Periods 1 & 2 Moby Schedule & Project Ideas

We are near the end of our Moby voyage! Here are your readings for the week:

Period 1 - 3/31, ch. 123-127; 4/5, ch. 128-132; 4/7, ch 133-134
Period 2 - 3/30, ch 116-122; 4/1, ch. 123-130; 4/6, ch 131-134
(We will read the last chapter together, as well as the Epilogue.)

I am still working on project ideas. Here are some I've had so far (with the help of some of my sweeties):

A scrapbook - take on the persona of one character, and create a scrapbook, including momentos, pictures, letters and reflections of the voyage/experiences.

Create a coffin - Remember, Queequeg fashioned his coffin after a canoe. It was symbolic for him, and the items he wanted to place in his coffin/canoe were symbolic, too. You will create yours in a shape/form that is symbolic of another character (3-D). Create several items that would go inside based on their likes, dislikes, personality, beliefs, etc. You will explain what each one means, as well as create a eulogy for the character that discusses the essence of him.

A zodiac calendar - remember when the seamen discussed the cyclical nature of life, the stars and the zodiac? Create a calendar of the signs, the symbolism, as well as the events in the story that fit into that sign. Remember, the novel itself, as well as the plot, was cyclical! You wondered why Melville repeats himself, right? Well, now you know!

"WWID?" or "What Would Ishamel Do?" - You can create a book that would reflect the lesson Ish tried to teach us. State a predicament, an issue, etc., then explain how Ish might handle it. You could do "WWQD?" (Queequeq) or WWSD? (Starbuck), etc.

An Art Anthology - There has been a myriad of art done in relation to MD. Create an art book of various paintings or photographs found in galleries (they're all over the Internet), then explain what the pictures mean in relation to the events of the novel, the views of the characters, or the themes.

Create a lyric and poetry book - Write poetry from the perspective of one character (one haiku, one name poem, one tanka, one narrativepoem, one metaphor poem). They must all have at least one literary tool. You will also include the lyrics of three songs that reflect the character's perspective, beliefs, experiences, etc.

Paper Quilt (or Counterpane)- Remember that Queequeg's body (and his many tattoos) resembles a quilt??? Well, you can create a quilt of 25 squares that represent 25 chapters. Each square will have a symbol, quote and the life lesson for each of the 25 chapters you select. Remember, the colors and pattern should symbolize the chapter, too! Each square should be 6" x 6".

You will get to choose which one to do. There may be more ideas I come up with, but for now, this is it. SMILE :o)

Moby Dick Help and Assignment

OK, so you have to read Chapters 110-115. To the left is a map of the course the Pequod takes in the various chapters. As you know, they are currently off the coast of Japan. Check it out! In addition, CLICK HERE for an annotated version of Moby Dick. We've been talking how you, as a reader, need to look words/names up when you are unsure of their meaning or purpose, and this site has notes of unfamiliar names and words in the margins.

Your task for these chapters is to include a quote that inspires you, makes you reflect, or packs a punch, has a cool literary technique, or reflects on one of our vocab words (from any unit). Be sure NOT to include the same information as someone else...and explain why this sentence SPEAKS to you! You may use the same sentence as someone else, as long as you are looking at it, and addressing it, in a different perspective. Post your comments here by Sunday :o) The earlier you post, the better :o)

MUCHO LOVE-O!!!

Spring Break Work

Hi, guys and gals! Don't forget the work you should be doing over break :o)

Periods 1 & 2
Remember to get your group's synthesis essay packet together. Oh, My friend came up with an idea (with all the problems in Japan right now) - what about a question on nuclear energy? Your statement could be: What are the issues to consider with nuclear energy?

You also have to read chapters 100-104 of Moby Dick. Check back with the blog for discussion questions!

Be sure to visit a bookstore, or do some research on which of our two novels you want to read next. Maybe your group in class can read the same one, or pick the same one as your friend. Creating teams for reading is wonderful - so much discourse can happen! Your choices are The Alchemist, or Like Water for Chocolate.

Periods 3 & 5
Your job this week is to finish reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. I want you to take notes, and be ready for a quiz and discussion when we return. I also want you to apply the 7 habits in your daily lives during break! Make good decisions, please :o)

Start getting your computer ready for your Poetry Portfolio. Get a folder ready, and organize yourselves. This will really help you in maintaining your poetry not just for your project, but also for a lifetime of reflection and writing!

Don't forget your test corrections for your last vocab test!

Periods 4 & 6
Remember, for every Reading Plus session, you receive one A! You can earn up to 15 A's. I am going to update the grades today, and you will see that many of you could use them. Be careful - if you get suspended, it could take me a couple days to reset it. Besides, you need to do quality work. You need a QUIET place for Reading Plus - no TV, people talking, iPod, cellphones, etc.

OK, know that I love and miss you already!

Smile,
C-Rod!

Periods 3 & 5

Tankas are short, lyrical poems structured in 31 syllables, arranged in groups of 5, 7, 5, 7 and 7 syllables. See below:

"Saying Goodbye"

Carefully I walk
Trying so hard to be brave
They all see my fear
Dark glasses cover their eyes
As mine flow over with tears

Count out the syllables in the poem above. See how line 1 is 5 syllables, line 2 is 7 syllables, line 3 is five, and lines 4 & 5 are 7 syllables each?

Remember, your task is to write a tanka about any theme in "Habit 6: Synergize," and/or what you deal with being a grape, orange, watermelon, or banana. It's up to you. Remember, you need to identify one of the literary tools in your poem! TYPE IT ON NICE PAPER and INCLUDE A GRAPHIC!!!!! This is due on Thursday. I will work with you tomorrow if you have any questions :o)

Love you :o)

Homework Help For Tonight - All periods!

Periods 3-6 - Remember, you have to read "Habit 6: Synergize" of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Read pages 182-185 (skip 186-190), then read "Roadblocks to Celebrating Differences" on pg 190 all the way through page 202. Make a chart of the Synergy Action Plan to help you: Define the Problem or Opportunity, Their Way, My Way, Brainstorm, and the High Way. Write info about each topic, as this will help you remember the definition, function and purpose of each step! I look forward to the activities tomorrow...as well as our discussion! You really enlightened me with your ideas on Friday! I love it...and I want more of it :o)

Periods 1 & 2 - Each of the chapters has an interesting message. In reading with the students who stayed for tutoring today, this is what I came up with (and I hope it sheds some light on the reading). I want you to read the words carefully and see how they relate to life, the human experience, or the world around us.

Chapter 96, "The Try-Works" - It's a fiery pit, symbolic of hell. Think about what Ishmael means by the compass, the sun!

Chapter 97, "The Lamp" - Why juxtapose these two chapters (ch 96 & 97)? What/Whom does the lamp symbolize. I loved the part about in seeking "the food of light, [we] live in the light." What does that mean? At the end of this very short chapter, I am reminded of baptism, which leads us into the next chapter!

Chapter 98, "Stowing Down and Clearing Up" - As previously stated, this chapter reminds me of baptism (one of our Words of the Day, "ablution" was present). This chapter is also about how life is cyclical (look up this word if you don't know what it means). What words in the chapter allude to this? In this chapter, "there she blows!" represents what part of life? COOL STUFF!

Chapter 99 ,"The Doubloon" - A doubloon is a gold coin! It becomes the center of the ship. Think about what this ship represents, and this might explain the role money plays (especially to Stubb). Compare and contrast the summary of the zodiac cycle in this chapter to the ideas in Chapter 98. INTERESTING!!! Why do you think Melville made a case for astrology and the "witches" that study it? Remember, he roots for the underdog! Think of the strictures and judgments passed down by the extreme Christians of the time! I also love his comment on books in the last third of the chapter! CHECK IT OUT! How does it relate to Moby Dick? (The book...not the whale...well, actually, it could be applied to both!)

I am still reading Chapter 100, but maybe you could have some questions for me tomorrow that arouse my thoughts and pique my interest! Read this chapter with a critical eye, too. Remember that Melville's words are a lot like the whale - it appears as one thing on the outside, but it is so much more beautiful when you look within!

LOVE YOU ALL, MY BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN!!!!
C-Rod :o)

PS. Feel free to comment here if you have some questions or ideas you want to share with the class!