Discussion Prompt #1 (Due by June 13th)

Please FIRST read the post entitled "Welcome To Honors English 9!" before this one. 

Now that you have read the first 5 chapters ofThings Fall Apart, you should have a strong impression of Okonkwo. You might also be a bit overwhelmed with all of the many cultural differences between yourself and the villagers. That’s okay! I hope that you are taking advantage of the glossary in the back on the book to help with the Ibo words. Please write down all of the questions you have along the way, as this will guide our discussions once class begins in August. Feel free to post any questions you have now as well.

I realize that it can be difficult to keep all of the characters straight. Use this website as a guide to help keep track of who’s who:

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/things/characters.html

Remember to post your response to this discussion by midnight on June 13^th. Please discuss the prompt below. Remember to follow the 50-word minimum.

I hope you are having a wonderful break and will continue to enjoy the book!

Mrs. K

dkillian@dcsd.org

Discussion Prompt #1:

The text states, “Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings. Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands and so he ate with kings and elders” (5-6).

How have Okonkwo’s feelings about his father shaped his relationships with his wives and children? Explain why you think this is by pulling specifics from the texts. Be sure to cite your source like I did above. 

Welcome To Honors English 9!

I'm so excited to start a new year! I know it is summer break and you will be busy resting and having fun! Thanks for taking the time to complete the summer reading assignment.

Before we begin, I'd like to go over my contact information. You may email me at any time at dkillian@dcsd.org. Please do not add me personally on any social media accounts. However, I've created a public Facebook page to use as a resource for all of my students. Please "like" this page to stay updated on everything. If you're struggling with the link, you may search for "Mrs. Killian's Classroom."

Let's get started!

Your summer reading assignment is Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Please find a copy as soon as possible and start reading! Check the local libraries for a copy. Here is a link to purchase the text on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Things-Fall-Apart-Chinua-Achebe/dp/0385474547.

Honors 9 Summer Reading Assignment

Overview:  This summer you will expected to read one novel, post comments about the novel on this blog, and prepare to hit the ground running the first day of classes in the fall.  While this sounds like a lot, keep in mind that you have all summer to do it, and that the end goal is to be able to take AP Literature and Composition and pass the AP test.

Objective:  To help prepare you to pass the AP Literature and Composition test your senior year.  By doing this you will receive college credit (based on the score) to nearly any college or university that you may wish to attend.

Materials Required:  You are required to buy or borrow the following book-

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Assignments: 

Assignment #1 – Discussion Thread (100 points – 20 points each)

Students will be required to read Things Fall Apart at the pace of about five chapters every two weeks.  Students will then log onto this blog and comment on a discussion question that I will have posted.  The response must be at least 50 words.  Blog entries will be due by midnight on the following dates:

June 13 - discussion thread #1

June 27 - discussion thread #2

July 11 - discussion thread #3

July 25 - discussion thread #4

August 8 - discussion thread #5

Due to the nature of the class (it being honors and all) I will not accept late work.  If there are extreme circumstances, work will be accepted at my discretion.

Check this blog regularly for additional information. Remember, your first discussion thread is due on June 13th. There will be a separate post for each discussion thread. Be sure to respond to each post under the specific post. If you have any questions, please email me at dkillian@dcsd.org. Enjoy the book and have a wonderful summer!

NOTE: Each discussion thread will be posted after the previous deadline has passed. You may click on the date to link to the thread. PLEASE DO NOT respond to posts here. Go to the specific post to comment.