Week at a glance April 30 - May 4, 2012

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes figurative language including: idiom, imagery, and symbolism (11.1.2.K4), uses information from the text to make inferences and draw conclusions (11.1.4.K5), compares/contrasts textual aspects: character traits, themes, character motives, and author's purpose (11.1.4.K7), analyzes and evaluates how the author's style (word choice and sentence structure) and use of literary devices work together to achieve his/her purpose by using tone, mood, and imagery (11.1.4.K11d, e, and h), and analyzes contextual aspects of setting and their influence on characters and events in the story including the contexts of history, society, and culture (11.2.1.K2a-c).

This week we'll continue reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.  Last week we finally met Jay Gatsby.  This week we discover the cause for all of his parties and his interest in Nick, Daisy, and Tom.  As we read Chapters IV and V this week, students may wish to reflect on the quote from Fitzgerald that heads our class website. Think of a time when we have returned to a friend or a place we enjoyed in the past -- is our return ever as joyful or wonderful as the happy memories?

• Mon: The Great Gatsby - read and discuss Chapter IV. For Tues: finish reading Chapter IV.
• Tues: The Great Gatsby - Chapter IV quiz, study guide due by the end of the hour.
• Wed: The Great Gatsby - read and discuss Chapter I. For Thurs: finish reading Chapter V.  Pass out and discuss Independent Reading Project thematic analysis.
• Thurs: The Great Gatsby -Chapter V quiz, study guide due by the end of the hour.
• Fri: Independent Reading Project - finish reading your selected book and taking notes for the upcoming thematic analysis and book talk.  The Great Gatsby - film review.