E. Quinson

D-201

8R, periods 2 and 3

 

Monday, February 9, 2009

SWBAT:  analyze Morrie’s philosophy about money. 

DO NOW:  Write an entry:  What is Morrie’s philosophy about money?  Compare with Mitch’s value system and your own.

DEVELOPMENT:

  1. Discuss DO NOW entries.
  2. Discuss metaphors and similes students found in last night’s reading.  Have them keep a list in the literature section of their binders.
  3. Review study guide answers.
  4. Move to class discussion (See possible answers in Novel Units Guide).
  1. Compare the quote from Ted Turner, “I don’t want my tombstone to read, ‘I never owned a network,’” with what Morrie wants engraved on his tombstone:  “A  Teacher to the Last.”
  2. Read aloud Morrie’s definition of a meaningful life:  “Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning,” from page 127 of the novel.  Do you agree or disagree
  3. Analyze the statement of Mahatma Gandhi on page 129.
  4. Analyze the significance of Morrie’s aphorism:  “When you’re in bed, you’re dead.” (p 131)
  5. Examine the conversation about slowing down and listening.  Discuss Morrie’s suggestions about making people more important than things.
  6. Examine the flashback about death of Morrie’s father and why Mitch includes this in the book.
  1. Review/summarize.
  2. If time allows, students may begin reading The First Tuesday.

H.W.: 1.  Read pp. 142-159 of Tuesdays with Morrie.  Mark metaphors and similes with post-its as you read. 2.  Complete Study Guide Questions for The Tenth Tuesday and The Eleventh Tuesday.  3.  Independent reading.

 

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

SWBAT:  analyze Morrie’s philosophy about marriage and culture. 

DO NOW:  Write an entry:  What is Morrie’s philosophy about marriage?  Compare with your family’s experiences.  Do you agree or disagree with him and why? 

DEVELOPMENT:

1.      Discuss DO NOW entries.

2.      Discuss metaphors and similes students found in last night’s reading.  Have them keep a list in the literature section of their binders.

3.      Review study guide answers.

4.      Move to class discussion (See possible answers in Novel Units Guide).

Ø      What does this visit reveal about Janine? 

Ø      Examine Mitch’s reflections on marriage and Morrie’s response to his question about why so many people have problems in marriage.  Correlate the discussion with Morrie and Charlotte’s marriage. 

Ø      Analyze the significance of the conversation between Mitch and Morrie about Job.

Ø      Discuss the progression fo Morrie’s illness and how Mitch has changed in the months since his first visit to Morrie.

Ø      Analyze Morrie’s perspective about our culture and compare it with his and Mitch’s earlier discussions about culture.

5.      Review/summarize.

6.      If time allows, students may begin reading homework!

H.W.: 1.  Read pp. 160-180 of Tuesdays with Morrie.  Mark metaphors and similes with post-its as you read. 2.  Complete Study Guide Questions for The Thirtteenth Tuesday.  3.  Independent reading.

 

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

SWBAT:  analyze Morrie’s philosophy about forgiveness

DO NOW:  Write an entry:  What does Morrie say about forgiveness in last night’s reading.  Do you agree or disagree with him and why?  What if we didn’t wait until we are dying?  What if we did it right now????

DEVELOPMENT:

1.      Discuss DO NOW entries.

2.      Discuss metaphors and similes students found in last night’s reading.  Have them keep a list in the literature section of their binders.

3.      Review study guide answers.

4.      Move to class discussion (See questions and possible answers in Novel Units Guide).

a.       Discuss Morrie’s third appearance on “Nightline”.  Note the change in atmosphere since the first visit.  Analyze his final words to the TV audience and the significance of his parting words to Ted Koppel.

b.      Read aloud the aphorism that begins the chapter about forgiveness:  “Forgive yourself before you die.  Then forgive others.”  (p. 164).  Analyze the significance of Morrie’s own need to forgive himself and others.

c.       Examine the culmination of the relationship between Morrie and Mitch. 

d.      Discuss Morrie’s near death experience the night before Mitch comes for the thirteenth Tuesday.  Analyze the lesson he wants to convey to Mitch about death. 

e.       Examine Mitch and Morrie’s discussion about the perfect day and what Mitch concludes from the conversation.

f.        Discuss Mitch’s concerns about his brother and examine Morrie’s advice.

5.      Review/summarize.

6.      If time allows, students may begin homework reading.

H.W.:  1.  Finish Tuesdays with Morrie.  2.  Finish Study Guide.  3.  Independent reading.

 

Thursday, February 12, 2009 – Discuss Interview and Advice letter due upon our return to school.

SWBAT:  analyze what Mitch learned from Morrie and what we have learned from Morrie. 

DO NOW:  Write an entry:  Why does Mitch title this part “Graduation”?

DEVELOPMENT:

  1. Discuss DO NOW entries.
  2. Discuss metaphors and similes students found in last night’s reading.  Have them keep a list in the literature section of their binders.
  3. Review study guide answers.
  4. Move to class discussion (See questions and possible answers in Novel Units Guide).
    1. Examine evidence that Morrie’s final days have arrived and the effect on those involved.
    2. Discuss Mitch and Morrie’s farewell visit and examine evidence of their love for each other. 
    3. Analyze Mitch’s reflections and his actions in the conclusion of the book.
    4. Examine the benefits gained from Mitch and Morrie’s “final thesis” and discuss how they choose the name for the book.
  5. Distribute Advice Sheet.  Ask students to write a paragraph giving advice to incoming 6th graders (or next year's 8th graders???)
  6. Distribute Interview sheet.  Explain that students are to complete the interview and write a 3-5 page paper, double-spaced, which they will turn in and present to the class when we return from mid-winter break.  The person they interview could be a relative or friend, etc. 
  7. If time allows, students may begin brainstorming whom they may wish to interview.

H.W.:  1.  Write an entry in your writer’s notebook:  write about a teacher who is a positive influence in your life, one whose “teaching goes on.”   2.  Study Guides and Writers’ notebooks collected tomorrow.  3.  Bring your independent reading book to class tomorrow.  We are going to READ!  Tomorrow is Rockland Read In Day, so many teachers may ask you to read.  J  Bring lots of things to read.

 

Friday, February 13, 2009 – Turn in Study Guides, Writer’s Notebook, and then the Rockland Read in! 

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