Six Word Story Warm-Up

According to legend, the author Ernest Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in six words. 

He penned these words: "For Sale: Baby shoes, never used." 

This single sentence allows the reader to infer a great deal of information. Hemingway illustrated that a story does not need to be long and dense in order to have depth and meaning. 

Today I would like to challenge you to write a story in six words. 

Take your time, and be thoughtful. Please write as many six word stories as you'd like. 

When we are done, we will share our stories. 

The author of the best story will receive extra credit on the unit exam on Wednesday. 

Flowers for Algernon Audiobook

One of your vocabulary this week is "metacognition," which means "thinking about thinking." 

In other words, having metacognitive skills means that you know your intellectual strengths and weaknesses and work to utilize or address them. 

Many of you have complained that first few chapters are difficult to read because of the spelling. Some of you are auditory learners and may benefit from listening to audio while you read. 

I also suggest annotating your text by making notes about the plot, characters, and figurative language you see. Make predictions and ask questions in your annotations. This will help you to understand what you read on a deeper level. 

I've linked the full audiobook for 'Flowers for Algernon" to help those of you who are struggling. 

Remember, in order to maximize the benefit of listening, you must also read along. 

During your Free Time

As you know, you do not have free time in my class, however, when we are done with the lesson, you sometimes have some flexibility and choices with independent work.

Here are your options:

1. Review your vocabulary words on quizlet. I am proud of the progress you have made so far this year. Also, be aware that we will be having frequent, cumulative exams. That means you need to learn and remember your vocabulary words!!

2. Review your spelling words on spelling city. I want you all to work on your spelling. This will prove important on standardized exams. It will also make you more confident writers.

3. Read a book. We will be beginning "Flowers for Algernon" on Monday. Use class time to read so that you will have less homework.

4. Finally, you may do work for another class.

You may talk quietly if you are actively engaged in one of these tasks. If you are not engaged in these tasks you will earn reprimands.

I have overheard and spoken to many of you who want to be entrepreneurs. 

Watch this interview with Richard Branson, and consider the following: 

How did Branson get started? 

What opportunities did he take advantage of? 

What does Branson accredit to his success in the airline industry? 

Write a ten sentence summary answering the preceding questions. Keep it, we will discuss your results.