U Updates and Due Dates for Assignments (Reading, Classwork, Homework, etc.)

Current Text: Independent Reading Book!

Tip: Please pace yourself to keep up with the reading. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. If you have kept up with the active reading, youre all set. Reading always means active reading with notes/annotations.

• Due Thurs. May 28: Vocab Unit 10-12 Review

• Select a summer reading book by looking at the available options on the THS Website. Don't officially sign up yet; we will do that in class.

• We will be working with your writing folders during this month of school, and the class will be working in groups to create a final exam study guide as well.

• Due Thurs. June 4: Vocab Unit 13 due.

• Thurs., June 18: Period 1 Exam at 7:45 AM.

• Friday, June 19: Period 3 Exam at 7:45 AM.

• Monday, June 22: Period 5 Exam at 7:45 AM.

Know RICE inside out! RICE is what good readers do!

R = React

What is your first reaction to the text? Write down any thoughts, opinions, theories, observations, or questions you may have. You might reflect on the title, the characters, their problems, or other ideas in the text. TIP: Don't just ask questions. Remember to answer the questions you ask, too!

I = Interpret

Explain what you think the quotation means as it relates to elements of the text, such as characters or theme. Make inferences, draw conclusions, etc. You may also be asked to explain how and why a character grows and changes from the beginning of the story to the end. TIPS: (1) Interpret is just a fancy word that means create meaning. (2) Don’t forget to provide evidence to support your ideas.

C = Connect

What does this piece of literature say about people in general? In what ways does it remind you of people you have known or experiences you have had? You may also write about stories or books you have read, movies or television programs you have seen, music you have heard, or history and current events, which relate to the text. TIP: Don’t forget to link your ideas back to the text!

E = Evaluate

How successful was the author in creating a good piece of literature? TIPS: Evaluating is also referred to as "taking a critical stance." Think beyond your individual preferences. Instead, consider what makes literature "good" universally. For example, you might state what you think the author's purpose is, and then argue whether the text achieves that purpose or not. Don't forget to provide evidence to support your ideas.

Ongoing Tasks

Writing Folder: Please continue to put your writing into your Writing Folder. You NEED to save your work in the folder; otherwise, you will not be able to do the future assignments based on those writing pieces.

Vocabulary: One chapter is due approximately every 2 weeks. In addition to the exercises in your book, write an original sentence for each word. Vocabulary quizzes take place about twice a month--usually every other Thursday--and the exercises are due alternating weeks in between. You know your vocab is due in this pattern until the end of the school year. Therefore, vocab will not be accepted late unless you have an excused illness. If you have a field trip, turn in your vocab the day before. Feel free to go ahead in your book if you don't want to worry about falling behind.

Readings and Reading Quizzes: Please keep up with the reading. Reading quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Sometimes they are open-notes or open-book.

Essential Questions for Grade 10

As we read different pieces of literature, well be exploring the following questions:

• Can fiction reveal truth?
• Why is it important to understand and empathize with other points of view?
• What makes a piece of literature great? (Is it worth the trees?)
• How do individuals decisions ensure for better or for worse, that they will never be the same?

Some ideas we will explore in Grade 10 literature:

• Destruction of individuals by society
• Destruction of individuals by the individuals themselves
• Decision making
• The happy or not-so-happy ending