01.16 - A Boy Named Sue

At the beginning of class today, we had the set eleven roots and prefixes quiz.

Following this, we returned to our work with theme and message by looking at "A Boy Named Sue". People shared out the plot summary sentences that they had created using the various sentence types we have studied so far. Then, in their table groups, people discussed themes and messages present in the song. We discussed these as a class and weighed out which themes and messages seemed to be the most dominant.

Next, we practiced theme and message a little bit more by having groups consider the theme and message of texts we have already read this year (A Separate Peace, The Giver, and Anthem). Groups shared out their assessment of theme and message for these texts and their responses provided further discussion for our class around what makes a strong theme/message.

At the end of class, I handed out copies of Harrison Bergeron. People should read and annotate their copy of the story. The story, along with something with which to write, are the only outside materials that will be permitted during our final on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

In reading this story, people should also be on the lookout for motifs that contribute to the theme and message.

Handouts:

"Harrison Bergeron"
Midterm Directions

Johnny Cash - "A Boy Named Sue" (lyrics and reading questions)

Homework:

Read and annotate "Harrison Bergeron" in preparation for our mid-term on Tuesday (the Wednesday portion of our midterm has a different focust)