Enriched 10-31-2012

I'm sure that as I write this many of you are outside freezing, begging for candy on this annual celebration of All Hallows' Eve.  I am toasty warm and dreaming of the amazing presentations we will soon be witnessing in class.  Let's talk a bit about those.  You will have time in class tomorrow to put some finishing touches on them.  Unfortunately, the mobile computer lab is leaving us a day earlier than initially anticipated.  While we won't have access to those laptops, please feel free to bring any of your electronic devices (with your parents' permission, of course) that you think might help you prepare for your group's presentation.  Our goal will be to start the presentations on Friday.  While the work I saw period one engaging in on Tuesday was inspiring, certain groups in periods five and six had me a bit nervous.  As usual, I'm expecting high quality, insightful work that leads to strong presentations.  Here is another look at the assessment sheet just to drive home my point.

Book Group Presentation Assessment Rubric

Group Members________________________________________________________________________________

Book Title_____________________________________________________________________________________

Method of Presentation__________________________________________________________________________

An A presentation will:

intelligently discuss the ways the author used fantasy to comment on humanity/society

offer multiple examples from the text to support the claims of the group

creatively present the information being shared in a polished format

passionately and enthusiastically share the information to heighten our interest

demonstrate careful planning and thoughtful organization 

be presented equally by each member of the group

A B presentation will:

discuss the ways the author used fantasy to comment on humanity/society

offer some examples from the text to help support the claims of the group

present the information being shared with some creativity and polish

heighten our interest in the information being shared with some passion and enthusiasm

display signs of some careful planning and thoughtful organization

incorporate each group member significantly, but not equally, in the presentation

A C presentation will:

hint or suggest at ways the author used fantasy to comment on humanity/society

offer an example or two from the text that might be used to support the claims of the group

present the information being shared with more silliness than creativity; more abrasion than polish

generate some interest in the information being shared with blips of passion and enthusiasm

be aided by more careful planning and thoughtful organization

have a discernible difference in the ways group members participate

A D presentation will:

fall short of clearly sharing ways the author used fantasy to comment on humanity/society  

not be able to support the claims of the group with valid textual evidence

lose the purpose of the information being shared in silliness 

lack any attempt at passion or enthusiasm 

have forgotten to plan or organize 

have an obvious difference in the ways group members participate

Score ___________

        40 

Read that A presentation carefully.

We did some good work with "Harrison Bergeron" and Kurt Vonnegut today, but didn't complete our discussion.  Our emphasis tomorrow will be on the presentations; however, if time permits, we will return to KV and "HB".  A few items to consider:

What is Vonnegut's stand on equality?  Should communism be a focus of our discussions?
What is his stand on the power of the government?  Too much?  Too little?  Just right?
What are his views on the power of the people?
Why is the death of Harrison Bergeron interpreted differently than the deaths of Prince Prospero and T. Sean's client?
Can you explain how the piece is satirical?

I also want you to start considering the role irony plays in the story.  Plenty there.

I tell you, the story is loaded.  It's too bad that our discussion has been so disjointed due to testing, days off, and other activities.  Don't worry, while we won't abandon "Harrison", we'll get into some new material next week.

Enjoy the evening.  Don't eat too much candy.  See you tomorrow.