The Great Group Essay Experiment

Aim: How do we write a group thematic essay? 

Journal Prompt #4:Surprising
Explain one surprising thing you have read so far in Night. Why did you find it surprising?

Someone once said that a camel is a horse designed by a committee. What do you think was meant by that? Well, today we will attempt the essay version of a camel-- a group thematic essay. You will find advantages and disadvantages to this.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Share your intros with your group by passing your work to the person on your left and reading it silently until everyone has read each group member’s.

2. Vote on which intro to use for your group essay. Student whose intro is chosen becomes the group leader. (Each leader receives five extra credit points.)

3. In your groups discuss two examples (and analysis) from Night that you will use to support your controlling idea as established in the introductory paragraph you chose.

4. Leader assigns those paragraphs. Leader writes the conclusion and organizes all of the paragraphs into one coherent essay.

****Essays must be completed before the end of class. Best essay earns 5 extra credit points for each group member.****

*****Don’t forget: Examples/evidence need analysis as to HOW the example connects to the controlling idea.******

To read Night at home, click here.

***Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.***

Dialogic Questions

Elie Wiesel was 15 when he was deported to Auschwitz.

Aim: How do we analyze the development of dehumanization as a theme in Night? 

Journal Prompt #2:Dehumanization
Closely watch this introductory video about Night. Identify at least one theme (ideas) that we have discussed in class and one new theme that we have not yet discussed. State your strong opinion on these ideas.

Open-ended questions are designed to promote dialogue. Another name for open-ended questions are dialogic questions. This week we are exploring the developing theme of dehumanization in Night. As you read today, identify instances of dehumanization in the text. What are the causes? What are its effects? Why do people dehumanize others?

Today we will be working in impromptu groups. After you complete today's reading independently, taking reciprocal notes as you do, join an impromptu group of no more than three students to discuss your reactions. Discuss these two dialogic (open-ended) questions:

1. What did you read today that surprised you?
2. What did you read today that confirmed what you already knew?

After your discussion, write a reflection at least one paragraph long on your impromptu group's discussion. You may include comments about group dynamics.

To read Night at home, click here.

***Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.***

Dehumanization as a Theme in Night

Elie Wiesel with his mother Sarah Fieg and two sisters.

Aim: How do we analyze the idea of dehumanization in Night?

Journal Prompt #2:Dehumanization
Closely watch this introductory video about Night. Identify at least one theme (ideas) that we have discussed in class and one new theme that we have not yet discussed. State your strong opinion on these ideas.

This week we will explore the developing theme of dehumanization in Night. The noun suffix ation means the action or process of doing something. The prefix de in this instance means to take away. So the word dehumanization literally means to take away the state of being human.

In impromptu groups today, identify evidence of dehumanization from the text. Analyze how these examples dehumanize people. Discuss these critical questions:

1. Why do people dehumanize?
2. What other instances of dehumanization have you personally seen or read about in history or in the news?

After discussing it with your groups, write a short reflection summarizing your discussion and why you personally learned from the discussion.

The End of Denial

Aim: How do we analyze the developing theme of family in Night? 

Journal Prompt#25:Family Free Write
The free write theme is family. Start writing and don't stop until time is called.

Today we are discussing another important T H E M E  in Night and that is family. Check out these quotes related to the theme of family here. Right here. Click here.

Today, we will do a close read of 3.4-10: "Men to the left! Women to the right! ..."

1. Find at least two earlier quotes related to the same theme and explain why they connect.
2. In the same circumstances, would you hold tight to your father or mother's hand? Why or why not?
3. Which should come first? Family or self-preservation? Explain.

Final Reflection: Discuss these questions in your groups. After your group discussion, write a reflection summarizing your group's discussion and explaining the conclusions you personally drew from it.

After the wrap-up and before you leave class, be sure to complete and turn in the daily Five Elements of Engagement worksheet.

To read Night at home, click here.

Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.

Fire and Night

Aim: How do we analyze the symbols of fire and night in Night?

Journal Prompt #24: Symbolism
Watch for symbolism in this short clip (4:05) about Dr. Seuss' Sneetches created for children. Generate one question of fact (DOK 1), one question of interpretation (DOK 2) and one open-ended question(DOK 3).

Today we are following up on yesterday's discussion of Symbolism by reciprocally reading Chapter 2 in Night. Each group will be assigned a task during today's reading.

An important symbol in Night is, of course, night. One of the first references to "night" is on page 21. Reread it if you haven't already. Why do you think Elie Wiesel chose to title the book Night? What does night symbolize for him? Does it symbolize the same for you?

Another important symbol in Night is fire. As we read the second chapter, think about what fire usually symbolizes and what it symbolizes in the memoir.

Final Reflection: After your close read of the second chapter of Night, write a reflection explaining how the symbols of fire and night help develop an important theme and deepen your understanding of the memoir.

After the wrap-up and before you leave class, be sure to complete and turn in the daily Five Elements of Engagement worksheet.

To read Night at home, click here.

Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.

The Symbolism of Night

Aim: How do we analyze the symbolism of night in Night? 

Journal Prompt #23:Dreams
Share a recent dream. Did it focus on a particular object or thing? What do you think your subconscious was trying to tell you?

Today we will focus on another important literary device: Symbolism

An important symbol in Night is, of course, night. One of the first references to "night" is on page 21. Reread it. Why do you think Elie Wiesel chose to title the book Night? What does night symbolize for him? Does it symbolize the same for you?

To get you thinking about symbols, complete this worksheet--right here--click here!!!! Choose a symbol for yourself, writing it in the center. Answer all of the questions. When you have answered all the questions, Write It Out as instructed at the bottom, using loose-leaf paper.

After the wrap-up and before you leave class, be sure to complete and turn in the daily Five Elements of Engagement worksheet.

Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.

Foreshadowing the Unbelievable Terror of Night

Aim: How do we identify the literary device known as foreshadowing and why would an author use it?  

Journal Prompt #15: Watch Out!
Watch this video until 3:35 and STOP. Predict what is going to happen to the boy. List ALL the reasons you think this.

What is the difference between literary elements and literary techniques or devices?

Foreshadowing is a literary device that some authors choose to use to give you hints or clues about what will happen. In the clip from Jaws, the movie foreshadows that the boy will be eaten by a shark with a variety of hints and clues: ominous music, screams, loud laughter, people blocking views, the main character watching the water intently. When they made Jaws, why do you think they chose to use foreshadowing? Why do you think they give us so many hints as to what will happen?

Why do stories use foreshadowing?

When stories give hints and clues about what will happen it can build suspense. It can stretch the moment out longer while you sit and wait for something to happen. It can prepare you for something major to happen. Sometimes, when big events happen in a story, if you’re not properly prepared, the big events can seem like they came out of nowhere, which can bring you out of your involvement in the story. Foreshadowing also involves you more in the story because it compels you to actively predict what will happen next.

Foreshadowing in Night

Reread the first chapter of the memoir. Then answer the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) questions below.

1. What specific details foreshadow the memoir that is about to unfold?  

2. Explain how the foreshadowing affects your understanding of the (true) story to come.

3. Write a reflection based on our discussion what you think was Elie Wiesel's purpose for using the foreshadowing technique/device. In what specific ways does the foreshadowing impact your understanding of the memoir so far?

After the wrap-up and before you leave class, be sure to complete and turn in the daily Five Elements of Engagement worksheet.

Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.

Presenting the Five Literary Elements

Aim: How do we identify and analyze the purpose of the five literary elements?  

Journal Prompt #15: Your Favorite
Name your favorite literary element and explain why. (Plot, characterization, setting, theme, point of view.)

There are five literary elements that every work of literature must have. It's part of the structure. Without any one of them, the work would collapse.

Today we will review the five elements, making posters. Each student will be randomly assigned an element. Create a poster that includes 1) the term, 2) the definition, 3) a visual representation, and 4) an example from a movie, book, or story. (Fairy tales always provide great examples.)

Check out this glossary for a quick definition.

You only have 15 minutes to do this. Afterwards, we will have a whip around so you can take notes on the other posters. You will get a chance at the end of class to correct your posters. Your posters and note-taking sheet will be graded. There will be a quiz on the terms later this week.

After the wrap-up and before you leave class, be sure to complete and turn in the daily Five Elements of Engagement worksheet.

Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.

Click here to get the Night anticipation guide.