Monday, August 30 and Tuesday, August 31

Both of these days will be spent in the computer lab working on the American dream essay.  Students received a handout explaining the assignment and the criteria.  They also received a sample essay.

Students will expected to demonstrate progress each day.  The assignment is due Friday, Sept. 3.

Friday, August 27

After SSR, we continued our discussion of the American dream.  Using music from Bruce Springsteen, we also discussed the “forces” that derail that dream. Students also received a handout that explained an essay that we will be working on in class on Monday.

Assignment:  Read the four quotes from the assignment handout.  BRIEFLY (very briefly!)  explain what they mean.

Thursday, August 26

Because the pursuit of the American dream is a staple in the themes of US literature, we spent the period discussing its significance using music and videos.  We will continue this discussion tomorrow and begin an essay assignment on Monday.

Wednesday, August 25

Students “booked it” to the library where the librarians presented a variety of books for students to consider for SSR. SSR books must be brought to class each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Tuesday, August 24

Students took  a quiz over “American History.”  Next, we discussed the themes of hope and the American dream in the story.  Tomorrow we will meet in the library for book talks and to select a book for SSR.  Remember to bring your ID!

On Thursday, we will continue our discussion of the American dream with a media blitz.  SSR officially begins on Friday!

Monday, August 23

We briefly discussed the significance of the American dream.  Next, we discussed the active reading strategies of predicting, questioning, clarifying, connecting, evaluating, and summarizing.  They will be used for SSR for the first trimester.

Assignment:  Read “American History.”  Apply the six reading strategies and find references to the American dream in the story.

Friday, August 21

After discussing the course syllabus and the purpose of SSR, students received an assignment:  Read the short story “American History” by Judith Ortiz Cofer.  It is due Tuesday, August 24.

Thursday, Aug. 19

Welcome back! Due to the shortened assembly schedule, class activities were few…but that will change! After class introductions, students completed a learning profile.