Friday, May 15, 2009 May 15, 2009

SWBAT analyze the development of theme in a novel by writing a five paragraph essay.

Vocabulary: revision

Essential Questions: How can you improve your essay?

• Jumpstart: Read through the Revision Checklist. Make a list of five things you can and will do to improve your essay.

• Typed KR Theme Essay due at the end of class today.

Thursday, May 14, 2009 May 14, 2009

SWBAT analyze the development of themes by writing a five paragraph essay.

SWBAT catch the reader’s attention and explain the essay topic by writing  a compelling introduction.

Vocabulary: hook, thesis statement

Essential Questions: How does a writer effectively begin an essay?

• Jumpstart:Why was Soraya opposed to adoption in Chapter 13? Why do you think she changes her mind and tells Amir that he should bring Sohrab home?

• Writing an Effective Introduction and Conclusion

• Computer Lab: Write introductions and conclusions. Type essays. (Also: finish Kite Runner tests)

• Typed KR Theme Essay due Friday.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 May 13, 2009

SWBAT demonstrate knowledge of concepts taught by taking a test.

SWBAT describe the author’s use of theme by writing concrete details and commentary.

• Jumpstart: Make a list of the top five things you have learned about Afghanistan or the Afghani people while reading The Kite Runner.  Explain.

• KR Test

• KR Theme Essay: Complete all three body paragraphs.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 May 12, 2009

SWBAT review plot events by watching the movie.

Essential Questions: How did the director of The Kite Runner adapt the novel to fit in to a movie?

• No Jumpstart

• Watch The Kite Runner on DVD KR Novel and Film Comparison

• KR Theme Essay: Complete body paragraph 3, the introduction, and the conclusion.

• Wednesday: Kite Runner Test!

• Friday: Typed KR Theme Essay due.

Friday, May 1, 2009 May 1, 2009

SWBAT connect plot events to related reading and analyze plot events and characters by reading and discussing.

Vocabulary: Taliban, Talib, Farid

Essential Questions: How has Kabul changed?  Who or what is responsible for those changes? How do people react to those changes?

• Jumpstart: What does Amir learn about Hassan, Ali, and Baba? Why do you think Baba kept this secret? How does this knowledge change how Baba treated Amir and Hassan?

• Due today: April Jumpstarts, KR Theme Essay body paragraph 2

• Read Kite Runner, Chapter 20

• KR CH 15-22 Study Guide due Wednesday

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.

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.

Thursday, April 16, 2009 April 16, 2009

SWBAT prewrite for an expository essay by writing a thesis statement, topic sentence, concrete details, and commentary.

Vocabulary: concrete detail, commentary, thesis statement

Essential Questions: How does Khaled Hosseini begin to develop themes in the exposition and rising action of the novel?

• Jumpstart: Baba says, “It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime” (142). Who is Baba talking to and who is he talking about? How does his comment relate to Amir? How does this comment connect to your own life?  Write commentary explaining your interpretation of this concrete detail.

• KR Theme Essay: Complete parts 2,3,4, 5a and 5b. Due Friday at the beginning of class.

• Read Kite Runner, Chapter 12.