Block Day, Sept. 28-29 ~ How fast could you be?

Heads up...Next week is homecoming! Click here for the schedule. 

• Did you know that class starts at 8:10 all week? 
• Get your Disney gear ready for Monday...oh boy.

Word Parts:

Prefix

• federis - league, pact
• frater - brother

Suffix

• ion, sion, tion - act, result or state of
• ish - origin, nature, resembling

Root

• fac, fact, fic, fect - do, make 

Power of One...POO

• Use your discussion questions from J12 to lead small group discussions about Ch.2?
• I'll check your research questions while you are discussing.
• Anything worth sharing with the whole class? 

Research

Click here for the OWL at Purdue

• Take Citation Notes from this webpage so that you have a short hand method of learning how to cite.
• Let's practice one together...click here. 

Today you will work in teams of 3 to compete for the chance to earn one free homework/journal assignment pass (a 5-10 point value).

How to win...

• Cite your article quickly and correctly (write big!).
• Write it on the board first.
• First team to correctly cite the article wins the round.
• Team who wins the most game points, wins the pass.
• Please help in checking other team citations as we look for winners of each round!

HW: J13 & J14
Journal 13: Find and cite at least two articles to answer your research question. (Make sure you can access these articles again.

Journal 14: Read Ch. 3 and answer these questions..
1. In what ways has PK gained strength or made the best out of his situation?
2. How has the motif of water continued to add meaning and show PK's identity?
3. How has the five-year old narrator become an advantageous writer's choice?

Wednesday, Sept. 27 ~ Good dreams or psychological tricks?

Prefix

• epi - upon, over
• ex - out

Suffix

• fy - make
• hood - order, condition, quality
• ic - nature of, like

EQ: What do you think the author is telling us about the nature of human cruelty?
Activity: Numbered Heads

• How would you describe PK's personality? 
• Describe the demeanor and reputation of Inkosi-Inkosikazi.
• What about PK's time with Inkosi makes his night water stop? (your theory)
• Unpack the dreams and the symbolism you see in them.
• Why does Inkosi give PK the chicken? 

Research Preparation

• Your next essay will be a synthesis of research about a chosen topic.
• You may choose your own research question centered around Nelson Mandela or Apartheid. Consider a specific question such as...
• What inspired Mandela? What made him a strong leader, strong enough to persist for almost fifty years? What was the process of change after the apartheid laws had been outlawed? etc...
• Click here for a timeline.

HW: Read Chapter 2  (As always be ready for a reading quiz!)
Journal 12: Write at least two open ended discussion questions about Ch.2 and write down at least one research question you want to use for your synthesis essay.

Tuesday, Sept. 26 ~ The Power of One Begins!

Prefix

• dynasthai - be able
• ego - I, self

Suffix

• ile - suited for, capable of, related to
• ine - nature of

Root

• juven - young

Watch the last mythology videos

One last look at the time period of the novel. Check out this 2 minute wrap-up of Apartheid

Familiarize ourselves with some of the vocabulary found in Chp. 1 (many words are Dutch). 

• billy-o - British term for hard, strongly 
• gibbering - to chatter unintelligibly 
• Mevrou - Mrs.
• lowveld - grassland, 500-2000 feet above sea level.
• Zulu - largest ethnic group in South Africa (10-11 million)
• Afrikaans - third-most-spoken language in South Africa. Originated from Dutch settlers.
• Boers - Dutch and Afrikaans word for farmer. Identifies the Dutch settlers in South Africa.
• Rooinecks - racial slur used by the Dutch when referring to the English. Dutch version of  redneck.
• kaffir - used to refer to a black person. Became offensive during apartheid.
• indaba mat - indaba is an African word meaning gathering.
• Zululand - northeastern section of South Africa.
• Shangaan - a tribe of people in South Africa.
• kraal - enclosure for cattle.

HW: Read Ch.1
EQ: What do you believe the author, Bryce Courtenay, is telling us readers about the nature of human cruelty? 

Monday, Sept. 25 ~ EQ: What is Apartheid?

Greek Gods Quiz

• Complete J11 below when finished. 

Today, let's look at some of the background info to our book.

Discussion Questions: Do you Know? 

• What language is spoken in South Africa?
• Who is Nelson Mandela? Why is he so famous?
• What is Apartheid? 
• What do you think would happen in the U.S. if the government gunned down 600 students at a protest? 
• How can one country keep another in check in the case of serious injustice, without going to war? 

Journal #11 - POO Intro: 

• Check out this Prezi
• Write a one paragraph synopsis explaining the historical background of our next novel, The Power of One.
• Ch. 1-6 Vocab: Add these words in your journal. Work together and look up a basic definition online.

1. Inkosi (in Zulu) 
2. obsequiousness (10)
3. sjambok (12)
4. cicatrization (23)
5. querulous (37)
6. consternation (42)
7. jocularity (56)
8. parlance (71)
9. diaphanous (77)

Block Day, Sept. 21-22 ~ A Myth Well Told?

Word Parts Quiz

Myths Retold (Here is the link to turn them in if you haven't yet.)
*Cast your vote for the Mythical Academy Award.

Go over quizzes if time. (Take it now if you were absent!)


Start reading The Power of One and discussing Apartheid. Granpa Chook awaits!

Wednesday, Sept. 20 ~ Last day for myths!

Prefix

•  dis - not, apart
• dominus - lord

Suffix

• ice - condition, state, quality
• id, ide - a thing connected with or belonging to

 Root

•  plac - please

Grammar Quiz today!

Myth Retold:
Today is your final day to work on this project. We will watch all performances on Block.
Someone bring popcorn please!
Click here to upload your link if you are already done!

HOMEWORK:
Prepare for your Word Parts List 2/Greek Gods QUIZ scheduled for Block. 

Please make sure you have The Power of One; we will begin reading next week. 

 

Tuesday, Sept. 19 ~ A Myth Retold...continued

Prefix

• di - two
• dia - across, through

Suffix

• fic - making, causing
• ful - full of

Root

• sci, scientia - know

FYI: Grammar Quiz tomorrow and Roots QUIZ on Block

A Myth Retold:
Get busy! You have the remainder of the class period and tomorrow.
FYI: Your rendition of your myth is due on Block

HOMEWORK:
Review your grammar and roots. 

Monday, Sept.18 ~ A Myth Retold Film Day

WORD PARTS
Prefixes

• corpus - body

Suffixes

• ess - female
• et, ette - small one, group
• cracy - rule

Root

• dem - people

GRAMMAR

• Practice sentence structure by deciding where the sentence should be split: Comma Splice Exercise 1.  (Quiz on Wednesday)

MYTHOLOGY
Today you have the rest of the period to work on your Myths Retold. Your goal today should be the filming your skit. Projects are due block day, but may receive a bit of extra credit for presentation on Wednesday.

HOMEWORK:

• Prepare for your Grammar QUIZ scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20. 

Block Day, Sept.14 & 15 ~ A Myth Retold

Prefix

• circum - around
• constitus - stand

Suffix

• cide - kill
• esis, osis - action, process, condition

Root

• germ - vital part

Assignment: A Myth Retold

• Click here to claim your partner(s) and myth. (You may work alone or with up to three/group.)
• Here are a couple of fun examples:
• Echo and Narcissus
• King Midas
• Pyramus and Thisbee
• Jason and the Argonauts
• Remember, your myth should be no longer than 8 minutes, should retell the story in an updated setting from today's world, and is due block day!
• Grade: 50 pts. based on creativity, clarity, detail, and individual effort.

• Prometheus and Pandora
• King Midas
• Cupid and Psyche 
• Hades and Persephone 
• Pyramus and Thisbe 
• Echo and Narcissus
• Jason and the Golden Fleece
• Orpheus and Eurydice
• Theseus and the Minotaur
• And many more....

• To get an A, your project should clearly tell the story in a memorable and creative way. The audience should enjoy it and possibly even be able to interact. It should be technically clean, easy to watch and hear. It should be clear what each member of the group was responsible for. Lastly, maybe I should mention the obvious that it should be school appropriate! 

Today's Goal: Plan what/how you will complete this project. Next week should be a day of action and crafting!

Wednesday, Sept. 13 ~ Mythology in Advertising

Prefix

• bio - life
• caco - bad

Suffix

• escent - in the process of 
• ese - native of, language of 

 Root

• voc - call

NOTE: Journal checks today during independent work.


Journal #9 ~ Allusions to Mythology in Advertising:

*First copy the definition of allusion

ALLUSION: A casual reference in literature to a person, place, event, or another passage of literature, often without explicit identification. Allusions can originate in mythology, biblical references, historical events, legends, geography, or earlier literary works. Authors often use allusion to establish a tone, create an implied association.

We all know that companies create identity by the power of association. They can use association by name or image. What identity did Honda intend on giving their van by giving the name, Odyssey, to this model?

Continuing J9... Identify the Allusion: Using your knowledge of Greek mythology and some internet research, figure out why your assigned company or product is named or branded as it is.

• In your journal, record the name and a brief description to explain why they chose that name/logo. To see all images, click here.

HW: Finish all company/description entries in Journal #9 and complete Journal #10.

Journal #10 ~ Chesterton on Mythology: Read this Chesterton article .
1. Chesterton says that "he who has no sympathy with the myths has no sympathy with men" (361). What does he mean and do you agree?
2. According to Chesterton, where does the need for sacrifice come from? What does it satisfy? Do you think people today still feel that need?
3. According to Chesterton, why is Greek Mythology worth studying?

Tuesday, Sept. 12 ~ What's in your Cave?

Prefix

• bene - well, favorable
• bible - book

Suffix

• ence, ency - action, state of, quality
• er, or - one who, that which

Root

• cred - believe

Mythology

• J8: Joseph Campbell once said, "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." How is this true in life? Explain. What is your "cave" and what could you gain by entering it?
• How would you relate this psychological concept to the creation of the Greek/Roman gods and their stories?
• Heads up...Journal check tomorrow (Journals 1-8).

Grammar:

• Take Sentence Structure Notes: I know it sounds basic, but please, begin your grammar notes with the definition of a sentence. 
• "A complete sentence must have ________, __________ and ____________________.
• Take notes from this page and this page.
• Then use this one to test your knowledge. 

HW: Prepare for Journal Check #1 tomorrow.

Monday, Sept. 11 ~ Why do we so often tell this story?

Prefix                                                           

• auto - self                                           
• bi - two

Suffix

• ee - one who receives the action
• en - made of, to make

 Root

• vict, vinc - conquer

EQ: What does the hero's journey have to do with Greek mythology?
  
Hero's Journey

• Activity: What story am I telling?
• Video Clip: What is the Hero's Journey?
• Application: In small groups, use this chart to figure out how common hero stories fit the pattern. Your group will choose a movie or book to work on together. Some stories may include The Hunger games, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Divergent, Back to the Future, The Hobbit!!! (basically any good hero story you all know).

HW: Finish up a rough sketch of the chart on whatever movie/story you decided upon.

Continue looking over posters if time.

Block Day, Sept. 7 & 8 ~ Poster Walk

Roots Quiz today! When you finish, work on Journal 6.

EQ: Why should we study Greek mythology if they are just false idols anyway? 

Considering our essential question. C.S. Lewis has a pretty cool answer:

In one way, of course, God has given us the Morning Star already: you can go and enjoy the gift on many fine mornings if  you get up early enough. What more, you may ask, do we want? Ah, but we want so much more -- something the books on aesthetics take little notice of. But the poets and the mythologies know all about it. We do not want merely to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words--to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it. That is why we have peopled air and earth and water with gods and goddesses and nymphs and elves--that, though we cannot, yet these projections can enjoy in themselves that beauty, grace, and power of which Nature is the image. That is why the poets tell us such lovely falsehoods. They talk as if the west wind could really sweep into a human soul; but it can't. They tell us that "beauty born of murmuring sound" will pass into a human face; but it won't. Or not yet. For if we take the imagery of scripture seriously, if we believe that God will one day give us the Morning Star and cause us to put on the splendour of the sun, then we may surmise that both the ancient myths and the modern poetry, so false as history, may be very near the truth as prophecy. At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door.... but all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Someday, God willing, we shall get in. (from The Weight of Glory).

Journal #6: Lewis Quote: Summarize this Lewis quote in 3-6 sentences. Then answer a few questions: How does it answer the E.Q.? What is he saying Greek stories really are? What were the Greeks actually hoping for in their own stories?



Poster Walk

• Take notes on the posters in order to prepare for a future quiz. You may put these notes in with your journals, or use this chart as a digital format. (If you use the chart, you will have to add a few more boxes at the bottom to get the ones that were added this year.)

HW: This weekend, please complete Journal #7 by listening to this podcast  [It is an interview of Rick Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson series) by Sean Hemingway (Associate curator in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the Metropolitan Museum of Art).] 

Journal #7 Questions:

• What is the appeal of mythology according to Riordan? What does Hemingway mean by the "mutability" of myths? Give your own example of "mutability".
• Why did Riordan make Percy the son of Poseidon rather than Zeus? 
• Give examples of the influence of Greek or Roman mytnology in the present day world.
• Why did Riordan set the first scene in his novel at the Metropolitan Museum?
• What connection does Riordan draw between Greek gods, comic book superheroes and today's teenagers? 

Wednesday, Sept. 6 ~ Finish posters today!!!

Reminder: Word Parts Quiz on Block Day!!!!

Prefix

• archos - first, leader, chief
• audio - hear

Suffix

• cule, ling - very small
• dom - quality, realm

Root

• ridi, risi, ri - laughter

EQ: Does your poster meet all the requirements? Is it legible and easy to learn from for your fellow students? 

Finish up posters today!

Tuesday, Sept. 5 ~ Greek Posters

Prefixes

• aqua - water 
• archaios - ancient 

Suffixes

• cian - processing a specific skill or art
• cy - action, function

Root

• phys - body

Greek/Roman Posters

• Due at the end of class on Wednesday. 
• Please make them in a vertical design.

Heads up, Word Parts Quiz on Block this week. 

HW: Manage your poster work to be complete by the end of the class on Wednesday please.