Update March 31

We write personal reflections for the readings pp. 153-173 and pp.173-193 in Uncle Tom's Cabin. We did a word web together, and added an element to them. Along with the etymological roots, students should identify multiple words using each root. For one of the roots, students should explain briefly how the meaning of the word is related to the etymological root.

Homework:
Read through page 202 in Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Update March 28

By Monday, please read through page 193 of Uncle Tom's Cabin and do a corresponding word web.  In class we are continuing our study of the documentary on American abolitionists.

Update March 27

In class we are watching a documentary on the abolitionist movement.  Students should read Uncle Tom's Cabin through page 173 by tomorrow and do an accompanying word web.

Update March 25

We have been reading from Uncle Tom's Cabin. By tomorrow, students should read through page 153. They should also complete another word web on a vocabulary word selected from the assigned reading.

In class, we have been reading arguments defending slavery written in the mid-1800s.

Update March 19

Students should have read through page 53 in Uncle Tom's Cabin by today. We are taking a reader-response approach to this novel, trying to understand why it was a best-seller of the 19th century and how it was able to turn the tide of popular opinion on slavery in America.

In class, students will write a personal reflection on each reading assignment. They will also create a word web for one vocabulary word from each reading assignment.

A word web includes the following:
1) word
2) part of speech
3) definition
4) sentence from Uncle Tom's Cabin showing how it is used in context
5) synonym and antonym (must be the same part of speech)
6) etymological word parts ("roots"), each with a picture representing the meaning of the root and other words that also use the same root

By studying etymology, student can enhance their vocabulary more rapidly and meaningfully than by memorizing word lists.

Update March 17

We read together from Uncle Tom's Cabin. By tomorrow, please read through page 35.

Update March 4

We are working on revising our Huck Finn rhetorical analysis essays. Second drafts will be due on Thursday.

We looked at some model student papers to see how the four-part quotation analysis functions. We also examined transition sentences.  Students should ensure they have a clear thesis statement which tells specifically what Twain is saying about American society.

Homework: Work on your essay.