Memoir Exhibition - My Example

This is my Memoir Exhibition. Use it as a reference as you complete your own Memoir Exhibition.

Email me at sstaysniak@gmail.com with any questions.

SLC #1 Presentation Template

Open this presentation template and make a copy to use in your SLC.

Have a Great Columbus - er - Indigenous Peoples' - Have a Great Weekend!

Thanks for everyone who contributed to our thoughtful discussions about the renaming of Monday's holiday to Indigenous Peoples' day in Minneapolis and Seattle.

This is a copy of the readings from today's class.

This is a copy of how to create your seminar statement or seminar questions, if you need a reminder.

B-Day classes, this is another copy of the roundtable goal sheet if you need a blank copy to prepare for Thursday's roundtables. Here is another copy of the example I shared in class. 

A-Day classes, this is another copy of the roundtable reflection sheet - this is due Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!

Fist Stick Knife Gun Meets Cholo Style

In the world of Chin, Luis Rodriguez's street name, la vida loca, or the crazy life, meant navigating the struggle of gang life in the Mexican barrios, or neighborhoods, of East Los Angeles.

Luis tells his story from the up-close first-person perspective, looking back on the events such as forming a club with friends for protection against other boys in the neighborhood and joining older boys in robberies to make money which led to him being a hardcore drug user and gang member by 15. Intermixed with Rodriguez’s commentary on the lure of gang-life is a simultaneous narrative about the ever-present anti-Latino racism perpetrated by whites and some in positions of authority including school officials and police.

Similar to Geoffrey Canada’s memoir Fist Stick Knife Gun, Rodriguez looks at the choice between defending one’s reputation on the street and pursuing a dream for the future and as a struggle of life or death. In Rodriguez’s case, his memoir stands as a personal triumph - but one that comes with a hefty cost.


YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
Write a review of a text you have read & completed as a part of your Independent Reading in English I. Refer to this sheet for specific guidelines. Looking forward to posting your review!

Friday Seminar Share - Let there be peace

On Friday, all B-Day sections of English I at Metro engaged in readings and discussion centered around the idea of peace. Our discussions ranged from the from the role of police in society, to the  "fake friends and false enemies" that may emerge as a result of one's success.

Thank you to everyone for a productive second Friday Seminar Share.

Here are links to the readings for the day:
New Haven Independent Article (full article)
Poem - "Anyway"

Micro-Memoir #2

After reading chapter 19 from Maya Angelou's memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in which she uses many literary devices of comparison, write your own micro-memoir that utilizes simile, metaphor, and allegory.

In this link to the handout from class, you will also find my second Micro Memoir. Use it as a model if you are having trouble getting started on your own.
Micro-Memoir #2 Assignment


INDEPENDENT READING

Did you read over the summer? If so, enter two of your books here using the Read 2 Do 2 form on the Metro Library site. 

If you read more than two books over the summer and would like credit for them, please email me at sstaysniak@gmail.com

Micro-Memoir

A-Day micro memoirs will be collected on Wednesday. B-Day micro memoirs are due tomorrow, Tuesday.

Micro-memoir assignment sheet.