Friday, September 5, 2008 - SYLLABUS DAY!

Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. Reflect on prior knowledge and communicate what they know.
2. Share reflective writing with a group and/or listen to the thoughts of others.
3. Explain the goals, procedures, and processes of AP English Lit.

Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer the following question in their notebooks: Did you do your homework last night? If yes, how long did it take you to complete? If not, why not? How does doing your homework on the first day of school (or not doing it) set the tone for the rest of the school year? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from students to the warm-up and to the homework assignment.

2. Ms. Kingsbury will review this year's syllabus with the class. [Students - please note that, due to your overwhelming response to the warm-up exercise, we will continue this on Monday!]

3. Today's Classwork: 30 points - Ms. Kingsbury will continue to collect personal information related to skills and scholarship from the students. Students will answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper and turn in at the end of class:
a. When it come to technology, I know...5+ things. This year, I would like to learn...3+ things.
b. When it comes to research and writing, I know...3+ things. This year, I would like to learn...3+ things.
c. When it comes to work in groups, I feel...3 sentences. This year, I would like to work with...list 3 people. I definitely do not want to work with...

HOMEWORK:
Part 1: Personal Evaluation and Essay Writing:
Consider this question: What should high school English be? Teachers vary in their opinion of the purpose and thrust of English class. Possible answers include:
a. It is a refuge from the rest of the school day.
b. It is a place of talk, conversation, and social interaction.
c. It is a place where students learn to master the power of words and symbols - theirs and others.
d. It is a place where students can define their existence.
e. It is a place of words.
f. It is everything it can be.
g. It helps a student to see beyond.
h. It is a place dripping with literacy.
What do you think? Do you agree with any of these answers? Do you have an answer of your own? Please write a 1-page answer to the question, "What should high school English be?" using one of the above answers or answer of your own. Include specific examples to justify your answer. This answer should be written in your notebook. Please let me know if you need any clarification on this assignment at ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.

Part 2: Students will get their syllabi signed by their parents or guardian and return on Monday for 30 points. THIS IS MANDATORY.