Journal Two for The Alchemist

Journal #2 

Recall a difficult decision that you have had to make in your life.  What was involved in the decision?  What were the circumstances leading up to (and following) the choice you had to make.  Who else did this decision affect?  In what ways were you and others affected?  If you faced this decision again today, how would you respond?  Why?

Journal One for The Alchemist

Journal #1 

In The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, the author discusses the concept of an individual’s Personal Legend.

Personal Legend: “It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.” (Coehlo 21)

Some Questions to Address in Your Response (You don’t have to address each one)

• What is/was your Personal Legend? Consider future goals and aspirations. Give this some thought. It might not come to you right away. What did you always want to accomplish or do when you were young?
• Has your Personal Legend changed since you were younger? If so, why?
• What are you doing now to ensure your Personal Legend becomes a reality? (In other words, what steps are you taking towards your life goals?)
• Why do you think people stray from their Personal Legends?

The Alchemist

After spring break, we will begin our study of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is a relatively short novel; however, we will only have a class set worth of copies.

If you are concerned that you will not have enough time to read in class, feel free to get a jump start online. Just follow THIS LINK.

Happy Spring Break!!!

For those of you feeling super industrious, spring break will be a great time to make up missing work. I will be handing out missing work packets today. :)

Julius Caesar DBQ (Document Based Question)

Using two of the documents provided in class, evaluate whether Brutus's decision to kill Caesar shows the bravery of a tragic hero or the ambition of a powerful man. Be sure to include the following:

• Do the ends justify the means? Was Brutus's assassination of Caesar necessary for the good of the people of Rome?
• Was Brutus a tragic hero or villain?

GATEWAY TESTING NEXT MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY!

Be sure you (or your students) are well rested and on time! =)

Digital Comic Book Makers

This week we will be bringing Act III, Scene 2 of Caesar modern using a graphic novel or comic book layout.

The following links are options for digital layouts. (You will have to register to save or print your work.)

For a cartoon look, try ToonDoo or StripGenerator
Disney Marvel with superhero characters
Disney Manga with regular characters
Make Beliefs Comics if you want a "hand-drawn" look
Use Bitstrips if you want to design your own character
Pixton (warning: more advanced...plus, makes you register before you can create anything)