Due 3/12/20 by the middle of class - Independent American Novel CD Brainstorming (4 points) MUST BRING YOUR NOVEL TO CLASS
Due 3/16/20 by the start of class - 3 CD Response with a CD 7 CM Focus (10 points)
Due 3/31/20 by the start of class - American Author Independent Reading Work (50 points)
Computers Needed
Learning Target - I will refine my ability to identify characterization.
Essential Question: What does it mean to be American?
Task # 1 - Independent Reading Task - Please take out your outside reading novel. You will be given 10 minutes of solid reading time with the sole purpose of finding the most obviously meaningful CD/quote that allows you to “fully” understand a character.
Remember that Characterization is the ability to understand what a character thinks and feels based on what they do and say.
Task # 2 - CM Mini Lesson for 2nd, 3rd & 4th periods -
Make sure you understand the recommendations below and pay attention to my feedback for the sample.
Commentary = Your insightful opinion that shows nuanced, sophisticated understanding of texts. Your CM is thorough and complete and clearly relates CD to TS. Your CM consistently anchored in CD.
How to Write CM about nonfiction writing
Options #4 = Great for analyzing and evaluating someone else's argument/thesis in a work of nonfiction.
- Explain how the CD proves the author’s claims/thesis
- Explain why this is a strong or weak claim/CD/argument for you!!!
Student Sample Score
TS = CD = CM #1 = CM #2 =
The people of America will always have different opinions and beliefs, some being stronger than others. The author argues that “[t]olerance [is] standing for little more than the allowance of letting others live unremarked and unmolested”(Quindlen). To say we all need more tolerance for others is slightly pathetic considering it encourages us to barely acknowledge the existence of others. The author later goes on to say we could use more “patriotism” instead which would overall result in a more united country.
Task # 3 - Small Group Text Selection - In your Society, select three stories/sources you will all read for our American Voices unit. You can find these selections under the Menu tab and clicking on Small Group Learning.
Try to find sources that might relate to your common goal topic. If none of the choices seem to fit, you may find an outside source online. Make sure you add these sources to your shared document.
Every member of your society must write down the following on your Reading 2 doc for all three of your sources.
For Fiction provide answers for these:
- Exposition (setting, time, context, background info):
- Rising Action (3 major plot points that cannot be ignored)
- Protagonist:
- External Conflicts:
- Internal conflicts:
- Climax:
- Resolution:
- Theme:
For Nonfiction, provide answers for these:
- Thesis with claims
- 3 to 4 CDs you cannot ignore
Task #4 - Successful Society Groups & Class Discussion Continued - If you have time, make sure you have completed the Speaking & Listening task from last class period.
Your group will need to create a shared document called “Successful Society Project” and complete the entry below.
3/11/20 - Society Defining Terms
Initial Individual Topic Definition:
Brainstorming:
Revised Whole Group Topic Definition:
Evidence of Growth/Success (Common Goal):
2nd Period
- Accountability
- Freedom of expression
- Equality
- Collaboration
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Empathy
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Empathy/Understanding
- Freedom of Speech
- Unity
- Equality
- Independence
American Voices Independent Read & Assessment Reminder - Make sure you are actively reading your self-selected novel. You will need to bring it on Thursday!!! You will be reading in class.