Thursday, December 11th

Today we begin the Ricochet River unit.

1) We checked out books and reading schedule bookmarks were distributed.

2) We discussed choosing a level of reading/comprehension appropriate to your learning and to your goals for future English classes. The three options are:

• Answer questions that address literal and implied meaning (pick this option if you struggle with comprehending or you forget what you read)
• Summarize each chapter, in your own words, as you read (this is the "on-level" option that will help you distinguish between what is important and what details are peripheral). Use the reading guide author Robin Cody web-published to guide you.
• Analyze each chapter, in your own words, as you read, focusing on connections, themes, and symbolism (this is the "challenge" level--choose this if you intend to take College Writing or AP Literature next year to prepare you for this level of discourse). Use the reading guide author Robin Cody web-published to get you started.

Mrs. Evans discussed seven themes that will emerge as we read and discuss this book. The theme handout will help you focus on those themes and will serve as the basis of your thematic essay at the end of the unit.

NOTE: A "wild-to-tame" scale handout was also distributed, although we will not discuss it until we reach chapter 6.

We read and verbally analyzed chapter 1 in class. Chapters 2-3 are homework, along with the questions, summaries or analysis for those chapters (due Monday).