Welcome!

Happy first day of high school! Welcome!

Last Day!!

Wow! It is our last day together! Hard to believe how fast it all went by!

Please take a few moments to complete this feedback survey today - I really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!

Then, time for some final reminders about your final:

• make sure you are proving a point, not just showing examples
• make sure you are using quotations correctly
• make sure you proofread
• make sure you know and adhere to the deadline

Final week of classes - STAR test

We are going to take the STAR reading test today. Please do your best on this reading comprehension test. Again, this is so we can understand how you read and learn. Do your best.

• Click here to go to the link for the test.
• For your username, use the same name you are logging into the Chromebooks and computers with.
• Your password is your student ID number - but ONLY the number - i.e. 121XXXX - if you are unable to gain access after TWO tries, please ask for help before trying a third time.
• You will be presented with two choices - select STAR Reading
• Sometimes, the system will request a “Monitor Password.” If this happens to you, the password is “admin”
• If you are presented with a list of teachers, please select “Rigler”
• Take the test! Do the best you can!

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The rest of the day is set aside for you to work on your final essay - good luck with it!

All Quiet on the Western Front - the Final

Here is a link to your final exam essay about All Quiet on the Western Front

Here are the different handouts we used to prep for your essay about A Tale of Two Cities. I am not revising them - I am just posting them here for your reference. Use them however you want!

• Thesis workshop
• Thesis revision
• Thesis and evidence collection
• Sample paragraph
• Introduction and conclusion

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 13

Today we'll finish looking at our use of quotations, based on the work you did yesterday. For the rest of the period you have two choices:

• If you need to finish reading chapters 11 and 12, go ahead and do that.
• If you are finished, find a group of 2-3 other people and start work on this activity: creating a monument

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 12

Happy Tuesday!

Yesterday I mentioned that your work with the essays for A Tale of Two Cities was excellent. However, the one main area that people need work on is with the use of quotations. So, today's work with chapter 10 will focus on that.

• All Quiet on the Western Front - use of quotations activity for chapter 10

For tonight, please start reading the final two chapters of the novel, 11 & 12.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 11

Happy Monday!

Please take some time to review your essay for A Tale of Two Cities - the comments and rubric are both attached to your essay in turnitin.

We'll have the rest of the period to finish reading chapter 10.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 10

Today you will work in your groups to create a series of found poems based on the ideas in chapters 8 & 9. Here is a link to the handout describing the activity.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 9

Here is the link to today's writing about chapter 7.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 8

Happy Monday! Happy reading day!

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 7

Greetings!
Today we will work in groups to look at various layers of meaning in the novel.

• Literal vs Figurative meaning in All Quiet on the Western Front

Over the weekend, please start reading chapter 7 of the novel. You need to complete it by Tuesday.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 6

Happy rainy Wednesday morning!

Today you'll have time to read - you'll need to have finished chapter 6 by tomorrow.

Before we get to that we'll spend some time looking at some details from the start of chapter 5, including the men picking lice from their bodies and clothes. We'll also re-read pages 55-56 to continue to think about the changing lives of the soldiers.

For tonight, please finish reading chapter 6.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 5

Happy Tuesday!
Last night you read the battle scene at the end of chapter 4. Today we'll take a close look at it and compare it with a description of battle we saw earlier in the year.

We'll look at this collection of statistics together to help us frame our work.

Then you'll go to this link this excerpt from An Iliad. Read it and then in a new document respond to these questions:

1. How is the battle described? Think about people, weapons, places, and death. Use a quotation in your response.
2. What perspective is used to describe this scene? A narrator? A specific character? How does that impact your sense of what is happening? Use a quotation in your response.
3. What feelings are you, as a reader, left with after reading this scene?

Next, re-read the battle scene from last night - pages 65-70.  Answer the same three questions in the same document.

Lastly, respond to these questions:

1. How do these descriptions of battle compare? How are they similar / different?
2. How has war changed from the time of the Greeks to WWI?

Submit your work to turnitin. We'll follow that with a short discussion and some reading time.

For tomorrow, please read chapter 5.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 4

Happy Monday! Happy May! It is great to be back - I missed you last week. Thank you for your messages of caring and support - I really appreciate it.

Today we'll get back into the book with a little bit of writing.

For tomorrow, please finish chapter 4, pages 62-74.

I'll post full calendars later this week.

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 3

Greetings!
Today you will work with a group - here are the new groups:

1st period

Brendan Jenna Luke Erin	Paige Israel Ariel Blake	Jennifer Sean Max Morgan
Kyla Mickael Grace	Eli Jordyn Asher	Bailey Warner Emmy Sam

3rd period

Cate Rayan Emily Jocelyn	Megan Alex Isaac	Elijah Bree Lindsey Tommy
Boris Shira Ava Josh	Sofia Nick Joey Logan	Sydney Brett Anabel

Here is the link to the work for today.

Over the weekend, read pages 51-62 of chapter 4.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday!!

All Quiet on the Western Front - Day 2

Greetings!
Today is a reading day - with a little time for some writing. At some point during the period, whenever you want, you need to stop and write in your journal (paper notebook, not digitally) for 10 minutes or so. You can do this at the start or end or at any point during the period. The topic is up to you, but here are some suggestions:

• Focus on a character
• Focus on an event
• First impressions
• Questions
• Connections to other events outside the world of the book
• Personal reactions

Remember you need to have finished reading chapters 1-3 for class tomorrow. Whatever you do not finish during class today, please read for homework.

All Quiet on the Western Front

Greetings! I'll start with some tough news to share. As you know, I've missed several days this year because of my mother's illness. I went out to be with her last weekend and late Sunday night, she passed away. I will be here in Philadelphia for the week for the funeral and sitting shiva. I know it is a challenge for you to get started on a new book but I'm sure you'll not only be fine but also do a great job with it.

I'll keep it simple this week with a lot of reading time. If you'd like, you can use the link to listen to the audiobook - it's not excellent, and there are noises and ads, but I know many of you will find it to be helpful.

• Link to audiobook on YouTube

Also, here are links to the new calendar, although only the first week is filled in:

• All Quiet on the Western Front - 1st period calendar
• All Quiet on the Western Front - 3rd period calendar

Today you'll spend the first part of class sharing some of the research you did yesterday. 

Then, you'll have the rest of the period to read (and listen, if you'd like).

The goal is to complete reading pages 1-50, chapters 1-3, by class on Thursday / Friday.

Homework over the next night depends on how much reading you get done during class today and tomorrow (you'll have most of the period tomorrow).

Enjoy the start of the book!

Introduction to All Quiet on the Western Front

Happy Monday! Congratulations on completing your essay!

As I mentioned last week, unfortunately I will not be there today to personally congratulate you, but I am proud of the work you did - and hope that you are, too!

Today you'll work with a partner or two, or work alone, to gather some basic information about World War I to prepare us to read our next - and final! - book together.

• Here is a link to your work for today - WWI background

A Tale of Two Cities - Peer Review of Rough Draft

You made it to rough draft / peer review day! Congratulations!

The goal of today is simple - to have someone else review your essay and give you constructive feedback on how to make it excellent.  Here are the steps we'll use:

1. Open your rough draft document
1. Highlight the title (make one now if you haven't yet!)
2. Write a 3-4 sentence comment
1. What do you need from the reader?
2. What will help you the most as you finish your paper?
3. Any specific questions you have?
3. Share your draft with one other person
1. Read partner’s work carefully and slowly
2. Provide feedback about these questions:
1. Thesis
1. Is it focused on a character’s personality traits?
2. Does it name a change and the reason for it?
3. Does it specify the outcome?
4. Is it debatable? Is it compelling?
2. Body Paragraphs
1. 2 things s/he is doing well
2. 2 things s/he needs to consider
3. Introduction / Conclusion
1. What is working / what isn't working?
4. Other thoughts / suggestion?
4. Review work with partner
5. Make a 3 point revision plan: what will you address this weekend? Write this out!
6. Submit the draft, including these notes and the name of the reviewer, to turnitin.com

A Tale of Two Cities - Introduction and Conclusion

Today's focus is on the introduction and conclusion of your essay. We'll spend some time talking through this handout about some suggestions for how to make those paragraphs excellent. Then, you will have the rest of the time to work.

• A Tale of Two Cities - essay introduction and conclusion

The goal for tomorrow is to have a draft of your essay. Another student in the class will read it and give you feedback on it - and you will do that for them.

**Also - don't forget to buy a copy of our last book - All Quiet on the Western Front - by 4/30. The bookstore has copies for $6.

A Tale of Two Cities - building your essay

Today our focus is building your essay - taking that thesis statement and evidence and turning into thoughtful and powerful paragraphs. We'll look at an example together and then you will have the rest of the period to work on your own. There is no specific assignment due tomorrow. Instead, continue writing your essay with the goal of having a draft ready for class on Thursday. Happy writing!

Here is a link to our work for today

**Also - don't forget to buy a copy of our last book - All Quiet on the Western Front - by 4/30. The bookstore has copies for $6.

A Tale of Two Cities - Gathering Evidence

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend!

Last time we met you worked on your thesis statement. Today you'll continue to refine it and push forward with the gathering of the evidence you'll need to make your point.

We'll talk about what we mean by evidence, and then we'll make a list of what we mean by "good evidence."  I'll add that to the handout.

Here are the worksheets you'll use to keep track of your evidence collection:

• 1st period evidence worksheet
• 3rd period evidence worksheet

Remember to submit your work to turnitin.com by the start of class tomorrow!

**Also - don't forget to buy a copy of our last book - All Quiet on the Western Front - by 4/30. The bookstore has copies for $6.

A Tale of Two Cities - Thesis Development

Today the focus is your thesis statement.

Start here, with this worksheet to help you develop your initial working thesis.

Next, you'll work with a partner (potentially 2) to give and receive feedback on your thesis. Here is a link to the worksheet you'll use for this process.


**Also - don't forget to buy a copy of our last book - All Quiet on the Western Front - by 4/30. The bookstore has copies for $6.

A Tale of Two Cities - Essay Assignment

Here is a link to the essay assignment for A Tale of Two Cities.

Here is a link to the brainstorming activity you will start in class today and complete for homework. Don't forget to submit it to turnitin.com before the start of class tomorrow!

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 34!

You finished! Congratulations!

We'll spend the day in conversation about the end of the novel, along with some writing to focus our thoughts and interpretations.

Tonight for homework, please write a short journal response - half a page - focusing on a character of your choice - a person who changes over the course of the novel. This will help you to focus on the essay assignment I'll give you tomorrow!

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 33

Happy Monday!

After some group work using this document, we'll have a discussion about how all of these different mysteries get solved by the end of the book, and what role they play in the story overall.

Tonight you are finishing the book!  Here are links to the audio for chapter 15:

• Chapter 15, part 1
• Chapter 15, part 2
• Chapter 15, part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 32

Over the weekend your reading is chapter 14 - here are links to the audio:

• Chapter 14, part 1
• Chapter 14, part 2
• Chapter 14, part 3
• Chapter 14, part 4
• Chapter 14, part 5
• Chapter 14, part 6

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 31

Happy 100 day! Last night you read chapter 9, following the development and mysterious actions of Sydney Carton. The chapter ended with a trial and the shocking revelation that the 3rd accuser of Charles Darnay is Dr. Manette! In class today we will listen to the letter written by Dr. Manette when he was a prisoner in 105 North Tower in the Bastille - a letter discovered by Monsieur Defarge. That letter is chapter 10.

Tonight you will be reading chapters 11 and 12. Tomorrow we will listen to chapter 13 in class. We are getting close to the end - lots of things happen in these chapters! Pay close attention! Here are the links to the audiobook:

• Chapter 11, part 1
• Chapter 11, part 2
• Chapter 12, part 1
• Chapter 12, part 2
• Chapter 12, part 3
• Chapter 12, part 4

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 30

Welcome to the day with the shortest classes of the year! I hope you enjoyed your sleep in!

After a short reading check, we'll briefly discuss chapter 8.  We'll get to more of it tomorrow as well.

For tonight you are reading chapter 9 - then we will listen to chapter 10 in class together. Here are the audio links to chapter 9:

• Chapter 9, part 1
• Chapter 9, part 2
• Chapter 9, part 3
• Chapter 9, part 4
• Chapter 9, part 5
• Chapter 9, part 6

Welcome back from spring break!

and how about that snow?! I hope you had a fantastic break!

Today you will be taking the next STAR test. Remember that the score will go into IC but it does not count towards your grade. I do use the scores to help plan classes and individual help.

Here are the STAR test instructions:

• Click here to go to the link for the test.
• For your username, use the same name you are logging into the Chromebooks and computers with.
• Your password is your student ID number - but ONLY the number - i.e. 121XXXX - if you are unable to gain access after TWO tries, please ask for help before trying a third time.
• You will be presented with two choices - select STAR Reading
• Sometimes, the system will request a “Monitor Password.” If this happens to you, the password is “admin”
• If you are presented with a list of teachers, please select “Rigler”
• Take the test! Do the best you can!

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Remember A Tale of Two Cities? It is a book we were reading last month. For Wednesday, you will be reading the next chapter - chapter 8 of book 3. Here are links to the audio:

• Chapter 8, part 1
• Chapter 8, part 2
• Chapter 8, part 3
• Chapter 8, part 4
• Chapter 8, part 5
• Chapter 8, part 6
• Chapter 8, part 7

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 29

😃🚲3⃣4⃣🌞!
👍🕰👎🕰...

It is emoji day as we wrap up third quarter! You'll work with your groups today as we think about and use emojis. But first, as a warm-up, try out these quizzes:

• Sporcle - Movies by Emoji
• Guess Emoji - the Emoji quiz

Then, your task sounds simple, but it's not exactly easy. You are going to re-tell chapters 6 and 7 using only emojis. No, not all of it, and certainly not word-for-word. Here's what you will do:

1. Discuss the chapter with your group and come up with 10 sentences / pieces of dialogue that capture the essence of each chapter (10 for each).
2. Using the emoji keyboard or any similar tool you'd like, create an emoji version of those ten lines.
1. 🇬🇧🏦🇫🇷🍷⚔☠👪👴
3. Put these into a Google Slide show. 
1. The first slide is a title, including emojis representing the people in your group
2. Then, have the emoji sentence by itself on a slide, followed by a slide with a "translation" of it
3. Continue this for all of your lines.
4. Then we'll read these together as a class and see if we can figure them out!

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 28

Today we'll spend some time talking about chapter 5 and the Carmagnole - check out the video above for a great visual of it.

After a short writing you'll have time to start your reading for tonight - chapters 6 & 7:

• Book 3, chapter 6, part 1
• Book 3, chapter 6, part 2
• Book 3, chapter 6, part 3
• Book 3, chapter 7, part 1
• Book 3, chapter 7, part 2

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 27

Happy Monday! I'm looking forward to seeing all of you!

After we catch up a little bit at the start of class we'll consider the historical background of the events Dickens brings to life in the novel.

• Here is a set of questions to guide your group work for today. 

For homework tonight you are reading chapter 5 - here are the links to the audio:

• Book 3, chapter 5, part 1
• Book 3, chapter 5, part 2
• Book 3, chapter 5, part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 26

Greetings! Today we'll focus on the start of book 3.

Start with your group. Here is the handout you'll use to focus your work on chapters 1 & 2 of book 3.

• Book 3 - Return to France

When you are done you can use the rest of the time to start your weekend homework.

Homework - Book 3, chapters 3 & 4 - here are links to the audio:

• Book 3, chapter 3, part 1
• Book 3, chapter 3, part 2
• Book 3, chapter 4, part 1
• Book 3, chapter 4, part 2

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 25

Happy Wednesday! Yes, I continue to be out of town on a family emergency. Thanks for continuing to stay focused!

Here is the plan for today:

• Start in your groups. Together, answer these questions, using both a quotation from the text and a sentence or two of explanation. Please add your answers to your group work document - title this new page "end of book 2."

1. Who is Madame Defarge’s lieutenant in leading the women, and what does this “nickname” imply about her?
2. Who was Old Foulon and what was his fate?
3. What happens at the Marquis’s villa? What is this an example of?
4. What role does the mender of roads play at this point in the story?
5. In chapter 24, why is Mr. Lorry going to France? What is his mission?
6. What is Gabelle’s urgent plea? To whom is it addressed? Does that person receive the message?
7. What is Charles’s decision at the end of the chapter? Why does he decide on this course of action? What does this say about his character?

• Use the remaining time to get started on your reading for tonight

For homework, it is time to start Book 1! Here are the audio links:

• Book 3, chapter 1 - part 1
• Book 3, chapter 1 - part 2
• Book 3, chapter 1 - part 3
• Book 3, chapter 1 - part 4
• Book 3, chapter 1 - part 5
• Book 3, chapter 2 - part 1
• Book 3, chapter 2 - part 2
• Book 3, chapter 2 - part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 24

Greetings! Sadly, I am out again today. Here is the plan:

• Sit with your groups. Here is a link to your work for the first part of the period.
• When you are done, if there is any time left, you can start the reading for tomorrow - chapters 23 and 24 - here are the links:
• Chapter 23, part 1
• Chapter 23, part 2
• Chapter 23, part 3
• Chapter 24, part 1
• Chapter 24, part 2
• Chapter 24, part 3
• Chapter 24, part 4
• Chapter 24, part 5

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 23

Happy Monday!
Unfortunately, I had to leave town for an emergency so I will not be with you today or tomorrow.

The plan for today is simple: reading time! You are reading chapters 21 & 22 for tomorrow. Here are the links to the audio:

• Chapter 21, part 1
• Chapter 21, part 2
• Chapter 21, part 3
• Chapter 21, part 4
• Chapter 21, part 5
• Chapter 21, part 6
• Chapter 22, part 1
• Chapter 22, part 2
• Chapter 22, part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 22

We'll start off today with a focus on Dr. Manette and the ways in which he changes over the course of the chapters you read for today, 17 & 18. In your notebook, you will create an "EKG" to trace the high and low points he experiences and note where in the text that happens.

Once you have identified 2 high points and 2 low points, you will write out a brief response in your notebook:

• When is Dr. Manette at his best? What is happening then?
• When is Dr. Manette at his worst? What is happening then?

For homework, you have two parts. You are writing the paragraph about Madame Defarge and reading chapters 19 and 20. The paragraph is due by the start of class on Monday. Here are the links to the audio for chapters 19 and 20:

• Chapter 19, part 1
• Chapter 19, part 2
• Chapter 19, part 3
• Chapter 19, part 4
• Chapter 20, part 1
• Chapter 20, part 2

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 21

Last night you read the second chapter featuring Madame Defarge - "Still Knitting."

Today, after some work we'll do together as a class to understand the chapter, you'll begin working individually on this persuasive paragraph assignment about her.

Tonight you are reading chapters 17 and 18 - here are the links to the audio:

• Chapter 17, part 1
• Chapter 17, part 2
• Chapter 17, part 3
• Chapter 18, part 1
• Chapter 18, part 2
• Chapter 18, part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 20

Happy Tuesday! Today you will work with your groups as we look at chapter 15.

First, share your notes and annotations about chapter 15 with each other. What questions do you have? Did you follow the different parts of it? Make sure you have clear conclusions about these characters:

• Mender of roads
• Monsieur Defarge
• Madame Defarge

Next, we'll look at some different on-line summaries of the book. Maybe you have been reading these, maybe not. Today we'll put them to the test - when are they helpful? When are they not helpful?

1. Shmoop
2. GradeSaver
3. Cliffs Notes
4. Spark Notes

Here is the sheet you will use to keep track of the information you find, followed by a group quote-finding quiz.

For tonight you are reading and annotating chapter 16 - here are the audio links (remember, if you want to listen to Mr. Hirsch's recording, you can find it under the Tale of Two Cities tab at the top of the home page of the blog).

• Chapter 16, part 1
• Chapter 16, part 2
• Chapter 16, part 3
• Chapter 16, part 4
• Chapter 16, part 5

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 19

Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend.
Get ready for our first full week of school in a while!

Here's a crazy illustration to go along with chapter 14 - is this the way you pictured it?

We'll focus on this chapter for a short discussion and activity today. You'll be able to use the remaining time to get started with the reading - chapter 15 for tonight. Here are the audio links:

• Chapter 15, part 1
• Chapter 15, part 2
• Chapter 15, part 3
• Chapter 15, part 4
• Chapter 15, part 5

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 18

We'll start off today with time to read chapter 13 - here are the links to the audio recording if you want to listen while you are reading:

• Chapter 13, part 1
• Chapter 13, part 2

Here is the link to today's group work.

Over the weekend you will be reading and annotating chapter 14 - here are links to the audio:

• Chapter 14, part 1
• Chapter 14, part 2
• Chapter 14, part 3
• Chapter 14, part 4
• Chapter 14, part 5

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 17

We'll start off the day with a look at your group work from the end of class yesterday - you were naming suspects for the murder of the Marquis.

After that and some discussion of last night's reading, you'll have time to work individually today, looking closely at one of the characters. Here are the instructions for that writing.

Tonight you are reading chapter 12 - here are the links to the recording:

• Chapter 12, part 1
• Chapter 12, part 2
• Chapter 12, part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 16

Happy Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed Pulaski Day - the last three-day weekend until the end of May!

We'll get right into groups today for two activities:

1. The conversation between Darnay and the Marquis. You will re-enact this dialogue with one person from your group portraying each of these characters. The other 1-2 members of your group will help the rest of us to understand what they are talking about. Here's a little bit of what that might look like: 
 
2. Time to start solving the crime - the murder of the Marquis! 
1. Here's the sheet to guide your work. 
2. As usual, make a copy of it and paste it into your ongoing group Google Doc.

With any remaining time today you will be able to start reading chapters 10 & 11 for tonight. Here are links to the audio:

• Chapter 10, part 1
• Chapter 10, part 2
• Chapter 10, part 3
• Chapter 10, part 4
• Chapter 11, part 1
• Chapter 11, part 2

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 15

After a short piece of writing at the start of the period, you'll meet with your groups for about 15 minutes. Together you will identify:

• Two key scenes in the novel up to this point
• Two unanswered questions you have - and would like to discuss

Keep track of these in your group work document.

After 15 minutes we'll all come together to discuss the scenes and questions you selected.

For Tuesday (no school Monday!) you will be reading and annotating chapter 9 - here are links to the recordings:

• Chapter 9, part 1
• Chapter 9, part 2
• Chapter 9, part 3
• Chapter 9, part 4

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 14

At the start of class today I'll return the quizzes you took yesterday. If you'd like to revise your quiz, you can turn it in to me (Thursday for 1st period, Friday for 3rd) with new responses and you'll earn the higher grade.

I'll talk you through chapter 6, mentioning places where I think it would be good for you to have annotations. Hopefully by now you have a good system you are using. If not, this is the time to get it going!

Then we will listen to the recording of chapter 7. We'll talk about it tomorrow, along with chapter 8, which you are reading for homework tonight. Here are links to the recordings:

• Chapter 7, part 1
• Chapter 7, part 2
• Chapter 7, part 3
• Chapter 7, part 4
• Chapter 8, part 1
• Chapter 8, part 2

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 13

After a short piece of writing about Carton and Darnay, we'll get to some group work.

Today, you'll be making a "found poem" about Sydney Carton. What does that mean?

1. Gather words and phrases, either said by or about him, from chapters 4 and 5 - you need at least 5 from each chapter.
2. Assemble these into a poem about him. It can be said from his perspective or be a description of his character and personality.
1. You can only alter the words you find in the book (make them plural, past tense, things like that) - don't add any new words
2. Find a way to structure your poem - maybe there is a phrase that repeats, like in a song. Maybe there is a rhyming structure. Maybe you use the same word at the start or end of a line.
3. We'll share these out loud.

If there is time remaining, we will start listening to chapter 6, the chapter you are reading for homework tonight. Here are links to the audio files:

• Chapter 6, part 1
• Chapter 6, part 2
• Chapter 6, part 3
• Chapter 6, part 4
• Chapter 6, part 5

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 12

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend!

For today you read chapter 4 (of book 2), but our work will go back to the trial scene you listened to on Friday. Use this document for your group work today.

For tonight, you are reading / listening to + annotating chapter 5. Here are the links to the audio recording:

• Chapter 5, part 1
• Chapter 5, part 2

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 11

Happy Friday! I will not be in class today - I am downtown leading a conference (I can tell you more about it if you really want to know).

By the way, did you know that over there on the right-hand side of the blog there are links to a glossary (dictionary of words found in the book) and other resources to help you better understand the novel? Check 'em out!

The plan for today is for the sub to play you the recording of chapter 3. In case you are not in class, or if you want to listen to it again, here are the links to it:

• Chapter 3, part 1
• Chapter 3, part 2
• Chapter 3, part 3
• Chapter 3, part 4
• Chapter 3, part 5
• Chapter 3, part 6

Over the weekend, you are to read and annotate chapter 4. Here are the links to the recording:

• Chapter 4, part 1
• Chapter 4, part 2
• Chapter 4, part 3

Have a great weekend!

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 10

Happy Thursday!
We'll start today in groups, with a few minutes to finish your work from yesterday. Then, we'll share your creations as we get to know the Cruncher family!

Create a Google Doc - title it "Tale of Two Cities - Group Work." Please make sure the names of your group members are on the first page. Insert whatever work you did with chapter 1 and be sure it is labeled.

After that, you'll stay with your group as we turn our attention to chapter 2.  Here are the questions you'll answer with your group. Keep your answers in the same Google Doc (it is the one I will use to give you credit at the end of the unit).

1. What is Jerry Cruncher asked to do by the old clerk at Tellson’s Bank?
2. How is the Old Bailey described? What is happening there today?
3. We see two characters (other than Lorry) at the Old Bailey whom we know already. Who are they? Why are they there?
4. A new character is described. What is his name? How is he described? Why is he there?

For tonight, there is no homework - we will listen to chapter 3 in class tomorrow.

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 9

Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the long weekend! We have just a quick few days before the next weekend kicks in - lots to do!

For today, you read chapter 1 of book 2, "Five Years Later." To help us think about what happened, you will work with your group on this activity:

• Getting to know the Crunchers

Tonight's homework is to read chapter 2. Here are the links to the audio recording, if you find that to be helpful:

• Chapter 2, part 1
• Chapter 2, part 2
• Chapter 2, part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 8

Happy Thursday / Friday!

Today you'll work with your groups for a little while before you take an individual quiz (open book and notebook, but not Chromebook).

Over the weekend your homework is to read and annotate chapter 1 of book 2. If you want to listen to the recording while you are reading, here are links to it:

• Chapter 2 - part 1
• Chapter 2 - part 2
• Chapter 3 - part 3

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 7

Happy Wednesday! Happy Valentine's Day!

Today we will listen to the last chapter in book 1 - chapter 6, "The Shoemaker"

Before that you will have some time to meet with your group to review a few questions from chapters 4 and 5, using the sheet from yesterday.

Tonight there is no reading homework, but there is a written journal response. It needs to be approximately one page, uploaded to turnitin.com before the start of class. Here are the guidelines:

• Questions to consider: 
• What key ideas have you noticed? What is most striking about the setting or characters
• Is there a particular scene you find important? Why? 
• Is there a particular character that has drawn your interest? Why? 
• Are there any symbols or themes that you find striking? Explore your interpretation of it/them. 

• Traits of a strong journal response: 
• Lead with your ideas / Don’t summarize the plot 
• Use multiple quotes 
• Explain how the quotes connect to your ideas 
• Make connections to larger ideas and the world around us 
• Be ready to share your work, both out loud and in writing

Ch. 5

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 6

Today we'll listen to chapter 5.  Then, you'll work with your group to answer these questions:

• TTC - questions for chapters 4 & 5

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 5

Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed the snow day and the long weekend!

Today, 1st period will listen to chapter 4.  Here is another map to give you a sense of where things are taking place:

and here is a picture of the white cliffs of Dover:

3rd period will listen to chapter 3 and then start chapter 4, to make up for the lost day.

Again, there is no homework, but you should be in the habit of reviewing the reading - you never know when a quiz might appear!

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 4

Here are the calendars for the next three weeks:

• Calendar 1 - 1st period
• Calendar 1 - 3rd period

Today our focus is on chapter 3 of book 1: "The Night Shadows"

Please sit with your groups at the start of the period.

The Mail (chapter 2)

A Tale of Two Cities - Days 2 & 3

On Tuesday we listened to two different recordings of the first chapter of the novel. We discussed some basics about annotating, including keeping track of unfamiliar words and allusions Dickens makes.  We also talked about tone and we looked for examples of sarcasm in the initial descriptions of France and England.

On Wednesday we'll work in small groups to explore some of the contrasting ideas - paradoxes - of the time period. We'll compare them with some reflections on life today.

Before we listen to chapter 2 we'll discuss some annotating strategies. Then, we'll listen to the recording. Your group will have time to discuss some of the annotations you make and questions you have.

• TTC opening - paradoxes
• TTC annotation guide

A Tale of Two Cities - Day 1!

Happy Monday!
Today we will start our work with A Tale of Two Cities (I often abbreviate it as TTC) but not be reading it just yet. First, we have a mystery to solve!

*Please be sure to have your book with you every day of this unit.

Poetry Out Loud - Day 5

Happy Monday!

After our quiz to start the day, you'll have the opportunity to share your poem a few times with a small group and then practice presenting it.

While we won't have a practice competition until tomorrow, you should know what the rubrics looks like:

• contest evaluation
• accuracy scoresheet

Keep practicing - competition time is almost here!

Also, please remember to buy A Tale of Two Cities - you'll need it for next Monday!

Poetry Out Loud - Day 4

Now that you have your poem and have started to work with it, it's time to get to know it well.

Here's the plan for today:

1. Choose a partner - stand together somewhere in the room (stand, not sit!). Read / recite your poem to that person 2-3 times. Don't forget to switch and listen to the other person's poem!
2. Make a copy of this document to use today. Hopefully the directions there are self-explanatory. Take your time - this should take you 30 minutes or more.
3. When you are finished, upload your work to turnitin.com
4. Lastly, find a different partner to work with and read / recite your poem to that person 2-3 times. Switch!

Your homework is to practice reciting your poem multiple times throughout the weekend. Recite it to your friends, your family, your dog, your snapchat story - whatever works! On Monday morning we will start with a quiz - you will write out your poem! Good luck with it!

Poetry Out Loud - Day 3

To help inspire our work today, here are a few more examples of people reciting poems:



Here are our tasks for today:

1. Copy your poem into your notebook - yes, by hand - make sure you are able to read it. Write it a little bigger and a little clearer than you usually write.
2. Read your poem aloud
3. Examine your poem
1. Put a box around words you need to define
2. Mark natural breaks - word, line, sentence
1. See Nate Marshall's "god made the hundreds, man made it wild" for an example of the role of breaks
3. Highlight words / phrases - center of gravity for each break
4. Notebook reflection:
1. What did the work we did today with this poem – thinking about it, writing it out by hand, speaking and hearing it, looking at the language – help you see and understand about this poem?
2. How do you understand it better or differently
3. What do you see or feel in this poem that you had not before you came to class today?

Poetry Out Loud - Day 2 - Choosing a Poem

Greetings! I hope you enjoyed the videos yesterday and have a little sense of what this project looks like. Here are a few examples (we'll watch a few each day) of some other students (from around the country) to check out and (hopefully) inspire you.

After we watch and discuss them, here is the plan for the day:

1. Go to the website to start the process of choosing a poem
2. In a new Google doc, copy and paste three poems (including title and author)
3. For each one, write 3-4 sentences about why you chose it
4. Bring a printed copy to class tomorrow.

Start of Second Semester! Poetry Out Loud

Welcome back!!
Congratulations on finishing your finals and completing your first semester of high school!
We will have opportunities to talk about your final essay and your semester grade later this week.

Today, we will start a project we'll spend time with for the next two weeks:

Here are the calendars:

• 1st period
• 3rd period

And some videos for today to introduce the project (see if you can spot the DHS alumnus). After you watch the videos you will start the process of selecting your poem using this link.

STAR test and more work on Othello essay

We are going to take the STAR reading test today. Please do your best on this reading comprehension test. Again, this is so we can understand how you read and learn. Do your best.

• Click here to go to the link for the test.
• For your username, use the same name you are logging into the Chromebooks and computers with.
• Your password is your student ID number - but ONLY the number - i.e. 121XXXX - if you are unable to gain access after TWO tries, please ask for help before trying a third time.
• You will be presented with two choices - select STAR Reading
• Sometimes, the system will request a “Monitor Password.” If this happens to you, the password is “admin”
• If you are presented with a list of teachers, please select “Rigler”
• Take the test! Do the best you can!

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Today we'll talk about using quotations in your essay. Here is a link to the handout we've used this semester.

Othello - Thesis and Topic Sentences

Happy Tuesday!

Here is an organizer for your essay - feel free to make a copy of it for our work today.

Today in class we built a sample thesis / topic sentence outline around the topic of "reputation."

• We brainstormed for 10 minutes
• We built topic sentences that were based around ideas, not characters
• We linked these together into an arguable thesis

You've got this!

Othello - Final Essay - Crafting a Thesis part I

Happy Monday! Happy last week of first semester!

Last week when I first shared the final exam with you I asked you to create a document called "initial brainstorming." Please open it now.

1. In that document, I asked you to choose one of the three topics and to write your initial thoughts about it. As a reminder, the three possible topics are:
1. Persuasion and Manipulation
2. Power
3. Being and Seeing or Appearance and Reality
2. Re-read what you wrote there. If you like it and want to stay with that topic, great. If not, choose one of the other two.
3. Spend the next ten minutes looking through your journal entries about Othello. Find 2 or more quotations related to this topic - quotations you think you might even use in your essay. Type these quotations into your document.
4. While you are thinking about your journal responses, please go ahead and complete this short survey about the work in your journal. I will be collecting them at the end of the period and I want to know your sense of the work you did there.
5. Here is a link to the thesis development worksheet we used earlier in the semester. We'll use it again today to guide our work.

*Note - I will not be collecting any of the preparatory work we do this week. This is your final exam and it is up to you to use my feedback and the work we've done together all year to make sure you are submitting your best possible essay.