English & Literature Connection

If you can use simple, compound, and complex sentences in your writing, your paragraphs will interest your reader (teacher).

A simple sentence has one independent clause (IC) and no subordinate clauses.

A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses (IC + IC), joined by a coordinating conjunction, and no subordinate clauses. (FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses (IC + SC). Don’t forget to look for the clue words when you are looking for the subordinate clauses.

For the purpose of this response, you will construct three sentences (one of each) using a simple, compound, and complex pattern. You may write three separate sentences, or you may write a short paragraph. At the end of each sentence please label each sentence. See my example below.  This post is due no later than Thursday at 3:05 p.m.

Example:  Mrs. Horner will finish her fall semester courses this week. (IC) She is ready for Christmas break, but she will miss her students. (IC + IC) Although we only have three weeks off for Christmas break, the time will fly by quickly. (SC + IC)

Haiku

pronounced “HI-coo”

A haiku is a Japanese poem written about nature.

Its form is simple!

It has three lines and a rhyme shceme of A-B-C.

The first line has five syllables.

The second line has seven syllables.

The third line has five syllables.

Here is an example of a haiku I wrote about an old rusted car found in the wilderness of Montana.

A brown rusted car (A - 5)

Overgrown and forgotten (B -7)

Lonely without words (C - 5)

For your assignment, post a haiku in the box below. Remember the form and don’t forget your name and class period. This assignment is due for full credit on December 5th by the close of the school day!

This week, we are studying two biographies of two different rock stars:  Bob Marley (1945-1981) and Carlos Santana (1947 - present). These two artists are unlike many of the musical identities that you often listen to on your IPOD or mp3 player. Music and expression go back to the beginning of time. It has always been an important communication’s tool to people all over the world. Other forms of expression people use to communicate are writing and art.

For the purpose of this post, write a short biography of your favorite musician, artist, or author. Try to answer the who, what, when, where and why of your specific person. Remember, biographies are written in third person–that means do not use the pronoun “I” or “me.” You will have to use a resource (book, internet, etc…) for your information.

http://www.grahamsalisbury.com/

Graham Salisbury authored “Ice” which is an excerpt we will be reading from his book Going Where I’m Coming From: Memiors of American Youth. This short story is about Salisbury’s (narrator) relationship with his stepfather. The above website has a vast amount of information on Salisbury. If you have time, please visit the site to learn more about the author we will be discussing in class.

For the purpose of this post, type a short response about an adult in your life to whom you admire. It does not necessarily have to be a parent. Is your relationship similar to or different from the author’s relationship with his stepfather?

Remember to only put your first name and first initial of your last name in the response. Also, do not forget to put your class period next to your name. (Example:  Amy H 2nd Period)

” You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that poeple can’t take their eyes off you.” - Maya Angelou

 

Are you able to recognize someone’s voice when they speak? You may be able to recognize an author’s work by their style of writing.  When it comes to Maya Angelou, many listeners and readers recognize her by the elegance of her voice and the blazing fire in her written work. She has been one of my favorite poets since March 24, 1997. This was the day my grandmother Esther M. Brelje left this world for a better place. The poem “Woman Work” was the last piece of poetry she listened to just minutes before she died. My grandmother instilled the love of poetry in me early on in my life. After she died, I received several pieces of her poetic work, which I will share with you from time to time.

In Ms. Carmichael’s classes, we will be reading a brief excerpt from Maya Angelou’s autobiograhy I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This autobiography starts on page five in your literature textbook.  We will be be learning how to read an autobiography by looking for the key reading skills of connecting, setting a purpose for reading, activating prior knowledge, and identifying author’s purpose. We will also cover the key literary elements of description, point-of-view, tone, and cultural reference.

Sometimes (not always) it is important to know something about the author before you read his or her work. It becomes more enjoyable, and you may even better understand the author’s purpose.

Assignment:  For the purpose of this post, I would like you to find one piece of information on Maya Angelou and post a short response. For example:  Where was she born? Has she always been Maya Angelou? Some say she was quiet for eight years. What are they talking about? Tell me about her family. Give me any ”snippit” about her life.  If you are at a loss for words, look into her literary past. What awards has she received? Has she written more than poetry? What is she doing now? 

Please practice writing in your best grammar. Remember that whatever you write will be read by others. Be respectful. Ms. Carmichael will be using the content from this site as a part of your English grade. If you wouldn’t say it to your grandmother, don’t say it here.

Good Luck! I am anxious to learn more about my favorite female author.

Mrs. Horner