How Can Words Inspire Change?

Our new unit, which centers on the civil rights movement and the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, focuses on the question, "How can words inspire change?"

Think about a book, play or poem you have read that inspired you. How have you been changed by a book, a play or a poem? This can be any book, any play, or any poem you have ever read. Write about how the content of this book, play or poem inspired you and helped you become the person you are today.

Is this a tough one? Think back to those picture books from your childhood that taught you to never give up or appreciate the little things in life.

If you are very stuck, write about the most meaningful book, play or poem you've ever read and explain what it means to you.

Due Monday, November 14.

One More Tim Burton Film!

Choose another live action film by Tim Burton. Watch at least 20 minutes of the film and take notes on cinematic techniques just as you did with Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You will use these notes in your essay next week. After viewing the film (or part of the film), write two paragraphs in response.

In the first paragraph, write about a cinematic technique you noticed and its effects. Use the frame, In ____________, Burton uses ______________ (technique) to _________________ (specific effects). Then include text evidence to support your statement and include reflective commentary to show your thinking.

In the second paragraph, compare this film with one of the films we watched in class. What do they have in common? How are they different?

I hope you have fun watching another film and comparing it! Enjoy! And we'll write the essay in class next week.

Due Monday, October 31

The Link Between Movies and Stories

We are finishing up reading and writing short stories and moving into analyzing style through watching Tim Burton films. For this post, think about how movies tell stories. How is watching a movie like reading a story? How does the style of the movie make it more interesting or entertaining or help you understand the story?

Think of a movie that you think has a unique style and/or a very good story. Give the name of the movie and what you notice about the style. For example, in The Hunger Games, part of the "style" is that the costumes and look of Katniss' home district are gray and gloomy, while the parts in the Capital feature elaborate, bright costumes and hair styles. This helps you understand that Katniss' home is not a happy place and that the Capital is kind of over-the top.

We are going to be watching Tim Burton movies in class. If you want to, choose a Tim Burton movie to write about for this blog post. What do you notice about his style as a director? However, writing about a Tim Burton film is not required. You can write about whatever movie you like!

Write at least two paragraphs for this post. The first paragraph should be about how movies are like stories, and the second paragraph should be about a specific movie and the style of that movie.

Due Monday, October 10.

What it's Like to be a Freshman

As we read the excerpt from Speak in class, we discussed how much of the story was relatable. The author used first person point of view to put us in the head of the narrator and wrote about something everyone has experienced - being a freshman in a high school lunch room on the first day of school.

For this blog post, write about what it's like to be a high school freshman. Employ the narrative techniques listed in the short story assignment to describe your experience so far as a freshman.

Write two paragraphs for this post. In the first paragraph, describe what being a freshman is like. Explain your experience by using narrative techniques such as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and/or irony. In the second paragraph, tell a brief story of something that has happened to you at school this year. This story should be somewhat representative of the experience of being a freshman. Be sure it's a story that includes conflict!

Due Monday, October 3.

Planning Your Short Story

In a short time you will be working on your first major evaluation assignment for English: writing your own short story! As we read, analyze and discuss short stories in class, you should be planning your story.

For this blog post, write about two ideas you have for a short story. At least one of the two should be based on a real experience. Arguably the most important part of a short story is conflict - what is the conflict in each of your story ideas?

Write two paragraphs for this post. Each paragraph should describe your story idea in detail - including the conflict. Start each paragraph by telling me if this story is based on a real experience of if it's purely imaginary.

Due Monday, September 26.

Introduction to My Blog

Welcome to Honors English! I'm so excited to be your teacher this year. Throughout both semesters, I will post weekly assignments on this blog and you will need to read the assignments and respond to them on your own personal English blog.

The goals for your English blog include:
1. Improve your writing through consistent practice.
2. Develop your writing style and voice by sharing your own personal experiences or opinions and ideas about what we read and discuss in class.

For your first blog post, introduce yourself to your readers. While your main audience will be me (your teacher) other classmates or other literature enthusiasts may be reading your blog periodically. What should your readers know about you? What makes you unique? What do you like to do in your free time? The majority of your blog posts will be responses to the reading we do in class. What type of a reader are you? What types of books do you enjoy? When and where do you like to read? Write at least two paragraphs as an introduction to you, your blog, and yourself as a reader. 

In addition, write one more paragraph about a specific experience that you had this week  - your first week of high school. Tell what happened and how you reacted to this experience.

I hope you enjoy keeping your blog for English. I know I will enjoy reading your posts. Please see me in class or email me if you have any trouble with your personal blog.