I can use commas in a series. I can self-assess my writing to find strengths and weaknesses. I can apply knowledge of denotation to determine meaning of words. I can apply before, during, and after reading strategies.

1. Commas in a series: * Use commas to separate words phrases or clauses in a series. * EXAMPLE: Meanwhile people on benches chatted with each other, looked out over the river, or tossed crumbs to the ducks. * Mark commas in the correct place according to this rule. * Complete sentences 5-9 on your own paper.

* Score your writing sample using the following: * 4=AWESOME-I can teach someone else how to do this. * 3=GOT IT- I know how to complete it, but I could use help improving. * 2=OKAY- I know how to do some parts, but I still need help. * 1=NEED HELP- I have no idea how to do this. * Be honest, where do you really feel you are. Tell why you think you scored this way.

* Here are your 12 vocabulary words. You will need to make cards or sections on your own piece of paper with the words, definitions, pictures, etc. in order for you to memorize the words and definitions. You will have a quiz over your vocabulary words. Be ready!

1. Anecdote 2. Assiduous 3. Amicable 4. Camaraderie 5. Compassion 6. Conformist 7. Diligent 8. Empathy 9. Benevolent 10. Incompatible 11. Compatible 12. integrity

* Anecdote-short account of event * Assiduous-hard-working * Amicable-agreeable * Camaraderie-trust among friends * Compassion-sympathy, mercy * Conformist-follower of customs * Diligent-hard-working * Empathy-sharing of feeling * Benevolent-friendly, helpful * Incompatible-unable to work together * Compatible- able to work together * Integrity-honesty, decency

* Our first couple of units will be dealing with identity. * Who Am I? * With a partner brainstorm on a piece of paper, what you think the word identity means. * Be prepared to share with the class.

* How does environment shape our identity? * What identities are permanent and which do we have the power to change? * What roles do neighborhood and community play in shaping who we become?

* Predict what you think this book may be about. * Examine the covers, flip through and look at the chapter titles, etc.

* Overview: For the next few weeks we will be reading, studying and analyzing Sandra Cisneros’ short novel, The House on Mango Street. The novel is made up of 44 short character sketches, or stories, called vignettes. * Esperanza, a Mexican-American young woman who just moved with her family to Mango Street, narrates the vignettes. Since the stories don’t really follow each other chronologically, we are going to read the novel in the thematic sections outlined for you below. We will be addressing different subjects and literary devices for each set of stories.

* [ vin yét ] * short essay: a short descriptive piece of literary writing.

* Sandra Cisneros tells her readers that she decided to write her novel, The House on Mango Street, because "you will always be Mango Street. You can't erase what you know. You can't forget who you are."

* The purpose of this project is to create your own book which will help you remember what you know, as well as show others who you are. Your book must have the following items: * An Original Cover (10 points) * Title/Title Page (5 points) * Dedication (5 points) * Table of Contents (5 points) * 10 Chapters with assigned literary terms (10 points each) TOTAL POSSIBLE: 125 points * Note: You will NOT receive ANY POINTS AT ALL for any book that is turned in that has less than 5 completed chapters. Writing Project

* Your chapters must be chosen from the following subjects: * Your Name * Your Neighborhood * Games or Favorite Toys from your Childhood * A time You got Into Trouble * A Time You Saw Someone Else Get Into Trouble * Advice From an Adult * A Positive Story From Your Experiences at School * A Negative Story From Your Experiences at School * A Special Family Member * A Happy Time For You * Going to Work * A Special Holiday * A Special Birthday * The Big Game * A Birth * Life in Kentucky * 1 additional chapter on anything you wish

* Chapter length: A chapter under a page will be considered underdeveloped and will not receive the full 10 points per chapter.

* Pre-reading question: What is the personal significance of your given name (first, middle and last)? Does your name mean different things to you, your family, and your friends? What are your nicknames? What do your nicknames mean to you and those who call you those names? * Answer these questions. Your answers should be in paragraph form. * Read pp The House on Mango Street; Hairs; Boys and Girls; My Name

* Complete the following: * 1) Describe the house on Mango Street * 2) Who lived in the house on Mango Street ? * 3) Where did the family live before moving to Mango Street? * 4) Who was the Landlord at the house on Mango Street ? * 5) What were the problems with the house on Loomis Street? * 6) Describe the house that the young girl dreamed of owning. * 7) Describe the young girl’s attitude about the house on Mango Street. * 8) Who is the narrator of the Mango Street story?

* On a separate sheet of paper write at least a paragraph about one of the following: * a) A favorite house where you live or once lived. * b) Describe your dream house. * c) A time when your family was denied housing because of their race, religion or beliefs. * BE SURE TO KEEP UP WITH ALL WRITINGS CONSCERNED WITH THIS NOVEL. AT THE END OF THIS NOVEL WE WILL BE PREPARING OUR OWN COLLAGE OF VIGNETTES.