- Notes on homonym it’s/its. Absent students should add this to their writing notes: “it’s” is always used to mean “it is,” since the apostrophe (‘) stands in for the missing “i” in “is.” Think of the apostrophe as a mini “i” as you read a sentence back to yourself. You see, “It’s sunny out,” and you read “It is sunny out.” That makes sense, so the apostrophe is in the right place. You use “its” without an apostrophe as a possessive pronoun (like his, her, or their). For instance, “The dog chased its tail,” or “I like its color.” When you read these sentences back to yourself it wouldn’t sound right to add in an “is.” Listen: “The dog chased it is tail,” doesn’t work. Nor does, “I like it is color.” So don’t add an apostrophe unless you want to say “it is.”
- WordSkills 2.6-2.10. Quiz yourself on these word parts to see if you remember: demi, dys, ex, ec, ef, eu, fore. Parents/siblings/students: try to remember the meaning of the words demigod, dysfunction, eccentric, eulogy, atrophy, and forefather.
- The Cyclops Episode. Students will be analyzing this episode of The Odyssey throughout the week. Today we discussed why Odysseus decided to trouble with the cyclops Polyphemous (poly-FEE-mus) in the first place. It’s probably because he’s still following the Heroic Code of a Soldier. Soldiers at this time valued: 1) stuff, like treasure and loot, 2) women, either the women of the enemies or goddesses, and 3) killing, as their main goal on the battlefield was to kill the enemy. As a former soldier, Odysseus thinks mainly of his honor and how he can prove it. Therefore, he takes any opportunity to display this honor and strength… For instance, he decides to show the Cyclops who’s boss. Many students said they thought of Odysseus as stupid or hard-headed for calling back to Polyphemous and bragging after his ship left the island. However, since he’s following the Heroic Code, we know this is just the way he’s been trained to think. He’s trying to show strength and honor. Some classes began listening to the lead-up to the Cyclops episode that was cut from the textbook. We will finish listening tomorrow or on Thursday. Ian McKellan has recorded an excellent version of the Fagles translation available for purchase. I listen to it every day in the car…
HW: Read “The Enchantress Circe,” p. 673-674 by Friday. Read “The Land of the Dead,” p. 675-677 by Tuesday. Take notes on stickies. You do not need to bring your textbook on Wednesday. It is an early release day. Bring your book on Thursday and Friday.
ALEXA GARVOILLE 