Question 3: Due Date July 25th

Hello fabulous students!

First, remember this is ASSIGNMENT 3.  Assignment 2 is due tonight by midnight (See previous posts).

 

By this time, you are more than half way through Foster's reading and have practiced applying some of his techniques.  Hopefully, you feel you're getting the hang of it and are finding it even somewhat enjoyable.  Regardless, your next assignment is to read through chapter 20.  You will use only the material found between chapters 14-20 to analyze Flannery O'Connor's "Good Country People."

Like both of the other stories so far, this one definitely has a good kick at the end.  Sorry.  Couldn't resist.  Keep reading and enjoy your summer! 

(By the way, after this assignment, you only have one more to go!)

Question 2 Due Tomorrow!

Hey everyone,

Question 2 is due tomorrow at midnight.  So far, I've had great responses; keep it up!  Remember, I'll just let you know I've gotten your response with a quick email.  I'll be posting the third question tomorrow morning, so be sure you're ready with question 2 by midnight tomorrow!

QUESTION 2: DUE DATE JULY 11

Hey everyone,

Thanks so much for your first responses.  I have responded to all I have received, so if you think you sent one and I haven't responded, resend.  Otherwise, I was pleased with your first efforts.  Keep being specific in your connections to Foster and the text as you apply what you're reading.  From now on, I'll only respond if you're off track in some way.  I may send a "Got it" email, but that will be it.  

Your next assignment is to read through chapter 13 in How to Read Literature Like a Professor, and use ONLY THOSE CHAPTERS (8-13) to analyze "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawerence.  

Some of the these stories may be familiar to you, which is great.  Hopefully, using Foster to analyze something you've already read is illuminating.  

The due date is midnight on July 11.  Remember these count as formative grades and there will be late grades and/or zeros given if the work is late or not completed.  

Enjoy your summer, and keep up the good work everyone!

Friendly Reminder

Hey APE's--

Just a friendly reminder that your first responses to Question 1 are due at midnight TOMORROW.  So far, I have about 10 responses.  I'm a little concerned, to be honest.  These count as your first grades in the fall, and there will be late grades.  Probably if you're reading this, you've already done the work or are working on it.  Help out your friends by sending them a friendly reminder to check AND follow my blog so you get the updates whenever I post.

I hope you're all having a great summer!  Remember to email your responses by midnight tomorrow if you haven't already!

Question #1

Hello Fabulous APE students,

You were to have finished reading chapter 7 in Foster's How to Read Literature Like a Professor by now, and your first assignment should show your knowledge of the reading as well as your ability to apply what Foster teaches to a short story of literary merit.  Here's the official assignment:

• After reading chapter 7, read Ray Bradbury's "The Veldt" (click on the title and you will be directed there). 

• Using what you've learned after reading Foster, analyze the story.  You must make specific references to the text and Foster's work.  This need not be long or exhaustive.  I'm looking for quality analysis over lots of fluff, but you should do around 2-3 paragraphs.  

• DO NOT RESPOND TO THE BLOG.  Send all responses to my email:  amy.smith@bpsne.net.  

• I'd like to see your original ideas, not copies of someone else's.  Do not plagiarize.  That would be a terrible introduction for the course.  

• I will respond to everyone after the due date to let you know if you're on the right track.  

Speaking of due date, your responses are all due no later than midnight on Monday, June 23rd.  Once you've responded, you should continue reading to the end of chapter 13.  I'll post question #2 no later than the July 1st. You can ask questions here on the blog or send an email directly. 

AP Summer 2014

Hello fabulous AP students! 

I'm glad you found me here, and I'm looking forward to "working" with you over the summer.  I will be posting the first question/short story during the week of June 16th.  By that time you should at least be finished through chapter 7--a little over 50 pages into the book.  Don't hesitate to comment or email me with any questions you have between now and then.

Enjoy these last few days of school!

Greetings and Salutations

My name is Amy Smith.  Mrs. Smith to most of you who will eventually be viewing this blog.  I have created this blog as a way to 1) connect with students and 2) connect with other professionals, and finally 3) reflect on my successes and failures as a teacher of high school English.  I have taught in the Bellevue Public Schools for the last 17 years.  I began at Mission, teaching 8th grade English and moved to West in 2000.  In the time I have been at West, I have taught 9th, 10th, and 12th grade--all levels.  One oddity about me is that I have two B.S. degrees--one in Biblical Studies from Nebraska Christian College (when it was still in my hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska) and one in Secondary Education from Wayne State College.  I also have a Masters degree in English from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

I am a casual user of technology.  I'm not a techie, I'm not a paper and pencil fanatic.  Instead, I am happy to use technology when it is expedient or when it augments student learning.  I am not in favor of using it just to be flashy, or when other methods are just as quick and effective.  In other words, I am a pragmatic user of technology.  In terms of operating systems or preferences, I wouldn't say I'm a Mac or PC.  I like to be able to use both and see merits in both systems.  Apple holds a bit of a monopoly on products that I often use right now though, so being able to use all the items together is helpful.  I have an HP at home though and I have an Android phone, so I am firmly planted in both worlds. 

I'm looking forward to my foray into the world of blogging and am anxious to learn more.  I've had students blog in the past, so I suppose it's time to finally catch up with both my colleagues and students. 

Until next week,

Mrs. Smith