"Zebra" and the Hero's Journey: Test

English students should complete the Hero's Journey chart for the story "Zebra" for Wednesday.  Do this on your own since it's being counted as a test.

Use the notes in your journal for information about the Hero's Journey.

If you need to read the story again you can find it on-line at this link.

Write your answers in complete sentences.  High scoring tests will fill the boxes with information whenever possible.  A few items have very quick answers. You can skip the "shadow" as there really isn't one in "Zebra".

Completed papers are due at the start of class on Wednesday.

Empress Theodora the Music Video!

To earn stamps on you Scorpion Card follow these steps....

1.  Watch this music video about Theodora, empress of Byzantium.



2.  Look up one of the things mentioned in the video.  Be sure no one has already done that topic by checking the comments first.

3.  In a comment, name the thing you looked up and write two sentences describing it.  I will be checking for plagiarism so be sure to list your sources and to use your own writing.

Correct comments will earn Scorpion Card stamps.

Dot The World Videos

Here is the video from today, Dot the World.  I've also included a video about how it was made.




Earn a stamp by posting a comment about the videos.  Your comment should talk about how the videos relate to the Hero's Journey.  You can relate the Hero's Journey to either one of the videos.  Don't repeat something someone else has already said.  Be sure to include your name and period as part of your comment.  No last names please.

Some Rome Items You Should Check Out

Stanford's Roman travel website.  Only one class had time enough today to look at this website.  Take a look at it and see what you can figure out about it.  Let me know what you think.

Here is a music video about Rome:




Here is a comedy video about the decline of moral values in Rome from Horrible Histories.  Do not watch if you don't like snakes:

Your first assignment

Here is your first Internet assignment:

Find someone who knew you as a baby and interview them.  Ask them to describe what you were like. Maybe they have a funny or interesting story about you.  You may interview more than one person.

Write a detailed paragraph based on your interview.  Do not include your name in the paragraph or the names of anyone in your family.  (Use, Father, Mom, my brother, my younger sister, our hamster, instead.)

Type your paragraph and print it out.  (One page maximum.) Paragraphs will be posted for everyone to read, so make sure they are free of embarrassing spelling and grammar errors.

Attach a picture of yourself as a baby to your paper.  You may do this on your computer so the picture and the paragraph are on the same piece of paper or just clip your picture to your paper.  Pictures will be posted with your paragraphs.

DON'T PUT YOUR NAME ON IT!!

We will use the picture and the paragraph for a an activity next week.

I will make every effort to get your picture back to you in excellent condition, but please don't turn in a one of a kind picture that your family cannot live without.  I've never lost a picture before, but you never know.

This assignment is for all  Mr. Chester's English classes only:   3/4 and period 5/6.

Due Thursday, August 27.

Mandatory Extra Credit: Mr. Chester's Vacation

California has 58 counties.  I want to see them all!!

So one of my goals is to visit, and spent at least one night in every one of California's counties.  I've already visited 26, so I have 32 to go.

This summer I am considering taking a trip to Plumas County, Sierra County or Ventura County.

Your assignment is to use the internet to help me decide which county to visit.  I'll need to know what there is to see and do in each county, where I can stay and what the good restaurants are.  I don't go to amusement parks, but I do like hiking, history museums, book shops, walking tours of historical sties and neighborhoods and unusual hotels.  Places with lots of California history are a plus.  I don't like staying in large chain hotels.

So, begin by doing a little research on each county.  You can google "visit ______ county" and you'll usually find good websites with local information. You can start by using the links above. Read up on each county and then decide which one I should visit.

Write me a one page letter explaining which county you think I would enjoy the most.  Be sure to list some things to do or see in that county, some places to eat and a place to stay.

This will count  as extra credit by raising one 30% assignment in either English or history to an A.  Be sure to let me know which subject.  Letters must present a good case for that county to earn extra credit.

You may work with a partner, but you must write your own letter.

These are due by Thursday morning.

The Ballad of Magellen

Here for your amusement and edification.