How to Prep for the IB Orals :)

Go here to read up on how to prep and what to expect.

There's a funny video at the end of the handout. I've loved it for so long.  :)

General Advice for prepping for IB Orals from Ms. Shine: 

--Read my feedback and LISTEN to your commentary and discussion practice

--Practice the SPEAKING, not just thinking about what you'll say. Practice for your friends, your family, your pets, your stuffed animals--anyone that will listen. And if no one will listen? Talk to a mirror. 

--Read and discuss the Giovanni poems

--Review poetry literary techniques

--In the Giovanni folder on Edmodo, I've placed a sample discussion and and a sample commentary. Check those out!  (They are in one file titled samplediscussionandcommentary.) 

--Take a yoga class or two? Seriously, sleep, eat well, laugh, and breathe. :) 

Shine's 1984 Discussion

To join the 1984 discussions backchannel go to https://todaysmeet.com/Shine1984discussion2 or scan the QR code and join.


What is the backchannel for?

It's a place where you can add links, insights, or information that you are not able towithin the class period. It is accessible via the web for a month and the transcript can be printed.

Nikki poems!

They are in a folder in Edmodo. Use them to practice for your IB Oral. I suggest you read then and read them again. I suggest you read them to your friends, your family, your pets, and strangers walking down the street. I suggest you look up every word and take the time to think about the connotation of those words. Also look back at the Fool-proof Guide to Reading A Poem, still linked on this blog.

I <3 POETRY!

IN Class, Friday 2/28

For 1984 our discussions will switch back and forth between small and whole group discussion. Today, will be small group, Monday will be whole class, etc.

Topic for today: Character/Characterization and Style. I've compiled the discussion questions generated by both classes for EACH of you to take notes on during the discussion. Your discussion notes will prove your level of participation in the discussion. So...write copious notes. What do you take notes on? You decide.


At the end of class I will also pass out copies of Handmaid's Tale for you to begin reading and if you haven't gotten it back already, your Hamlet pre-assessment.

Reading Schedule for Handmaid's Tale: 

--At least 30 pages per night every night
--Take notes in one of the following styles: 
1. Post-it note personal responses throughout the book. Write on the post-its!
2. Free-write personal response/connections of 3/4 page minimum after each reading session. 

Hamlet Post-Assessment Written Commentary

You can keep your pre-assessment score or you can turn in a revision (old commentary included with final) to me by Monday, March 10. Please take some time to watch the slide show on written commentary posted to the blog (left sidebar). Also read this student blog post about writing a commentary and follow his link to the Wikibooks page. With your revision include a letter outlining waht you changed and why and what you learned during your revision process. Your letter should be one page in length.

Purpose of Fiction Video Homework (Will Assign Monday2/24)

Directions: Watch both videos listed below and takes notes on the following Elements of Speech. After watching the videos and finishing your notes, complete the TASK.

ELEMENTS OF SPEECH:
1. Personal chracteristics of the speaker (what kind of a person do you percieve the speaker to be?)
2. Who is the Audience? How do you know?
3. What is the speaker's Message?
4. What is the Occasion for this speech?
5. Describe the Arrangement of the speech (organization).
6. Decribe the Style of the speech (word choice conveys tone and personality).
7. Notice details of the Delivery (physical action and vocal qualities).

Speech 1: http://new.ted.com/talks/elif_shafak_the_politics_of_fiction
Speech 2: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R4peoHkXsJg (Only watch up to the question/answer)
TASK: Which video resonated with you most? Choose that video and answer the driving question below on a poster using words and images to support your response to the question.

POSTER DIRECTIONS:

Driving Question: How do we benefit from reading fiction? 

For a score of 4 (Assignment will be weighted as 16 points in the Reading category of the gradebook:
--Presents an INSIGHTful response that shows understanding of the speech and the subtleties of the speech that includes a personal connection to the ideas presented in the speech.
--All IMAGERY strongly supports your answer to the question.
--Work is NEAT and free of errors.
--WORDS are powerful, precise and carefully chosen.

Notes on the videos are due with the poster and will be scored separately.

This assignment is homework. Your poster and notes are due Wednesday, March 5th.

And would you mind filling out this survey for a student in Shine's 3rd period? Thanks!

1984 reading schedule

Reading Schedule!