AP English Socratic Circle (12/20/16): A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

For today's first socratic circle we will be breaking into two groups: the first will be our "fishbowl," leading a group discussion about Staves 1 and/or 2 of A Christmas Carol; the second will be our audience, observing how discussion is going and if they agree/disagree with the conversation taking place in the middle.

Instructions: 
Audience members: in the comments section of this post, make thoughtful observations about the conversation taking place in the "fishbowl."  Good observations will do the following:

1. Identify when you agree/disagree with observations and specifically state why (ASR: Apt Specific Reference).  
2. Observe what specific group members did that helped to "propel" conversation forward, respond to their group members, and provide thoughtful observations.

Fishbowl members: in yesterday's class, you worked with your group members to pick what sections of Staves 1 and 2 you wanted to discuss and what roles you will play (i.e., discussion leader, "Sherlock Holmes," "Librarian," "Matchmaker," etc.).  You also wrote your own Level 1, 2, and 3 questions about your passage(s).  Students receiving a 3, "Meets," on Speaking and Listening 1, will do the following: 

1. Come to discussion prepared, having read and researched materials beforehand. SL1a
2. Work with peers to promote a civil, democratic discussion, set clear goals, and establish individual roles. SL1b
3. Propel conversations forward by posing and asking questions that probe reasoning and ask for evidence. SL1c
4. Respond thoughtful to diverse perspectives, synthesize (combine) comments, claims, and evidence, resolve contradictions, and investigate meaning. SL1d

Writing Warmup: "Epic Trick Shot Edition" by Dude Perfect

Writing Warmup:
Dude Perfect is a group of five guys that make YouTube videos. In this video they are making unbelievable sports trick shots.


1. Who is the audience? Who do you think enjoys these videos?
2. What do you think the title "Dude Perfect" means?
3. Did you enjoy the video? Why or why not?

AP English (11/14/16): Socratic Circles Overview

Socratic circles use the idea of two concentric circles: the audience on the outside and the "fishbowl" on the inside.

In Wednesday's class, we briefly discussed socratic circles and how they were set up.
For tomorrow's first socratic circle, we will be breaking into two groups: the first will be our "fishbowl," leading a group discussion about Staves 1 and/or 2 of A Christmas Carol; the second will be our audience, observing how discussion is going and if they agree/disagree with the conversation taking place in the middle.

Instructions: 
For today's class, you will prepare for your socratic circles.  First, divide into two groups; then, select what passages you want to discuss from Staves 1, and 2.  When you are ready, assign group members' roles (below) and come up with level 1, 2, and 3 questions for your passage(s).

Possible roles of group members are the following:

• Explorer: "Let's try a new path or perspective..." 
• Sherlock Holmes: "I think we have overlooked an important clue (comment/bit of text)..." 
• Librarian: "Here's a passage in the text that supports your point..." 
• Matchmaker: "What you are saying is a lot like what Sue said earlier..." 
• Judge Judy: "Let's see what the argument is between you two and try to settle it..." 
• Will Rogers: "Let's find a way to make her/his seemingly odd/unpleasant/ incorrect comment more plausible or helpful..."

Friday's socratic circle should take about fifteen minutes with group members giving feedback in the comments section of the blog.  After those fifteen minutes are up, the outer group will give a short overview of their feedback, then switch roles. We will have time to do two socratic circles in class, so be ready to be in the fishbowl and the audience! Good luck! 

Writing Warmup: "Neature Nuggets, Episode 1" by vicscrappyvideos

Writing Warmup:
This video is made to teach people how to be safe out in the wilderness. It also shows people some of the neat things that can be found while walking through the woods.  After watching the video, please answer the following discussion questions below.

Two-to-Three discussion questions.
1) Who is the audience?
2) What is the purpose of this video?
3) Do you think this video could possibly be educational for someone that has never been in the woods?

Kurt Cobain on identity

Kurt Cobain is a famous influential singer songwriter and guitarist, best known for being the lead singer in the group, Nirvana. Blank on Blank is a channel that has interviews on various famous people talking about specific topics. On this episode of Blank on Blank Kurt talks about his story, personal beliefs, and some of his musical techniques.

Discussion questions:

1. Have you ever had a friend that you weren't able to hang out with anymore based on what your parents thought?

2. Do you think some of the music you listen to is built on sexism?

3. What audience do you think Cobains music speaks to?

Writing Warmup: "Key & Peele - Andre and Meegan's First Date - Uncensored" & "Key & Peele - Meegan, Come Back" by Comedy Central

Writing Warmup:
Key and Peele are two comedians who created characters named Andre and Meegan. They make a lot of funny videos on Comedy Central's YouTube channel. These videos are called, "Andre and Meegan's First Date," and "Meegan, Come Back."

Two-to-three discussion questions:
1) Who are Meegan and Andre?
2) Why does Meegan act the way she does?
3) Why would people want to keep watching these characters on Comedy Central?
4) Why did Andre chase Meegan so far?
5) Why does Meegan keep leading Andre on?
6) Are there couples like Meegan and Andre in the real world?

Writing Warmup: "Tempt Tales Halloween special Andrew the Seals revenge " by

Writing Warmup:
  O-chang Comics has a series of shows representing people in Maine with a number of different characters. In this episode the creators show "Donny the Grumpy Maine Dad" who expresses his feelings towards kids and power lines.

1)Who is the audience?
2) How would you describe Donny?
3)How does this relate to the way parents act?

AP English Writing Warmup: Charles Dickens's "Preface" to A Christmas Carol

Illustration of Marley's ghost found on page 78 of your editions.

Writing Warmup:
In the "Preface" to A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens writes these famous lines:

I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me.  May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.

Their faithful Friend and Servant, 

C. D.

Dec. 1843. (5)

One of the great parts of your "Annotated" editions is that the editors show readers what Dickens meant to say to his readers, and how he interacted with his publishers, Chapman and Hall.  What your annotations don't tell you is why he chose to capitalize certain nouns (e.g., "Ghostly," "Ghost," "Idea," "Friend," and "Servant").

In the comments section below pick one or two of the nouns Dickens chose to capitalize and make "proper."  Then, answer the following questions.

1) Why do you think Dickens chose to capitalize these words?

2) How does the meaning of the word you picked change when it is capitalized?

3) What do you think Dickens means when he says, "Ghost of an Idea?" 

4) Why does he describe A Christmas Carol as a "Ghostly little book?"

Writing Warmup: "DIY SNAPCHAT FILTERS!" by Miranda

Writing Warmup: 
This video is of a woman who named herself "Miranda Sings." Miranda is youtube famous for her very humorous and immature videos. In this video Miranda is showing everyone how to make DIY snapchat filters.

Two-Three discussion questions.
1) Who is the audience?
2) What is the purpose?
3) How does this appeal to you or other viewers?

Writing Warmup: "How to Make Your Own Kylie Jenner Lip Kit!!" by Miranda Sings

Writing Warmup: 

Coleen Ballinger created a YouTube star named Miranda Sings who brings out a lot of humor in the YouTube world. Miranda's character can best be described as immature, sassy, rude, and childish. In this video, she is going to show people how to make the Kylie Jenner lip kit in her own "unique" way. 

1) Who is watching her videos?

2) Why did she make this video? 

3) What adjectives describe how she acts?

English Essentials Writing Warmup: Oddly Satisfying

A big thank you to Joel for helping create this week's informational writing activity! We would not be thinking about audience, purpose, and meaning without you!!!

Writing Activity:
1) Pick your favorite YouTuber, send Dr. B the video, and she will create a writing prompt based on that video. Note: make sure YouTubers are *appropriate* for school! A lot of them use language or discuss topics that may not be school appropriate.

2) Essential questions: How does this YouTuber bring in and attract audience members? Who is their audience? What is their content about? Why do you watch their videos?

English Essentials Writing Warmup: The Dude Project

Writing Warmup:
A big thank you to Joel for helping create this week's informational writing activity! We would not be thinking about audience, purpose, and meaning without you!!!

Writing Activity:
1) Pick your favorite YouTuber, send Dr. B the video, and she will create a writing prompt based on that video. Note: make sure YouTubers are *appropriate* for school! A lot of them use language or discuss topics that may not be school appropriate.

2) Essential questions: How does this YouTuber bring in and attract audience members? Who is their audience? What is their content about? Why do you watch their videos?

Creative Writing: "Critical Role" and Complex Characterization

Writing Warmup:
As part of our discussion of role playing games and fantasy genres, it's time to look into the world of role playing games with real people playing real games.  After watching this video, please answer the discussion questions below.

1. What are the character types portrayed in the show?
2. How do the actors portray those character types?
3. What have you learned about roleplaying and characterization?

Writing warmup:"Neature Nuggets" by vicscrappyvideos

Writing warmup:
This video gives comical tips on how to walk through the woods. This also shows the difficulties that might come with nature walks.

1. Who is the audience?
2. What is the purpose?
3. How does this appeal to you or other viewers?

English Essentials: Semicolons and Complex Lists

Bell Ringer Activity:
For today's class, we will talk about the semicolon's other uses: dividing text in complex lists.  Watch this video by Khan Academy and in the comments section below, answer the following questions.

1) How are semicolons used in complex lists?
2) Give one example of a semicolon in a complex list.
3) Reply to a classmate and describe what you like about their example. Tell them how they are using it correctly.

English Essentials Writing Warmup: The Gabbie Show

A big thank you to Joel for helping create this week's informational writing activity! We would not be thinking about audience, purpose, and meaning without you!!!

Writing Activity:
1) Pick your favorite YouTuber, send Dr. B the video, and she will create a writing prompt based on that video. Note: make sure YouTubers are *appropriate* for school! A lot of them use language or discuss topics that may not be school appropriate.

2) Essential questions: How does this YouTuber bring in and attract audience members? Who is their audience? What is their content about? Why do you watch their videos?

Retakes and Do-Overs? What Do YOU Think?

Bell-Ringer Activity:
Dr. B has been taking a class on Proficiency-Based Education (PBE).  One of the topics that has recently come up is the nature of retaking assessments and what that means.

This got me to thinking: when a student (you, for example) take an assessment in this class, what are you thinking about during that assessment? Are you thinking about things like, "I had better do my best! I better show Dr. B what I know!" Or, are you thinking differently? Asking questions like, "Oh, I can always re-do this in the future."

Here is an awesome video from an educator named Rick Wormeli. In this video, he discusses why it's so important that students have a chance to re-take their assessments. Wormeli argues that learning is a progression, an ongoing part of your lives, and that what you know today may not necessarily represent what you will know as your learning process continues.

For today, please watch Wormeli's video, then, in the comments section below, discuss anything that seems important, relevant, or interesting to you.  If you can find how it connects to your own life as a student or in this classroom, we would love to hear it!