E. Quinson

Room D-201

9H, period 5

 

Monday, December 22, 2008

SWBAT:  analyze the similarities between Truman Capote’s memoir and the character Dill from To Kill a Mockingbird.

DO NOW:  Write an entry:  describe Dill from To Kill a Mockingbird.  

DEVELOPMENT:

1. Review DO NOW entries and recall that the character Dill was based on Harper Lee’s childhood and lifelong friend:  Truman Capote.
2. Read “A Christmas Memory” aloud. 
3. Class or small group discussions on what similarities we can see between the narrator and Dill.  Also are there any similarities of writing style?  Setting? 

H.W.:  1.  Blog it!  2.  BRING AN INDEPENDENT READING BOOK TO CLASS!!!

 

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

SWBAT:  listen to “Christmas Day in the Morning” by Pearl S. Buck, define and understand the term “flashback” and how it is used in this story, as well as discuss greater value of giving rather than getting!

DO NOW:  Independent reading.

DEVELOPMENT:

1. Students write an entry:   Think and write about a time that you were particularly proud of a gift you gave?  Why were you proud?  What effect did the gift have on the recipient?  What effect did the giving have on you?
2. Review the entries.  Explain that we are going to be reading a Christmas story, but that this certainly applies to all the holidays this season which seem to concentrate so much on getting and sometimes not enough on giving.
3. Begin read aloud.  Stop at first flashback and define and discuss the term.  Ask kids where they have seen this before?   (Movies, TV, etc.)
4. Continue read aloud to page 23.  Discuss the setting and family life described.  How is this similar or different from our lives in Rockland County?  Are our parents demonstrative?  Do you have to say, “I love you” in order to show affection?  What are other ways our parents show us they love us?
5. Continue read aloud to page 24 end of flash back.  Are there special Christmas moments we remember which don’t have to do with “what we got”?
6. Finish read aloud.  Consider how we can all make a better holiday season for our loved ones without spending money.  How the gifts of time and thought are much more valuable for both the giver and the recipient than material things.
7. If time allows, ask students to write an entry:  what is the difference between giving and getting a gift.  Based on this story? Based on your experience?

H.W.:  1.  Do a secret and unexpected act of kindness for someone you love.  Do a chore without being asked.  See how much you enjoy doing the task and how proud you are when your "recipient" gets the "gift."   2.  Blog it!  Describe your good deed, how it felt, etc.  You will undoubtedly see that it really is better to give than to receive.  3.  Independent reading!  Finish a book!  Begin another!!!