Post-Holiday Hangover and Getting Back in the Swing of Things

Reflections on the Thanksgiving Holiday

In all honesty, it was nice not to think about rhetoric or things related to AP Language and Composition. I started reading the first book in the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. So far, I really like it, though the pace is kind of fast and there isn't much character development. I'll probably finish the book in the next couple of days. Have any of you read it?

I did not get to as much grading as I had hoped. I was going to take a serious look at your typed Rhetorics, but did not get the chance--I slept in a bed way past its prime, and was laid up for a whole day with neck spasms. Not grading rhetorics has had a serious impact on my plans for the week, which I will get to in the next section.

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

First, I need to remind you that we are on a one week hiatus when it comes to the rhetoric project. I need to think through some things before we move on. Mostly, it has to do with peer-to-peer assessment. It's a good model, but I need to lay down some clearer guidelines for everyone because it's not working like it should. That's my fault and poor leadership. Generally speaking, though, you all are learning how to respond to the rhetoric project better and better each week, so some good things are happening.

For now, we will focus on finishing Sophie's World. This week we will work in groups in class, looking back on the first 22 chapters, while at home, we will keep reading--two chapters at a time (see the calendar). No more trouble slips, but keep annotating.

Please come to class armed with questions as you have been. I promise we will get through this together and you will understand the book!