Welcome to Honors II English Mr. Andersen

1. Welcome to Honors II EnglishMr. Andersen Summer reading reminder: Review Invisible Man & Anthem Please take a piece of paper in the back of the room and make a name tag and marker. Keep them for two weeks… Please get out a piece of paper, and head it with your name, period, and the date. Complete the following “Bell Ringer” by answering the questions below. 1. Is it possible that two people can view the same movie, painting, or event, and interpret it different ways? Think of and list several examples of this phenomenon. 2. What forces in your past and present contribute to your “frame of reference” (the way you view things?) 3. What does frame of reference have to do with the way we read and write?

2. I am anxious and unfinished I wonder what kinds of thoughts lead to action I hear footsteps touch the halls of my mind I see their prints gently fading I want freedom I am anxious and unfinished I pretend to be consistent I feel music is becoming too disposable I touch the emptiness I worry about my parents I cry for cancer I am anxious and unfinished I understand people are seldom honest, yet even more seldom uncaring I say the best poetry is felt in the knees, and not in the heart I dream of moving my students, my wife, my world I try to be understood I hope for greatness I am anxious and unfinished Andersen’s “I AM” Poem

3. “I AM” Poem assignment I am (two special characteristics you have)I wonder ( something you are curious about)I hear ( an imaginary sound)I see ( an imaginary sight)I want (an actual desire)I am ( the first line of the poem repeated) I pretend (something you pretend to do)I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)I touch (an imaginary touch)I worry (something that really bothers you)I cry (something that makes you very sad)I am ( the first line of the poem repeated) I understand(something you know is true)I say (something you believe)I dream (something you dream about)I try (something you make an effort about)I hope (something you hope for)I am ( the first line of the poem repeated)

4. Sharing is caring • Find someone to read your poem to that you do not know!

5. Belief Box Assignment: Due Friday, September 7th. We are a product of our experiences. Our personalities, beliefs, and ideas evolve from the experiences we have and the people around us. Assignment: Write a one-page essay explaining a core belief you have and three life experiences that have led to the formation of this belief. The assignment will have three steps.

6. Directions: • 1. Create a thesis in which you state one of your core beliefs, along with three experiences that influenced or strengthened it • 2. Compose one core paragraph for each reason (3 total) describing the experience, and its role in molding your particular belief. • 3. Choose and locate a tangible symbol for each reason and place the item inside a “F.O.R. (frame of reference) box.” You will be presenting your thesis along with a brief showing and explanation of your symbols to the class on Friday.

7. Examples and Grading Examples: “My experiences with sports, my parents, and my best friend have led me to believe it’s better to be honest with people you care about, even if it could hurt.” or “My religion, my parents, and my experiences with friends influenced my beliefs against drugs.” Grading: This will be used by me, as a writing diagnostic.

8. Reminder: • Inv. Man Quiz tomorrow • Print outs of Syllabus due tomorrow • Belief Box presentations on Friday