Brit Lit:

Today:

We went to the computer lab and began work on the first draft of your short story assignment.  You will have three class periods to complete- so continue to use your time wisely.

Shakespeare

Today:

We watched a recent version of Othello.

Brit Lit:

Journal Prompt #15:  Tell the funniest story that you have ever heard. This can be a story involving you, or someone that you know.  1 page.

I assigned the short story assignment:
Description: As a culminating activity for our short story unit, you will be responsible for creating your own original work of fiction. After reading and analyzing several short stories you will use the known short story conventions and literary elements covered within the unit to create your own short story. You will be responsible for choosing a theme, creating events and conflicts, determining your story’s point of view, and presenting unique characters in your short story.




Your short story must include the following:

• A creative title in quotes.

• A main character who takes part in the action (character)

• Details that describe a particular time and place (setting)

• A conflict or problem, to be introduced, developed, and resolved.

• A central theme or generalization that applies to life outside of the story.

• Inclusion of: One “object” from the class list, Dialogue within your story, stream of conscious writing, a specific and identifiable tone, an epiphany, characterization, and symbolism.

• Stories must be a minimum of three pages typed.



The final draft of your story is due (revised, proofread, and typed) May 10th. On this date you must bring the following:

• Two Copies of your typed Final Draft (one to be written on/graded, one to be compiled in a short story collection)

• All brainstorming, rough drafts, and revisions (as completed in class).

Shakespeare

Today:

Journal Prompt:  Write a two page diary from Iago's perspective.  Please include all of the events in Act 1+2.

We talked about different forms of comedy.  We watched the" who's on first" skit to show examples of puns, timing, and physical comedy.  I broke you into groups of 4 to try and figure out a way to make act 3, sc 1 funny.

We performed these.  Only one group went for the obvious wind instrument reference.  You are all way more mature than your teacher.

HW:  Please read Act 3.  On Friday, we will be reviewing the play so far and watching a new version of the story.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We defined tone.

We read Shooting an Elephant on pg 1034.

We worked on the outline for your short story assignment.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We reviewed Act 1, and then took a quiz.

How is Othello negativly decribed in act 1?  I broke you into groups of 2 and had you list 15 negatives ways used to describe him.

I broke you into slightly larger groups and asked you to improv one of the quotes on pg. 46. question #3

If there was time, we started act 2.

HW:  Please read Act 2.  Expect a quiz. 
Bring home all props and costumes that are still in my classroom please.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We started listing 10 objects from your bedroom.  3-5 sentences for each object, using extreme description.

We talked about character development.  What type of character do you want in the story that you will write?

We read Araby, by one of the greats, James Joyce.  We also defined symbolism and discussed how and why they are used in stories.

I broke you into groups, and asked for you to list three examples of how light and darkness are used in the short story Araby.

World of Skakespeare

Today:

We finished watching the last project.
Completed Director evaluations
Looked at all of the negative words that are used to describe Othello.

Read/acted Act 1.

HW:  Please finish act 1 for HW.  There will be a quiz Tuesday.

Word of the Week:

Admix (ad-miks):  Verb tr. intr.  To add of mix something.

Think:

Because metal was so scarce, the Oscars were given out during WWII were made of wood.