Rob checking my blog on his iphone as I post it.....
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World of Shakespeare:
Today we reviewed act 3, acted Act 4, sc 1.
After lunch we broke into your journal groups and wrote your entries for Act 3. Iago has much in his head- so if you need more time to finish, please see me.
HW:
Themes in the play. Please identify at least 5 themes in Othello. Remember a theme is a universal idea that connects the audience to the play/book/story. Please choose one of the following assignments:
1. Collage
2. Musical Representation
3. Poetry
4. Connect each theme to a modern film.
These are due in class wed.
After lunch we broke into your journal groups and wrote your entries for Act 3. Iago has much in his head- so if you need more time to finish, please see me.
HW:
Themes in the play. Please identify at least 5 themes in Othello. Remember a theme is a universal idea that connects the audience to the play/book/story. Please choose one of the following assignments:
1. Collage
2. Musical Representation
3. Poetry
4. Connect each theme to a modern film.
These are due in class wed.
Brit Lit:
Today in class:
We shared our favorite poem. Each student explained why the poem was important and then read it to the class. We agreed that the best included the following:
About Real things
End in power/greatness/deep line
Beat
Connects to you
Sound
Honesty
We the read 4-5 poems from the Anthology.
HW: Please read the excerpt in your text from Paradise Lost
We shared our favorite poem. Each student explained why the poem was important and then read it to the class. We agreed that the best included the following:
About Real things
End in power/greatness/deep line
Beat
Connects to you
Sound
Honesty
We the read 4-5 poems from the Anthology.
HW: Please read the excerpt in your text from Paradise Lost
Monday, November 30, 2009
Brit Lit:
Today we began with an introduction to poetry. Over the next 12 class days we will be looking at Poetry from the anthology books. Please make sure that you have you "big books" with you in class each day.
HW:
Please bring in a poem that you connect with. Please be ready to share what you liked.
HW:
Please bring in a poem that you connect with. Please be ready to share what you liked.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
World of Shakespeare:
Today in class: On pg 101, I asked you to remix and reverse the Othello and Desdemona lines and see how it would change the scene. Video to follow if anything is blog worthy...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
World of Shakespeare:
Today in class I asked you to create 20 questions from acts 1-3 in Othello. We used these playing a review game, and took a quiz after lunch. Please remember that just because I am not assigning you HW each night, does not mean that you have nothing to do. Please look over the play and have any questions ready for class.
Brit Lit:
Today in class we played a review game "Who wants to win a Pizza Party" to prep for you Macbeth Test this Friday. After the review, I went over the essay of the test and we talked about how to answer it. You are allowed to use all of your OWN notes during the test- so please make sure that you have everything.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Brit Lit:
A Block: Today in class, we discussed grades, updated our notes, read the first 2 scenes in Act 5, and ventured outside for the last 10 minutes to recreate the Birnham wood scene. Please see below video on how "the Forrest moves."
B Block: Today in class we went to the computer lab and worked on your Macbeth Parody paper. I passed out a writing rubric, and answered questions on parody.
Both A & B: We will be finishing the play in both classes by this Wed. I plan on having a review game Wed. or Thurs. and the Macbeth exam this Friday. You are reminded that you may use all of your notes on the test- so please make sure you are up-to-date by then.
Those that have been out sick: If any of you that have missed school due to illness and need additional time to catch up with class, please know that you have it. I can also stay after any day if you need specific help.
B Block: Today in class we went to the computer lab and worked on your Macbeth Parody paper. I passed out a writing rubric, and answered questions on parody.
Both A & B: We will be finishing the play in both classes by this Wed. I plan on having a review game Wed. or Thurs. and the Macbeth exam this Friday. You are reminded that you may use all of your notes on the test- so please make sure you are up-to-date by then.
Those that have been out sick: If any of you that have missed school due to illness and need additional time to catch up with class, please know that you have it. I can also stay after any day if you need specific help.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Word O' the Week:
Bevy: (BEV-ee) Noun 1. A group of birds or animals. 2. A Collection. From middle English: bevey
Brit Lit:
Yesterday and some of today we looked at a modern parody of Macbeth.
Block A: we also worked on discussing the weakness in Macbeth's plans/castle. Pictures to follow....
Block B: We worked on the outline for your next paper on the parody of Macbeth. I will flesh out a typed assignments with rubrics over the weekend for you.
Block A: we also worked on discussing the weakness in Macbeth's plans/castle. Pictures to follow....
Block B: We worked on the outline for your next paper on the parody of Macbeth. I will flesh out a typed assignments with rubrics over the weekend for you.
World of Shakespeare:
Yesterday and today we looked at Act 2. Specifically, we looked at stage fighting in super slow mo, jealousy, and began our diary for Iago. Please do not loose the 2 pages that we did in class, as we will be doing this again and interjecting it at the end of the play.
Today we looked again at the film, and I had you present a short skit in front of the class. Each group was given an item that caused your breakup. A ton of great stuff today!
We assigned parts for Act 3- so if you have a speaking part, please look over and familiarize yourself with the lines for Monday. Have a great weekend....
Today we looked again at the film, and I had you present a short skit in front of the class. Each group was given an item that caused your breakup. A ton of great stuff today!
We assigned parts for Act 3- so if you have a speaking part, please look over and familiarize yourself with the lines for Monday. Have a great weekend....
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Brit Lit:
Today in class you broke into small groups and read Act 4m sc 3 on your own. We then watched a clip from the Godfather, and launched into giving this scene "the Godfather Treatment." Each group identified the key parts to the story and made a mob version of the scene while I played the Godfather Theme in an endless loop. Nah, Nah, nah, nah, nah, na, nah.....
The last 10 minutes of class each group performed their scene. This was counted as a quiz grade, so if you were absent please see me for the alternative make up assignment when you return to class.
We also viewed some late Macbeth movies. I posted another great example below....
The last 10 minutes of class each group performed their scene. This was counted as a quiz grade, so if you were absent please see me for the alternative make up assignment when you return to class.
We also viewed some late Macbeth movies. I posted another great example below....
Monday, November 9, 2009
Brit Lit:
Today in class:
We had our Macbeth Film festival. If your film was still in production, you are reminded that you loose 10 points for each late day. I am after tonight if any group requires technical help for free.
We had our Macbeth Film festival. If your film was still in production, you are reminded that you loose 10 points for each late day. I am after tonight if any group requires technical help for free.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Macbeth Movie Monday
Brit Lit: You are reminded that you film projects are due this Monday. Today I collected your scripts. If you did not have your script, or see yourself not having this done for Monday, please see me ASAP.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
World of Shakespeare:
Today we finish Act 1, and continued our discussion of some of the controversy in the play.
During lunch I was absolutely delighted that a small group decided to have a picnic in my classroom. Tantasqua continues to amaze and inspire me as a teacher!
After lunch we broke into small groups and worked on creating a scene where the teenage daughter comes to a family dinner- only to announce that she has married the boyfriend that the family disapproved of.
HW- Please write 1/2 page on what your opinion is towards Othello is at the end of scene 1. Please remember, most of the conversation is about him, but they NEVER say his name.
Reminder: If anyone has the board game, please bring it in. I would like to talk about the rules of the game and how they relate to the play-It will help to have a visual of the game.
During lunch I was absolutely delighted that a small group decided to have a picnic in my classroom. Tantasqua continues to amaze and inspire me as a teacher!
After lunch we broke into small groups and worked on creating a scene where the teenage daughter comes to a family dinner- only to announce that she has married the boyfriend that the family disapproved of.
HW- Please write 1/2 page on what your opinion is towards Othello is at the end of scene 1. Please remember, most of the conversation is about him, but they NEVER say his name.
Reminder: If anyone has the board game, please bring it in. I would like to talk about the rules of the game and how they relate to the play-It will help to have a visual of the game.
Brit Lit:
Today in class: We finished Act III. Block A looked at a scene with Jedi Master Yoda, and I asked you to identify the reversed thought. Much like Shakespeare, Yoda flips things around for effect.
Both classes read, danced and cackled during the Stew making scene in Act 4. I then asked you to break into small groups and modernize some of the ingredients. I will try and put some of them together and post some of the better parts.
HW: Macbeth Video project due November 9th. Please make sure that you are not leaving this to the last minute!
Both classes read, danced and cackled during the Stew making scene in Act 4. I then asked you to break into small groups and modernize some of the ingredients. I will try and put some of them together and post some of the better parts.
HW: Macbeth Video project due November 9th. Please make sure that you are not leaving this to the last minute!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
World of Shakespeare:
Today we began or study of Othello. We are going to work this one a bit different. Each week, you will be assigned a specific character. You will be responsible for reading their lines before hand and becoming familiar with the lines and what they mean.
Today I also gave you brief intro notes on the play and we discussed some of the controversial topics that remain 400 years after.
Today I also gave you brief intro notes on the play and we discussed some of the controversial topics that remain 400 years after.
Brit Lit:
Today in class: We looked at act 3, and I asked you to write a page speculating what would be a great "moment of final suspense" at the start of ACT 4.
I gave you some group time to work out your Macbeth scripts. Reminder: These are due November 9th. I will be after this week to help those who may be technically challenged...so stop by for some free help.
I gave you some group time to work out your Macbeth scripts. Reminder: These are due November 9th. I will be after this week to help those who may be technically challenged...so stop by for some free help.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Ghost Story
This Friday, I will be telling you a great Irish ghost story. Be ready to be scared.....
WOS:
Today we had our final performance of our silent version of 12th Night. Yesterday we briefly looked at silent comedy, and discussed the importance of body language in telling a story. TWN was in the house for our class yesterday- so I will try to get some of that feed for the blog. If not, I will try to post some snippets from today after class. That sound in the back of the classroom yesterday was your English teacher laughing out loud- you guys did an incredible job with this one!
This Friday our class Honor is on the line as we face off against Mr. Metz in his yearly Halloween challenge. I am fiercely competitive- so no pressure...but you better win, and win convincingly....
:-)
This Friday our class Honor is on the line as we face off against Mr. Metz in his yearly Halloween challenge. I am fiercely competitive- so no pressure...but you better win, and win convincingly....
:-)
Brit Lit:
Today we worked on how to write a script. We began by identifying JUST the key elements of the story- the parts that need to be told and can not be deleted. We focused on 3 areas specifically:
Narration
Dialogue
Stage Direction
For the Macbeth Movie Project, you are required to pass in a typed script. Please use the information covered today in class to complete this part.
Narration
Dialogue
Stage Direction
For the Macbeth Movie Project, you are required to pass in a typed script. Please use the information covered today in class to complete this part.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Brit Lit:
Readings in British Literature- A St. Jean/Cusick Mash up assignment
VOCABULARY 2 Macbeth
Words are like paint- and new words can often dramatically change the feeling of your writing. Imagine how French impressionism would be if they had the use of florescent color. I present to you some new “color” in the way of Shakespearean vocabulary: guaranteed to push your writing in a drastically new direction.
Write a 1 page story (fiction or non-fiction) using 15 of these 20 words.
Please UNDERLINE every vocabulary word used in your story.
1. largess - gifts
2. palpable - touchable
3. augment - increase
4. bosom franchis'd - heart free from guilt
5. confounds - ruins/confuses
6. Beelzebub - one of Satan's chief devils
7. amiss - wrong
8. office - duty
9. abuse - deceive
10. consort - mix
11. benison - blessing
12. indissoluble - can't be broken
13. knit - bound together in friendship/ close ties to family
14. issue - descendants (children and grandchildren)
15. wrought - to work with
16. sorely charged - sadly burdened with
17. loon - fool
18. pester'd senses - troubled nerves
19. recoil - to jump in fright
20. patch - clown
VOCABULARY 2 Macbeth
Words are like paint- and new words can often dramatically change the feeling of your writing. Imagine how French impressionism would be if they had the use of florescent color. I present to you some new “color” in the way of Shakespearean vocabulary: guaranteed to push your writing in a drastically new direction.
Write a 1 page story (fiction or non-fiction) using 15 of these 20 words.
Please UNDERLINE every vocabulary word used in your story.
1. largess - gifts
2. palpable - touchable
3. augment - increase
4. bosom franchis'd - heart free from guilt
5. confounds - ruins/confuses
6. Beelzebub - one of Satan's chief devils
7. amiss - wrong
8. office - duty
9. abuse - deceive
10. consort - mix
11. benison - blessing
12. indissoluble - can't be broken
13. knit - bound together in friendship/ close ties to family
14. issue - descendants (children and grandchildren)
15. wrought - to work with
16. sorely charged - sadly burdened with
17. loon - fool
18. pester'd senses - troubled nerves
19. recoil - to jump in fright
20. patch - clown
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
WOS:
Today we reviewed Act 4 and I answered questions from your reading last night. I broke you into small groups and asked you to storyboard the play into 8 small squares (best one bellow ;-) )
HW: Please read ACT 5. We will wrap up the play Wed. in class with an assignment geared to our guests filming class.
HW: Please read ACT 5. We will wrap up the play Wed. in class with an assignment geared to our guests filming class.
Brit Lit:
Today we worked on Act 3, sc 1 and 2. As I discussed in class, Act 3 is the high point, or climax of a Shakespearean Tragedy. Macbeth being named king has led many around him to examine his sudden rise to fame a bit more closely.
Last call on your Macbeth lines. Anyone that has yet to go...tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrow....
HW: Begin work on your film scripts. New due date due to incessant A block complaining is November 9th.
Last call on your Macbeth lines. Anyone that has yet to go...tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrow....
HW: Begin work on your film scripts. New due date due to incessant A block complaining is November 9th.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Is that a Joke?
The Cusick knock knock joke that was posted last week was written by a former student. It was not my intention to take credit for a good joke. My apologize for not giving credit if credit was due. :-)
WOS:
Today in class we concluded our discussion on the use of Parody with She's the Man, looked at your Act 3 re-writes, and began our panel debate on parody of the play.
HW: Please read act 4.
HW: Please read act 4.
Brit Lit:
Today in class we finished your Macbeth lines, and I assigned the Macbeth Video project. As discussed in class, this will be graded on the following rubric:
Macbeth Video Assessment:
Your projects were graded on the following:
Script 5 10 15
Effort 10 20 30
Costuming 5 10 15
Lines 5 10 15
Interpretation 10 20 25
Of the Scene
These are due November 6th. Please see me if you have any questions on the assignment.
Macbeth Video Assessment:
Your projects were graded on the following:
Script 5 10 15
Effort 10 20 30
Costuming 5 10 15
Lines 5 10 15
Interpretation 10 20 25
Of the Scene
These are due November 6th. Please see me if you have any questions on the assignment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)