Welcome

Today is the day we make our choices for tomorrow. English IV will be your last language arts class prior to graduation. This is the time to gain as many skills in writing, reading, and analyzing as you possibly can. Here on this blog spot, you are free to express yourself about the things we are studying. You are reminded about being appropriate to the school environment. I welcome your mature comments.

Expressing our views

Expressing our views

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Music to Thine Ears...

Today, we read several medieval ballads: "Lord Randall,"  "Edward, Edward," "Get Up and Bar the Door," "Sir Patrick Spens," and "Two Corbies."  Would most people find the ballads interesting?  Why? Which of the ballads did you enjoy most?  Why?  (Deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Thursday, February 2, 2012.)

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Defining a Hero...

The Anglo-Saxons defined a hero as "one who won fame and glory by doing great deeds."  How do you define a hero and who is your personal hero and how does this person exemplify your definition of a hero?  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, January 23, 2012.)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Looking for a hero...

The elements of the epic hero include that he is brave, he is ethical, he is glorified, he is skilled, he is smart, he is strong and/or superhuman in ability, and he represents the culture in which he lives. Today, we finished the first battle in BEOWULF. What traits of the epic hero have you seen thus far in the story? In what ways have these traits been exaggerated? What do these traits reveal the Anglo-Saxon values and ethics? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Thursday, January 19, 2012.)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Here come the invaders...

We have covered a great deal about the Anglo-Saxons and the historical period in which they ruled and changed England and developed our language. They were an interesting society. What are two things you found to be interesting about the Anglo-Saxons? Explain why. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Friday, January 13, 2012).

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Welcome to English IV!

George Eliot once wrote "It is never too late to be what you might have been." This is one of my all time favorite quotes because it echoes my belief that anyone at anytime has the power to choose his destiny. This semester as we journey through composition writing and American literature, I hope that you will find something that will inspire to choose the right destiny for yourself. I hope that you will enjoy the class and let me help you improve and enhance your writing, grammar, and reading skills. I look forward to getting to know each of you and making this a successful semester. My first questions to you are "What would you like me to help you with this semester? Why do you feel you need improvement in this area? What would the best     way(s) for me to teach you?" (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Sunday, January 8, 2012. Remember if you post to use your initials and the block to indicate who you are.)