Thursday, April 30, 2009 April 30, 2009

SWBAT explain how the author develops in themes by writing a complete paragraph.

Vocabulary: topic sentence, concrete detail, commentary, concluding sentence

Essential Questions: How does the author develope the plot and themes?

• Jumpstart: Reflect on one or two of the films you saw at the Film Festival. Did any of the films connect to what we have read this year? How?

• Read Kite Runner, Chapters 18-19 by tomorrow.

• KR Theme Essay: 2nd body paragraph due tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 April 29, 2009

SWBAT explain a theme in the novel by writing a complete paragraph.

Vocabulary: concrete detail, commentary, topic sentence, concluding sentence

Essential Questions: How did Khaleed Hosseini continue to develop themes in Chapters 11-19?

• Jumpstart: In one of the letters Hassan writes to Amir in CHapter 17, he relates the story of watching the Taliban beat Farzana. He says, “what could I do except stand and watch my wife get beaten? If I fought, that dog would surely have put a bullet in me, and gladly!” (216). Knowing Hassan’s character, did this surprise you? Did Hassan make the right decision in not intervening? What would he have done as a child? What would Amir have done?

• Parts to a Paragraph Review

  • Read the strips of paper in your plastic bag. Identify the thesis statements (3) and concrete details (6). Determine which concrete details are best matched with the thesis statements. Be able to explain the decisions your group made.

• KR Theme Essay: Complete part 5c.  Due tomorrow.

• Read The Kite Runner, Chapter 19.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 April 28, 2009

SWBAT connect plot events by reading and completing a study guide.

Essential Questions: What does Amir learn about his family? How does he react to this information?

• Jumpstart: Who is Sohrab? How is he similar to Hassan? What traits does he share with Amir? How did he get his name?

• Read Kite Runner

  • 1st hour: Begin on page 214, Disk 7 Track 1

  • 3rd hour:Begin on page 221, Disk 7 Track 5

  • 6th hour: Begin on page218, Disk 7 Track 3

• KR CH 15-22 Study Guide due Tuesday, May 5

Monday, April 27, 2009 April 27, 2009

SWBAT visualize setting by using Google Earth.

Vocabulary: Fremont, Peshawar, Jalabad, Maipar Checkpoint, Kabul, Bamiyan, Hazarajat

Essential Questions: Where has Amir gone in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States?

• Jumpstart: At the end of Chapter 15, Rahim Khan tells Amir that he is going to ask him to do something. What do you think he will ask? Rahim Khan also tells Amir that before he asks, he needs to tell Amir about Hassan. What do you think happened to Hassan after he and Ali left Kabul?

• Chapter 15 Reading Quiz for 6th hour

• Google Earth: California, Pakistan, Afghanistan

• Read Kite Runner, Chapter 16-17

• KR CH 15-22 Study Guide

Friday, April 24, 2009 April 24, 2009

Spring Holiday: No School

Thursday, April 23, 2009 April 23, 2009

SWBAT compare and contast the novel to the movie by watching the DVD.

Essential Questions: How has the director of The Kite Runner adapted the novel to be a movie? Were his changes successful? Did he stay true to the message of the movie?

• Jumpstart: Soraya, Amir, and General Taheri each have a different reason for opposing adoption. Explain how each of the characters feel. Who do you think has the weakest reason? Who has the strongest reason?

• Ch. 14 Reading Quiz

• Watch The Kite Runner.

• KR Ch 11-14 Study Guide due Monday

• Read Chapter 15 for Monday!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 April 22, 2009

SWBAT describe character reactions and motivations by reading and discussing plot events.

Essential Questions: How do the characters react to difficult events?

• Jumpstart:Listen to the song “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John. What is the theme of the song lyrics? How does the song connect to The Kite Runner?

• Kite Runner: Finish reading Chapter 13 (page 176-)

  • Why does Baba share Amir’s writing with Soraya?

  • Why is Amir terrified after Baba’s death?

  • What does Amir learn about Soraya’s family after they are married?

  • Why doesn’t Amir return to the flea market?

  • Does Amir deserve any of the happiness he feels?

  • How does Soraya feel about adoption? How does her reaction compare to her father’s? To Amir’s?

• KR Ch 11-14 Study Guide due Monday, April 27.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 April 21, 2009

SWBAT  make and support predictions with commentary by writing a Jumpstart. SWBAT confirm predictions by reading and discussing the novel.

SWBAT define vocabulary words by completing a crossword puzzle.

Vocabulary: See Ch. 8-13 Vocabulary Glossary

Essential Questions: Were your predictions correct?

• Jumpstart: Author’s Choice

• Read Kite Runner, Chapter 13, pages 166-176

• KR Ch 8-13 Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle

• KR Ch 11-14 Study Guide due Monday, April 27.

Monday, April 20, 2009 April 20, 2009

SWBAT compare and contrast plot events and characters by reading and writing concrete details and commentary.

Vocabulary: concrete detail, commentary, compare, contrast

Essential Questions: How are Soraya and Amir’s pasts similar?

• Due Today: KR CH 8-13 Vocabulary Glossary and Theme Paragraphs (1st hour)

• Jumpstart: (1st hour: read pages 150-151) Why does Soraya want to become a teacher? What specific experience helped shape her decision? How does her experience contrast with Amir’s experience with Hassan? 

• Read Kite Runner, Chapter 12.

• KR Ch 11-14 Study Guide

Friday, April 17, 2009 April 17, 2009

SWBAT write a thematic paragraph by writing topic sentences, concrete details, commentary, and concluding sentences.

Vocabulary: topic sentence, concrete details, commentary, concluding sentences

Essential Questions: What is the strongest part of your first body paragraph? What can be improved?

• Jumpstart: Which is easiest for you to write: topic sentence, concrete details, commentary, or concluding sentences? Which is hardest? Review the first body paragraph of your thematic essay. Which part are you most proud of?

• KR Theme Essay

  • Review and discuss purposes of topic sentences, concrete details, commentary, and concluding sentences.

  • Work on your paragraphs (10 minutes)

• Read and listen to Kite Runner, Chapter 12.