After reviewing and discussing Matthew' s quote analysis homework on "To Build A Fire", I introduced the Romantic and Transcendental literary movements as they intersected in early 19th Century American Literature. With respect to Transcendentalism ,I outlined on the board its characteristics as well as Emerson and Thoreau as its early advocates. Matthew maintained good focus and note taking skill as we explored the Transcendentalist philosophy that through imagination and emotion one could not only commune with Nature but also "transcend" nature to achieve spiritual knowledge. I further emphasized the American trait of "individualism " as an element of the genre.We then read biographical information about the life of Thoreau , and the writing of his famous book, "Walden." We will begin reading an excerpt from "Walden" tomorrow. For HW -watch 5 minute video on Thoreau and read one page handout on Thoreau's writing style.
We continued our discussion of Jack London's "naturalism" by extrapolating London's view that environmental factors dictate fate to London's view that society's social and political structures are as unforgiving and cruel as nature in the Yukon. After reviewing the traditional literary conflicts, on the board, I highlighted themes in the story based on our class discussion. Matthew took good notes both on theme and conflict. In order to assist in the completion of tonight's homework assignment which entails an analysis of two quotes, we then focused on those portions of the text and discussed the thematic significance of each quote based on our prior identification of themes. Matthew also took a comprehension quiz on the short story during the session. HW- quote analysis as per class discussion.
Cabo eased back into the school year. We discussed the syllabus for the year and the types of literature he would prefer beginning the year. We discussed how he would like to divide up the various subjects and his approach.
Jaydn discussed themes, plots, and ideas for her horror creative writing story for English I. She was confused as to how to begin. She has her storyline complete now in her mind and felt confident with the assignment. She then read the next section of The Glass Castle and discussed the character of three-year-old Jeanette and the juxtaposition of the hospital and her home in the trailer.
Jayden read chapter one of the novel The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. She analyzed and discussed Jannette Wall's writing and its effect on the reader. She analyzed and discussed the character development of the protagonist.
We completed the written segment of the summer reading assignment during today's session. As we analyzed the thematic significance of the quotes that addressed cultural values, we noted that the movie essentially erased the novel's thematic core for the purpose of creating a more entertaining movie. I then discussed the distinction between reading for entertainment, a laudable pastime , and reading for meaning ,the goal of our academic studies. We then analyzed the quoted text portions that were the subject of the summer assignment , and I assisted Matthew in verbalizing his ideas. With this assistance ,he completed the assignment and formed a greater appreciation for the novel. I last introduced the syllabus for the upcoming quarter by relating the story of Christopher McCandless who abandoned his family ties, his car and all his money in order to adopt an alternative nomadic lifestyle ultimately resulting in his being discovered starved to death in Alaska weighing only 65 pounds. His story is the subject of a nonfiction book,"Into the Wild" which we will read after studying how the writings of Jack London, Leo Tolstoy, and Henry Thoreau influenced Christopher's tragic lifestyle choices. We will begin by studying Jack London's story"To Build a Fire" which I assigned for homework due on Monday.
Jayden read, analyzed, and discussed a Dylan Thomas' poem. She then read and discussed the first chapter of Jeanette Walls's nonfiction memoir The Glass Castle.
During today's session, we addressed Mathhew's questions on the writing portion of the summer assignment which entailed an analysis of quotes from the novel. We first reviewed the strategy for a quote analysis: context ,paraphrase, and thematic significance after which we applied this methodology to three quotes from the novel. After discussing the the context of each quote, we explored the thematic significance of each focusing on the language in the text that illustrates the theme. Matthew actively participated in class discussion and offered good insights into why Captain Kidd's readings have a healing or curative impact on his audiences . Next, we explored the somewhat "existential" theme of the novel addressing one's purpose in life which the author believes exists for all people even if unknown to them. Matthew indicated he agreed with the author and further commented on a separate quote that reflected Capt. Kidd's reluctance to "return" Johanna to her biological family. in this regard, we began a discussion as to what makes a family, -biological or emotional ties. We completed two of the three analyses in class. Matthew will complete the final quote analysis for homework and hand in the completed assignment tomorrow.
Today, I spent most of the session getting to know Jaydn and her academic English background. I discussed the syllabus with her. I really look forward to working with her this year. She is very special.
Matthew and I first discussed the important role of a notebook and assignment pad for English II.In order to assist in syllabus creation, we also recounted some of the novels he has previously read to insure we don't repeat any previously covered material. We then discussed the movie version of the novel, News of the World, and the differences between the movie and and the novel. I segued into the written assignment for the summer reading, and Matthew identified areas he needed assistance. We began by writing a paragraph contrasting cultural assimilation and cultural annihilation as it relates to Native Americans. I defined on the board both terms ,and we explored the concept of America as a melting pot for most cultures except Native Americans where the US government, through Indian Boarding Schools and the Dawes Act, attempted to erase Indian culture. After analyzing the two articles on assimilation that accompanied the summer reading , Matthew composed a very good paragraph discussing the cultural impact of Indian Boarding Schools and the Dawes Act. I provided instruction on the use of connecting phrases, a topic sentence, parallel structure , and the function of a concluding sentence .We will explore the thematic and substantive portions of the summer writing assignment tomorrow and work on the quote analysis that was part of the summer writing assignment..
