The Simile in "The Veldt"

We continued reading "The Veldt" today, noting Ray Bradbury's use of the simile throughout.  We listed examples from the story on the board, and talked about what made these similes effective at creating mood.

Students were asked to finish the story for homework, and to fill out the worksheet on figurative language with any other examples of similes found in the last part of the story.  Please bring this completed worksheet to class next day.

Elements of Fiction Review

Today's class was a final work block, to complete the character analysis assignment.  These are due tomorrow (block 3) and Monday (block 6).

Also, students were asked to complete the elements of fiction chart, working to apply the terms to the story, "The Father."  Block 3 should have this chart complete for Wednesday, and block 6 needs to have it done for Monday.

Character Analysis in "The Father"

Please finish the story and record your thoughts on the two characters in "The Father" for Wednesday/Thursday.

Your character analysis assignment (link at side) is due next week.

The Simpsons help us learn, I promise!

We spent the beginning of class talking about our speaker from last day, and we have decided to sign a thank you card for him.  Any students interested in writing a note for him should do so and give it to me by next Monday.

Students were then asked to assess their current knowledge and skill level with respect to the study of short stories.  We will review ourselves again part way through the unit, and then again at the conclusion of the unit.

We then watched an episode of "The Simpsons" with the goal of reviewing certain elements of fiction.  Students were divided into four groups, and each group was responsible for applying one element of fiction to the visual text.  Groups analyzed the following:

• protagonist (traits, round or flat, static or dynamic)
• antagonists (examples of these)
• conflicts (examples of both external and internal)
• theme (construction of a theme statement)

Groups shared their information so that everyone in the class had a record of all four elements.  

In-class paragraphs

Yesterday and today, students in English 9 wrote in-class paragraphs on the novel we just completed in class.  Students were asked to choose one topic from the list of six and were expected to write an organized, thoughtful, error-free paragraph response.

If you were away from class yesterday or today, please see me about when you can write.