Friday, April 16, 2010

Read a classic or award winner

4th Quarter Reading Goal

Read a Classic or Award Winner with Partner Find a partner or trio if needed and select “a classic” or prize winner to read. The title does not need to be on this list. The literature circle books and SSR books you have read are likely both compelling and modern; some of these books are older and dustier but very much worth reading. Many of them have won literary prizes. But I would like you to decide the worthiness of the novel for yourself.

My ideas:

The Count of Monte Cristo (the ultimate story of revenge)

The Pearl (actually a novella—short)

The Red Pony (many of you read this in the fall but another this is another Steinbeck novella)

Les Miserables

Summer of My German Soldier (an almost classic but full of romance)

Treasure Island

The Giver

Walk Two Moons

The Secret Garden

Pride and Prejudice

Parrot in the Oven

The Book Thief (soon to be classic)

Ender’s Game

A Farewell to Arms

Handmaiden’s Tale

Call of the Wild

Letter details:

Start with a friendly introduction and then discuss the characterization in the novel. Include description of the point in the novel when you felt hooked and eager to read on. Add a description of a passage that had particularly strong imagery or action for you.

Describe in paragraph two your response to the resolution of the novel: was the resolution ironic or unexpected in anyway? Include a description of where you read the conclusion of your book.

What was the theme of this novel and why? Include at least two questions you have after reading this novel.

The point of the letter is to make insights that your partner may have missed.

This letter should be written with book in hand and after you have completed the novel. Final day to submit is June 1st.

Welcome to 4th quarter

Homework: Present a Monologue

Select a monologue to memorize and present to the class. I have many available, although you are welcome to find your own speech, soliloquy or monologue to present.

Requirements:

1. Present me with a copy of your script.

2. Include physical gestures to enhance meaning.

3. Utilize the techniques of emphasis, pace and inflection to add meaning to your words.

4. Find an appropriate prop.

5. Practice! Don’t try to memorize the night before! It won’t work!

6. Presentations are April 23rd.