What is Family? A Perspective Writing Activity

 "Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about."
– Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of South Park), as said by the character Kyle.  

Write at least 7 well-developed sentences expressing your views of family based upon the South Park quote above. Use examples and personal experiences to develop and support your assertions.

Due Tuesday, January 8. 

On Tuesday, you will be responding to at least one peer's assertions about the definition of family as he/she understands it.

This is a participation grade. 

The Kite Runner Journal Question

After Hassan's rape incident and Amir's guilt for not doing anything about it, some thought keeps reappearing in discussion, which bear the questions: Do you betray someone without warning, or do small betrayals lead up to a larger one? How can you redeem yourself after you've betrayed a friend, or is it that once the sin has been committed, you instead have to learn to deal with the repercussions?

Write AT LEAST 8 sentences chronicling your thoughts. Use quotes form the book, your own thoughts, and classroom discussions to fuel your journal response.

Post as a comment to this post. Be sure to include your name, either through the use of your school gmail account or include it in your post. 20 points – Due 12/13/12

If Only Oedipus and Friends had Facebook

Students in English IV did some character analysis activities with the main characters from Oedipus the King. Students created Facebook profiles to highlight information we know about the characters, as well as making some predictions about what the character might enjoy or be like, based on a thorough examination of the character's traits.

Students samples can be seen by clicking on the links below.

Jocasta #1

Jocasta #2

Oedipus #1

The Epic of Gilgamesh Music Videos

The English IV classes created music videos that retell the evens of The Epic of Gilgamesh and highlight the traditions and vocabulary from oral poetry. The students were very creative in their productions. I've included a few in this post. Enjoy!

Seventh Period Composition: SIX-Word Memoir

Clayton Ridge High School's Sophomores in Ms. Shaw's seventh period composition class each wrote a six-word memoir to explain or highlight a part of their lives or personalities they feel shapes them and provides identity. Watch the video to see how awesome and diverse this class is!

Composition: The Masque of the Red Death Vocabulary Quiz

Click here to access the vocabulary quiz over The Masque of the Red Death. Good luck!

English IV Vocabulary Quiz: Oedipus Part II

Click here to access the vocabulary quiz for Oedipus the King: Part II. Good luck!