Independent Novel Ideas

By Friday, December 16th, you MUST have your independent novel!  Get to the library and find one! :)

The Color Purple – Alice Walker

Dances with Wolves – Michael Blake

The English Patient – Michael Ondaatje

The Horse Whisperer – Nicholas Evans

Last of the Mohicans – James Fenimore Cooper

Snow Falling on Cedars – David Gusterson

Angela’s Ashes – Frank McCourt

Atonement – Ian McEwan

Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions – Daniel Wallace

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? – Peter Hedges

Rocket Boys: a Memoir – Homer Hickman

Pay it Forward – Catherine Ryan Hyde

Push – Sapphire

Running with Scissors – Augusten Burroughs

Schindler’s List – Thomas Keneally

Seabiscuit: an American Legend – Laura Hillenbrand

The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett

Shipping News – Annie Proulx

A Prayer for Owen Meany -  John Irving

This Boy’s Life: A Memoir – Tobias Wolff

A Time to Kill – John Grisham

Up in the Air – Walter Kirn

The Cider House Rules – John Irving

Cold Mountain – Charles Frazier

Gangs of New York – Herbert Asbury

Girl, Interrupted – Susanna Kaysen

The Golden Compass – Philip Pullman

Girl with a Pearl Earring – Tracy Chevalier

Washington Square

– Henry James

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis

The Green Mile – Stephen King

The Human Stain – Philip Roth

Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte

The Last King of Scotland – Giles Foden

Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden

*You are not limited to the choices on this list!

Water for Elephants Movie Reviews

Taken from Google Images

Okay, crew!  The time has come to watch Water for Elephants!  To conclude this unit, your writing assignment will be to write a movie review for the film after we watch it, but you will not hand in a hard copy.  Instead, you will post your movie review to your blog by Friday at 4 pm. 

Instead of this post being worth 50 points, this one will be worth 100 points.  I advise that you take this assignment seriously and do not put off writing it until the last minute.  As always, I am expecting a lot out of your post this week, so please "wow" me!


Your movie review for Water for Elephants should include the following:

1. A Title ("Water for Elephants: Drying up Fans' Expectations")
2. Your Name (you are the author - make yourself known and give yourself some credit; and if you want to give yourself a glitzy movie reviewer name, knock yourself out!)
3. Photo(s) from the film including a caption (make sure you give credit as to where you found the photos)
4. A brief summary of the film, giving your readers background information (write this review as if your audience knows little to nothing about the book or the film)
5. An in-depth analysis of your viewing of the film.  This can include any and all of the following:
a. The characters - were they true to the book?  Did the actors portray the characters well?  How was the on-screen chemistry? (Use the actors' names - they have them!)
b. The setting - did director Francis Lawrence capture the gritty nature of the circus industry of the 1930's?  How did his portrayal of this corrupt industry compare to the book?
c. The plot - did the film stay true to the novel or did it stray from Gruen's plot?  Were the changes better or worse?  Why?

6. In addition to being graded on content and organization of your thought, you will also be graded on your mechanics (spelling, punctuation, and grammar).  Use spell-check and read through your review before you post it!

Below are some published movie reviews of the film.  I advise you to read through them to get a sense of what an actual movie review looks and "feels" like.  If you are struggling, reading these will help you get started.  Happy writing!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/water-elephants-movie-review-180802

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/water_for_elephants/
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/22/entertainment/la-et-water-for-elephants-20110422

http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/04/22/movies/reese-witherspoon-in-water-for-elephants-review.html

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/21/movie-review-water-for-elephants/

Over the Weekend...

Finish Water for Elephants this weekend!  We will discuss the rest of the book Monday and begin the film!

Good luck this weekend, Herders!

Thursday

Crazy?  We think so.
Photo taken from Google Images



- You have a quiz today over chapters 18 and 19 (it's not a quote one - stay calm!)

- Journal Prompt (remember to post your blogs by 4 pm tomorrow!)

We have met a certifiably crazy character in Water for Elephants - August.  For this journal entry, psychoanalyze August as a psychiatrist might analyze a patient.  What makes him tick?  Why does he act the way that he does?  What is wrong with this guy?  After you psychoanalyze August, be sure that you prescribe him something that will even him out - he needs it.

- Read chapters 21-23 for tonight!  We're almost done with the book!  Nice work!

Tuesday Journal Prompt

"It's just a crazy damned life, that's all" (153).

Journal Prompt:

Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters in Water for Elephants.  Think about how each character is struggling with his/her own internal battle at this point in the novel - put the frustration/confusion/fear into words...

Taken from Google Images

Happy Thursday!

Taken from Google Images



Today:

-Film Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SsSrf-jTJI

-Journal Prompt: What is a modern-day equivalent of the circus?  Explain why you think so.


-Group Discussion over Chapters 5-6 (there will be a participation grade today)

-Read chapters 7 through 9 for class tomorrow (breathe - they are short chapters).

On this Fine Tuesday...

Taken from Google Images



-Journal Prompt:

Write about a time that you wanted to run away and join the circus!

-Discussion over Chapters 1-2 in WFE

-Reading Time for Chapters 3 and 4

Happy Monday, Crew!

Welcome back!

-Forrest Gump papers due! (please attach rubrics!)

-Journal Prompt: Using your genre sheet, write about your Thanksgiving Break!

-We get to start a new novel today - Water for Elephants!

-Reading time to get through the Prologue and Chapters 1-2 - be prepared for discussion tomorrow!

Taken from Google Images



Forrest Gump Paper

Today I'm going to give you the 35 minutes we have in class to work on your Forrest Gump papers; if you want passes to work on them during your study halls, please come see me!  If you hand them in today - great!  If you don't, they are due upon your return on Monday, November 28th!  No excuses!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Monday! Short Week!

Taken from Google Images

Today, my dear Film & Fiction class...

1. Watch Mikaela's presentation on The Outsiders

2. Finish Forrest Gump

3. Begin working on your writing assignment - due WEDNESDAY!

Monday FUNday!

We are finishing the book this week and will start the film on Thursday!  Hurray!

Today:

- Journal Prompt: Mr. Tribble sees potential in Forrest, taking him under his wing, helping him become successful during a time when Forrest is downtrodden and alone.  Who is your Mr. Tribble?  Who has shown up on his/her white steed in order to help you out during a time of need?  Who is the person who sees potential in you when (perhaps) nobody else does?  Write about this person.

- Discussion over chapters 21 and 22

- Read chapters 23 and 24 for tomorrow!

tHuRsDaY.

Taken from Google Images



Here is the agenda for today:

- Journal Prompt: "Dear Diary" - Write a diary entry as if you were a character in the story (Forrest, Dan, Jenny, Mama, etc).  Think about the events that are taking place in chapters 17 and 18 and determine how it is affecting this particular character and why.  Write this diary entry from the perspective of whichever character you choose.

- Discussion over chapters 17 and 18

- Read chapters 19 and 20

- DON'T POST YOUR BLOGS!  I am giving you time in class to do so tomorrow!

Wed-nes-day.

Today:

- Quiz over chapters 15-16

- Journal Prompt: Choose a fairy tale and imagine how it might read as a modern-day newspaper article.  Now write :)

- Discussion over chapters 15 and 16

- Read chapters 17 and 18 for tomorrow!

Taken from Google Images

Mooondaaaay.

Today - work on postcard - make it pretty

Tuesday - journal and read chapters 15-16

Wednesday - be prepared for a reading quiz!

Today, My Friends...

- Reading quiz over Chapters 7 and 8

- Journal Prompt: Forrest is drafted and witnesses the horrors of Vietnam.  How has war affected your life?  If it has not directly affected your life, what have you gleaned from the news post 9-11?  How does the state of our world affect you?  Use your genre sheet.

-Discussion over Chapters 7 and 8

-Reading Homework:  Chapters 9 and 10

Thursday.

Taken from Google Images

Ze plan for today, crew:

- Jolly Rancher Journal Prompt (as requested)

- Discussion over Chapters 3 and 4

- Homework for tonight:

Research Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and the term "Idiot Savant".  Bring your findings to class tomorrow to discuss!  Think about Forrest's traits as you conduct this research.

NO READING HOMEWORK TONIGHT!  (But read chapters 5 & 6 over the weekend) Aaannnd...

Good luck this weekend, Herders!

It's Wednesday Already?!

"Let me say this: bein an idiot is no box of chocolates.  People laugh, lose patience, treat you shabby.  Now they says folks sposed to be kind to the afflicted, but let me tell you - it ain't always that way" (1).



Taken from Google Images



The plan for today, crew:

-Journal Prompt:

In Gump-speak, write a journal entry that expresses your thoughts about the first two chapters of the novel.  Have fun with this!

-Discussion over chapters 1 and 2

-Reading Homework: chapters 3 and 4 - be prepared for discussion tomorrow!

Presentations TODAY!

Make sure your group is ready to present your pitch, script and storyboard today! 

If we have time, we will complete group evaluations as well!

Project Due Date!

Taken from Google Images

We will have today (Friday) and Monday to work on your projects in the computer lab.  On Tuesday (October 18th), they will be due at the beginning of class, and your group should be prepared to present your work!  No excuses!  Work on them this weekend if your group is behind in your writing!

This Week...



So, this week your group will utilize the time I give you in class to write your children's book movie pitch, the 10 page excerpt of the screenplay, and sketching the storyboard.  Refer to your rubrics for guidelines!  Take them with you to the computer lab!

Make sure that each of you set up a Google Document for these assignments so that every member of your group can work on the project - there should be no excuses for not contributing!  Remember that your group members will be evaluating your contributions, so pull your weight!  And be sure to add me to your document as well!

Get me the children's book your group has chosen!  I want to be able to read each of them so I know how to help you as you write your pitches and scripts!

Remember that we will not be writing journals this week; instead, each group member will post their group's pitch to their blog site by Friday at 4!  Remember to write to companies like Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks.  These are the companies that make children's films.

I have the due date scheduled for next Tuesday, October 18th (ONE week from today) - be ready to present your group's work by this day!

THE PLAN:

- Get with your group and decide on a children's book - let me know what it is!

- Answer questions concerning pages 52-70 in the script

- Group Discussion

- Read the last pages of the script

- Watch the remainder of the film

- Be sure to post blogs by 4pm today!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  And good luck in football tonight, gentlemen!

Today in Film & Fiction...

The agenda:

• Finish the reading from yesterday
• Journal Prompt:

Max has to choose who is a "good guy" and who is a "bad guy" for the dirt clod teams, but he has a bit of difficulty doing so.  Why?  How do other films portray good guys and bad guys (ie - good and evil)?  Think Harry Potter.  Think Star Wars.  Think Lord of the Rings.  How do Rowling, Lucas and Tolkien make a contrast between their "good" characters and their "bad" characters?  Do the Wild Things have these traits?  Why/why not?

• Watch corresponding film clip
• Discussion

Wed-nes-day.

The agenda:

• Finish film clip from scenes 66-84 (FINALLY)
• Discussion over scenes 66-84
• Begin reading the next section of the script (scenes 84 and beyond...)

Make sure that your group has chosen a children's book by FRIDAY!







October 4th

The Plan for Today, my Film & Fiction Crew:



Photo taken from Google Images



Journal Prompt:

We know that Carol represents Max's feelings of anger and loneliness, while Alexander represents the childlike side of Max - the side desperate for attention and approval.  Douglas represents Max's reasonable, stable side, while Judith represents the side of Max that nobody really likes - his "downer" side.  If you had to personify your emotions or the differing "sides" that make you "you", what would they be like?  Everyone has different aspects to their personality - what would yours be?  What would you name them?  Would they be male or female?  What would they look like?  How would they act?  Come up with at least 5 profiles for the various aspects of your personality.  Have fun with this! :)

Film Clip: Scenes 66-84

Discussion Groups:

WTWTA Discussion Questions – Scenes 66-84

Carol is afraid of KW not coming back.  What could KW represent?  Why?

Metaphorically speaking, what does a huge pile of Wild Things sleeping represent?

What does the “Kingdom” represent?

The Desert in Max’s Kingdom – what could it be a metaphor for?

What’s with the dog?  Why is it in the story?  And why isn’t Max to feed it?

What is the model a representation of?  Why do you think so?

There is a theme of teeth in this story: Vampires losing them, Max biting his mom, Carol losing them.  Why is it in the script?  What does it mean?

Why is Carol stated as the only one who can build the fortress?  What could this mean?



 

Thuuursday.

The plan for this fine Thursday afternoon:

• Be prepared for a quiz tomorrow (Friday)!

• Journal Prompt: Using one of the writing styles on your genre sheet, write about a time you caused a wild rumpus like Max.  "Let the wild rumpus start!"

• Finish reading pages 14-34 in the script
• Watch the clip from the film to go along with what we just read
• Discussion Groups (if time!)

WTWTA Discussion Questions - Scenes 58 – 65

What does Carol represent?  How do we know?

What seems to be Carol’s issue?  Why is he so angry?

Metaphorically speaking, when Max tames the Wild Things, what is he really taming?

Metaphorically speaking, what is Max the “King” of in the film?

What could KW represent?  Why?

Explain Carol’s quote on page 31: “I hope that you can tell how excited they are to have a king. Sometimes they have an odd way of showing it.  I mean, not me, but sometimes they act weird, you know, and it hurts other people’s feelings.”

What is Judith’s character like?  How does she contrast Ira?

What is Alexander like? What could his character represent?

What is Douglas like?  What is his role in the story?

Happy Middle-of-the-Week Day!

Discussion questions over Scenes 1-57 in WTWTA:

Which characters were added to the script?  Why were they added?  What purpose does their presence serve?

The book doesn’t specify why Max is being a terror.  What did the screenplay writers do to justify his behavior?

What does Max do to be a terror?

What do the screenwriters do to make viewers (and readers) empathize with Max?  In other words, how do we know that he is a good kid at heart?

What is the purpose of the teacher’s voice over (VO)?  What does it show us about Max?

What does Max’s wolf suit represent?  How does Max act when he does not have his wolf suit on?

What is the famous line from the book that Max shouts at his mother during the kitchen scene?

How does the boat in the middle of a huge ocean serve as a metaphor for how Max feels? How do we know he feels this way?

BE PREPARED FOR A QUIZ OVER THE 5 ELEMENTS OF STORY STRUCTURE AND THE SCREENPLAY - FRIDAY!

Tuesday, September 27th

Journal Entry:

What is your favorite children's book?  Why do/did you love it so much?  Has it been adapted into a film?  If not, how could it be made into a movie?

We will begin reading the WTWTA script aloud as a group; today, we'll get through scenes 1 -57 (it sounds like a lot, but it's only 14 pages of text).  If there is time, we will start the section of film that goes along with the screenplay!

Be prepared for a quiz later in the week over the 5 Elements of Story Structure and Screenplay knowledge!

Oh, Joyous Monday!

This is what's on the agenda today, crew:

• Journal Entry - Jolly Rancher Journal Prompt!
• 5 Elements of Story Structure Lesson
• Reading Where the Wild Things Are
• Identifying the 5 Elements in the story
• Introduction to Pitch/Screenplay/Storyboard Assignment

Group 1 - Shay, Carly, Laurie
Group 2 - Maddie, Andrew, Cory, Mikaela
Group 3 - Katie, Nels, Quinn
Group 4 - Matt, Melanie, Alex, Angie
Group 5 - Colten, Branden, Wyatt

Photo taken from Google Images



Happy Homecoming Friday!

A few things for my Film and Fiction class:

• Those of you who did well on your vocab tests did EXTREMELY well!  Those of you who did poorly, did VERY poorly.  Study, people!
• I'm missing a couple blogs - Matt and Kaela - get 'em in by 4!  (Laurie and Carly - yours will be due Monday after you finish the film!).
• Be ready for a new unit on Monday!  We are starting Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak!  We will read both the book and the movie script!  I can't wait!

And one last thing:

Good Luck Tonight, Herders!!!
(and have a super fun and safe weekend!)

Study for your Vocab Test!

Be sure to study for your vocabulary test - we will take it tomorrow (Thursday!).  And don't forget to post your movie reviews to your blogs by Friday at 4!  Remember that we don't have class Friday due to Homecoming, so post early - get it out of the way so that you may enjoy your Friday!

Use the discussion questions from yesterday to help get ideas for your movie review:



1.       In what ways does Redford show the strict upbringing of the boys?

2.       How does the cinematography capture Maclean’s detailed descriptions from the novella?

3.       What is the purpose of the scene where the boys steal the boat and go down the waterfall?

4.       In what ways do the actors (both the children and adults) portray Paul’s outgoing nature and Norman’s reserved nature?

5.       Even though Paul’s character is reckless, how does Brad Pitt portray his integrity?  Give specific examples from the film.

6.       The film adds details of Norman Maclean’s education and career not mentioned in the novel.  Why?

7.       Norman is 24 in the film, while Paul is only 21; in the novella, they were 35 and 32.  Why are their characters so much younger in the film?  What purpose does this serve?

8.       How does the fact that Norman and Jessie are dating (not married) during the film change the story?  Why do you think the screenplay is written this way?

9.       Is Neal what you were expecting?  Why/Why not?  What did the actor do well to portray this ill-liked character?

10.   What did filmmakers do to create a contrast between Jessie and Norman’s families?  Why do you think this was added to the film?

11.   What is the purpose of the scene when Jessie drives Norman home on the train tracks?

12.   What events in the film hint at Norman’s life beginning and Paul’s life coming to an end?

13.   What scene do we see evidence of Paul’s vulnerability?  Do we ever see him vulnerable in the novel?  If so, where?

14.   What is fishing a metaphor for in both the film and the novella?

15.   What scene from the novella would you like to have seen in the film?  Why do you think it wasn’t written into the script?

Journal Prompt 9/20

 Now that we have finished both the novella and the film, your journal prompt for the week (THIS is the prompt you will post to your blog by Friday at 4 pm) is as follows:

Take on the role of a movie critic.  Your task is to write a movie review for the film A River Runs Through It.  This is not simply a review that states "Uh...yeah.  It was good...'n stuff...".  This review needs to be detailed and descriptive and explain to your readers (in great detail) WHY or WHY NOT this movie was good (GIVE EXAMPLES!). 

Maybe you want to write about how director Robert Redford captured the spirit of the novella (or did he?).  What about the plot?  Was it any good?  Perhaps you want to write about the cinematography - how was it filmed to be effective to viewers?  What about the actors - how'd they do?  Maybe you have a casting suggestion if you thought that the actor for Norman or Paul was all wrong for his part.  This is YOUR movie review based on YOUR opinion of the film.  Be specific.  Be honest.  And above all, engage your online readers!  I want to be "WOW"ed!  Wow me, Film & Fiction - wow me.

Monday, 9/19

This is what is going on today:

-Finish the film

-Go over vocabulary terms (there will be a test over them on Thursday)

-You may rewrite your Pitch assignment if you did not receive a grade you desired.  If you choose to do this, make sure that the original letter AND rubric are attached to the revised copy.

-Tomorrow we'll do a group discussion over the film - come in ready to compare and contrast!

Friday 9/16 Agenda

Movie Pitch Letters due Today!



Today I'll collect your A River Runs Through It books, and we'll continue with the film.

Also, be sure that you define the vocabulary terms over the weekend - be prepared for a test over them later next week!

Picture taken from Google Images

A River Runs Through It Vocabulary List

• Multitudinous
• Osier
• Enliven
• Ballast
• Insurmountable
• Phosphorescent
• Iridescent
• Hitherto
• Epidermis
• Homiletic
• Recapitulation
• Catechism
• Penultimate
• Tarpaulin
• Delphic
• Mastodon
• Ebbing
• Disdainful
• Supplication
• Profundities
• Crustaceans
• Mirage
• Cartographic
• Pristine

September 14

5 vocabulary words due today!

For today's journal prompt, choose one of the quotes below that speaks to you.  Free-write.

"In the part I was reading, it says the Word was in the beginning, and that's right.  I used to think water was first, but if you listen carefully you will hear that the words are underneath the water" (95). 

"A river, though, has so many things to say that it is hard to know what it says to each of us" (102).

"You can love completely without complete understanding" (103).

"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it" (104).

*Remember that your Pitch assignment is due on Friday!  Blog entries also must be posted by Friday at 4!  We will start the film tomorrow!  You may bring snacks!

"Pitch" Assignment Link and Address

Below is a link for tips on how to construct your letter to Columbia Pictures.  Please follow the format when writing your pitch:

http://businessletterformat.org/

Here is the address for Columbia Pictures; you will need to use this address on your letter:

Columbia Pictures
10202 W. Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232



Journal Prompt 9/12

Happy Monday, Film & Fiction!  Your journal prompt for the day is as follows:

You are no longer a student at SGCHS.  You are now a certified psychologist.  Your task on this Monday afternoon is to psychoanalyze the character of Paul from A River Runs Through It.  Why does he act the way he does?  What makes him tick?  Draw some conclusions about this complex character as we finish the book this week.  Be sure to use support from the novella to back up your analysis.  And have fun with this - be creative!

I've changed your reading assignment! Make sure to read pages 71-94 for tomorrow!

-And make sure that on Wednesday (the day we finish the novella) that you have your 5 unfamiliar vocab words ready to hand in!

Thursday, September 8th

Here's what is on the agenda for today, crew:

- Quiz over film terminology and the reading (hope you studied)

-Journal Prompt:

When Norman is debating whether or not to risk losing a fly in the bushes to catch that big fish that he will remember “forever”, Paul says something to his brother: “Nobody has put in a good day’s fishing unless he leaves a couple of flies hanging on the bushes.  You can’t catch a fish if you don’t dare go where they are” (42).  What does this quote mean to you?  Write about a time in your life when you had to risk something to gain something.  What was the outcome?  Did you fail or did you triumph over the feat?

- Discussion over pages 48-58 - addressing the theme of help in the novella

Homework for tonight:

- Read pages 58-71

- Make sure to post this week's blog entry by 4 PM tomorrow (Friday!)

Next week we will start the film!!!

September 7th

This is what's on the agenda for today:

-Discussion over your reading last night (pgs 34-48)

-Jolly Rancher Journal Prompt!

Homework:

-Be sure to read pages 48-58 for tomorrow (vocab words!)

-Prepare for your QUIZ over the reading and the film terminology we went over on Tuesday!

9/6 Agenda

Today we're going to talk about some film terminology that you all are going to have to know for when we begin watching Redford's A River Runs Through It.  Be sure to get notes from someone if you are absent!

Journal Prompt: Maclean describes fly fishing as an "art" and his brother Paul as an "artist" for mastering this difficult hobby and making it his own by what he calls "shadow casting".  What is something you can do that you consider artful?  What is it that you do in order to make it your own so that no one may replicate it? (Use one of the writing styles from the genre sheet I gave you during the first week of class - be creative!).

Reading tonight: pages 34-48 (make sure you're writing down unfamiliar words as you read!).

September 1st Journal Prompt

Personification is used in today's reading when Norman is talking about Fear 1 and Fear 2 as he is fishing on the Blackfoot River.  Think about a time in which you were scared or doubtful of something and write today's journal entry from Fear's perspective.  What would Fear say to you if it were a person? (Be sure to state what the situation was, why you were scared/doubtful - give some background information).

Make sure to read pages 22-34 for tomorrow!

Also - Review your notes over Maclean's life - be prepared for a quiz Friday!

Journal Prompt 8/31

I hope you all enjoyed the first bit of reading for A River Runs Through It!  It only gets better...

Here is your journal prompt for this lovely last day in August...

In the beginning of this novella, Maclean writes "he was anxious to be on the hills where he could restore his soul."  What does this passage mean to you?  What does it mean to "restore" one's soul?  The Maclean men use the outdoors and fly fishing as a means to unwind their minds and bodies in order to restore their souls.  What is that one thing that you fall back onto in order to find peace within yourself?  What do you do in order to "restore" your soul?

*Read pages 10-22 tonight for homework - don't forget to write down your vocab words!

A River Runs Through It Reading Schedule

August 30 – 1 -10 (stop at “angleworms” mid page)

August 31 – 10 -22 (start at “My brother”; end at “I was molecular”)

September 1 – 22 – 34 (start at “Since our fish”; end at “What?”)

September 6 – 34 – 48 (start at “Paul was in Wolf Creek”; end at “roots of my hair”)

September 7 – 48 – 58 (start at “The truck emerged”; end at “couldn’t be any good”)

September 8 – 58 -71 (start at “And it wasn’t”; end at “three women either”)

September 9 – 71 – 78 (start at “For most of the trip”; end at “tried to be to him”)

September 12 – 78 -94 (start at “On the way”; end at “I’ll just sit”)

September 13 - 94 – 104 (start at “I could see”; finish the novella)

*Please note that this reading schedule is subject to change as the unit progresses

August 30th Agenda

A River Runs Through It Vocab

Since one of your class' requests of me this semester was to broaden your vocabulary, we will implement vocab into the A River Runs Through It unit.  As you read, write down words that you do not know.  Before you finish reading the text, you should have at least five. 

Today I will give you a sticky note to keep in your book.  On this sticky note, you will write 1-5, and before you finish the book, you will write down five different words from the reading that you are unfamiliar with.  This list will be due on Tuesday September 13th, our last reading day for this unit.  Each member of the class will hand in 5 words from the reading - no exceptions!

*Make sure to review your notes on Norman Maclean's biography - you will be quizzed on the information later this week!

Homework for tonight:

Read pages 1-10 in the story - come to class tomorrow prepared for discussion (remember to write down your first unfamiliar vocab word!)

And the Top Book Picks are...

1. Forrest Gump by Winston Groom (this one shocked me!) - 7 votes

2. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (excellent pick!) - 6 votes

3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald (we are definitely reading this one) - 5 votes

4. Rocket Boys: A Memoir by Homer Hickman (another that shocked me) - 4 votes

5. Gangs of New York by Herbert Ashbury (I'm going to have to do some research on this one) - 4 votes

6. Scott Pilgrim, Volume 1 by Bryan Lee O'Malley (yay for graphic novels!) - 3 votes

Journal Prompt 8/29

J.W. Eagan once said "Never judge a book by its movie."  How do you feel about this quote?  Are all books better than their films or have you come across a movie that was actually better than the text?  What film was it?  Why was it better? 

If you haven't seen a film that was better than to book, explain why you think this is.  Will it ever be possible for a director to outshine an author?  Why or why not?

Your Expectations

Thanks to all of you for taking the time yesterday to write about what you hope to learn or gain from this class, as well as what you expect of me, your teacher.  I will try my best to accommodate each of you this semester as we read a variety of texts, watch an array of films and discuss our thoughts on each!

Some things you'd like to learn/gain/obtain from this class:

a. expanded vocabulary
b. better writing skills
c. read faster
d. interpret novels and films
e. how to film close-ups
f. how to change film into a photo/how it works
g. watch movies
h. read books
i. write a little
j. learn how to link movies and books
k. read/write with more understanding
l. have discussions comparing/contrasting books and their films
m. enjoy genres in which I have never been exposed
n. how to make a movie
o. learn "how" to read
p. read more
q. process of books getting made into films
r. read, watch, learn, do some cool stuff
s. read new books and watch new movies
t. get to know the teacher better
u. learn how to count to 3 (ha).
v. learn more about English in general
w. read literature out of my comfort zone
x. more knowledge of literature
y. reading texts more in depth
z. find a new interesting author

Your expectations of me:

a. have fun with you
b. enforcing deadlines
c. make stuff clear
d. be available for questions/concerns
e. be fair
f. learn my views and understanding of certain subjects
g. Otter Pop Friday, Shark Week off, Muffins (ha).
h. teach well and a lot
i. not a lot of homework
j. explain stuff if you don't get it
k. respect your opinions
l. actually read your homework
m. have class discussions more than lectures
o. don't be too hard on you
p. laugh a lot
q. challenge your reading and writing responses

Due Dates!

Remember what you need to have by Friday, August 26th -

1. Letter of Introduction (25 points)
2. Notebook for Journaling
3. SSR Book

And by Monday, August 29th, please return your Student Behavior Acknowledgment Forms - signed by you and your parent/guardian!  They will be an easy 20 points, so make sure to get them in!

Welcome!

Welcome to Miss Perkins' Film and Fiction Blog Site!  I hope that all of you are taking this class because you love to read (and write!), love to watch great films, and enjoy having intellectually stimulating conversations regarding both!  I am looking forward to getting to know each one of you in my classroom and through reading your weekly blog posts concerning the many interesting things we will cover this semester in Film and Fiction.

Please look to this web site as a source for any assignments that may be due, to peruse and comment on your fellow classmates' posts, and to have access to any helpful or interesting links that I may post throughout the semester.  Happy blogging!

"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it." -Norman Maclean