Begin Journal 33
Block Day, Week 25
* Pray
* Tea (for some)
* Austen
* Journal
* AP M.C.
* Discussion
* If time, Bleak House
HW: Read
* Tea (for some)
* Austen
* Journal
* AP M.C.
* Discussion
* If time, Bleak House
HW: Read
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