Bronx Perspectives: Take 1

After being introduced to several characters from Bronx Masquerade, contrast points of view of different characters that you have learned about. 

Harlem Renaissance Icon

Based on what you have learned about the Harlem Renaissance which individual(s) stood out the most to you? What was it about them that you admired? What was their role in the Harlem Renaissance and what impact did it have on society?

Quarter 2 Reflections

We have reached the end of 2nd Quarter...can you believe it?! Now take a moment to reflect on what you have learned so far. Some questions* to consider:

- Of the books you have read this quarter, which was your favorite? Why?
- *In what area do you think you made your biggest improvements in English Language Arts? 
- *What is something you have accomplished since the new year that you are proud of?
- Where are you in your 20 Book Challenge? 
- *What has been the most challenging part of 2nd Quarter for you and what did/can you do to help overcome this?
- How have your blogs been progressing since August? 
- What strategies have benefited you? 
- What have you learned about the world? 
- How have your research skills improved?

Make sure to include a topic sentence and supporting details that fully support your main idea.

*Question must be addressed

Of Mice and Men: The Movie

Choose one section from Section I, II, or III to explore more closely in your blog for this week. Everyone will be completing Section IV.

Section I

There are several directorial choices that Gary Sinise made that differ from the novel. Comment on these choices.

1.  In the film, the director shows us “the incident in Weed” differently from how we find out in the book. What’s different? Why do you think he chose to do it that way? How does it change the story?
2. The book begins with the “stage” set by the pond. In the film, we see George on a train first. Why would the director do this? What is the director telling us about George’s life?
3. What do you think of the director’s choice of Sharilynn Fenn to play Curley’s wife? Does she look the way you imagined her in the book? Whom would you have chosen?

Section II

There are several scenes added to the movie in which Curley’s wife talks to George. These scenes are not in the book, or they appear differently in the book.

4. Briefly describe at least two of these scenes.
5. How do these new scenes change or add to your opinion of Curley’s wife? What do they show the audience about her? Why do you think the director (or screenwriter) chose to add those scenes?

Section III

Although the plot has the same ending in both the book and the movie, the actual ending moments of each piece are different. The movie ends with a flashback; the book ends with dialogue.

6. What does the flashback show?
7. How does the flashback leave the audience feeling at the end of the movie?
8. Does that feeling match the feeling at the end of the book? Why do you think the director chose to use a different ending rather than just showing exactly what’s in the book?
9. What is the line of dialogue that ends the book?
10. What does that line tell us about the speaker?
11. What feeling does that line leave the reader with? How does it make you feel when he says that?

Section IV

What are your general thoughts, feelings, reactions of Of Mice and Men? What had the most profound impact on you or your understanding of the novella? Who would you recommend this  book to and why?

Nonfiction Creative Writing

Based on your non-fiction reading the past few weeks you will now write a blog about the topic you learned. This won't be your typical blog post though. You will be writing in a narrative format AND from the perspective of an inanimate object.

Have fun!

Exploring Nonfiction Reader Response

Reader Response
e questions
1- Write a summary of what you read in your book recently. 

2- Copy a short passage that you found to be interesting. Explain what made it interesting for you. 

3- Explain some of the things that you have learned so far that you are not likely to forget in the near future.

Happy Writing:)

I commented on:
Melanie's blog
Nathaniel's blog

Conflict in 'Of Mice and Men'

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story. Four common types of conflict are:

• Man vs. Man
• Man vs. Self
• Man vs. Nature
• Man vs. Society

In Of Mice and Men, conflict surrounds the plot and is a major part of the action. Several conflicts emerge at the same time, and ultimately cause the plot to materialize into an interesting and suspenseful story.

Brainstorm the different types of conflicts via your Google doc, creating a chart that addresses the conflict, types of conflict, and the effect that the conflict has had on the plot so far. 

From your brainstorming session, choose at least two conflicts to explore more in depth in this blog. Be sure to include textual evidence and support and also identify the effect that the conflict has had on the plot so far.