College application essays were handed in at the beginning of the period.  We spent the rest of the time talking about the SAT prompts, focusing on writing strong thesis statements and using specific detail.

We also previewed the Anglo-Saxon period and “Beowulf”.  The Grendel novels were distributed.

HOMEWORK:  Read the first part of “Beowulf” p. 18-38 and answer Reading Check questions on page 38.   Grendel must be read by Tuesday, 9/25.

We assigned beats today and worked on developing questions for those articles.  Some students went on interviews.  I reviewed the presentation by the Advanced and JII students and made some revision suggestions.  The presention will be given at the end of Thursday’s class.

HOMEWORK:  Story Generators due on Monday.  Articles due next Friday.

Great class today.  We heard the immigration stories from the members of the class.  Mr. Ciampa dropped by to listen and told us about his village in Italy.  It was great that everyone felt comfortable sharing their stories.

HOMEWORK:  Finish reading “Of Plymouth Plantation” and answering Shaping Interpretation questions at the end of the selection.