Some good opportunities for extra credit are coming up.  I will continue to post them here when I have time, but Twitter is a really good way to stay on top of those since it is quicker to retweet instead of having to create a post here.

Extra Credit Opportunity- Library in the Park

As long as it has an interactive aspect where you GO AND DO SOMETHING, it counts for extra credit (after you take pics there---selfie included, make your poster, and bring it in.  Here's a good resource calendar from our friends at the JOCO library system.

JOCO Library Events

G-Class:  Progress Trap written response.  The Progress Trap concept, and elements of "By the Waters of Babylon" will be prevalent on your Vocab Essay 1 tomorrow/Thursday.

We will go over the format again, as well as discuss the essay prompt, so if you come up with any questions feel free to ask them in advance.

Last week we initiated discussion on our core "foundational literary terms" in class.  These are the terms that you will see in guiding questions, on tests, on essay prompts, and in feedback from me.  The ideal scenario is that you will begin to incorporate them into your work as well, either in direct discussion or illustrated through their usage.

-theme
-tone
-mood
-imagery
-big picture
-universal quality
-voice
-characterization
-setting
-conflict
-irony

Today:
10
No Red Ink: create account and take first diagnostic
Read By the Waters of Babylon by Stephen Vincent Benet
Familiarize yourself with the 5 Step Paragraph Model

10H
G-Class read and respond
5 step paragraph model
F451 questions in class (pg. 24-50)

Next Guiding Question Set: (pg 48-68)

What revelation about life does Montag have when he sees the woman intentionally set herself on fire?

Ironically, what is Mildred’s reaction to Montag’s wish to discuss the woman?

When Beatty comes to check up on Montag, he has both a literal/direct message about being a fireman and an implied/indirect message more specific to Montag. Identify each.

What is the “beetle” and what does Mildred enjoy doing in it when she feels bothered like Montag is feeling? What does this illustrate and reinforce about Mildred?

Why does Montag feel it is necessary to not only admit to reading and show Mildred his books, but also to read to her?

What effect does Clarisse continue to have on Montag, even after her death?

Why is it significant that Bradbury has Clarisse die so early in the book?

According to Clarisse’s uncle, why are there no more front porches, or gardens, or rocking chairs?

Vocabulary list #1 came out Wed/Thurs if you weren't here.  The test will be Wed/Thurs of next week.  If you were not here for the words, you are still responsible for them and for taking the test next week.  See me with questions.

facetious
detriment
dexterous
discretion
gregarious
optimum
ostentatious
sensory
vicarious
scrupulous

Eng 10- In class writing sample.

10H- Group story construction info share

Not a quiz, sorry for leaving that on earlier.  These questions were derived from what used to be a quiz, but just guiding questions for approximately pg. 24-50

Fahrenheit 451


Why does Montag feel sorry for the hound, even though it is mechanical and has no feelings? (“That’s sad...” said Montag.) What is Montag admitting about himself with this statement?


Describe the difference between Clarisse’s view of being “social” and her school’s view of being “social”. How does it serve as a contradiction to how we typically view these labels?

What reason does Clarisse have for being afraid of children her own age? Why is this significant in regard to Bradbury's concern about society overall?


Explain what the woman with the books did on her front porch when the firemen were trying to get her out of the house. By not giving them a choice, how did she retain both dignity and the ability to choose her own fate?

What is the question Montag asks Mildred that neither of them know the answer to and how is it symbolic of how his views on life are changing?

How does this quote help define Montag’s marriage?

“Well, wasn’t there a wall between him and Mildred, when you came down to it? Literally not just one wall but, so far, three!”

By the Waters of Babylon guiding questions:

1. What universal human needs/traits does John the Priest exhibit by traveling to the place of the gods and how does he handle the results?

2. What reason does John's father give for not telling their people the truth about what he learns?  What is another reason that he does not want the truth to be shared?

3. Look up the term "progress trap" online.  How do the progress traps of By the Waters and The Pedestrian affect the culture of each society.  Can they be avoided?

Eclipseday continuation.
"The Pedestrian" read and questions run through---we will finish up Wed/Thurs
We will start vocab this week, including format, so if you miss the block day this week, check in with me.

10H
F451 test will be week after Labor Day.  Exact day to be announced.

Google Classroom Codes

Hr. 2 - rgmxz2
Hr. 3 - me2hqz
Hr. 4 - 1a56fvt
Hr. 5 - 0L18mi4
Hr. 6 - K5gn48a
Hr. 7 - norbiu

Honors Prompt #2

Is seeing something unique (like the eclipse) inherently valuable just for the sake of seeing it, or does it have to have a tangible benefit to achieve value?

See earlier posts for F451 guiding points.  We will discuss in class today, but more as a preview due to number of absences.  We will also intro "The Pedestrian" by Ray Bradbury and start to use that as a guide for reading F451.  Questions and info was previously posted, but will be revisited tomorrow.

The Pedestrian (page 10 in textbook, or easy to find online) guiding questions:

1. What might be a possible reason for Bradbury using so much imagery related to darkness, coldness, and death?
2. Do you think Leonard Mead is lonely?  Explain.
3.  Do you think the whole world is like this and Leonard is the last pedestrian left, or is this the beginning of this phenomenon and he is the first one to be locked away for not conforming?  How does each scenario change the message of the story?
4.  Is Leonard Mead a rebel? What elements of that term does he fit or not fit?
5.  What does Bradbury see as the danger to us as a population if something like this happens?  What is the big picture problem?

Friday, August 18

X Factors personal survey.

Fahrenheit 451 guiding points:

-The irony of each character's self assessment of what their role/job/place is in society
-Mildred's unwillingness to address reality
-The prevalence of suicide attempts in the F451 world (why do the technicians exist?)
-What "story" elements does F451 already exhibit very clearly
-Character focus: Who do they represent in our world?

Computer check in all hours for people who don't have one yet.  If you have one and it doesn't work, hopefully be able to take care of it Friday.

Started "What Makes a Good Story" discussion.  We will continue to build on these, so keep them handy.  Some of the best traits:
-Heart
-Character connection
-Something that "sticks"
-Relevance
-Balance
-Emotional Connection
-Tension

Today was a "not so super" kind of day, but thanks for sticking with it!  Tomorrow we'll be meeting in the classroom to check the list for how/where to get your computer once we head to the library.

Welcome back to South (or welcome to South in the first place)

Today will be pretty straightforward in terms of prepping for the year, discussing expectations and in-class policies, figuring out where you sit, talking about stuff, etc.  We will also try to have a little fun, shake out the cobwebs somewhat, and hit the ground running rather than just introducing ourselves to people most of us already know.

Just about any resource you can or will need for class this year can already be found on this class blog, but you may just have to look.  I will post daily updates for class here, and sometimes additional information as well.  New information and resources will also be posted here.  Typically I will reference when and what is being posted in class, but you can check any time.

Ask questions if you have them.