Today we will be starting The Pianist in class.  This will be a guided journey for those who have returned the permission form.

Before we start the movie, you will need this Activity Guide.  It would be a good idea to look over the questions before the film starts.

I am eagerly looking forward to seeing your MSND presentations today.  Please make sure you have all your rubrics printed off and handed it to me before you start.

We will be spending the next month (or so) looking at Night.  As I told you in class yesterday, this is my first time through the novel with a class, so I  will be looking for your feedback on all the materials, approaches, and activities that we complete over the next little while. 

You can download the study guide here. 

Sparknotes can be helpful, but every good student knows they are not the end-all and be-all.  You will need to read the book, do the homework, complete the assignments and participate in class discussions to truly come to an understanding.

Today we are going to start a journey together.  I am excited to be spending time with you exploring Elie Wiesel's book "Night".   This will be my first time looking at the Holocaust with students from a literary viewpoint.  At times this will be a very difficult topic for all of us, both from an emotional and an analytical aspect.   The road to understanding will be winding, but we will get there.  Together.

"Never shall I forget that night, the first night in the camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky. Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever…Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never." — Night