March 30, 2009 -- April 3, 2009

Monday and Tuesday

Today I will introduce the Literature Circle process to you. After giving you the calendar/schedule, I will explain all of the Lit Circle roles and assign a short story for you to read. Then you will practice the discussion tasks.

Wednesday

Today you will peruse all of the book choices and write your top two preferences on an index card. I will use these to create the Lit Circles. Your first group meeting is tomorrow.

Thursday

Today you will meet in your groups to divide the reading into 6 sections and select your first role assignments. If there is time, you may begin reading the first section.

Friday

More monster project presentations!

March 23, 2009 -- March 27, 2009

Monday

You can stay home today. The teachers have meetings all day!

Tuesday

Discuss book 22, "The Battle in the Hall." Read Books 23 and 24 for homework.

MONSTER PROJECTS ARE DUE ON WEDNESDAY!

Wednesday

Discuss the end of the book in terms of the theme, "Fate versus Free Will."

Thursday and Friday

Individual project presentations.

March 16, 2009 -- March 20, 2009

Monday

Individual presentations of Books 13-18 of The Odyssey.

Tuesday

Individual presentations of Books 19-20. Share dialectical journal responses to Book 12. Discuss the symbolism of Scylla, Charybdis, and other challenging figures on Odysseus's journey. Assign the monster project. It is due March 26th. Read Book 21 and write two dialectical journal responses by Thursday.

Wednesday

Watch The Odyssey DVD, scenes 12-16.

Thursday

Whole class discussion. What are Penelope's goals as she presents the test of the bow? Extend symbolism discussion from Tuesday.

Friday

What must Odysseus do to restore honor and order in his home? Read Book 22 and write one dialectical response.

March 9, 2009 -- March 13, 2009

Monday

Individual presentations on The Odyssey, Books 6, 7, and 8. Read Book 9 and write two dialectical journal entries for homework.

Tuesday


Discuss the symbolism in Book 9. Read Book 10 and write two dialectical journal responses.


Wednesday


Compare and contrast Odysseus's heroic journey to that of his son, Telemachus. Read Book 11 and answer questions by Friday.


Thursday


Watch The Odyssey DVD chapters that depict Odysseus confronting the challanges we have discussed this week.


Friday


Whole-class discussion. Introduce creative writing project.

March 2, 2009 -- March 6, 2009

Monday

Snow Day

Tuesday

Hero's Journey lecture. Read article and complete chart for homework.

Wednesday

Use chart to draw a conclusion about Telemachus and his heroic journey. Write a thesis statement and map out an essay on the topic. Type a rough draft for homework.

Thursday

Peer conference and make revisions to your essay. The final draft is due tomorrow.

Friday

Turn in your essay. Read Book V in The Odyssey, answer the corresponding guide questions, and write one dialectical journal response.