December 3

English 10 (C&D blocks)

Today we started off with silent reading.  Then we went over 8-12 of the Hero's journey.  Next we discussed the ending of the novel paying particular attention to the ideas of tribes referenced in the second to last chapter and how it emphasizes Junior's transformation from a lonely teen to a young man who feels he is connected to a lot of different types of people.  It also refers to the theme of identity and how he realizes he is no longer "just" a Wellpinit Indian.  

We also discussed how Rowdy calls Junior a nomad and how that indicates that he is going to continuing to go on further hero's journeys (continuing to grow and not being "stuck" like the rest of the Wellpinit Indians.  

Finally students were given the following questions to discuss in groups/partners (see below).  These questions may appear on the test which is scheduled for Tuesday!!!

Review Questions

1. What do you think are the most important steps to remember about the hero’s journey.  Draw a simplified version of the journey.
2.   Re-read or skim the last 2 chapters of the novel, what do you think is the most important theme in of this novel?
3.   What purposes do the drawings in the novel serve?
4.  Re-assess the title of the novel.  Why do you think Alexie choose this title?  How does it tie into the themes of the novel?
5.   List the different coping strategies Junior demonstrates in the novel. 
6.   What purposes does basketball serve in the novel?

Humanities 8

Today students got a copy of the rubric for their religion/restaurant project which is due and will be presented on Monday!  The rest of the class was allotted for work time.