Friday, February 1

Objective: SWBAT complete make-up work, extra credit, and final projects.

Do-Now: FREE WRITE (Write 5-7 sentences about anything you want)

Today: 1) Pick-a-Number Play (20 pts. EC) : Choose THREE numbers from 1-10.  You can choose the same number more than once.  Once you've chosen your numbers, Ms. Winberg will give you the main character, setting, and conflict for your play.

2) Make-Up Work: Last call to get your make-up work from Ms. Winberg!

3) Continue working on "Death of a Salesman" Project.

Homework: "Death of a Salesman" Project and ALL Make-Up Work DUE MONDAY!!!

Thursday, January 31

Objective: SWBAT complete make-up work, extra credit, and final projects.

Do-Now: Which plays/activities did you enjoy most this year?  The least?  What are some activities you wished we would have done in class that we didn't?  What suggestions do you have for improving the class?

Today: 1) Go over "Death of a Salesman" Act 1 Quiz

2) Extra-Credit (20 pts.) : Partner Play : Compose a 4-page play with a partner in which each of you writes the dialogue and actions for one character (there should be only two characters.)  Begin by choosing a setting for your play, a scenario (what the play will be about), and two characters.  Then, have one of you write the first line of dialogue and/or set of actions from the first character.  Next, pass the paper over to your partner and he/she will write the next line of dialogue and/or set of actions from the second character.  You will continue passing the paper back and forth until the play is finished.  Assignments should show TWO different sets of handwriting!

3) Finish any make-up work you still owe.  If you're not sure what you owe, ask Ms. Winberg.

4) Continue working on your "Death of a Salesman" Project

Homework:  "Death of a Salesman" Project and ALL Make-Up Work Due MONDAY!!!

Wednesday, January 30

Objective: SWBAT complete make-up work, extra credit, and final projects.

Do-Now: What are some of the stereotypes associated with the city of Philadelphia and its people?  (Example: The city is dirty and the people are fat.)  List as many as you can.

Today: 1) Class will read "The Philadelphia."

2) Extra-Credit: (20 points) : Compose your own 2-page play focusing on some of the stereotypes about Philadelphia.

3) Complete any make-up work/missed assignments for this semester.  If you are not sure what you're missing, ask Ms. Winberg.

4) Continue working on your "Death of a Salesman" Project

Exit Slip: What were some of the stereotypes about Philadelphia present in the play "The Philadelphia?"  How were these stereotypes used to create humor in the play?  Do you believe these stereotypes are true?  Explain.

Homework: "Death of a Salesman" Project Due MONDAY, February 4.  ALL MAKE-UP Work Due MONDAY, February 4.

Tuesday, January 29

Objective: SWBAT complete a quiz on Act 2 of "Death of a Salesman."

Do-Now: What are you reactions to the end of the play?  Do you believe Willy made the right choice for himself?  For his family?  Did Willy have any other options?  EXPLAIN.

1) "Death of a Salesman" Act 2 Quiz (You may use a book, but must work alone)

2) Complete any make-up work or missed assignments for this semester.

3) Continue working on your "Death of a Salesman" Project

Exit Slip: Which project option did you choose for "Death of a Salesman?"  Why did you choose this option?  How much progress have you made on your project so far?

Homework: "Death of a Salesman" Project and ALL Make-Up Work Due MONDAY, February 4!!!

Monday, January 28

Objective: SWBAT describe how the conflicts in a play are resolved by the main character’s demise.  SWBAT evaluate the effectiveness of a requiem.

Do-Now: We know Willy is going to die.  How do you predict he will meet his demise? (How will he die?)  Explain what evidence you have found in the play which leads you to believe this.

Today: 1) Review Acts 1 and 2 of "Death of a Salesman."

2) Class will read pp. 125-136.  How do each of the characters' conflicts become resolved by Willy's death?

3) Fill out the Conflict Chart for Linda.

4) In groups, read "Requiem."

5) Requiem Re-Write: Compose your own requiem for "Death of a Salesman" to replace the one in the play.  Remember: Willy is dead, so you can't bring him back, but you may use any of the other characters in the play.  Your requiem should be in written in play format and should be at least TWO pages long.

Exit Slip: If you were directing the play, would you include the “Requiem” or leave it out?  Explain.

Homework: Continue working on your "Death of a Salesman" Project.  Due MONDAY, February 4!

Friday, January 25

Objective: SWBAT explain how a flashback scene is used to parallel and present scene from a play.

Do-Now: FREE WRITE (Write 5-7 sentences about anything you want)

Today: 1) Introduce "Death of a Salesman Project"

2) In groups read pp. 116-125.  What does this flashback scene reveal about Willy’s past?  How does this explain his current relationship with Biff?How is the Loman family beginning to fall apart?  What events have led up to this? 


Exit Slip: What do you think caused Willy to have an affair?  How might this have led to the destruction of the relationship between him and his son?  His wife?

Homework: Begin working on your "Death of a Salesman" Project

Thursday, January 24

Objective: SWBAT find an instance of foreshadowing in a play and describe what event it might be predicting.  SWBAT find three examples of dramatic irony in a play and explain how effectively it is being used.

Do-Now: If you couldn’t pay your bills, would you feel comfortable borrowing money from a friend?  Explain why or why not.  Why do you think some people refuse to let others help them when they are in need?

Today: 1) Review foreshadowing and dramatic irony.

2) Class will read pp. 98-105 looking for instances of dramatic irony.  How are Happy’s lies a form of dramatic irony?

3) In groups, read pp. 105- 114.  How are Willy’s flashbacks mixed in with the present scene?  How is the author trying to show that this is not the first time Biff has disappointed his father?

Exit Slip:Why do you believe Happy wants Biff to lie to Willy about speaking to Oliver?  Explain.  What is starting to happen to Willy?  What do you believe is causing this to happen to him?

Friday, January 18

Objective: SWBAT complete a quiz on Act 1 of "Death of a Salesman."  SWBAT complete TWO free choice activities to display their knowledge of Act 1 of "Death of a Salesman."

Do-Now: FREE WRITE (Write 5-7 sentences about anything you want)

Today: 1) Open Book Quiz on Act 1 of "Death of a Salesman."  You must work on this quiz ALONE.

2) Free-Choice Friday : Choose TWO activities to complete:

A) Setting Sketch: Use the description of the play's setting in the beginning of Act 1 to draw a sketch of the set.  Make sure to include every room and every prop mentioned in the description.

B) Flashback: Write a short flashback scene where Willy recalls one of the times he almost "crashed" his car.  This scene should be written in play format and be at least ONE page long. 

C) Soundtrack: Create a five-song soundtrack for Act 1.  List the song title/artist as well as a TWO sentence description of what each song is about and why you chose it.  (TEN sentences total.)

D) Mini-Essay: Elaborate on yesterday's journal topic by writing a TEN sentence essay about whether it is more important to be knowledgeable or well-liked in order to become successful.  You may use examples from your own lives or the lives of famous people to support your argument.

Homework: Finish your two Free-Choice Friday Activities.  TEN POINTS extra credit for each additional assignment you complete.

Thursday, January 17

Objective: SWBAT describe how an instance of flashback is used to contrast with an accompanying scene.

Do-Now: Do you believe it’s not what you know, but who you know that’s important for determining how successful you are?  Can you be successful based on the fact that you are well-known and well-liked?  Can you be successful without anyone liking you?  Explain.

Today: 1) Review Willy's flashbacks

2) Class will read pp. 84-90.  How is flashback being used to contrast the scene that came before?  What opportunities did Willy give up in the past?  What hopes did the family have for Biff?

3) In groups, students will read pp. 90-94.  What is the purpose of Bernard’s re-appearance in the play?  How has Bernard succeeded where Biff has failed?  How does Willy over exaggerate Biff’s success?

Exit Slip: Why do you believe Willy lied about Biff to Bernard?  How do these lies benefit Biff?  How do these lies benefit Willy?

Homework: Write 2-3 paragraphs describing a time in your life where you have over exaggerated something about yourself or lied about yourself in order to make someone think better about you.  Why did you choose to lie?  What did you feel you had to prove?

Wednesday, January 16

Objective: SWBAT describe how the mood in the Loman household has changed based on two potential, future events.  SWBAT compare this change in mood to the changes seen in other plays they have read.

Do-Now: What “big plans” did Happy and Biff discuss at the end of Act 1?  Do you believe they will be successful?  Why or why not?  EXPLAIN.

Today: 1) Class will review Act 1.  Class will review mood.

2) Class will read pp. 72-76 examining how the mood in the Loman household has changed based on potential events that may occur in the future.

3) In pairs, students will read pp. 76-84.  How has the mood of the play changed?  How have Willy’s dreams been shot down, once again?  What might now happen to Willy?

Exit Slip: Willy expected to get a better job and now, instead, has lost the job he had.  If you were Willy, what might you be feeling/thinking now?  What would you be worried about?

Tuesday, January 15

Objective: SWBAT describe how three different characters view Willy and make inferences about each of the three characters based on their view of Willy.

Do-Now: How do you think your friends/family would describe you if they were talking about you behind your back?  What would they say about you?  What opinions would they have about the type of person you are?

Today: 1) Review characterization.  Practice using characterization to describe someone.

2) Finish reading Act 1, pp. 61-69.  How does each character view Willy?  What plans do Biff and Happy make with each other?  What might get in the way of their plans?

Exit Slip: Describe Willy Loman.  Use his actions, dialogue and opinions other characters have given about him.

Monday, January 14

Objective: SWBAT describe how three different characters view Willy and make inferences about each of the three characters based on their view of Willy.

Do-Now: What is one thing in your life that you regret never doing?  This could be an opportunity that was offered to you that you passed up or something you’ve always wanted to do, but were never able to.  Why do you regret not doing this?  If you had another chance, would you take it?

Today: 1) Review Willy's flashbacks.

2) Finish reading pp. 47-52.  How does the play transition from Willy seeing an imaginary Ben to a flashback scene?  What is the purpose of this flashback scene?

3) Class will read pp. 52-61, focusing on Linda, Biff, and Happy’s views on Willy.  How does each character feel about Willy?  What clues are you given in the text that suggest this?  What do these feelings reveal about each character?

Friday, January 11

Objective: SWBAT evaluate one instance of flashback in “Death of a Salesman” and explain the author’s purpose for the flashback.

Do-Now:  FREE WRITE (Write 5-7 sentences about anything you want)

Today: 1) Review Willy's first flashback.

2) Class will read pp. 41-47, examining Willy’s interchange with his imaginary uncle, Ben.  Why might Willy be remembering his uncle at this point in the play?

3) In groups, read pp. 47-52, examining the flashback scene with Willy’s uncle, Ben. 

Exit Slip: What do you believe is the author’s purpose for including the flashback scene with Willy’s uncle,  Ben?  What do you feel the author is trying to show us about Willy and his life?

Thursday, January 10

Objective: SWBAT describe how two instances of flashback are used in “Death of a Salesman” to reveal more about Willy’s past.

Do-Now: What reasons might a man have for cheating on his wife?  Is it okay for a man to cheat on his wife if she will never find out?  Why or why not?  How might a man's affair affect his family?  Explain.

Today: 1) Class will review the first half of the flashback from yesterday.

2) In groups, read from the bottom of pg. 33 to the bottom of pg. 40.

Exit Slip: What is revealed about Willy in the second part of this flashback?  What do Willy's actions in this flashback show you about Willy's character?  Why do you believe the author included this flashback?  Explain.

Wednesday, January 10

Objective: SWBAT describe how two instances of flashback are used in “Death of a Salesman” to reveal more about Willy’s past.

Do-Now: Recall a book you’ve read of a movie you’ve seen that used flashback (showing a scene that occurred in the past).  What occurred during this flashback?  How was the flashback used effectively to reveal more about the characters in the movie/play?

Today: 1) Review flashback

2) Class will begin reading pp. 28-33 of “Death of a Salesman,” examining the first instance of flashback.  How does this flashback show a sharp contrast between past and present?  What was Willy’s life like before?  What is his life like now?

Exit Slip: Summarize Willy's flashback.  What do you believe is the purpose of this flashback?  EXPLAIN.

Tuesday, January 8

Objective: SWBAT describe the internal and external conflicts of THREE characters from “Death of a Salesman.”

Do-Now: What conflicts have been established so far in Act 1 of “Death of a Salesman?”  What problems does Willy face?  What problems do other members of his family face?

Today: 1) Review Internal vs. External Conflict

2) Review pp. 12-17 of "Death of a Salesman."  Add Willy to your Conflict Chart.

3) Class will continue reading “Death of a Salesman” pp. 18-21.  What appear to be Biff’s internal and external conflicts?  What CLUES are given to us in the story that suggest these conflicts?  Add Biff to your Conflict Chart.

4) In pairs, read pp. 22-27, focusing on Biff and Happy’s internal and external conflicts.  Add Happy to your Conflict Chart.

Exit Slip: Out of all the characters in the play who have been introduced so far, whose conflict can you relate to the most?  Explain.

Homework: Business Plan: Pretend you are planning to start your own business and need to borrow $10,000 from a bank/lender.  Draw up a business plan explaining the business you intend to create, how you plan on starting the business, and how you plan on spending the $10,000 to start building the business.  Length = 10 - 15 sentences.

Monday, January 7

Objective: SWBAT list THREE elements from the set of “Death of a Salesman” that are used to create mood and describe how each of these elements creates mood.

Do-Now: Students will complete an anticipatory set for “Death of a Salesman.”

Today: 1) Class will begin reading the setting of “Death of a Salesman” pp.  10-12, looking for elements of the setting that are being used to create mood.

2) In pairs, students will read pp. 12-17, focusing on the dialogue between Linda and Willy and how the mood of the dialogue is affected by the setting of the play.

3) Class will discuss the conflicts that are outlined in the first few pages of Act 1.

Exit Slip: Look back at the play’s setting and list THREE elements of the setting that are used to create mood.  Explain how these elements create the mood of the first scene.

Homework: Mini-Essay: Choose one of the statements from your Anticipation Guide.  Write a short essay (about 10 sentences) explaining in more detail why you AGREE/DISAGREE with the statement.  Use examples to support your opionion.

Friday, January 4

Objective: SWBAT respond thoughtfully to critical thinking questions about a short play.  SWBAT compose their own endings for a short play.

Do-Now: Describe your relationship with your father.  Do you believe it is important to have a strong male role model in your life?  Why or why not?

Today: 1) Review the Four Main Types of Conflict: Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Self, Man vs. Machine

2) Class will read "Raheem's Father Comes Home."

3) Complete "Thinking About the Play" Questions #1-5.

4) Compose your own 2- page ending for "Raheem's Father Comes Home."

5) EXTRA CREDIT: Read "Coming Home," Complete Questions #1-5 and compose your own 2-page ending.  Worth = 25 POINTS.

Exit Slip: Do you believe Raheem’s father really wants to reconcile with his son?  Explain why or why not.

Homework: Finish your ending for "Raheem's Father Comes Home."

Thursday, January 3

Objective: SWBAT respond thoughtfully to critical thinking questions about a short play.  SWBAT compose their own endings for a short play.

Do-Now: How accurately do you remember what people look like?  If you meet someone only once, will you remember them if you see him/her again?  Why or why not?  Have you ever mistaken a person for somebody else?  Explain.

Today: 1) Review Situational Irony

2) Class will read “Identity Crisis.”

3) Complete “Thinking About the Play” Questions 1-5.

4) Compose your own ending for "Identity Crisis."

Exit Slip: Do you believe Donna is right about Gerard?  Why or why not?  If you were Donna, what would you do next?  Explain.

Homework: Finish your ending to "Identity Crisis."

Wednesday, January 2

Objective: SWBAT respond thoughtfully to critical thinking questions about a short play.  SWBAT compose their own endings for a short play.

Do-Now: Think of an old friend of yours who you no longer talk to or see.  What caused your friendship to fall apart?  How has each of you changed since you were friends?  Explain.

Today: 1) Review Characterization

2) Class will read “Coming Home.”

3) Complete “Thinking About the Play” Questions 1-5.

4) Compose your own 2-page ending for “Coming Home.”

Exit Slip: Characterize Jamal.  Based on his character, do you believe he helped his friend Thomas?  Explain why or why not.

Homework: Finish your ending for "Coming Home."