"I Hear America Singing"

Mash It Up!

  We read and discussed Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing" as well as Langston Hughes's "I, Too."  Type your modern version of "I Hear America Singing."  Then, write two paragraphs that shows comparisons and differences between all three poems (Whitman's, Hughes's, and yours.)  Really put thought into your writing, avoid the "obvious,"  and use citations to prove your points.

Puritan Literature: Tie It All Together

Beliefs, Values, & Principles

After reading the various pieces of Puritan literature, think about the strong religious beliefs as well as the principles and values that were important to the Puritans.  Discuss how the pieces beliefs, values and principles were similar or different.  Use specific passages from the book (parenthetical notation - MLA) that proves your ideas.  Then discuss if any of those beliefs, values, or principles are still important today.  Please use specific examples to prove your ideas.

"To My Dear and Loving Husband" Comparison

Anne Bradstreet talks about her eternal love for her husband.  We could describe their relationship as passionate, caring, loving, warm. devoted, and tender.  Now think about a couple (real life, tv, movie, or book) that has a relationship that is similar.  Discuss the comparisons between the relationships.  Please use pieces of the poem to show the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bradstreet as well as specific examples about the couple you know that complete the circle of love blog you're writing.

Unit 1:  Creation Story

You've completed your reading of the Iroquois's myth "The World on the Turtle's Back."  Choose one of the two options below.  

1.  The Iroquois emphasized the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.  Write your explanation of how the Iroquois myth expresses this relationship toward all living things.

2.  The twins in this myth represent "two ways of the world which are in all people" - the "straight mind" and the "crooked mind."  Write your reflection  in which you agree or disagree with this view of human character.  Support your opinion with examples.

Blog Guidelines

We will be blogging regularly in class this year.  Please take a look and follow the guidelines that are set up for our class blog.


1.  Only post what you want EVERYONE to know.  Remember Grandma can see this as can someone in China.  Therefore don't post personal information.

2.  Think before you post.  Only write school appropriate things.  This means no foul language and slang. 

3.  Because we are an English class, remember your writing conventions.  Avoid "text talk" and slang.


4.  If you use any media or quotations from another source, you MUST cite the creator of that idea or work.  Essentially, I want to see your ideas. 

5.  You will be asked to comment on other's blogs at times.  Remember our discussion onconstructive criticism.  This isn't a place to bash someone.

6.  As I've seen on many online sites, use the THINK approach:
      T - Is it TRUE?
      H - Is it HELPFUL?
       I - Is it INSPIRING?
      N - Is it NECESSARY?
      K - Is it KIND?
If you can't answer yes to these, don't post it.


See Mrs. DeVore if you have any questions.