Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Word O' the Week:
Chad: (CHAD) Noun. A small piece of paper generated from punching holes in a paper.
A + B + D:
Journal Prompt:
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
Often credited to Plato, but may be anonymous. 1 pg.
I gave intro notes on Shakespeare and Macbeth.
During our study of Macbeth I have the following objectives:
You will enjoy the play and understand why his stories have lasted over 400 years.
You will do well academically and fully understand the play.
To help us accomplish this, we act the play out 100% in class. You may use any notes on any quiz/test. During Macbeth, we work very hard in class, but no outside reading or HW is given provided that we get everything done in class.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
Often credited to Plato, but may be anonymous. 1 pg.
I gave intro notes on Shakespeare and Macbeth.
During our study of Macbeth I have the following objectives:
You will enjoy the play and understand why his stories have lasted over 400 years.
You will do well academically and fully understand the play.
To help us accomplish this, we act the play out 100% in class. You may use any notes on any quiz/test. During Macbeth, we work very hard in class, but no outside reading or HW is given provided that we get everything done in class.
Friday, October 14, 2011
A + B + D
Today:
We looked at the popular NPR series: This I believe. I challenged you to write 1-2 sent. on an index card defining what you believe. We voted on the best one, which will be read at a future assembly.
We defined mortality plays.
We looked at using character names to symbolize.
We read the mortality play, Everyman.
We looked at the popular NPR series: This I believe. I challenged you to write 1-2 sent. on an index card defining what you believe. We voted on the best one, which will be read at a future assembly.
We defined mortality plays.
We looked at using character names to symbolize.
We read the mortality play, Everyman.
See me if you want more info:
This I Believe Essay-Writing Guidelines
We invite you to contribute to this project by writing and submitting your own statement of personal belief. We understand how challenging this is—it requires such intimacy that no one else can do it for you. To guide you through this process, we offer these suggestions:
Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching—it can even be funny—but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.
Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words. That’s about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace.
Name your belief: If you can’t name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief, because three minutes is a very short time.
Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us what you do believe, not what you don’t believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial “we.” Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.
Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.
For this project, we are also guided by the original This I Believe series and the producers’ invitation to those who wrote essays in the 1950s. Their advice holds up well and we are abiding by it. Please consider it carefully in writing your piece.
In introducing the original series, host Edward R. Murrow said, “Never has the need for personal philosophies of this kind been so urgent.” We would argue that the need is as great now as it was 50 years ago. We are eager for your contribution.
Submit Your Essay
We invite you to contribute to this project by writing and submitting your own statement of personal belief. We understand how challenging this is—it requires such intimacy that no one else can do it for you. To guide you through this process, we offer these suggestions:
Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching—it can even be funny—but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.
Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words. That’s about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace.
Name your belief: If you can’t name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief, because three minutes is a very short time.
Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us what you do believe, not what you don’t believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial “we.” Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.
Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.
For this project, we are also guided by the original This I Believe series and the producers’ invitation to those who wrote essays in the 1950s. Their advice holds up well and we are abiding by it. Please consider it carefully in writing your piece.
In introducing the original series, host Edward R. Murrow said, “Never has the need for personal philosophies of this kind been so urgent.” We would argue that the need is as great now as it was 50 years ago. We are eager for your contribution.
Submit Your Essay
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Today we finished The Knight's Tale.
D Block: I passed back your Beowulf exams. I asked you to store these in your writing folders, but as I mentioned in class, you are welcome to bring them home and let them visit the fridge for a bit for some parental recognition :-) Please make sure that they come back.
No HW.
D Block: I passed back your Beowulf exams. I asked you to store these in your writing folders, but as I mentioned in class, you are welcome to bring them home and let them visit the fridge for a bit for some parental recognition :-) Please make sure that they come back.
No HW.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A + B + D
Today we looked at The Knight's Tale from the Canterbury Tales.
Please pass in your Pilgrimage Assignment if you were unable to finish it withing the time given this week ASAP.
HW: Please read and review The Pardoner's Tale.
Please pass in your Pilgrimage Assignment if you were unable to finish it withing the time given this week ASAP.
HW: Please read and review The Pardoner's Tale.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
D Block:
Today:
Journal Prompt: Greed is the root of all evil. 1 page.
We defined simile and looked at examples from Chaucer.
We went to the computer lab to type your Pilgrimage assignment.
I passed back your papers and gave you writing folders to store your work.
HW: Read The Pardoner's Tale in the anthology.
Journal Prompt: Greed is the root of all evil. 1 page.
We defined simile and looked at examples from Chaucer.
We went to the computer lab to type your Pilgrimage assignment.
I passed back your papers and gave you writing folders to store your work.
HW: Read The Pardoner's Tale in the anthology.
A + B Block:
Today:
Journal Promt: Explain your greatest regrets. 1 page
We went to the computer lab and finished the writing portion of your Pilgrimage Assignment.
I collected them at the end of class.
HW: Please read the Pardoner's Tale in your anthologies. Please expect a quiz Wed.
Journal Promt: Explain your greatest regrets. 1 page
We went to the computer lab and finished the writing portion of your Pilgrimage Assignment.
I collected them at the end of class.
HW: Please read the Pardoner's Tale in your anthologies. Please expect a quiz Wed.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Tantasqua High School
I created it on my iOS device with the Photosynth app, http://www.photosynth.net.
D Block:
Today:
No journal prompt.
We defined symbolism and took 25 minutes to make a symbloic representation of yourself using 15 images.
We wrote a 3-5 paragraph 1st draft of your pilgrimage. Please see the assignment sheet for more details.
No journal prompt.
We defined symbolism and took 25 minutes to make a symbloic representation of yourself using 15 images.
We wrote a 3-5 paragraph 1st draft of your pilgrimage. Please see the assignment sheet for more details.
A/ B block:
Today:
No journal prompt.
We finished looking at all of the characters in the prologue. Both classes played and won "Three Strikes and You Quiz." By winning, you avoided the quiz as a class. It pays to pay attention :-)
We finished out Prologue poem, and worked on your symbolic representation sheet.
Tuesday we will be in the computer lab writing your pilgrimage writing assignment. Over the long weekend, please think about what you want to write about.
No journal prompt.
We finished looking at all of the characters in the prologue. Both classes played and won "Three Strikes and You Quiz." By winning, you avoided the quiz as a class. It pays to pay attention :-)
We finished out Prologue poem, and worked on your symbolic representation sheet.
Tuesday we will be in the computer lab writing your pilgrimage writing assignment. Over the long weekend, please think about what you want to write about.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
D Block:
Same prompt as below.
We broke into 5 groups and made a character sketch for 10 of the parts in C. Tales.
We played three strikes and you quiz. You were able to get a person to home plate before striking out, and thus avoided a quiz today.
Papers are almost done. Thanks for your patience.
We worked on your own prologue poem.
HW: Read The Pardoners Tale on pg 115.
Bring in a magazine for your symbolic representation sheet.
We broke into 5 groups and made a character sketch for 10 of the parts in C. Tales.
We played three strikes and you quiz. You were able to get a person to home plate before striking out, and thus avoided a quiz today.
Papers are almost done. Thanks for your patience.
We worked on your own prologue poem.
HW: Read The Pardoners Tale on pg 115.
Bring in a magazine for your symbolic representation sheet.
A/ B Block
Today:
Journal Prompt:
Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do. Steve Jobs
Always been one of my fav. quotes....
We broke into groups and detailed the characters' in The Prolouge of The Canterbury Tales. We began work on The Pilgrimage assignment.
HW Read pg 100-122. Expect a quiz on your reading. A reminder- You may use any notes that you have taken.
Journal Prompt:
Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do. Steve Jobs
Always been one of my fav. quotes....
We broke into groups and detailed the characters' in The Prolouge of The Canterbury Tales. We began work on The Pilgrimage assignment.
HW Read pg 100-122. Expect a quiz on your reading. A reminder- You may use any notes that you have taken.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
A/B Block:
Today:
Journal Prompt: If you invented a device that could fix one problem that you are facing right now, what would you make? How would you use it. 1 page. I also encouraged those that finished these early to draw their machine.
We concluded our look at folk ballads.
We began The Canterbury Tales
HW: Read pgs: 90-110 in your Antology. Begin thinking of a pilgrimage that you could write about from your own life. We will be doing this in class Thursday and Friday.
Make Your Own Pilgrimage…..
Over the next week, we will be reading a collection of “tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer.
In class we will be looking at his style, and be looking at what a pilgrimage is, and why you would go on one. Duplicating a writer’s style is one of the hardest tasks that I will ask you to do. It will require close examination of the language and the way Chaucer tells the tale.
Part 1: The Prologue Poem In this section, you will write a poem to begin your piece. In your poem you must: Give yourself a title as a pilgrim
Write 4-6 Lines.
Emulate Chaucer
Part II: The Symbolic Representation Provide a hand drawn picture, a collage, or a brief descriptive piece which clearly gives a symbolic representation of who you are. Remember, symbols are common images, which are used to represent much larger things.
Part III: The Tale You will write about a pilgrimage that you have been on.
In your Tale, you must: Write 3 well written paragraphs
Write a tale that includes, Characters, a plot, a setting, a climax, and a conclusion
There is a clear lesson that you learn by the end of the tale.
Journal Prompt: If you invented a device that could fix one problem that you are facing right now, what would you make? How would you use it. 1 page. I also encouraged those that finished these early to draw their machine.
We concluded our look at folk ballads.
We began The Canterbury Tales
HW: Read pgs: 90-110 in your Antology. Begin thinking of a pilgrimage that you could write about from your own life. We will be doing this in class Thursday and Friday.
Make Your Own Pilgrimage…..
Over the next week, we will be reading a collection of “tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer.
In class we will be looking at his style, and be looking at what a pilgrimage is, and why you would go on one. Duplicating a writer’s style is one of the hardest tasks that I will ask you to do. It will require close examination of the language and the way Chaucer tells the tale.
Part 1: The Prologue Poem In this section, you will write a poem to begin your piece. In your poem you must: Give yourself a title as a pilgrim
Write 4-6 Lines.
Emulate Chaucer
Part II: The Symbolic Representation Provide a hand drawn picture, a collage, or a brief descriptive piece which clearly gives a symbolic representation of who you are. Remember, symbols are common images, which are used to represent much larger things.
Part III: The Tale You will write about a pilgrimage that you have been on.
In your Tale, you must: Write 3 well written paragraphs
Write a tale that includes, Characters, a plot, a setting, a climax, and a conclusion
There is a clear lesson that you learn by the end of the tale.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
A/ B Block
Today:
We started with the following 2 journal prompts:
What 5 web sites do you visit often, and why?
What is the one thing that nobody knows about you because nobody ever cared to ask?
We finished beowulf.
B Block Only: HW: Please read pages 90-100 in your anthology.
A Block: Make sure you have read all the ballads in your anthology and have written your own origional ballad.
We started with the following 2 journal prompts:
What 5 web sites do you visit often, and why?
What is the one thing that nobody knows about you because nobody ever cared to ask?
We finished beowulf.
B Block Only: HW: Please read pages 90-100 in your anthology.
A Block: Make sure you have read all the ballads in your anthology and have written your own origional ballad.
Monday, October 3, 2011
D Block:
Journal prompt #11. Please see A/B Block from today.
I passed back your journals. Please see me if you are missing any.
We defined a Ballad.
We listened to a ballad and talked about the characteristics.
I paired you with a partner and had you interview them in prep of writing a 25-30 line ballad on their life. We will finish these Tuesday.
HW: Please bring in the lyrics of a ballad.
I passed back your journals. Please see me if you are missing any.
We defined a Ballad.
We listened to a ballad and talked about the characteristics.
I paired you with a partner and had you interview them in prep of writing a 25-30 line ballad on their life. We will finish these Tuesday.
HW: Please bring in the lyrics of a ballad.
A/B Block:
Today we finished Beowulf.
Journal Prompt #11: If you could pick three people to sit down and have dinner with, who would you pick? Please write a 2 page journal responce detailing what the three of you would talk about. For example, if I was to do the assignment, I would pair Hitler with Steve Jobs and a young M. Jackson.
Journal Prompt #11: If you could pick three people to sit down and have dinner with, who would you pick? Please write a 2 page journal responce detailing what the three of you would talk about. For example, if I was to do the assignment, I would pair Hitler with Steve Jobs and a young M. Jackson.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Name:____________________ Block:______
The Ballad of You:
Directions: Today in class you will all be writing a ballad: A short narrative poem that tells a story and is usually set to music. To make this interesting, the ballad that you make will be about another student in class, based primarily on a short interview that you have with them today in class.
Step 1: The Interview:
Please generate 10 questions to ask and record their answer. These will be the foundation of your ballad:
1. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
2. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
3. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
4.Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
5. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
6. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
7. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
8. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
9. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
10. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
Part 2: The Things They Carry….
Describe in detail 5 items that are on them right now
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Step 3, The Ballad of….
Write a 25-30 line folk ballad on the person that you interviewed and the information that you collected about them. Please begin this with the following and keep it in the 3rd person at all times:
There once was a boy named Joe that……
Step 3: Perform these in front of the class
The Ballad of You:
Directions: Today in class you will all be writing a ballad: A short narrative poem that tells a story and is usually set to music. To make this interesting, the ballad that you make will be about another student in class, based primarily on a short interview that you have with them today in class.
Step 1: The Interview:
Please generate 10 questions to ask and record their answer. These will be the foundation of your ballad:
1. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
2. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
3. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
4.Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
5. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
6. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
7. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
8. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
9. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
10. Your Question:
Their Detailed response:
Part 2: The Things They Carry….
Describe in detail 5 items that are on them right now
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Step 3, The Ballad of….
Write a 25-30 line folk ballad on the person that you interviewed and the information that you collected about them. Please begin this with the following and keep it in the 3rd person at all times:
There once was a boy named Joe that……
Step 3: Perform these in front of the class
Thursday, September 29, 2011
D Block:
Today we defined some new terms:
Alliteration
Epithet
Paganism
Fate
I explained the format of the test, and had you break into small study groups. Each group worked to produce one page of notes that can be used on the test Friday.
HW: Please study your terms and review your reading. (H) Make sure that you look over the notes on the hero's quest.
Alliteration
Epithet
Paganism
Fate
I explained the format of the test, and had you break into small study groups. Each group worked to produce one page of notes that can be used on the test Friday.
HW: Please study your terms and review your reading. (H) Make sure that you look over the notes on the hero's quest.
A + B Block:
Today:
We defined Ballad.
We looked specifically at folk ballads.
We read Johnny Cash, Sir Patrick Spens, Get Up and Bar the Door, The Twa Corbies, and Barbara Allen.
I printed out 5 samples from the modern day ballads that you brought in for HW. We discussed if they were examples of a ballad.
HW: Please brainstorm about what you life would be like as a ballad told in the third person. We will be writing and performing the ballad of You in class Friday. I am looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.
We defined Ballad.
We looked specifically at folk ballads.
We read Johnny Cash, Sir Patrick Spens, Get Up and Bar the Door, The Twa Corbies, and Barbara Allen.
I printed out 5 samples from the modern day ballads that you brought in for HW. We discussed if they were examples of a ballad.
HW: Please brainstorm about what you life would be like as a ballad told in the third person. We will be writing and performing the ballad of You in class Friday. I am looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
D Block:
Today we looked at your musical scores. I asked you to bring in a "score" for a scene in the book. Today during our shortened class we read parts that you selected with music. I randomly selected 10 people to perform their scene in class.
HW: Please have Beowulf finished for class on Thursday. We will review and have a test this Friday.
HW: Please have Beowulf finished for class on Thursday. We will review and have a test this Friday.
B Block:
We finished Beowulf and Grendel. Tomorrow you will need to define 10 ways that the story followed the hero's quest.
HW: Same as A Block.
HW: Same as A Block.
A Block:
Today:
We defined a ballad.
We looked at the Man in Black, Johnny Cash: Ballad of a Teenage Queen.
We read Sir Patrick Spens.
HW: Please bring in the lyrics to a modern ballad. Please make sure that it is appropriate for school. Try an find a song that tells a story. For example, don't bring in a song about going to a club- rather bring in a song that has a beginning, a middle and a end. Conflict helps as well....
You will need your Big books Thursday and Friday.
We defined a ballad.
We looked at the Man in Black, Johnny Cash: Ballad of a Teenage Queen.
We read Sir Patrick Spens.
HW: Please bring in the lyrics to a modern ballad. Please make sure that it is appropriate for school. Try an find a song that tells a story. For example, don't bring in a song about going to a club- rather bring in a song that has a beginning, a middle and a end. Conflict helps as well....
You will need your Big books Thursday and Friday.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
A and B Block:
A Block:
Today we finished the movie.
I broke you into groups of three and asked you to list 10 parts of the Hero's Quest that could be found in the movie version.
B Block: We went to the computer lab to finish typing your final drafts. These were due today.
Today we finished the movie.
I broke you into groups of three and asked you to list 10 parts of the Hero's Quest that could be found in the movie version.
B Block: We went to the computer lab to finish typing your final drafts. These were due today.
Monday, September 26, 2011
D Block:
Today:
I asked you to pick a scene from Beowulf and break into 5 groups. Each group was asked to complete the following:
Show your scene as a short skit.
Add 5 origional kennings to make it more interesting.
Change one small part to be 100% different than the real story without being super obvious.
During our performance, you were given a short quiz asking you to:
identify 3 of the 5 kennings
Define the one difference briefly.
Group one was given comedy as a challenge.
I asked you to pick a scene from Beowulf and break into 5 groups. Each group was asked to complete the following:
Show your scene as a short skit.
Add 5 origional kennings to make it more interesting.
Change one small part to be 100% different than the real story without being super obvious.
During our performance, you were given a short quiz asking you to:
identify 3 of the 5 kennings
Define the one difference briefly.
Group one was given comedy as a challenge.
Word O' the Week:
Gride (gryd) Verb intr. To scrape or graze against an object to make a grating sound.
A and B Block:
We used today to finish your papers. Please see me asap if you were not able to finish yours and pass it in.
HW: Please finish your paper if needed.
HW: Please finish your paper if needed.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
D Block:
I collected your papers today. You are reminded that you loose a letter grade (10 pts.) for each late day. Papers submitted Monday count as one day late.
Due to the amount of you that needed to leave early to prep for the pep rally, we pushed the activity today to Monday and instead watched the Beowulf and Grendel movie.
We will be taking a deeper look at the story differences next week.
Have a great weekend.
Due to the amount of you that needed to leave early to prep for the pep rally, we pushed the activity today to Monday and instead watched the Beowulf and Grendel movie.
We will be taking a deeper look at the story differences next week.
Have a great weekend.
Tantasqua Shout Out this AM
http://ulocal.thebostonchannel.com/_Tantasqua-Regional-High-Shout-Out/video/1638412/61862.html
A/ B Block:
A Block: Journal Prompt #10: If you could only keep 10 things in the world, what would you save?
A and B Block: We used this time to type the final draft of your paper. Please finish these this weekend if you did not have enough time. These are due at the end of class Monday. I will try and give you time on a computer Monday- but please have your writing done and ready to type. Please email me with any questions.
Have a great weekend!
A and B Block: We used this time to type the final draft of your paper. Please finish these this weekend if you did not have enough time. These are due at the end of class Monday. I will try and give you time on a computer Monday- but please have your writing done and ready to type. Please email me with any questions.
Have a great weekend!
Sorry this is late....I forgot last night
Transitional Words:
Transitional words are like signs that help the reader make a smooth shift from one idea to the next. They are a means of precisely guiding the reader through the various levels and shifts that your essay or argument may develop. These words or phrases can be considered the basic tools of the trade, so to speak. Transitional words prevent ideas from awkwardly blending into one another; they also keep the reader from feeling as if he or she is abruptly jumping from point to point.
Words that can be used to show location:
above behind by near throughout
across below down off to the right
against beneath in back of onto under
along beside in front of on top of
among between inside outside
around beyond into over
Words that can be used to show time:
while first meanwhile soon then
after second today later next
at third tomorrow afterward as soon as
before now next week about when suddenly
during until yesterday finally
Word that can be used to compare two things:
likewise also while in the same way
like as similarly
Words that can be used to contrast two things:
but still although on the other hand
however yet otherwise even though
Words that can be used to emphasize a point:
again truly especially for this reason
to repeat in fact to emphasize
Words that can be used to conclude or summarize:
finally as a result to sum up in conclusion
lastly therefore all in all because
Words that can be used to add information:
again another for instance for example
also and moreover additionally
as well besides along with other
next finally in addition
Words that can be used to clarify:
that is for instance in other words
Transitional words are like signs that help the reader make a smooth shift from one idea to the next. They are a means of precisely guiding the reader through the various levels and shifts that your essay or argument may develop. These words or phrases can be considered the basic tools of the trade, so to speak. Transitional words prevent ideas from awkwardly blending into one another; they also keep the reader from feeling as if he or she is abruptly jumping from point to point.
Words that can be used to show location:
above behind by near throughout
across below down off to the right
against beneath in back of onto under
along beside in front of on top of
among between inside outside
around beyond into over
Words that can be used to show time:
while first meanwhile soon then
after second today later next
at third tomorrow afterward as soon as
before now next week about when suddenly
during until yesterday finally
Word that can be used to compare two things:
likewise also while in the same way
like as similarly
Words that can be used to contrast two things:
but still although on the other hand
however yet otherwise even though
Words that can be used to emphasize a point:
again truly especially for this reason
to repeat in fact to emphasize
Words that can be used to conclude or summarize:
finally as a result to sum up in conclusion
lastly therefore all in all because
Words that can be used to add information:
again another for instance for example
also and moreover additionally
as well besides along with other
next finally in addition
Words that can be used to clarify:
that is for instance in other words
Thursday, September 22, 2011
A/B Block:
Today:
Listening to your feedback, I will be giving you 2 daily prompts to write on. Please only answer ONE:
"An optimist thinks this is the best of all worlds, the pessimist fears the same to be true." Doug Larsin (Far Side)
What are your greatest fears?
1 page.
A reminder: Failure to complete these will result in a mandatory help session after-school. Please make sure that these are complete. I will be collecting these these this Friday. Please make sure that they are all complete. Almost all of them are on the blog.
I asked you to envision what the monster Grendel might look like. I asked you to base your creature on the clues given in the story and draw a picture of the beast. I will continue to post some of the best ones....
We continued to look at the movie Beowulf and Grendel. Do you think that the film captured the tone of the original story? Why or why not.
Friday we will be using the computers in the lib. to work on your hero quest papers. Please have all notes and early drafts available. I will be using this time to also work with those that are having a hard time. These are due Monday.
Listening to your feedback, I will be giving you 2 daily prompts to write on. Please only answer ONE:
"An optimist thinks this is the best of all worlds, the pessimist fears the same to be true." Doug Larsin (Far Side)
What are your greatest fears?
1 page.
A reminder: Failure to complete these will result in a mandatory help session after-school. Please make sure that these are complete. I will be collecting these these this Friday. Please make sure that they are all complete. Almost all of them are on the blog.
I asked you to envision what the monster Grendel might look like. I asked you to base your creature on the clues given in the story and draw a picture of the beast. I will continue to post some of the best ones....
We continued to look at the movie Beowulf and Grendel. Do you think that the film captured the tone of the original story? Why or why not.
Friday we will be using the computers in the lib. to work on your hero quest papers. Please have all notes and early drafts available. I will be using this time to also work with those that are having a hard time. These are due Monday.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
D: Block
Same journal prompt as below (A and B Block)
Today we finished watching Beowulf and Grendel.
HW: Please work on your papers.
Today we finished watching Beowulf and Grendel.
HW: Please work on your papers.
Brit Lit A/B Block:
Journal Prompt:
If you had a chance to go back in time, for 5 minutes, where would you choose to go and why? 2 pages
Reminder...journals are collected after every 10 assignments. I will be collecting them this Friday- so please make sure that you are up to date. Any student that is missing more than 2 assignments will be required to stay after for a mandatory extra help session next week. Please see me with any questions. We do these in class, so there is no excuse as to not having them done.
We finished Beowulf and took a quiz on your reading and terms/notes.
HW: Please continue to work on your paper. These are due Next Monday.
If you had a chance to go back in time, for 5 minutes, where would you choose to go and why? 2 pages
Reminder...journals are collected after every 10 assignments. I will be collecting them this Friday- so please make sure that you are up to date. Any student that is missing more than 2 assignments will be required to stay after for a mandatory extra help session next week. Please see me with any questions. We do these in class, so there is no excuse as to not having them done.
We finished Beowulf and took a quiz on your reading and terms/notes.
HW: Please continue to work on your paper. These are due Next Monday.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Brit Lit
Today:
Journal Prompt:
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for and why. Also, look 10 years out and describe what specifically these wishes would change.
A/B Block: We looked at examples of Kennings and finished Beowulf.
D: We defined symbolism, worked on dream representations, and found examples of kennings in the text.
Journal Prompt:
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for and why. Also, look 10 years out and describe what specifically these wishes would change.
A/B Block: We looked at examples of Kennings and finished Beowulf.
D: We defined symbolism, worked on dream representations, and found examples of kennings in the text.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Today in class:
A & B:
Journal Prompt:
"When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers." Oscar Wilde
Journals (1-10) will be collected and graded this Friday. Please make sure that you have them completed.
I assigned your paper. These will be due Monday. You will have the majority of Friday to work on these. Please have your 1st draft ready so I can come around and conference with those that need help. I have us signed up for the computers in the lib on Friday as well.
We finished our performance of the Hero's quest. B Block- not bad.... A block not so good. I expect much more from both going forward.
Journal Prompt:
"When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers." Oscar Wilde
Journals (1-10) will be collected and graded this Friday. Please make sure that you have them completed.
I assigned your paper. These will be due Monday. You will have the majority of Friday to work on these. Please have your 1st draft ready so I can come around and conference with those that need help. I have us signed up for the computers in the lib on Friday as well.
We finished our performance of the Hero's quest. B Block- not bad.... A block not so good. I expect much more from both going forward.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Today in class
A Block prompt:
Please describe the most vivid smell that you remember, without telling me what you are specifically describing. 1 page
B and D Block: "Curiosity is the key to creativity." Akio Morita 1 page
You act the scene:
15 minutes to storyboard your Hero's Quest group project
10 minutes fro scene prep
20 minutes to perform
I will try and share some video of these afterschool.
Have a great weekend.
Please describe the most vivid smell that you remember, without telling me what you are specifically describing. 1 page
B and D Block: "Curiosity is the key to creativity." Akio Morita 1 page
You act the scene:
15 minutes to storyboard your Hero's Quest group project
10 minutes fro scene prep
20 minutes to perform
I will try and share some video of these afterschool.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Brit Lit:
I used different journal prompts today:
A Block: Describe a moment of intense pain. This can be phsical, or if you are brave emotional.
B and D Block: Smell is your greatest memory. Use the memory of smell to write a 1 page descriptive piece.
All classes: Today we broke into groups and constructed a Hero's Quest following the notes that I have given to you. We will be trading these and performing them in front of the class this Friday.
HW: Please study the Hero's Journey and be ready for a quiz on the terms. You should be able to explain each in your own words.
A Block: Describe a moment of intense pain. This can be phsical, or if you are brave emotional.
B and D Block: Smell is your greatest memory. Use the memory of smell to write a 1 page descriptive piece.
All classes: Today we broke into groups and constructed a Hero's Quest following the notes that I have given to you. We will be trading these and performing them in front of the class this Friday.
HW: Please study the Hero's Journey and be ready for a quiz on the terms. You should be able to explain each in your own words.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
D Block:
Today:
We started with journal prompt #3
We had M complete the Beowulf chant challenge. He lost and was forced to sing the chant on pg 73.
We took a timeline quiz (20 events) from pgs 1-83.
HW: Please read pg 83-101. Please be ready for a quiz on these pages.
Please be ready to share a specific image from a recent dream. We will be using them as symbols in or class writing project Thursday.
We started with journal prompt #3
We had M complete the Beowulf chant challenge. He lost and was forced to sing the chant on pg 73.
We took a timeline quiz (20 events) from pgs 1-83.
HW: Please read pg 83-101. Please be ready for a quiz on these pages.
Please be ready to share a specific image from a recent dream. We will be using them as symbols in or class writing project Thursday.
Brit Lit Paper assignment
The Hero’s Quest
Over the last week, we have looked at the classical definition of a hero. Specifically, we discussed the research and findings of Joseph Campbell. He believed that mythology was our one single truth as humans, and these stories connected us all in a very deep and spiritual way.
In a 3-4 page traditional 5 paragraph typed paper, please take a popular movie, play, or novel, and examine how it fits Campbell’s classical definition. Please use the sheet that I gave you on this. You may pick any hero that you feel fits this mold, however, here are some suggestions that would work well: Pinocchio, Dumbo, Star Wars (1st 3), the Matrix, The Lion King, Indiana Jones, Batman, Harry Potter
Your paper needs to have a clear thesis and you must use solid examples in your body to answer the question.
Please use the following outline to help you formulate your ideas:
Opening Paragraph
Your Thesis:
Example: Many stories in literature are often influenced by stories and writers before them. In the movie Star Wars, we are told the story of a Young Luke Skywalker, and follow his quest into outerspace on his way to defining himself and finding the hero inside him. The movie Star Wars follows the tradional hero’s quest.
Main body paragraph 1:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 2:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 3:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Conclusion:
Closing wrap up. Here you re-state your thesis statement.
Final Due:________________
Over the last week, we have looked at the classical definition of a hero. Specifically, we discussed the research and findings of Joseph Campbell. He believed that mythology was our one single truth as humans, and these stories connected us all in a very deep and spiritual way.
In a 3-4 page traditional 5 paragraph typed paper, please take a popular movie, play, or novel, and examine how it fits Campbell’s classical definition. Please use the sheet that I gave you on this. You may pick any hero that you feel fits this mold, however, here are some suggestions that would work well: Pinocchio, Dumbo, Star Wars (1st 3), the Matrix, The Lion King, Indiana Jones, Batman, Harry Potter
Your paper needs to have a clear thesis and you must use solid examples in your body to answer the question.
Please use the following outline to help you formulate your ideas:
Opening Paragraph
Your Thesis:
Example: Many stories in literature are often influenced by stories and writers before them. In the movie Star Wars, we are told the story of a Young Luke Skywalker, and follow his quest into outerspace on his way to defining himself and finding the hero inside him. The movie Star Wars follows the tradional hero’s quest.
Main body paragraph 1:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 2:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 3:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Conclusion:
Closing wrap up. Here you re-state your thesis statement.
Final Due:________________
A and B Block
Today we started with the following journal prompt:
"When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing." Enrique Poncela
We continued our great class discussions on The Hero's Quest. I gave you a 2nd handout detailing some of the things that we have been working on.
We will be writing a class story collectively on Thursday.
"When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing." Enrique Poncela
We continued our great class discussions on The Hero's Quest. I gave you a 2nd handout detailing some of the things that we have been working on.
We will be writing a class story collectively on Thursday.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Word O' the Week:
Vamoose: (va-Moos) verb intr. To leave in a hurry. From Spanish vamos (let's go.)
Use in class for bonus points and dum-dums...
Use in class for bonus points and dum-dums...
D Block:
Today in class we:
Journal #2:
"Everyone is necessarily the hero of his (her) own life story." John Barth
One page free-write.
We defined hero.
We defined the hero's quest.
We looked at the power of mythology.
I asked you to brainstorm on stories/movies that follow specific parts.
HW:
Read Beowulf: pgs 43-83. Please be ready for a quick quiz on your reading.
Journal #2:
"Everyone is necessarily the hero of his (her) own life story." John Barth
One page free-write.
We defined hero.
We defined the hero's quest.
We looked at the power of mythology.
I asked you to brainstorm on stories/movies that follow specific parts.
HW:
Read Beowulf: pgs 43-83. Please be ready for a quick quiz on your reading.
A Block:
Today:
We tracked down your journals and started the first 15 minutes doing a free-write.
I attempted to make the connection with what you wrote to the core concepts of heroic deeds.
We defined hero and examined modern day examples. We had a good talk about 911 and your feelings on the vents 10 years ago. I find it still hard to talk about.
I introduced you to the hero's quest, and passed out notes defining the concept.
I asked you to brainstorm on popular movies and stories that follow this mold. Please finish this for HW.
We looked at the power of mythology and had a discussion on why stories tied to these things have a deep lasting impact on us as humans.
These notes will be leading us towards our 1st paper assignment that I will assign this week.
We tracked down your journals and started the first 15 minutes doing a free-write.
I attempted to make the connection with what you wrote to the core concepts of heroic deeds.
We defined hero and examined modern day examples. We had a good talk about 911 and your feelings on the vents 10 years ago. I find it still hard to talk about.
I introduced you to the hero's quest, and passed out notes defining the concept.
I asked you to brainstorm on popular movies and stories that follow this mold. Please finish this for HW.
We looked at the power of mythology and had a discussion on why stories tied to these things have a deep lasting impact on us as humans.
These notes will be leading us towards our 1st paper assignment that I will assign this week.
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