This week in ELA, we will explore the way language moves us, persuades us, reveals information to us, or hides information from us.
On Monday, we begin with The Boston Photographs from 1975. You will assume the roles of the Editorial Board of the Boston herald, and you'll time-travel back through history to make a controversial decision about whether or not to print photos taken by Stanley Foreman. You will need to defend your decision with clear examples and a passionate defense.
On Tuesday, we look at the Rhetorical Triangle--learning about terms like ethos (credibility), logos (logos), and pathos (emotion). We will look at how creators of texts use these appeals to create meaning--and to persuade us to agree with them!
For the remainder of the week, you will becomne expert salespeople, as you craft your own presentations to seel an odd item that Mr. Reynolds gives you (it may even be his tiny bottle of free toothpaste which he received free on a plane ride from the U.S.A. to India years ago.,..so watch out!). You'll employ the Rhetorical Triangle to create a commercial for your product.
Meanwhile, we will investigate how language works in our society to often "trick" us in believing things that we might not even notice...
Be ready to learn a ton and have fun doing it!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Book Talks and Futuristic Stories
This week in ELA class, we'll present our book talks and begin with our first unit on Short Stories.
On Monday, Mr. Reynolds will model a book talk, and he'll use one of the best books he read from this past summer: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Then, we'll have a chance to finish our index cards and practice presenting our books with partners within class.
On Tuesday, we'll spend the class presenting our books, and learning how to speak effectively in front of our peers, and also be great listeners.
From Wednesday through Friday, we'll begin our first short story, "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut. This futuristic story takes place in the year 2081, and we'll have a blast acting it out in front of the class, and then discuss some of its big themes: equality, fighting injustice, and young people stadning up to authority figures. We'll also read a great short story by Roald Dahl entitled, "Lamb to the Slaughter."
Be sure to review your notes on the Plot Chart, and come to class ready with a pen or pencil, your ELA binder, and a willingness to dive right in! I can't wait to see the great writing, discussion, and learning we'll all have this week!
On Monday, Mr. Reynolds will model a book talk, and he'll use one of the best books he read from this past summer: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Then, we'll have a chance to finish our index cards and practice presenting our books with partners within class.
On Tuesday, we'll spend the class presenting our books, and learning how to speak effectively in front of our peers, and also be great listeners.
From Wednesday through Friday, we'll begin our first short story, "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut. This futuristic story takes place in the year 2081, and we'll have a blast acting it out in front of the class, and then discuss some of its big themes: equality, fighting injustice, and young people stadning up to authority figures. We'll also read a great short story by Roald Dahl entitled, "Lamb to the Slaughter."
Be sure to review your notes on the Plot Chart, and come to class ready with a pen or pencil, your ELA binder, and a willingness to dive right in! I can't wait to see the great writing, discussion, and learning we'll all have this week!
Monday, September 7, 2009
A New Week: The Courage to Speak!
Meeting all of you last week was a tremendous time for me. I have so enjoyed our laughter together, our writing together, and our time of learning about what challenges this year offers us.
Throughout this week, we'll focus on the theme: Things aren't always what they seem. We'll hear some powerful stories about this idea, and also have the chance to write about and share our own.
Also, we'll begin preparing for our book talks based on summer reading. Jerry Seinfeld jokes that in America, the number one fear is public speaking, while the number two fear is death. We'll try to prove him wrong as we become more comfortable speaking in front of one another--and we'll try some uncommon practice routines to help us get ready for our talks.
Be sure to take good notes as we discuss the elements of a good speech, and write your index cards and practice them at home this week.
I believe that each of you will give a stunning talk!
Throughout this week, we'll focus on the theme: Things aren't always what they seem. We'll hear some powerful stories about this idea, and also have the chance to write about and share our own.
Also, we'll begin preparing for our book talks based on summer reading. Jerry Seinfeld jokes that in America, the number one fear is public speaking, while the number two fear is death. We'll try to prove him wrong as we become more comfortable speaking in front of one another--and we'll try some uncommon practice routines to help us get ready for our talks.
Be sure to take good notes as we discuss the elements of a good speech, and write your index cards and practice them at home this week.
I believe that each of you will give a stunning talk!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Do You Live Like a Crab?
Welcome to ELA class with Mr. Reynolds!
This year, we will work very hard on our writing and reading skills, and we'll explore our passions in a variety of ways. That's right: I'll be asking you to think deeply about what matters in your life. We will meet a variety of characters in the amazing books and short stories we'll read this year; also, we will create our own stories, poems, essays, projects, and presentations.
I can't wait to dive into all of the remarkable experiences we'll share!
However, for now, let's begin with a question: Do you live like a crab? To understand what I'm asking, explore the document linked below, and we'll complete and discuss your written response.
Here is the link to the Crabs document:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AWu8U06kQIhbZGYzd3R6bXBfMTNmOWtwcHA2dg&hl=en
This year, we will work very hard on our writing and reading skills, and we'll explore our passions in a variety of ways. That's right: I'll be asking you to think deeply about what matters in your life. We will meet a variety of characters in the amazing books and short stories we'll read this year; also, we will create our own stories, poems, essays, projects, and presentations.
I can't wait to dive into all of the remarkable experiences we'll share!
However, for now, let's begin with a question: Do you live like a crab? To understand what I'm asking, explore the document linked below, and we'll complete and discuss your written response.
Here is the link to the Crabs document:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AWu8U06kQIhbZGYzd3R6bXBfMTNmOWtwcHA2dg&hl=en
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