Moving Forward!!
Three weeks down and we are moving forward. I can’t wait to see your I am… assignments!! Here is what is going on in your course:
Seniors- I completely enjoyed reading the Senior Spotlights; I enjoyed getting to know you all a little better through the eyes of your peers. The completed assignment proved to me that I have 36 highly motivated seniors that are ready to get on with the next phase of their life. Hopefully, you are finding the post secondary assignment very useful. After reviewing the Spotlight articles and the Post Secondary survey it is clear that you all have determined that high school is not the end of your education, but merely a stepping stone to the next level. With that in mind, I am certainly looking forward to being a part of your journey to pursue your dreams. This week we will continue to work through the arduous process of college plans. I am expecting you to finalize your decision on the schools you will focus on for the research component of your project. You will have some time to research the proposed topics in class, however, you will have to some of the work at home. The post secondary assignment is due Friday- no exceptions. Look at your list of topics that still need your attention and get busy!!
Juniors- We read three narratives last week by the acclaimed-Angelou, Dillard, and Tan. These authors represent some of the best in literary circles. Take time to study the biographical information on the authors, as you will assuredly see their works on the AP test. After a week of studying the importance of word choice and detail you should be very conscientious of author’s intention for diction and description in any work of literature you read, including-speeches, letters, essays, short stories, novel or poems. Train your mind to consider each word and detail in everything you see, hear, and read. Over the weekend you were assigned to reread Amy Tan’s “Fish Cheeks” and consider, closely, her word choice and syntactical structure. This week you will use a prescribed paragraph starter that will help you to focus on the function of diction, syntax and tone of the narratives assigned.
I hope you are wrapping your brains around is the importance of following directions. As simple as ink rather than pencil, MLA format rather than your own format. Learning to follow simple rules helps you to pay close attention to detail. When reading an AP essay prompt if you miss one detail in the directions you will not score higher than a 3 even if you have a perfect essay!!! The lesson to follow directions is preparing you for success on the AP test!!! Keep working hard, ask questions when you are confused and be sure to use my open door policy.
