A quick update for you AP Litters: 

The past few days we've discussed what we see in literature -- the nuances, the need (or lack thereof) for annotations, and the subtleties that can make meaning in a text (or weird looking photo of a cow). We've also read and discussed "Ordeal by Cheque", which generated a healthy discussion in both classes. 

I mean, WHO IS TONY SPAGONI?! And WHAT IS A BOOTERY?!

You were assigned your first creative writing assignment which asks you create a short, imagined narrative to support the story behind the checks in Ordeal. It's due Monday. 

Speaking of stuff due Monday -- your vocab Wiki update is also due Monday. You can access our class Wiki here, and directions for posting are on the vocab page. If you have trouble, DON'T PANIC, and get in touch. We'll work it out. Also, if you need the join code, see Engrade.

Hey, have fun tonight guys! #CardinalPride #choices
Just sayin'. ;)

See you at the game! 

When I was a new teacher, I used to teach from a textbook called The Language of Literature. I never really thought much about it, because to be honest, I was ultra-focused on other, really important things like: The Weekend, my new issue of Vogue magazine, drinking coffee and reading poems, drinking coffee and writing poems, snuggling my 30 pound cat named Tubbs, binge watching (before that was a thing) episodes of LOST, and other such matters. 

The Language of Literature is vital. And I'm not talking about the textbook this time. As discussed in class, we need a high-level, domain specific vocabulary to talk about and analyze literature. Much like you've mastered the vocabulary of music or basketball or lacrosse or horseback riding, you will feel and be successful and ready to "play" once you've internalized this language. 

I'd like to clarify a few things with the vocab assignment (<-- which has been altered to reflect the following): 

First -- you're not making a presentation. 
Second -- you are making something that people can look at and learn from. 

I want you to imagine the best, most informative and entertaining classroom poster you've ever seen. Now, imagine you saw that on the Web (like the Buzzed thing shared in class). 

That's what I want you to do. I want you to make a "thing" -- a GIF, meme, graphic, video, text that EXPLAINS, and ultimately, TEACHES the term you own this week. Take some time to research and explore your it. Then, create your "thing." Remember: you are responsible for your classmates' understanding! (no pressure, no pressure...heh heh heh)

After that, post your work to the AP LIT VOCAB page on our class's Wiki. We will build a virtual vocab bank and study site. Cool?

Please ask if and when you are confused or have questions. Remember: I'm here to help, guys! 

So far, so good, guys!

It has been a true pleasure meeting all of you. I have enjoyed your enthusiasm, your insights, your questions, and your positivity. It's going to be a great year. 

Today, we talked a bit about our procedures and our classroom rules, and you received The Official AP Literature & Composition Syllabus. Remember to read and annotate it tonight and be ready to share out your "discoveries" tomorrow. Also, grab them supplies and get yourself organized! :) 

 So: this is the beginning of our journey together. I look forward to every step of it. See you tomorrow. 

A new school year, everywhere I go. Or at least in my house. Our dining room table is littered with (not kidding) 104 crayons, 13 glue sticks, eight boxes of tissues, 48 number two pencils, a coloring book, four cans of Play-doh, and two pink erasers. Oh, and an intensely glittered Princess Sophia backpack and coordinating lunchbox and water bottle. 

Yep, it's time for shiny new school supplies, new kicks, new beginnings, new adventures, and not to mention, um, SENIOR YEAR (yeah, I'm talkin' to you c/o 2016). And with the onset of the new school year, let us not forget fall sports, sweater weather, jumping into giant piles of leaves, bonfires, Homecoming, pep rallies, and pumpkin flavored stuff, you know...what fall is really about. 

But enough rhapsodizing. Some reminders: 

This summer you were responsible for: 

• Watching one season of a critically acclaimed television show and participating in a discussion, and 
  
• Reading two novels: The Road by Cormac McCarthy and one of your choosing.
  

You are NOW responsible for preparing your two essays on literary merit. If you need a reminder about the assignment, check out the task sheet one more time. 

These essays are due on Monday, August 17, which is officially go-time for us. They should be headed, titled, typed, printed, and ready to turn in. 

For the first day, be prepared to get your hands dirty, get down to business, and have some FUN!

Yeah. Senior year, guys. Let's make it count!