BEFORE STARTING CATCHER in the Rye, students will write two analytical paragraphs about the novel on our classsroom web page. These paragraphs will be read by your peers in periods one and two, so proofread them carefully before posting. As a matter or practice, you should type them in a word-processing document, and then copy and paste your writing into the comment box. DO NOT write the paragraph directly into the comment space, as html/flash errors do occur, and you can potentially lose your work.

Monday

No school for Rosh Hashanah
HW: The one-page plot line for your character’s experience of the four freedoms is due tomorrow.

Tuesday

Quick review of argumentative body paragraph structure, including some stylistic issues to avoid when writing analytical paragraphs. From there, we will begin a documentary about the historical experience of Japanese-American internees during WWII, Unfinished Business.
HW: Write the first of two paragraphs tonight. This one should be about the author’s most important, least obvious lesson about freedom in America via your character. Post it on the blog, and read at least 8 other peers’s paragraphs.

Wednesday

We will begin by reviewing paragraphs, examining them for patterns of needed revision. Subsequently, we will return to yesterday’s documentary, finishing the film.
HW: 1st Period: Writing the second analytical paragraph, this one about the most significant symbol/image in the novel, and what it demonstrates about freedom in America. Post on the blog, and read at least 8 other paragraphs posted by peers. 2nd Period: Read an ADDITIONAL 8 character paragraphs from last night’s thread.

Thursday

Second discussion about analytical paragraphs. Once complete, students should revise BOTH paragraphs, and post your revision as a reply/comment to your original post.
HW: Obtain and bring your copy of our next novel. Please write your last name and first initial on the end pages of the book.

Friday

Finishing the documentary on Japanese-American internment.
HW: This weekend, you should revise both the symbol paragraph and the character paragraph, posting the new version as a comment to your first draft of the paragraph (in other words, you are going to post a comment to your first comment). Monday, we will be introducing the iconic Catcher in the Rye. We will start with the first page of the novel, and then move to listing everything you a) love and b) hate. Time permitting, we will begin our work on understanding America post WWII, the rise of consumerism, popular entertainment, and the threat of nuclear holocaust.