I couldn't resist the Hunger Games quote there!
Yes, let high school begin. Many of the best years of my life were spent here in these halls (I graduated in 1980). It's a formative time and a time during which you will make decisions that will affect the rest of your life. I'm here to help you develop a sense of curiosity about the world. That's the main reason I became a teacher. During the 180 days (or so) we have together I think that you'll find that learning is interesting and that the thinking and writing skills you learn here will help you feel more engaged in life. So, it's time to begin . . .
To find the syllabus for the course, check this link which will take you to a Google Doc:
2013/2014 English 9 Syllabus
If you read the syllabus tonight, we can just start right in today doing some learning, right? I know that you guys don't really want to just sit around all day listening to teacher after teacher tell you the class rules. That wouldn't be a whole lot of fun. And as I said earlier, learning is supposed to be fun.
Today:
Journal:
I am . . .
In your notebook, date today's journal entry (Tuesday, September 3) and write "I am . . ." at the top.
Then answer the following 5 questions:
1. a character from a book, movie, poem, or song who is similar to me
2. something most people don't know about me
3. how most people see me
4. the part of myself I feel most proud of
5. an adjective that describes me (pick a word other than "fun," "cool," or other common words)
See "Resources" tab for how to set up your class notebook, which has a journal section
Tomorrow we will discuss the cool artist Matisse: Matisse website
And the Icarus myth from Greek mythology: Icarus
Vocabulary, Odyssey
Set 1: Odyssey 1-50
Extra credit words (not required) Set 1
Extra credit words (not required) Set 2
