Exam Schedule

Study for your exams. We will discuss exemptions on Monday. 

The end is in sight! 

-Mrs. Cantu

King Arthur Movie Assignment

Here are some of the more popular movie choices:

• The Sword in the Stone (cartoon)
• Excalibur (live action)
• Camelot (musical)
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (live action/comedy)
• Merlin (tv miniseries)
• The Spaceman and King Arthur

There are also movies about lesser know characters like 

• Tristan and Isolde 
• Guinevere
• Lancelot of the Lake
• First Knight (about Lancelot)

Again, your assignment is to watch a second version of the King Arthur legend and write a review of it and King Arthur (the movie we watched in class) .

You are:

• Explaining the basic plot of each movie,
• Answering the questions on the handout you received last week,
• Comparing the two versions,
• Giving your opinion about which to see and/or skip.

This assignment is due on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

Chivalry Essay

Ok, here is a step-by-step break down of what you are expected to do:

• Analyze how is Gawain chivalrous in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
• Analyze how Arthur is chivalrous in Morte D'Arthur.
• Compare/Contrast Sir Gawain's and King Arthur's chivalrousness (yes it is a real word).

     Your essay is going to require you to compare the two characters in terms of chivalry.

     Whatever you write in your notebook on pages 46-47 (my page numbers) is what you can use to help you with your essay tomorrow.

Feel free to comment here to ask questions, discuss possible responses, or help your fellow students.

-Mrs. Cantu

Eng III: The Pit and the Pendulum

Good afternoon!  

Okay, I know this week is going to be a little hectic, but I still need to see some assignments in your notebooks. 

As far as "The Pit and the Pendulum" goes, I am going to check for the following activities: 

• Edgar Allan Poe notes,
• Gothic Elements Key
• A Plot Summary, 
• Symbolism (candles, pit, pendulum), and 
• your A.P.E. notes & Open-Ended responses.  

Whew, that is a lot! We have work on many activities for this story, so I hope you remember it well.

If you have any questions, you can ask me in class, email, comment on this post, or check my notebook in class on Wednesday.

Remember: we will be in the Main Gym again tomorrow, Tuesday 11-5-13.

-Mrs. Cantu

The 3 Cs: Chivalry, Courtly Love, and Civility

In my last post, I shared he link to the website where you can find the lists of rules noblemen and women had to follow in order to be considered civilized, chivalrous, and properly in love.  There was a bit of confusion about what to do in your notebooks, so I hope this post helps alleviate some of that.

First, you were supposed to summarize the rules/ guidelines in your King Arthur notes on page 42 (this is in my notebook, your page #s may vary).  Your summary should note the reoccurring traits of chivalry, then love, then civility NOT all three together. 

On the next three pages you are going to do the following: choose 1 rule from each section and analyze it in terms of its relevance in the Middle Ages and today. You also need to create a visual for each rule. 

When writing your analysis think about the following: this rule was accepted as appropriate to the crown, nobility and knights of the time, but is it still relevant today? Briefly explain in your notebook.

Here are pictures do these pages in my notebook: 

King Arthur notes (42) If you need to finish the notes, you can find the Prezi here.

Code of Chivalry (43):

Courtly Love (44):

Civility (45):

I hope this helps.  Have these ready to turn in on Monday.  Also, you need to read "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" pgs 171-183 by Monday. There will be a quiz over this.

One last thing about Monday- because of benchmark testing 1-6th periods will meet in the Main Gym on Monday and Tuesday 11-4 & 11-5.  7th and 8th- we will be back in the classroom.





Have a great weekend!
-Mrs. Cantu

EDITED: Medieval Coats of Arms

Here is a website that explains a lot of the symbolic meanings of images, colors, and patterns on shields and coats of arms.

We will be covering King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table soon.  I will be posting updates as we go along.

Extra credit to the first person from each class who can correctly identify who this coat of arms belongs to:

ADDED: I am going to tag on to this post, the link for the Code of Chivalry, Courtly Love, and Civility.

-Mrs Cantu

The Canterbury Tales Review

Here is the review page we filled out in class.  Again you should study all the notes you took about The Prologue, The Pardoner's Tale, and The Wife of Bath's Tale. 

Persuasive Writing

I wanted to share some persuasive writing tips that will help with the EOC, ACT and just plain ol' writing in general.  So here they are:

• Understand what you are writing about and don't forget it! Nothing bugs an English teacher or essay grader more than to read an essay that starts off well, but goes off on a tangent and misses the point. Always keep the prompt in mind.  
• Know your audience. If you are writing an essay for class, make sure you are writing things that are appropriate for your teacher (or principal) to read.
• Think of convincing, logical arguments to persuade your audience.  Logos is the most commonly used appeal in terms of your essay.
• Edit, Rewrite, Repeat.  No one writes a perfect essay, poem, or novel the first time.  I know some situations don't allow you to rewrite your essay- like EOC or ACT- but you can still proofread before turning in your work.  You don't want to do it, but taking a couple minutes to read through your writing can be the difference between failing and passing.  

Write on,

Mrs. Cantu

The Canterbury Tales: Prologue

CHARACTER LIST

The main characters of The Canterbury Tales are comprised of the procession of the twenty-nine pilgrims who traveled from London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury and passed their long journey by narrating entertaining tales. The pilgrims and their tales represent a microcosm of medieval English society. These characters include the following:

Chaucer

The author of The Canterbury Tales and appears throughout the book as one of the twenty-nine pilgrims. He functions as the reader’s guide and his ironic comments reveal the true nature of the assorted group. He tells the tales of Sir Topas and the tale of Melibee during the course of the journey. He finally identifies himself at the end.

The Knight

Chaucer describes the Knight as a "verray parfit gentil knight" (i.e. true, perfect, well bred) who had distinguished himself in many Crusades. All the wars fought by the Knight have been religious wars. In spite of being a brave warrior with various victories to his credit, the Knight never boasted of his success.

The Squire

The Knight’s son, probably twenty years old. He is described as a "lover and a lusty bachelor" and is a worthy aspirant to Knighthood. Apart from being a warrior he also sings, composes melodies and writes poetry.

The Yeoman

The only servant accompanying the Knight on the pilgrimage. He is thoroughly knowledgeable about forestry and woodcraft and is a true forester. (a person in charge of a forest or skilled in planting, managing, or caring for trees/living in the forest).

The Prioress

A pious and saintly woman. However she is sentimental and strives to imitate courtly manners. She is a very sensitive woman who is gentle even with the three small dogs accompanying her in her journey. The attention that she gives to her appearance is an indication of her secret longing for a more sophisticated life.

The Monk

An "outrider" i.e. a Monk who rides around the abbey to tend its property. It is implied that the Monk is immoral and loves the pleasures of life. He loves hunting and women. His love for the various pleasures of life goes against his religious vows.

The Friar

A wanton and merry man. These are hardly the characteristics that befit a religious man. He is a "limiter" i.e. a Friar who is licensed to beg within a certain limited area. While hearing confessions he gave the best pardon to those who contributed the maximum amount of money. The author makes this statement in irony when he says that he is probably the only person who practices his profession most accurately.

The Merchant

He sports a forked beard and wears fine clothes. He is extremely pompous in his manners and opinions. He is so clever that nobody could gauge that he was actually in heavy debt.

The Oxford Clerk

A skinny man who is a student at Oxford. He is not at all conscious of his appearance. He is a scholar who is genuinely interested in learning and studies. After the Knight, he is the most admired person.

The Sergeant at Law

An accomplished and devious lawyer who has probably used his position to acquire a great deal of wealth.

The Franklin

Said to be Epicure’s own son that implies that he lives a hedonistic life in pursuit of pleasure.

The Cook

Accompanying the guildsmen, the Cook is mainly described in terms of his culinary abilities. However Chaucer does point out that he has an ulcerous sore on his shin.

The Sea captain

A jolly fellow and an able seaman. He could read the stars and was also a good fighter. However Chaucer suggests that he is not completely moral and has no qualms about stealing wine from the Merchant whose casks he is transporting.

The Physician

An excellent doctor who can quickly diagnose the cause of any disease. However Chaucer suggests that this good doctor is motivated by greed more than anything else and has a special fondness for gold.

The Wife of Bath

Described as being somewhat deaf, fat and amorous. She is an excellent weaver and having been married five times knows all the cures for love.

The Parson

A genuinely good clergyman. His self-denial and charity are indeed praiseworthy. He sets a moral standard to his flock of parishioners.

The Plowman

The Parson’s brother and a good Christian ever willing to help his neighbors in trouble. He is an honest and hardworking laborer.

The Miller

A hefty and strong fellow, a loudmouth and a teller of scurrilous stories.

The Manciple

The steward of a law school in London who is responsible for buying food. He is a shrewd man who tricks the lawyers by keeping aside some money for himself whenever he is asked to go and purchase food.

The Reeve

A slender and quick-tempered man. He is such a successful manager of his lord’s estate that he has more spending power than his lord does. He knows all the secrets of the employees and blackmails them. He is thus feared by all in the estate.

The Summoner

He has a fiery-red cherubic face, which is an indicator of his lecherous and deceitful character. His gruesome physical appearance fits most appropriately with his profession. The author ironically describes him as a good fellow. He is good as the sinners can easily bribe him.

The Pardoner

A seller of pardons. He dupes innocent poor people by selling them fake relics. Chaucer ironically commends him as an excellent churchman. Described as womanly both in appearance and nature.

The Host

Introduced at the end of the "General Prologue", he proposes the story telling contest in order to make the journey a more enjoyable one.

The Canon's Yeoman

Arrives at the end of the journey along with his master. He is wearing a black cloak and comes panting and gasping for breath after the main group of pilgrims. He proceeds to tell a tale revealing the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of alchemists. 

The Nun's Priest

Mentioned in the Prologue as accompanying the Prioress. He tells the mock-heroic beast fable of Chaunticleer and Pertolete.

The Second Nun

Only fleetingly mentioned in the Prologue as one of the companions of the Prioress. She tells the tale of St. Cecilia.

The Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, And Tapestry Maker

All guildsmen and experts in their professions. They are wearing impressive clothes and carrying handsome silver mounted equipment.

The Canterbury Tales: Prologue

Here are the slides for the Character Analysis Project:

As an example:

You may find a picture of someone who could be your character.  Please bring your supplies to class on Tuesday.  You will have the period to assemble your poster.

Any questions, as usual, email me or comment below.


-Mrs. Cantu

Medieval/ Middle English Notes

Here is the Prezi for the notes over the Medieval time period and The Canterbury Tales. 

Don't forget to read about your character this weekend.  Read through the description two or three times to familiarize yourself with the pilgrim. Heads up, there will be an assignment attached to this reading so you will be responsible for knowing this character. This includes knowing what their job title means.

Here are the lists of character assignments if you forgot who you picked:

Squire:                                            Allyson (1^st), Haley (5^th), Eric (7^th), Robert (7^th)

Prioress (Nun):                               Brianna (1^st), Jezebel (5^th), Sara (7^th)

Monk:                                            Santiago (1^st), Rolando (5^th), Diana (7^th)

Friar:                                              Kevin (1^st), Clemecia (5^th), Oscar (7^th)

Merchant:                                      Zac (1^st), Danny (5^th), Val (7^th)

Clerk (Oxford Cleric):                   Aymara (5^th), Adriana (7^th)

Lawyer (Sergeant at the Law):       John (1^st), Melissa (5^th), Martin-not-Oscar (7^th)

Franklin:                                        Bryan (1^st), Jaime (5^th), Saul (7^th)

Cook:                                           Cynthia (5^th), Nicholas (7^th)

Physician (Doctor):                       Anthony (1^st), Carol (5^th), Alyssa (7^th)

Wife of Bath:                                 Yadira (1^st), Ale (5^th), Abigail (7^th)

Parson:                                         Angela (1^st), Pamela (5^th), Rick

Plowman:                                      Fernando (1^st), David (5^th), Ashlei (7^th)

Miller:                                           Brittney (1^st), Alexis (5^th), Alma (7^th)

Manciple:                                      Jesse (1^st), Reynold (5^th), Brianna (7^th)

Reeve:                                          Adrian (1^st), Arely (5^th), Aziz (7^th)

Summoner:                                   Kolade (1^st), Bianca (5^th), Joel (7^th)

Pardoner:                                     Stephanie (1^st), Angelica (5^th), Marcos (7^th)

There are a few names which were not assigned, absent people will get those on Monday.  If no one was absent, I will review those with you.

Happy Reading!

-Mrs. Cantu

English III Unit Review PART 1

On Tuesday, October 1, you will have your unit/six weeks test. It will cover: Native American stories, parts of speech, parts of a sentence, and persuasive appeals. We will review in class on Friday and Monday, but if you need some additional help, here are some videos that will help clarify things. *check out my parts of speech post to see all the school house rock explanations. 

ETHOS, PATHOS, LOGOS

explanation:

another explanation with advertising examples

Parts of a Sentence: Subject, Predicate

Beowulf Review

In case you missed some of the story, or want a quick recap, here is an interesting video summary about the epic poem, BEOWULF:

You will have a character review/quiz on Monday before your presentations

Remember: Presentations and Posters are due on Monday. The rest of the study guide is due on Wednesday (when you take the test).

-Mrs. Cantu

English III

Here is the Presentation from Tuesday and Wednesday over Native American Literature.

<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BNVn65X4MGnHDRAyA5xA_VPdXDxhgQTirt-K-_potbU/embed?start=false&loop=true&delayms=15000" frameborder="0" width="1440" height="1109" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe>

These notes should be on page 16 of your notebook.  Your response on page 17 is to list myths you have heard before (as many as you can think of), local, American, Mexican, etc. Then, explain what unexplainable, mysterious thing does the myth try to explain.

-Mrs. Cantu

EDIT:  Apparently the html isn't working, so here is the link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BNVn65X4MGnHDRAyA5xA_VPdXDxhgQTirt-K-_potbU/pub?start=false&loop=true&delayms=15000

Table of Contents

Here are the Table of Contents for both classes (as of September 6, 2013).

                English III

8-27..........I Activity.......................................2
9-3............Interactive Notebook Notes.............4
8-28..........Parts of Speech..............................6-7
8-30..........Parts of a Sentence........................8-9
8-30&9-3...Sentence Types.............................10-13
9-10..........Commonly Confused Words.............14-15*
9-4............Native American Lit Notes..............16-17
9-6............Making Inferences.........................18
9-6............The Earth on Turtle's Back..............19

                English IV Honors
8-27..........I Activity.......................................2
9-3............Interactive Notebook Notes.............4
8-28..........Parts of Speech..............................6-7
8-30..........Parts of a Sentence........................8-9
8-30&9-3...Sentence Types.............................10-13
9-10..........Commonly Confused Words.............14-15*
9-4............Anglo-Saxon Literature Notes..........16-17
9-5............TPCASTT Notes..............................18
9-6............The Seafarer TPCASTT....................19-21**

*have not covered in class yet
**pages numbers may vary

For both classes: DLPs should be the last 14 sheets of paper in your notebook.  Monday-Thursday will be on one side, Friday's work will be on the flip side.

1st Page of DLP: Week of September 2

2nd Page of DLP:

Remember I will check your notebooks periodically, and I may or may not announce it ahead of time.

-Mrs. Cantu

TPCASTT

-Mrs. Cantu

Interactive Notebook

Here is the link to the notes explaining your Interactive Notebook.  If you didn't copy the notes, please take time to write down the proper way of using your notebook. I know there was some confusion as to where to glue/write things.  Hopefully after the initial confusion is cleared up, we can all be on the same page (literally). 

Table of Contents so far (this is for both Eng III and Eng Honors):

8-27 I Activity pg 2

9-2 Interactive Notebook Notes pg 4

8-28 Parts of Speech pg 6

8-30 - 9-3 Sentence Types pg 10-13

Hope this helps!

-Mrs. Cantu

*HONORS STUDENTS

Don't forget to check out your textbook! You will have homework out of it this week (Thursday to be exact).

-Mrs. Cantu

Parts of Speech

So today we began a review of the parts of speech.  Here is a link to the Prezi I created, in case you missed any notes. Parts of Speech

Also, I mentioned School House Rock! and very few of you knew what I was talking about, so here are the videos I used to learn the parts of speech.  I hope I hear someone singing/humming these in class.

Nouns:

Pronouns:

Adjectives:

Verbs:

Adverbs:

Probably the most famous of them all...Conjunctions:

Prepositions:

And finally, Interjections:

I hope this was fun for you.  

Also, stay tuned for a fun competition relating to these videos.

-Mrs. Cantu

Welcome home!

If you are here, then you are:
 a) one of my (Mrs.Cantu) students, 
 b) a parent or relative of one of my students, 
 c) looking for handouts or help with an assignment, or 
 d) any combination of a-c. 

In any case, I welcome you to my blog.  This is a place for you to find what you missed if you are absent, but also, I will periodically post helpful links or videos for different concepts we cover in class. 

Feel free to read through all of the posts and comment with questions, concerns or new thoughts on subjects we discuss in class. I only ask that your comments be positive (even if they are critical).

Here's to a great school year!