"This I believe" Unit
This I Believe Vocab List definitions: Quizlet link
Essential QUESTIONs:
What do I believe in?
How can I impassion others towards my own beliefs?
HOw can I speak publicly on an item of my own passion, with eloquence, articulation, poise, and persuasion?
Friday, March 13th
Independent Book Report DUE!!! – Hand into box by end of period
1. vocab: fervent, creed, dogma
2. journal: Students can choose 1 or more topics or write on…
Independent Book Report DUE!!! – Hand into box by end of period
1. vocab: fervent, creed, dogma
2. journal: Students can choose 1 or more topics or write on…
3. "This I Believe" Introduction – website: thisibelieve.org
3. This I Believe Project Directions
4. Independent Worktime:
- This I Believe is a 500-word essay about something that you believe in
- It was started by National Public Radio in 1950 to create a more positive public dialogue (after WWII left a melancholy state of affairs)
- There are thousands of essays & audiofiles under many themes on the website (including high school student work) to explore
3. This I Believe Project Directions
4. Independent Worktime:
- Finish yesterday’s essay exam
- Finish up putting Book Report Together
- This I Believe Vocab List definitions: Copy the definition into your journal (or on paper provided) & Write a Sentence for each word in the Vocab Section
- go online to thisibelieve.org and read 5 “This I Believe” Essays on topics of interest – or read from “This I Believe” book & write a short response to each read essay
Tuesday, March 17th
1. vocab: memoir, anecdote, existential, theoretical, cardinal, partial, predisposed, predilection, adage
2. journal: A) Quote Response
B) My Creed/Dogma/Passions Mind-map
3. Activity: Agree/Disagree with life theme statements
4. Example Personal Essays: "This I Believe"
Homework: 1. Complete vocab sentences & definitions for This I Believe Vocab List
2. go online to thisibelieve.org and read 5 “This I Believe” Essays on topics of interest – or read from “This I Believe” book & write 2-3 sentence response to each read essay
Thursday, March 19th
1. vocab: ideology, empathize vs. sympathize, emote
2. journal: Top 3-5 Lists:
A) Best Moments/Times -
B) Challenging Times/Embarrassing Moments -
C) People who Affected Me/Influenced me -
3. Read and Listen to "This I Believe" pieces - thisibelieve.org
4. Write 1st Draft of "This I Believe" & Read aloud for REVISION
- Add anecdote
- Add quote/reference/allusion
- Add rhetorical questions
- Add imagery, adjectives, better verbs
- Use the thesaurus
- Add a universal analysis/connection to your topic
- Reread aloud for grammar & punctuation
Tuesday, March 24th
1. vocab: superlative, exude, compel, emanate, embody
2. journal: Plot chart an anecdote from your life
3. Peer Edit
4. Write & Revise: Second Draft of your "This I Believe" Piece
5. Reread: Edit, Embellish, Revise
D. Conference with Ms. Rankin
Homework: 2nd DRAFT OF "This I Believe"
- Add anecdote
- Add quote/reference/allusion
- Add rhetorical questions
- Add imagery, adjectives, better verbs
- Use the thesaurus
- Add a universal analysis/connection to your topic
- Reread aloud for grammar & punctuation
2. Study Vocab Words for a Quiz Thursday
Thursday, March 26th
1. vocab: vehement & ardent (ADJ): enthusiastic, passionate
2. journal: Final Self-Assessment of the Quarter
3. Watch: "I Have a Dream" Speech by Martin Luther King
"On the Death of Martin Luther King" by Robert F Kennedy
**Write down phrases or public speaking techniques that are effective
4. Prepare: Speech
- Watch/Listen to more "This I Believe" examples if needed
- Polish/embellish your piece to hand in top form TODAY - Ms. Rankin will edit : link to words here
Homework: FINAL DRAFT OF "THIS I BELIEVE" DUE FRIDAY!
Independent Book Report: DUE JUNE 1st - be prepared to show Ms. Rankin your LIT MAP
Friday, March 27th
1. Writing Workshop: FINAL DRAFT & PUBLISH ONLINE
A. Conference with Ms. Rankin
B. Complete Final Draft
C. Publish on you website under Essays Tab of English weebly
D. Publish your essay on the thisibelieve.com website
E. Scan in your past book reports and link your final essays to this section of your website
F. Rehearse your speech with a partner
Homework: 1. Notecards for Speech 2. Rehearse/Film "This I Believe Piece"
2. Independent Book Report
SPRING BREAK: MARCH 27TH- APRIL 4TH
Tuesday, April 7th
1. vocab: gesticulation, oration, orator, disseminate
2. journal: verbal/non-verbal speaking techniques
3. watch Speeches:
Martin Luther King - "I Have a Dream"
Robert F Kennedy - "On the Death of Martin Luther King"
Malcolm X - "Who Taught you to Hate Yourself?"
Homework: 1. Rehearse/Prepare for Speech/Film to present on Tuesday
2. Independent Book Report
Thursday, April 8th
1. vocab:
2. journal: What public figures have made an impression on you? Why? What is their public persona and how are they persuasive in their speech, appearance, & voice?
3. Watch: John F Kennedy -
Inaugural Speech "Yes We Can" by President Obama
Homework: 1. Rehearse/Prepare for Speech/Film to present on Tuesday - highlight your speech for places you will look up during your speech OR make note cards)
**(50 extra credit points if you MEMORIZE your piece)
2. Independent Book Report
Tuesday, April 14th
1. Present "This I Believe" Pieces
2. journal: Reflection on my speech & goals for next speech
Homework: 1. 20 Vocab Definitions & Sentences for Lord of the Flies Set 1
2. Independent Book Report
1. vocab: memoir, anecdote, existential, theoretical, cardinal, partial, predisposed, predilection, adage
2. journal: A) Quote Response
B) My Creed/Dogma/Passions Mind-map
3. Activity: Agree/Disagree with life theme statements
4. Example Personal Essays: "This I Believe"
Homework: 1. Complete vocab sentences & definitions for This I Believe Vocab List
2. go online to thisibelieve.org and read 5 “This I Believe” Essays on topics of interest – or read from “This I Believe” book & write 2-3 sentence response to each read essay
Thursday, March 19th
1. vocab: ideology, empathize vs. sympathize, emote
2. journal: Top 3-5 Lists:
A) Best Moments/Times -
B) Challenging Times/Embarrassing Moments -
C) People who Affected Me/Influenced me -
3. Read and Listen to "This I Believe" pieces - thisibelieve.org
4. Write 1st Draft of "This I Believe" & Read aloud for REVISION
- Add anecdote
- Add quote/reference/allusion
- Add rhetorical questions
- Add imagery, adjectives, better verbs
- Use the thesaurus
- Add a universal analysis/connection to your topic
- Reread aloud for grammar & punctuation
Tuesday, March 24th
1. vocab: superlative, exude, compel, emanate, embody
2. journal: Plot chart an anecdote from your life
3. Peer Edit
4. Write & Revise: Second Draft of your "This I Believe" Piece
5. Reread: Edit, Embellish, Revise
D. Conference with Ms. Rankin
Homework: 2nd DRAFT OF "This I Believe"
- Add anecdote
- Add quote/reference/allusion
- Add rhetorical questions
- Add imagery, adjectives, better verbs
- Use the thesaurus
- Add a universal analysis/connection to your topic
- Reread aloud for grammar & punctuation
2. Study Vocab Words for a Quiz Thursday
Thursday, March 26th
1. vocab: vehement & ardent (ADJ): enthusiastic, passionate
2. journal: Final Self-Assessment of the Quarter
3. Watch: "I Have a Dream" Speech by Martin Luther King
"On the Death of Martin Luther King" by Robert F Kennedy
**Write down phrases or public speaking techniques that are effective
4. Prepare: Speech
- Watch/Listen to more "This I Believe" examples if needed
- Polish/embellish your piece to hand in top form TODAY - Ms. Rankin will edit : link to words here
Homework: FINAL DRAFT OF "THIS I BELIEVE" DUE FRIDAY!
Independent Book Report: DUE JUNE 1st - be prepared to show Ms. Rankin your LIT MAP
Friday, March 27th
1. Writing Workshop: FINAL DRAFT & PUBLISH ONLINE
A. Conference with Ms. Rankin
B. Complete Final Draft
C. Publish on you website under Essays Tab of English weebly
D. Publish your essay on the thisibelieve.com website
E. Scan in your past book reports and link your final essays to this section of your website
F. Rehearse your speech with a partner
Homework: 1. Notecards for Speech 2. Rehearse/Film "This I Believe Piece"
2. Independent Book Report
SPRING BREAK: MARCH 27TH- APRIL 4TH
Tuesday, April 7th
1. vocab: gesticulation, oration, orator, disseminate
2. journal: verbal/non-verbal speaking techniques
3. watch Speeches:
Martin Luther King - "I Have a Dream"
Robert F Kennedy - "On the Death of Martin Luther King"
Malcolm X - "Who Taught you to Hate Yourself?"
Homework: 1. Rehearse/Prepare for Speech/Film to present on Tuesday
2. Independent Book Report
Thursday, April 8th
1. vocab:
2. journal: What public figures have made an impression on you? Why? What is their public persona and how are they persuasive in their speech, appearance, & voice?
3. Watch: John F Kennedy -
Inaugural Speech "Yes We Can" by President Obama
Homework: 1. Rehearse/Prepare for Speech/Film to present on Tuesday - highlight your speech for places you will look up during your speech OR make note cards)
**(50 extra credit points if you MEMORIZE your piece)
2. Independent Book Report
Tuesday, April 14th
1. Present "This I Believe" Pieces
2. journal: Reflection on my speech & goals for next speech
Homework: 1. 20 Vocab Definitions & Sentences for Lord of the Flies Set 1
2. Independent Book Report
Thursday, April 16th
1. vocab: Lord of the Flies Set 1 Review
2. Present This I Believe Pieces
3. journal: Reflection on my speech & goals for next speech
Homework: Independent Book Report
1. vocab: Lord of the Flies Set 1 Review
2. Present This I Believe Pieces
3. journal: Reflection on my speech & goals for next speech
Homework: Independent Book Report