Wednesday - 10/21/09

Today we began the unit on The Scarlet Letter. We started class answering the following journal question in our writer's notebooks:

"Do you believe humans control their own destiny (future), or are we simply following a path that is controlled by a higher power?"

Afterwards, three handouts were given. The first handout was a pre-reading homework activity. For this activity students have to first answer five questions using their own knowledge and beliefs. Next, they have to choose challenge 1 or 2 and do some research on the internet. The second handout contained the reading and presenting assignments. Each student is responsible for covering and presenting one chapter in any manner they choose. The chapters were assigned. Also, on that handout was a symbols chart for students to complete while reading the novel. The third handout was a study guide for students to complete while reading.

Novels were also checked out to students who did not already have a copy. The text is also available online (check my handouts page), as well as on audio here. The audio can be downloaded in many formats, including MP3.

For the last 15 minutes of class we watched an intro video to Scarlet Letter. It introduced us to some of the symbols (ex. the forest and the letter 'A') and some main characters (Hester Prynne, Pearl, Arthur Dimmsdale, Roger Chillingsworth).

Students need to have at least Ch. 1-3 read by next Tuesday and the Pre-Reading Homework is due on Monday. Vocabulary Unit #4 work is also posted, and the quiz will be on Nov. 5th.