First, fourth, and sixth periods are taking breaks from their Publish projects. First period, in fact, will be spending no more class time on projects; fourth and sixth will have one more day in the library.

First, fourth, and sixth periods are working on debate preparations. We’re doing a very quick unit on persuasive speaking this week, and students will be debating each other on selected topics. Today, first period began preparations by choosing topics, finding a partner, and filling out a debate graphic organizer.

Second period began teasing out the difficult Great Expectations. It’s like weight-lifting, I told them: you don’t develop any if you never push yourself. This is like putting extra weight on the bar, I explained.

Regarding the Antigone/Lord of the Flies project, I extended the due date to this Friday. I won’t be assessing any of them until spring break, so I gave them the extra time.

Homework

• First and fourth periods: complete the debate graphic organizer.
• Second period: read chapters six and seven.
• Sixth period: none.