We are well into the mythology presentations. We’ve seen some cool projects so far, and I’m looking forward to some more, so I wanted to give you a few more pointers. For those who still have to present, I’ll be expecting you to have polished your presentation skills, so keep these points in mind:
Submitting your presentation: First, some of you seem not to have heard or written down my instructions for submitting your work. You must email me your presentation (or share a link to it). It must be submitted the evening before you present. When I come in on the morning of presentations, they must be sitting in my inbox, or your presentation will receive a late grade. Also, remember to use this formatting when naming your presentation file:
Classperiod_Lastname_Firstname_Mythtopic. Like this: 03_Smith_Joe_Perseus2.
The Intro: Be sure you have a hook for your presentation. You would never begin an essay with, “Ok, I’m doing my essay on . . .” but we’ve had a few introductions begin that way. Have a hook to draw the audience in (and possibly lead up to your creative title). Also, avoid the “ridiculous question” to get a laugh. There have been way to many of those. The hook can be funny–but not ridiculous. Then, after the hook, introduce yourself: “My name is Billy Bob and this is the myth of Phaethon.” Also, be sure to include the main idea, e.g. “As we will see, this myth gives us a glimpse of what the Greeks thought about fate and hospitality while it presents a theme about grief and loss.” Finally, the brief summary should be just that . . . very brief. Think about if you and a friend saw a movie last year. If you wanted to discuss this movie, you wouldn't spend a great deal of time summarizing it. You would give a sentence or two to refresh his or her memory. That’s what you are doing here.
Theme: I’ve noticed quite a few students not discussing their theme at all. Instead, they talk about their topics and then just mention the theme. The rubric asks for a thorough explanation of the theme, using specifics from the story, so be sure to follow the rubric.
Transition words: Be sure to guide your audience through each part of your presentation. Use clear transition words just as you would in an essay. Avoid simply skipping to the next part without leading into it.
The Conclusion: The main thing to do here is to make sure you have one. There are two specific elements I’m looking for, but they should be self-explanatory. The main problem I’ve seen is that students simply haven’t prepared one, and they close by saying, "That’s it." The conclusion is worth 7 points, and I can't give you any credit for it if you don't have one.
The Art Review: Make the picture of your art piece as large as possible on the slide. Show zoomed in details if you need to. SHOW us some details of what is in the picture. Avoid simply describing the art piece in general.
The Creative Project: Make sure we can see your project. If it is a small picture or even a poster, take close up pictures and put them on a PowerPoint. Your audience will not connect with your project if they can’t see it. Look at your rubric so that you know where your points are coming from.
Keep these things in mind as you prepare. Good luck! :)
Posted 11/4/24
Below are the lists of the mythology presentation assignments. Check the appropriate list to make sure your name is listed next to the myth you signed up for.
Time for quarter 2! :)
Posted 10/13/24
If you scored below an 80% on the parts of the sentence grammar test, you can go to the writing lab for tutoring and retake the test by Friday, October 4. See me if you have any questions.
Posted 9/25/24
If you scored below an 80% on the Lord of the Flies test, you are eligible to retake the test by Thursday, September 12. Read through the requirements for a retake, and see me if you have any questions.
Posted 8/26/24
I have set up accounts for each class at Vocabulary.com. We will be using this website for vocabulary instruction this year. You can set up your account and join your class by clicking on the appropriate link below:
To help you get ready for school, I've listed the basic supplies you'll need below:
Notes on supplies:
The following are items that are not required, but would greatly help us get through the year:
I look forward to seeing you all soon! In the meantime, please email me at barhamc@rcschools.net if you have any questions.
Posted 8/6/24
Summer reading assignments will be tested in class the second or third week of school. The assignments will be posted on the Central Magnet webpage, but I've posted your English assignments here, as well:
Posted 5/21/24