Friday, October 21, 2011

Research, WOOT!

Hello Young Scholars!

Well, its getting to be that time in the semester when we start doing some real dirty work with our research papers. That means you will all have to do research. Quit your groaning! It's not that bad! You all have some good topics, we have talked about how they impact your life, and how we can apply them to American society- now we just have to find facts and information to back up your ideas (these are called sources). If you still arent sure exactly what kind of information you need to be looking for, that this exercise is just for you!

Read this article, and create a concept map (following the instructions). If you need help, just ask, but I think this will help you figure out what you will need to be looking for during our research time together. Remember, let's make the most of our time on Wednesday with Mrs. Matthews by being prepared! Have a good idea of what you are looking for BEFORE we go in the library.

Oh, and turn in your concept maps by Friday for your blog grade :)

http://www.lib.washington.edu/uwill/research101/topic03.htm

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Another poet you should read (but we won't have time IN class)

Hello Young Scholars!

Have I told you all lately how proud I am of all of your hard work? No, well I AM. You are all really stepping up when it comes to these blog posts.

This week, I want you to read a little about the most famous and wonderful woman, Phillis Wheatly. SHe was the first African American female poet, and she was a contemporary (that means she lived during the same time) of Jefferson, Franklin, and Henry. I don't just want to teach you the writing of dead white men, but we won't have time to cover her poetry in class. So go to the following link:

http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/phillis-wheatley-106.php

After reading her biography, find ANY poem of hers that you want to read, and read it. Then respond, answering the following questions. (IF EVERYONE DOES THE SAME POEM, YOU WILL ALL BE FLOGGED).

1) Poem name, and date it was written/ published
2) Summary of the poem
3) Tone of the poem (remember that tone means how the writer feels about the subject, an example is if I am a poet and I use the term "snot-nosed brat" to refer to a young man, the tone is disrespectful toward the young man, but if I use the  term "well-mannered young gentleman" it shows that I like him, and believe him to be intelligent)
4) Mood (How do the words that the author uses make YOU FEEL inside)
5) Personal reaction. What does this poem make you think about, feel, or want to do? (If you skip this or give me the old "It doesn't make me want to do anything, and I don't feel anything because I don't understand it" You will get a zero. If you need help, select a different poem, or see me after school or during any lunch for help.

Peace!

Mrs. H