LAST WEEK we worked out the kinks in video/mp4 home access system, finished the documentary Reel Injun. We read all but one of the supplemental texts by/on Native Americans. In so doing, we practiced a reading technique that requires students to go beyond main idea (looking for argumentative structure, author's credibility and purpose). Finally, we reviewed annotation practices, looking at vocabulary in chapter one of The Round House, discussing how to use the student-identified quotes as a way of checking your own reading.

Monday

In class essay on the summer reading. All students will write their essays in blue books, without their copy of the summer reading. Due at the end of the period.
HW: Remember the worksheet that you completed for the Black Elk and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee selections? Tonight you will do the same, but this time for the first two articles in the packet, Lydia Sigourney’s “Indian Names” and Charles Eastman’s From the Deep Woods to Civilization.

Tuesday

Thinking argumentatively. Understanding the story is one think. Thinking about what we learn about America or Americans through the story is another thing entirely. What does Joe's experience teach us about the Native American community in contemporary American society? About identity? Heritage? Surviving? Lecture on the importance of T-Q-S.
HW: At this point, you have taken notes on four of the supplemental texts on Native American literature. Tonight, read and take notes on the last selection, a poem by Sherman Alexie.

Wednesday

Today in class we will work with the chapter two vocabulary that I marked in my copy of the novel. Assignment is due by end of class.
HW: Read short story, "Indian Education" by Sherman Alexie, as well as article, "Why I Hate Tonto (and Still Do)" also by Alexie. Please print the handout, and bring your annotated copy to class. Remember to circle vocabulary words, make connections, and ask questions. As to themes, think about this question: What kind of education does the narrator receive? I will collect these annotations.

Thursday

In class discussion of Alexie's work. We will use the Great Books format.
HW: Choose one of today's texts--the short story, the editorial, or the scene from the film "Smoke Signals," and complete our reading worksheet for that text.

Friday

Our last reading is a selection from a contemporary writer, Sarah Vowell. We will look at an essay from her first collection, Take the Cannoli, "Trail of Tears."
HW: You can listen to the story below. Finish listening to the essay this weekend. Our next unit will be on Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, so youwill need that book for Monday. Bring it!
Audio to the essay is here.