Welcome to my classroom. There are a few things that as a student of my classroom you should be aware of:
~ It is extremely important that you use the time we have together as wisely as you can. Which means, that you work hard on the assignments presented to you and that you don't hesitate to ask questions. I am willing to help every student with any task they may find challenging.
~ My goal is for you all to succeed in my class, every opportunity will be given to you to do well.
~ Always feel welcomed to share your ideas and input, because believe it or not, I can learn from all of you!
"Education aims to give you a boost up the ladder of knowledge." ~Martin H. Fischer
"You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands - your own." ~ Mark Victor Hansen
"Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing."~ William Arthur Ward
Here are some helpful links to make English easier!
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
http://www.citationmachine.net/
http://visual.merriam-webster.com/
Visit this link to view our unit plan for this class...Unit Plan
Suggested Reading List!!!!
Parental Permisson is required*
"Animal Fram" by George Orwell
The novel addresses not only the corruption of the revolution by its leaders but also how wickedness, indifference, ignorance, greed and myopia destroy any possibility of a Utopia. While this novel portrays corrupt leadership as the flaw in revolution (and not the act of revolution itself), it also shows how potential ignorance and indifference to problems within a revolution could allow horrors to happen if smooth transition to a people's government is not satisfied. (Wikipedia)
"Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert
This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. By turns rapturous and rueful, this wise and funny author. (Google Products)
"Forever" by Judy Blume
Katherine, in the middle of her senior year in high school, finds herself strongly attracted to Michael, a friend, after a party. As their relationship unfolds, the issue of sex comes up early on, more as an emotional and health issue than as a moral one. Both of them are aware that physical intimacy is both common and complicated. Michael has been sexually active, Katherine hasn't. Their relationship progresses slowly; they are accompanied on various meetings by her friend, Erica, a realist, who has known Katherine since 9th grade and believes that sex is a physical act and not a romantic act. They are also joined by Michael's friend, Artie, who, with Erica's help, explores and acknowledges some uncertainty about his own sexuality.(wikipedia)
"Speak By Laurie Halse" Anderson
In her debut novel, Anderson's main character, fourteen-year-old Melinda Sordino, has essentially stopped speaking. One of the reasons is because the world has stopped listening to her. After calling the police on an end-of-the-summer party, Melinda enters ninth grade as a pariah, ostracized by everyone in the school, including her best friends. (Teenread.com)
"The Absolute True Diary Of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, an aspiring cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the reservation to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. (Teenread)
"The First Part Last" by Angela Johnson
Bobby's carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter.
"Wetzel Bat" by Francesca Lia Block
With Weetzie Bat, Block introduces us to the glittery world of Los Angeles and its pretty punk queen, Weetzie Bat. With Slinkster Dog and her best friend Dirk, Weetzie cruises the streets of L.A. in a '55 Pontiac named Jerry, living life in the moment and looking for "My-Secret-Agent-Lover-Man." (HarperTrophy, 1989)
