Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
11.21.08
Brit Lit:
Happy Friday! I started to correct your Macbeth tests- so far they look very good. If any of you want your grades early, shoot me a email to cusicks@tantasqua.org. Starting Monday, we will be taking a few days before the break to look at and write a killer college essay. I will explain this in detail on Monday. Have a safe weekend!
Soph Lit:
Today in class I showed about 5 minutes of my version of A Midsummer Night's Dream that I did with Ms. St. Jean at ol' Shepherd Hill. I hope that it helped you visualize some of the things that we were talking about this week.
Every Friday, I try and do some fun assignments- today you did some writing on the history of the Slinky. After lunch, I taught you the very basics of what handwriting can tell us about the person. Remember- it was just for fun- I don't want any of you to read too much into it :-)
Happy Friday! I started to correct your Macbeth tests- so far they look very good. If any of you want your grades early, shoot me a email to cusicks@tantasqua.org. Starting Monday, we will be taking a few days before the break to look at and write a killer college essay. I will explain this in detail on Monday. Have a safe weekend!
Soph Lit:
Today in class I showed about 5 minutes of my version of A Midsummer Night's Dream that I did with Ms. St. Jean at ol' Shepherd Hill. I hope that it helped you visualize some of the things that we were talking about this week.
Every Friday, I try and do some fun assignments- today you did some writing on the history of the Slinky. After lunch, I taught you the very basics of what handwriting can tell us about the person. Remember- it was just for fun- I don't want any of you to read too much into it :-)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
11.19.08
Brit Lit: We finished Macbeth today- the lightsabers were fun. I wish that I could have made the room darker, but it was still cool. I told you learning could and CAN be FUN! Macbeth is a difficult play, and I can't tell you how proud that all of you understand it. I also hope that I was able to show you that Shakespeare can be fun.
We will be playing a review game based on Wheel of Fortune Thursday, and catch up on any missing notes. Remember, you can use all notes on the test- so make sure that you have the complete set. If you are missing any- get them from me, or a person that you think takes good notes. On Friday- we TEST.
We will be playing a review game based on Wheel of Fortune Thursday, and catch up on any missing notes. Remember, you can use all notes on the test- so make sure that you have the complete set. If you are missing any- get them from me, or a person that you think takes good notes. On Friday- we TEST.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
11.17.08
Brit Lit:
Block A: Today we continued to write the missing narration for Macbeth. Friday we completed Act 1, and 2. Today we did Act 3. We also had a quiz on Act 4, and a wee bit o' 5.
Block B: We acted out Act 5 in class and caught up on our notes.
Both Blocks- We will be finishing Macbeth this week. I am aiming on a review game Thursday, with our test this Friday. I am after school Tuesday for anyone who needs to make up work, or needs to catch up on their notes.
Block A: Today we continued to write the missing narration for Macbeth. Friday we completed Act 1, and 2. Today we did Act 3. We also had a quiz on Act 4, and a wee bit o' 5.
Block B: We acted out Act 5 in class and caught up on our notes.
Both Blocks- We will be finishing Macbeth this week. I am aiming on a review game Thursday, with our test this Friday. I am after school Tuesday for anyone who needs to make up work, or needs to catch up on their notes.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
11.12.08
Soph:
Today we talked about contrasts in imagery. Hot/cold, love/hate, sweet/sour.... Shakespeare had a great way of mixing comedy with tragedy- we explored that today. In class we made skits that were funny, and sad at the same time. Look for this contrast as we continue the play....
Today we talked about contrasts in imagery. Hot/cold, love/hate, sweet/sour.... Shakespeare had a great way of mixing comedy with tragedy- we explored that today. In class we made skits that were funny, and sad at the same time. Look for this contrast as we continue the play....
11.12.08
Brit Lit: Today we broke into groups and had to work out a scene that told the story of Macbeth in 32 sec. This forced you to decide what things are important to keep the story "intact." On Friday we will be working on making the missing narrative in Macbeth- what you did today in class should help you decide what is important to stress....
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
11.11.08
Soph Lit: Reminder- your 16 lines from AMND are due this Thursday- so use the day off today to stomp around your house and learn the lines :-)
Brit Lit: Last call on videos- If you elected to do the alternative paper, you need to write a 3-5 page paper explaining a Shakespearean Tragedy, and how the play Macbeth follows this model. These are due Wed.
Have a great day off, and take a moment to remember the sacrifices that those in the military have made for all of us.
Brit Lit: Last call on videos- If you elected to do the alternative paper, you need to write a 3-5 page paper explaining a Shakespearean Tragedy, and how the play Macbeth follows this model. These are due Wed.
Have a great day off, and take a moment to remember the sacrifices that those in the military have made for all of us.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
11.05.08
I hope that you are enjoying the day off. Reminder: Block A- your Macbeth videos are due Wed. Bring some popcorn...
Monday, November 3, 2008
11.03.08
Block A: Macbeth videos are now due Tuesday.
Block B: Missing prijects are due this Wed. Jeff- that means you!
Block C: No HW- sorry that it is taking so long to get your last projects in. I will have your character journals, Survival guides, and test back for Wed.
I will have your term grade ready this Wed. So to any parents out there in cyber space reading my thoughts, ask them how they are doing in English Wed. night. Please also feel free to contact me by eith email or phone as always.
Block B: Missing prijects are due this Wed. Jeff- that means you!
Block C: No HW- sorry that it is taking so long to get your last projects in. I will have your character journals, Survival guides, and test back for Wed.
I will have your term grade ready this Wed. So to any parents out there in cyber space reading my thoughts, ask them how they are doing in English Wed. night. Please also feel free to contact me by eith email or phone as always.
Word O' the Week
Spanghew {spang-hyoo} To cause a frog or toad to fly into the air from the end of a stick, usually violently.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy All Hallows Eve!
I hope you liked my Irish ghost story today in class. As most of you are typical teenagers who don't talk to you parents anymore- try and tell the story again around a Fall fire this weekend. It gets better with age and each time it is told.
Brit Lit: Please work on your Macbeth videos- Due A Block, wed. Due B Block, Monday.
Soph Lit: Get ready to have your neg feelings about Shakespeare to be smashed. We are going to laugh out loud in class next week as we start the comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Brit Lit: Please work on your Macbeth videos- Due A Block, wed. Due B Block, Monday.
Soph Lit: Get ready to have your neg feelings about Shakespeare to be smashed. We are going to laugh out loud in class next week as we start the comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
10.29.08
Alert (whoop, whoop, whoop...) Grades close this Friday. I can stay after for anyone needing to make up work. Remember, not completing an assignment is a zero. A few of these can take a large bite out of even the strongest grade. Please see me before or after class to see if you are missing work....
Brit Lit. This morning, we went outside to act in the woods. Despite the cold breeze, we managed to have fun. Nothing says Mr. Cusick is teaching Shakespeare like the buzz and crackle of toy light sabers....
Reminder to work on your Macbeth video. These will not be able to be done "at the last minute." Make sure that you see me if you have problems- before the due date.
Soph Lit: I posted a picture of your character journals. I am impressed! Now, if I can get the smoke smell off of my hands from reading some of them... A special "thank you" to Courtney for bringing in cupcakes. Random acts of kindness...... :-)
Brit Lit. This morning, we went outside to act in the woods. Despite the cold breeze, we managed to have fun. Nothing says Mr. Cusick is teaching Shakespeare like the buzz and crackle of toy light sabers....
Reminder to work on your Macbeth video. These will not be able to be done "at the last minute." Make sure that you see me if you have problems- before the due date.
Soph Lit: I posted a picture of your character journals. I am impressed! Now, if I can get the smoke smell off of my hands from reading some of them... A special "thank you" to Courtney for bringing in cupcakes. Random acts of kindness...... :-)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
10.24.08
Brit Lit:
Next Friday, you are reminded that your Macbeth Video is due.
Here is a brief description of the assignment as a reminder:
1. Pick a part that we have studied (at least 5 min)
2. Write a modern adaptation. Include: Stage direction (see notes), Setting Description, voice (inflection, pause, stress.)
3. Design and produce costumes
4. Film Scene
5. Play for class. :-)
Soph Lit:
Today in class we relaxed and caught up in the BW version of Lord of the Flies. A bit diff than the Simpson's version from Thursday, huh?
We will finish the novel for HW on Monday night. If you are behind, as some of you are, please use this time to catch up and be ready for Monday. Your character journals are now due Tuesday. We will play a review game on Tuesday, and have our exam next Wed.
Have a great weekend. Best of luck to all sport teams! :-)
Next Friday, you are reminded that your Macbeth Video is due.
Here is a brief description of the assignment as a reminder:
1. Pick a part that we have studied (at least 5 min)
2. Write a modern adaptation. Include: Stage direction (see notes), Setting Description, voice (inflection, pause, stress.)
3. Design and produce costumes
4. Film Scene
5. Play for class. :-)
Soph Lit:
Today in class we relaxed and caught up in the BW version of Lord of the Flies. A bit diff than the Simpson's version from Thursday, huh?
We will finish the novel for HW on Monday night. If you are behind, as some of you are, please use this time to catch up and be ready for Monday. Your character journals are now due Tuesday. We will play a review game on Tuesday, and have our exam next Wed.
Have a great weekend. Best of luck to all sport teams! :-)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
10.22.08
Brit Lit:
Today, we took a quiz on Act 2. Most of you did very well. Today in class we learned about:
Stress, inflection, pause, and non-verbal communication in Shakespeare's plays.
Thursday, we will be performing your blocked scenes. You will be graded on how close you follow the blocking.
Soph Lit:
Today we went over Ch 8 in lotf. I gave the class 15 minutes to work on their character journals. These will be due this Monday. After lunch we hear Golding read his own novel, and watched clips of the 1963 version of the film.
HW- Read CH 9-10
Today, we took a quiz on Act 2. Most of you did very well. Today in class we learned about:
Stress, inflection, pause, and non-verbal communication in Shakespeare's plays.
Thursday, we will be performing your blocked scenes. You will be graded on how close you follow the blocking.
Soph Lit:
Today we went over Ch 8 in lotf. I gave the class 15 minutes to work on their character journals. These will be due this Monday. After lunch we hear Golding read his own novel, and watched clips of the 1963 version of the film.
HW- Read CH 9-10
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
10.21.08
This Friday, we have a great class. I will be telling a real life ghost story from when I was teaching in Ireland. It takes 60 minutes to tell- be prepared to be scared..... Until then- lots to do this week....so let's get to it...
Brit: Lit:
Today in class we learned about blocking a scene. I gave notes on stage direction, and we assigned each row with a scene in Macbeth to block. Once you are finished with the blocking, we will be swapping scenes- so you will be acting out another group’s stage direction. I am going to try and get us on the stage this Thursday to give you real experience. Make sure all of your notes on Macbeth are up to date. We will have a 5 question quiz on Act 2, sc 1-3 on Thursday. As with all Macbeth tests and quizzes, you are allowed to use your notes.
Soph Lit:
I began grading your survival guides last night. Real good stuff so far. Today in class, we have a vocab quiz. After lunch we will be working on symbols in the novel, and I will give you time to work on your character diaries. Reminder: We should finish the novel this Friday- so expect heavy reading (40 pgs per night). Journals will be due the day we finish- so make sure that you are working on this each night.
REMINDER- Grades close in less than 2 weeks. Many of you are missing assignments. Please remember that it is your responsibility to see me and ask what you are missing. I can stay after most days with 24 hours notice- so just ask. :-)
Brit: Lit:
Today in class we learned about blocking a scene. I gave notes on stage direction, and we assigned each row with a scene in Macbeth to block. Once you are finished with the blocking, we will be swapping scenes- so you will be acting out another group’s stage direction. I am going to try and get us on the stage this Thursday to give you real experience. Make sure all of your notes on Macbeth are up to date. We will have a 5 question quiz on Act 2, sc 1-3 on Thursday. As with all Macbeth tests and quizzes, you are allowed to use your notes.
Soph Lit:
I began grading your survival guides last night. Real good stuff so far. Today in class, we have a vocab quiz. After lunch we will be working on symbols in the novel, and I will give you time to work on your character diaries. Reminder: We should finish the novel this Friday- so expect heavy reading (40 pgs per night). Journals will be due the day we finish- so make sure that you are working on this each night.
REMINDER- Grades close in less than 2 weeks. Many of you are missing assignments. Please remember that it is your responsibility to see me and ask what you are missing. I can stay after most days with 24 hours notice- so just ask. :-)
Friday, October 17, 2008
10.17.08
Brit Lit: Today in class we went on the web and did a Macbeth Scavenger Hunt. Please goto: www.pathguy.com/macbeth.htm to see what we researched.
Soph Lit: We finished our final draft of our A. Farm papers in the computer lab. HW: Vocab quiz Monday on your 15 words, Your Survival Guides are also due. We should finish the novel by next Friday. Please expect 30 pgs a night- so read ahead this weekend if you know that you have a busy week.
Have a great weekend Tantasqua.
Soph Lit: We finished our final draft of our A. Farm papers in the computer lab. HW: Vocab quiz Monday on your 15 words, Your Survival Guides are also due. We should finish the novel by next Friday. Please expect 30 pgs a night- so read ahead this weekend if you know that you have a busy week.
Have a great weekend Tantasqua.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
10.16.08
Please encourage all of you parents/guardians to come out tonight. I would enjoy meeting them, and promise to say almost all nice things.... It is always nice to meet your folks. :-)
Brit Lit:
Block A: Today we finished the Porter scene in Macbeth, and watch the 1st part of the movie to help visualize the story. Tomorrow is the last day for those of you to read your lines. Remember, this counts as 3 quiz grades. HW: Modernize the knife floating scene on Pgs. 51-53. I will be collecting these on Friday.
Block B: We will be going on the wild internet in class Friday, so please make sure that you know your username and password. Please see me if you need help.
Soph Lit:
Block C: HW- please read Ch 6 in Lord of the Flies. Please be ready for a quiz on ch 4-6 Friday. On Friday we will be typing our 10 year after Animal Farm papers. Please make sure that you have your 1st drafts ready to go. I moved your survival guides to Monday, as many of you seem to have a crazy Friday this week. If any of you have this early, I would love to see them on Friday. Monday will still be your vocab quiz.
Brit Lit:
Block A: Today we finished the Porter scene in Macbeth, and watch the 1st part of the movie to help visualize the story. Tomorrow is the last day for those of you to read your lines. Remember, this counts as 3 quiz grades. HW: Modernize the knife floating scene on Pgs. 51-53. I will be collecting these on Friday.
Block B: We will be going on the wild internet in class Friday, so please make sure that you know your username and password. Please see me if you need help.
Soph Lit:
Block C: HW- please read Ch 6 in Lord of the Flies. Please be ready for a quiz on ch 4-6 Friday. On Friday we will be typing our 10 year after Animal Farm papers. Please make sure that you have your 1st drafts ready to go. I moved your survival guides to Monday, as many of you seem to have a crazy Friday this week. If any of you have this early, I would love to see them on Friday. Monday will still be your vocab quiz.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
10.15.08
Due to PSAT testing, we lost many of you today to either testing, or me proctoring the test B Block.
A Block: We converted Macbeth's "Is this a dagger I see" speech on pg 51-53. We converted each line to "modern language" Ashley provided some phat tunes to set the mood. If you were out testing, you will need to complete this for HW by this Friday. Also, please remember to look over your lines if you did not recite your tomorrow X3 monologue.
B Block: We will do the above assignment in class Thursday.
Soph Lit:
HW: tonight, please define the 15 words from Lord of the Flies. Read Ch 4-5. Please continue to work on your Survival guide- which is due Friday.
A Block: We converted Macbeth's "Is this a dagger I see" speech on pg 51-53. We converted each line to "modern language" Ashley provided some phat tunes to set the mood. If you were out testing, you will need to complete this for HW by this Friday. Also, please remember to look over your lines if you did not recite your tomorrow X3 monologue.
B Block: We will do the above assignment in class Thursday.
Soph Lit:
HW: tonight, please define the 15 words from Lord of the Flies. Read Ch 4-5. Please continue to work on your Survival guide- which is due Friday.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
10.14.08
Brit Lit:
What a great class today. It was fun seeing you all get into Macbeth. It is amazing what a bit of fake blood can do. I have posted some pictures of both classes death of Duncan scene. See- I told you Shakespeare could be fun.
Reminder- About 10 of you did not learn your lines. You will get another shot Wed. Remember, 10 points off each missed day- so take time tonight and learn them!
Soph Lit: HW- 1st draft of Animal Farm Paper. We will type final on Friday
Read Ch 1-3 in Lord of the Flies.
Begin work on 30 Day Survival Guide project- Due Friday.
What a great class today. It was fun seeing you all get into Macbeth. It is amazing what a bit of fake blood can do. I have posted some pictures of both classes death of Duncan scene. See- I told you Shakespeare could be fun.
Reminder- About 10 of you did not learn your lines. You will get another shot Wed. Remember, 10 points off each missed day- so take time tonight and learn them!
Soph Lit: HW- 1st draft of Animal Farm Paper. We will type final on Friday
Read Ch 1-3 in Lord of the Flies.
Begin work on 30 Day Survival Guide project- Due Friday.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Word O' the Week
Hogo [hoh-goh]: a stink.
Extra credit for the successful use in class discussions and daily quizzes.
Extra credit for the successful use in class discussions and daily quizzes.
10.10.08
Happy 3 day Weekend!
Brit Lit: Reminder, please have memorized your 10 assigned lines. This is due Tuesday.
Today in class we completed our notes on Act 1, and took a quiz. I just corrected them, and was very pleased. You guys deserve lots of credit. I am extremely proud that you are all understanding (and I hope) enjoying the play so far. Keep it up!
My objectives: That you enjoy Shakespeare, and that you all have an A for this part of the course.
Soph Lit:
Today we took our Animal Farm exam. Please have your books in class Tuesday as I will be collecting them then. I should have your tests back to you on Tuesday. Please finish your 1st draft of your paper. I will be checking this off on Tuesday, and I have us signed up for the computer lab for next Friday. Next week, we will crash on a deserted island as we begin Lord of the Flies. For fans of the hit show Survivor- you are going to love this book!
Food for thought over the 3 day: If there were no consequences, would people be good or evil? How would you behave with no adults around school, and absolutely no consequences for your actions? Is man inherently good or evil?
Brit Lit: Reminder, please have memorized your 10 assigned lines. This is due Tuesday.
Today in class we completed our notes on Act 1, and took a quiz. I just corrected them, and was very pleased. You guys deserve lots of credit. I am extremely proud that you are all understanding (and I hope) enjoying the play so far. Keep it up!
My objectives: That you enjoy Shakespeare, and that you all have an A for this part of the course.
Soph Lit:
Today we took our Animal Farm exam. Please have your books in class Tuesday as I will be collecting them then. I should have your tests back to you on Tuesday. Please finish your 1st draft of your paper. I will be checking this off on Tuesday, and I have us signed up for the computer lab for next Friday. Next week, we will crash on a deserted island as we begin Lord of the Flies. For fans of the hit show Survivor- you are going to love this book!
Food for thought over the 3 day: If there were no consequences, would people be good or evil? How would you behave with no adults around school, and absolutely no consequences for your actions? Is man inherently good or evil?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
10.8.08
Brit Lit:
Pg 177: Lines 22-31 for Next Tuesday. I hope one person takes up the Cusick Challenge- be brave- it will be fun and worth the 10 extra points...
HW- Please don't forget to pass in the Shakespeare Language Trick worksheet. You should have the following defined in your notebook:
personification, metaphor, simile, classical allusion, reversed word, reversed sentence construction. Please study these terms, as they will be referenced often in our study of Macbeth.
Soph Lit: HW- Finish 1st draft of paper. Final copy due this Monday. Writing Assignment: Animal Farm, Ten Years After
Directions: Ten years have past since the last page of the novel. Original animals have died, but not all of their ideas. Describe the new farm. Have the animals come closer to creating a true communistic state? Like history, have events repeated themselves? How are the events of the 1st revolution recorded and remembered? Have facts been changed to benefit specific animals. Has greed once again contaminated the Marxist philosophy?
Also, tonight- study vocab. Quiz on your words this Thursday.
Pg 177: Lines 22-31 for Next Tuesday. I hope one person takes up the Cusick Challenge- be brave- it will be fun and worth the 10 extra points...
HW- Please don't forget to pass in the Shakespeare Language Trick worksheet. You should have the following defined in your notebook:
personification, metaphor, simile, classical allusion, reversed word, reversed sentence construction. Please study these terms, as they will be referenced often in our study of Macbeth.
Soph Lit: HW- Finish 1st draft of paper. Final copy due this Monday. Writing Assignment: Animal Farm, Ten Years After
Directions: Ten years have past since the last page of the novel. Original animals have died, but not all of their ideas. Describe the new farm. Have the animals come closer to creating a true communistic state? Like history, have events repeated themselves? How are the events of the 1st revolution recorded and remembered? Have facts been changed to benefit specific animals. Has greed once again contaminated the Marxist philosophy?
Also, tonight- study vocab. Quiz on your words this Thursday.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
10.7.08
Brit Lit:
During Macbeth, you will have light HW for the next three weeks. Most of our play study, will be done live in class. For next Tuesday, you need to memorize and recite Macbeth's Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Speech on pg 117. 10 lines- 10 points per line. For those looking for extra credit- ask me about the Cusick Challenge tomorrow in class.
Soph Lit: HW- Please finish Animal Farm tonight. Define your vocab- quiz this Thursday. Animal Farm Test Friday.
It is a bit late, but try and watch the presidential debate tonight and continue to look for the manipulation of language. Euphemisms, begging the question, and oversimplification will all be on show tonight- trust me :-)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Word O' the Week
illatration [il-uh-tray-shuhn]: an act of barking at someone or something.
This word would be useful to make a distinction between the differing ways your dog barks- barking just to bark, or barking at the mailman or for food.
This word would be useful to make a distinction between the differing ways your dog barks- barking just to bark, or barking at the mailman or for food.
10.3.08: Are you ready for the weekend?
Take a few moments and appreciate the glorious Fall foliage this weekend. It is the same inspiration that has produced thousands of poems.... Take a walk in the woods and clear your heads. Poetry is the window to our souls and it can make us immortal. Find a spot and write what you are feeling. You may be surprised at the result...
Brit Lit:
Today we finished watching the film Shakespeare in Love. I hope that it helped you to visualize my notes, and connect to how real his play writing was. Next week, we begin our adventure into his mind, with our reading of Macbeth.
Soph Lit:
Please continue to watch for political propaganda. Orwell warned of absolute power. Always respectfully question authority and think for yourselves. Animal Farm is more than a tale of talking farm animals.... It is a stern warning that still holds very true in 2008. Look for the truth between the manipulation of language all around you.
We will be finishing the novel by Wed. Most likely, we will have some sort of final assessment on Friday. If you are behind, please use this weekend to catch up and ready yourself for the conclusion.
Have a great weekend. I am chaperoning the Homecoming dance Sat. If you see me, come over and say "hi." I am looking forward to seeing you guys all dressed up! :-) Have a safe weekend.
Brit Lit:
Today we finished watching the film Shakespeare in Love. I hope that it helped you to visualize my notes, and connect to how real his play writing was. Next week, we begin our adventure into his mind, with our reading of Macbeth.
Soph Lit:
Please continue to watch for political propaganda. Orwell warned of absolute power. Always respectfully question authority and think for yourselves. Animal Farm is more than a tale of talking farm animals.... It is a stern warning that still holds very true in 2008. Look for the truth between the manipulation of language all around you.
We will be finishing the novel by Wed. Most likely, we will have some sort of final assessment on Friday. If you are behind, please use this weekend to catch up and ready yourself for the conclusion.
Have a great weekend. I am chaperoning the Homecoming dance Sat. If you see me, come over and say "hi." I am looking forward to seeing you guys all dressed up! :-) Have a safe weekend.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
9.30.08
Brit Lit:
Block A: Please review your notes and text tonight for out test Wed.
Block B: Please re-read the stories and prepare for the Test this Thursday.
Soph Lit: Class average was an 84. I was happy to see so many of you doing well- keep it up. For those who are struggling- please come see me and we can work out an improvement plan.
HW- Begin Animal Farm Propaganda poster. These are due Thursday- so try and work on it a bit each night. Remember- you need to include 3 terms from my lecture on manipulating language. As an alternative assignment, some of you may wish to make a promotional video or web page for your character. Remember, although each row was given a character, this is a solo flight.
Read CH 4,5 in A Farm. I smell a quiz on 1-5 wed.- so please make sure that you have read. I am talking to YOU Michelle....
Block A: Please review your notes and text tonight for out test Wed.
Block B: Please re-read the stories and prepare for the Test this Thursday.
Soph Lit: Class average was an 84. I was happy to see so many of you doing well- keep it up. For those who are struggling- please come see me and we can work out an improvement plan.
HW- Begin Animal Farm Propaganda poster. These are due Thursday- so try and work on it a bit each night. Remember- you need to include 3 terms from my lecture on manipulating language. As an alternative assignment, some of you may wish to make a promotional video or web page for your character. Remember, although each row was given a character, this is a solo flight.
Read CH 4,5 in A Farm. I smell a quiz on 1-5 wed.- so please make sure that you have read. I am talking to YOU Michelle....
Monday, September 29, 2008
9.29.08
This rain is getting to me...reminds me of the Carpenter's song- rainy days and Mondays always get me down....what happens when you have both?
Block A: You guys came up with some incredible questions. B block is going to have a challenge. Remember- we will be playing a review game Tuesday, with our test this Wed. It will cover everything that we have read in class up to this point.
Please remeber to pass in question 1-5. So far, Asley is the only one who has submitted it.
Block B: Due to the fire drill, I will give you the first 10 minutes to finish your review questions. Get ready to win some great stuff, and learn while doing it. Can you smell what the Q has cooking....
Block C: Reminder, you have a vocab quiz Tuesday. Please study your Animal Farm words. Also: read Ch 1,2,3 in A Farm for Tuesday.
Block A: You guys came up with some incredible questions. B block is going to have a challenge. Remember- we will be playing a review game Tuesday, with our test this Wed. It will cover everything that we have read in class up to this point.
Please remeber to pass in question 1-5. So far, Asley is the only one who has submitted it.
Block B: Due to the fire drill, I will give you the first 10 minutes to finish your review questions. Get ready to win some great stuff, and learn while doing it. Can you smell what the Q has cooking....
Block C: Reminder, you have a vocab quiz Tuesday. Please study your Animal Farm words. Also: read Ch 1,2,3 in A Farm for Tuesday.
Friday, September 26, 2008
9.26.08
Sorry about the lack of posts. As some of you may have noticed, the computer in my room is being repaired, which has not allowed me to blog at the end of the day.
Brit Lit:
Block A: We finally created our socks. If you asked to complete them at home, please make sure that you finish them and remember to bring them back to class on Monday. Also, in our creative Friday rush, I forgot to collect your HW. Please remember to bring it to class- I will collect them on Monday.
Block B:
Monday we start Macbeth. Ask me why you can't say the name Macbeth in a theartre.....
Soph Lit: Please cover your Animal Farm books if possible. I realize that it is hard to cover paperbacks, but it does help keep them alive longer.
You all did a wonderful job with your proaganda speeches today. Some of you have politics in your future. If you did not get a chance to google The Communist Manefesto- please do and come in with 3 lines that you found interesting and be prepaired to disscuss it at the start of class on Monday. With the Pep Rally schedule today, I just lost track of time...
Also...please watch either the presidental debate, cnn/fox news, or any of the Sunday morning political shows. Please watch for all of the terms that we discussed. I would like each of you to have three examples. Watch for the grandaddy of them all...begging the question. They will do it- see if you can see through the propaganda on both sides. Why don't we notice this normally? What does this say about our democracy? Remember- the most import thing that I can teach you is to think for yourselves. Think about it....
Brit Lit:
Block A: We finally created our socks. If you asked to complete them at home, please make sure that you finish them and remember to bring them back to class on Monday. Also, in our creative Friday rush, I forgot to collect your HW. Please remember to bring it to class- I will collect them on Monday.
Block B:
Monday we start Macbeth. Ask me why you can't say the name Macbeth in a theartre.....
Soph Lit: Please cover your Animal Farm books if possible. I realize that it is hard to cover paperbacks, but it does help keep them alive longer.
You all did a wonderful job with your proaganda speeches today. Some of you have politics in your future. If you did not get a chance to google The Communist Manefesto- please do and come in with 3 lines that you found interesting and be prepaired to disscuss it at the start of class on Monday. With the Pep Rally schedule today, I just lost track of time...
Also...please watch either the presidental debate, cnn/fox news, or any of the Sunday morning political shows. Please watch for all of the terms that we discussed. I would like each of you to have three examples. Watch for the grandaddy of them all...begging the question. They will do it- see if you can see through the propaganda on both sides. Why don't we notice this normally? What does this say about our democracy? Remember- the most import thing that I can teach you is to think for yourselves. Think about it....
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
9.23.08
Today we worked on Fables. I gave notes, and we all tried or hand at writing our own.
Brit Lit:
Block A: Please answer question 1-8 (sorry I don't have the page number at home.)
Block B: Please read the assigned story from the Canterbury Tales. Sorry- I am at home and I am unable to give you the pg. numbers. You should have them from when I assigned them this AM.
It looks like we are going to have a very small class Wed. Please make sure your HW is complete- even if you are a Senior.
Soph Lit: I almost have your Catcher Tests done- still cutting through your essays. I hope to have them back tomorrow. On Wed. we will begin our notes on the Russian Revolution. Get ready for a bloody history tale....
Monday, September 22, 2008
9.22.08
Reminder to all of my classes: We exit right, and head down the side staircase on the 3rd floor. Please remember to meet on 3rd base.
Brit Lit: You have the night off. We will be (hopefully) watching parts of The Knight's Tale on Tuesday. In class today, we read the Pardoner's Tale. Please review the story. Block A- you had 4 lines left before the fire drill- please finish it at your convenience.
Soph Lit: Nice job on the review came. The next time that we play, I will be sure to have all of my sound effects working. Thanks for you understanding. Tonight: Please review for your Catcher unit test. Please also review your notes on: Theme, Symbolism, Salinger, and the significance of the title. Please have your books available, as I will be collecting them Tues.
Brit Lit: You have the night off. We will be (hopefully) watching parts of The Knight's Tale on Tuesday. In class today, we read the Pardoner's Tale. Please review the story. Block A- you had 4 lines left before the fire drill- please finish it at your convenience.
Soph Lit: Nice job on the review came. The next time that we play, I will be sure to have all of my sound effects working. Thanks for you understanding. Tonight: Please review for your Catcher unit test. Please also review your notes on: Theme, Symbolism, Salinger, and the significance of the title. Please have your books available, as I will be collecting them Tues.
Friday, September 19, 2008
9.19.08
Parents/Guardians: It was very nice to meet those of you that came out last night. I hope that you find the blog useful in helping your student in my course. Please feel free to contact me at any time during the course with any questions or concerns.
Brit Lit: Block A: I had some fun up my sleeve this am- but you needed socks. Please try to remember to have a spare sock for Monday...... If any of you did not pass in your paper assignment this morning: Today we talked about pilgrimages. In the Canterbury Tales, they are on a religious pilgrimage. This morning, we went to the computer lab and wrote about your own pilgrimage. In one page (250 words) please describe a modern day pilgrimage that had an impact on who you are. Please describe the journey, what you discovered about yourself, and whether it lived up to your expectations.
Only 4 of you passed in your HW from last night. Please use the weekend to finish, and make sure that you have it on Monday morning.
Don't forget your socks- we will need them for Macbeth....
Block B: I loved your sock folk this am- I can still see Sarah looking at her sock and admiring it with a big smile all class. She may have puppets in her future..... I was disappointed with HW. Please take advantage of the extra time and pass it in on Monday....
Soph Lit: Holden theatre went well today. What most of you did not realize was that we were learning, in the midst of having fun. What a great way to review..... Speaking of review....we will have a game this Monday, with your test on Tuesday. This will be your first significant grade- so make sure that you look over your notes, as well as the novel this weekend.
Also, on Monday I will be collecting you 1st Draft (with peer edits), your checklist (signed by a peer), and your final copy. Please staple them together, with your final copy on top. Hopefully, this is already done and you can enjoy your weekend without the though of my class....
Have a great, safe, weekend.
I am staying after today to watch the Tantasqua Field Hockey Team beat Shepherd Hill. Good luck to all the sport teams, music kids, and cheerleaders this weekend!
Brit Lit: Block A: I had some fun up my sleeve this am- but you needed socks. Please try to remember to have a spare sock for Monday...... If any of you did not pass in your paper assignment this morning: Today we talked about pilgrimages. In the Canterbury Tales, they are on a religious pilgrimage. This morning, we went to the computer lab and wrote about your own pilgrimage. In one page (250 words) please describe a modern day pilgrimage that had an impact on who you are. Please describe the journey, what you discovered about yourself, and whether it lived up to your expectations.
Only 4 of you passed in your HW from last night. Please use the weekend to finish, and make sure that you have it on Monday morning.
Don't forget your socks- we will need them for Macbeth....
Block B: I loved your sock folk this am- I can still see Sarah looking at her sock and admiring it with a big smile all class. She may have puppets in her future..... I was disappointed with HW. Please take advantage of the extra time and pass it in on Monday....
Soph Lit: Holden theatre went well today. What most of you did not realize was that we were learning, in the midst of having fun. What a great way to review..... Speaking of review....we will have a game this Monday, with your test on Tuesday. This will be your first significant grade- so make sure that you look over your notes, as well as the novel this weekend.
Also, on Monday I will be collecting you 1st Draft (with peer edits), your checklist (signed by a peer), and your final copy. Please staple them together, with your final copy on top. Hopefully, this is already done and you can enjoy your weekend without the though of my class....
Have a great, safe, weekend.
I am staying after today to watch the Tantasqua Field Hockey Team beat Shepherd Hill. Good luck to all the sport teams, music kids, and cheerleaders this weekend!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Parent Contact Information
Mr. Cusick:
Courses: Brit Lit, Soph Lit, and Shakespeare.
Room 3115
Email: cusicks@tantasqua.org
Phone: (508) 347-9301, ext 1563
Blog: http://mrcusick.blogspot.com
Late Day: Every Tuesday night. and by student request.
Courses: Brit Lit, Soph Lit, and Shakespeare.
Room 3115
Email: cusicks@tantasqua.org
Phone: (508) 347-9301, ext 1563
Blog: http://mrcusick.blogspot.com
Late Day: Every Tuesday night. and by student request.
9.18.08
I hope that you encourage your parents/guardians to come out tonight. Please remind them that open house if from 6:30- 8:30.
Brit Lit. Please finish Canterbury Tales, and answer question 1-8 at the end. I will be collecting them and grading them. Please try and remember to bring in a sock. No sock= no puppets= no fun on Friday :-(
Soph: Please complete your Holden checklist, making sure that your paper has as many of the requirements as possible. If you can check off all of them, you are looking at an A paper. Final draft is due this Monday. You will need to submit the following: 1st Draft, which needs to be peer edited, Checklist, and final copy.
Remember your socks, and that Beau should not ever bet in class :-)
Brit Lit. Please finish Canterbury Tales, and answer question 1-8 at the end. I will be collecting them and grading them. Please try and remember to bring in a sock. No sock= no puppets= no fun on Friday :-(
Soph: Please complete your Holden checklist, making sure that your paper has as many of the requirements as possible. If you can check off all of them, you are looking at an A paper. Final draft is due this Monday. You will need to submit the following: 1st Draft, which needs to be peer edited, Checklist, and final copy.
Remember your socks, and that Beau should not ever bet in class :-)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
9.17.08
I would love to try and catch some of your games after school- esp. vs. Shepherd Hill. If you have any home games, let me know and I will try and pop in :-)
Brit Lit: Make sure you bring in socks for sock puppet theater Canterbury style. Vocab Quiz Thursday. Make sure you study. I will be using the first def. from dictionary.com. Be thinking about what address that you would like to mail your future letter to. We will be addressing them in class Thursday. HW: Please read the rest of the character introductions in Canterbury Tales.
Soph Lit: Please finish Catcher tonight. We will review on Friday, and have a test on Monday. Remember your socks. If the Catch a Body folk song is stuck in your head- I am sorry.
Brit Lit: Make sure you bring in socks for sock puppet theater Canterbury style. Vocab Quiz Thursday. Make sure you study. I will be using the first def. from dictionary.com. Be thinking about what address that you would like to mail your future letter to. We will be addressing them in class Thursday. HW: Please read the rest of the character introductions in Canterbury Tales.
Soph Lit: Please finish Catcher tonight. We will review on Friday, and have a test on Monday. Remember your socks. If the Catch a Body folk song is stuck in your head- I am sorry.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
9.16.08
Brit Lit: Please have all your vocab defined by Wed. I will be checking off those who did it. Please review your notes, and make sure you are up to date. I am planning a surprise open notebook quiz to reward those of you that have been playing along and taking notes.
Soph Lit: HW Please read to CH 22. Please expect a quiz. In class on Wed., we will be analyzing Holden's behavior. Please be thinking of questions that you might ask Holden, as well as his responses.
If you have anyone around that grew up in the 1950's, share the story that we read in class. I would be interested in hearing about any reactions.
Soph Lit: HW Please read to CH 22. Please expect a quiz. In class on Wed., we will be analyzing Holden's behavior. Please be thinking of questions that you might ask Holden, as well as his responses.
If you have anyone around that grew up in the 1950's, share the story that we read in class. I would be interested in hearing about any reactions.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Brit Lit Vocab:
Please define the following words for Wed.
1. Solicitous
2. Garnished
3. Preferment
4. Screeds
5. Sanguine
6. Avouches
7. Whelks
8. Prevarication
Quiz this Thursday
1. Solicitous
2. Garnished
3. Preferment
4. Screeds
5. Sanguine
6. Avouches
7. Whelks
8. Prevarication
Quiz this Thursday
New Reality TV Show
Brit Lit: Imagine that you and 30 others are on an 8 mile pilgrimage. Your companions are from all walks of life, and have been selected for their bigger than life persona's. The only thing in common is their desire to make the trip. The TV producers have promised $10,000 for reaching the goal. What would they do to pass the time? Please describe the interaction between the group. To make it interesting, they are not allowed to have any form of technology- no ipods, tv, radios, cell phones... Describe the interaction between this odd group that has seemingly nothing in common.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Word O' the Week
Boodge [Booj] : A box or container on the back of a carriage used to carry swords.
Note: Some of the words have been hard to use in context. This word was selected to work well with our discussions this week- so use it often for extra credit.
Note: Some of the words have been hard to use in context. This word was selected to work well with our discussions this week- so use it often for extra credit.
9.12.08
Brit Lit: Make sure you finish your game manual- due in class this Monday. Please email me if you run into a problem with the assignment.
Soph Lit: Nice Holden book covers today. But I think that most of you proved that art might not be your strong point :-) Remember next week, try and remember to bring in a solo song that has lost its mate... Holden papers will be due Tuesday (so you get an extra day)
Have a great weekend Tantasqua!
Soph Lit: Nice Holden book covers today. But I think that most of you proved that art might not be your strong point :-) Remember next week, try and remember to bring in a solo song that has lost its mate... Holden papers will be due Tuesday (so you get an extra day)
Have a great weekend Tantasqua!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
9.11.08
******Please make sure that you have read Three Cups of Tea. Reminder- it is worth a full credit, and well worth the time it takes to read. ******
For the next ten weeks, every Friday is "Dollar Day." I will be collecting any money you would like to donate A Block. Our school goal is to reach $12,000, which is the cost of a new school in Afghanistan or Pakistan. So- a dollar a week, for ten weeks. Think we can do it? I will be also running a special contest in our Block A class to recognize 100% participation. Let's come together and do something important and needed :-)
Brit Lit: Video Game Manual due date has changed to this Monday to accommodate Summer Reading. Please make sure you show your parent/guardian the letter that I sent home tonight. Please encourage them to call me if they have any questions or concerns.
Soph Lit: Holden Paper is due this Monday. No HW- look over Summer Reading and be ready for tomorrow! Also- please bring your dream catcher words to class. If you lost them, or were not able to come up with any last Friday, I will be providing and alternative assignment.
For the next ten weeks, every Friday is "Dollar Day." I will be collecting any money you would like to donate A Block. Our school goal is to reach $12,000, which is the cost of a new school in Afghanistan or Pakistan. So- a dollar a week, for ten weeks. Think we can do it? I will be also running a special contest in our Block A class to recognize 100% participation. Let's come together and do something important and needed :-)
Brit Lit: Video Game Manual due date has changed to this Monday to accommodate Summer Reading. Please make sure you show your parent/guardian the letter that I sent home tonight. Please encourage them to call me if they have any questions or concerns.
Soph Lit: Holden Paper is due this Monday. No HW- look over Summer Reading and be ready for tomorrow! Also- please bring your dream catcher words to class. If you lost them, or were not able to come up with any last Friday, I will be providing and alternative assignment.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
9.10.09
Soph Lit: Make sure you see me if you did not have enough time today in the lab and were not able to finish typing your Holden paper. Here is the assignment, FYI:
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE: Write Like Holden
Directions: Write a narrative essay about an incident that happened to you this year in school, and do so from Holden's point of view.
To start, think about an incident that remains especially vivid in your mind; choosing such a memory will make the writing a bit easier.
Next, write the incident using Holden's style and his philosophy of life.
Please include the following:
Holden's Style
slang
sarcasm
judgmental
repetition
exaggeration
digressions
addressing the reader directly
expressions such as "It really did," "I swear," "It's true. It really is," "If you really want to know the truth," and "I'm not kidding" to emphasis a point
frequent use of the expression "...and all"
an ambivalent* tone of both sadness and humor
Holden's Philosophy
disliking phonies
confusion about girls and sex
feeling isolated
sad about Allie's death
loves his sister
at moments very depressed, lonesome, and almost suicidal
A length of 2-3 double-spaced typed pages (or 5-7 double-spaced handwritten pages) would be appropriate for this assignment.
*"Ambivalent" means "the co-existence of two conflicting
feelings about a person, object, or idea," and "tone" means
"the feeling or mood suggested within the word choice of a
specific passage of writing."
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE: Write Like Holden
Directions: Write a narrative essay about an incident that happened to you this year in school, and do so from Holden's point of view.
To start, think about an incident that remains especially vivid in your mind; choosing such a memory will make the writing a bit easier.
Next, write the incident using Holden's style and his philosophy of life.
Please include the following:
Holden's Style
slang
sarcasm
judgmental
repetition
exaggeration
digressions
addressing the reader directly
expressions such as "It really did," "I swear," "It's true. It really is," "If you really want to know the truth," and "I'm not kidding" to emphasis a point
frequent use of the expression "...and all"
an ambivalent* tone of both sadness and humor
Holden's Philosophy
disliking phonies
confusion about girls and sex
feeling isolated
sad about Allie's death
loves his sister
at moments very depressed, lonesome, and almost suicidal
A length of 2-3 double-spaced typed pages (or 5-7 double-spaced handwritten pages) would be appropriate for this assignment.
*"Ambivalent" means "the co-existence of two conflicting
feelings about a person, object, or idea," and "tone" means
"the feeling or mood suggested within the word choice of a
specific passage of writing."
Brit Lit Assignment- Due Monday 9.15.08
Brit Lit:
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:
the Video Game
Assignment: You work for a small indie video game company, and have just purchased the publishing right for a new video game based on the story. Please design a manual that will explain how the game is played. You will be graded on the following rubrics:
1.) A cover that has the title and cover art. 10 points
2.) Weapons page. Detailing at least 5 weapons that you have researched from the 14th century. Please include a picture and detailed 3 sent description for each.
20 Points
3.) Intro page, which summarizes the story.
20 Points
4.) 10 Levels. For each, please title and give a 5-10 sentence description of the objective. 30 Points
5.) End boss picture or description, including the one weakness.
20 Points.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:
the Video Game
Assignment: You work for a small indie video game company, and have just purchased the publishing right for a new video game based on the story. Please design a manual that will explain how the game is played. You will be graded on the following rubrics:
1.) A cover that has the title and cover art. 10 points
2.) Weapons page. Detailing at least 5 weapons that you have researched from the 14th century. Please include a picture and detailed 3 sent description for each.
20 Points
3.) Intro page, which summarizes the story.
20 Points
4.) 10 Levels. For each, please title and give a 5-10 sentence description of the objective. 30 Points
5.) End boss picture or description, including the one weakness.
20 Points.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
9.9.08
It was very nice to be nominated for teacher of the week. It humbled me to receive attention. Being new, I continue to be amazed at how nice and sincere everyone is at Tantasqua. You are all very lucky to attend such a great school. I am honored to have become a part of it! Thanks :-)
Brit Lit: I will have a rubrics for your "Design a video game manual for the Green Knight video game." We will go over the assignment in class. If we have time, we will finish Excalibur. Please review all of your notes up to this point. To review: Look at the Hero's Journey, Alliteration, Kennings, and the notes that I gave today on the Green Knight. I will try and schedule 1/2 a class to allow you time to research your game manual project.
Soph Lit: We have a vocab Quiz tomorrow. Bonus question: What is this from: Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow creeps upon this petty place....
Please finish your Holden 1st draft. I will look to have conferences with each of you in the lab while you work. I am sorry that we ran out of time on your timelines today. How ironic. I will give you some time to finish them on Thursday. and...what is that I smell? A pop quiz on your reading.....mmmmm...the smell of fresh copied quizzes.....Make sure that you read!
Go Red Sox...1st place is just around the corner....
Monday, September 8, 2008
Word O' the Week:
Antapology [ant-uh-pah-luh-jee]: A reply to an apology.
Please use this as often as you can this week for extra credit and exciting door prizes.
Please use this as often as you can this week for extra credit and exciting door prizes.
9.8.09
Brit Lit:
Block A- you have the night off. I will get everyone the same copy of the anthology for Tuesday. Review your notes on Gothic Lit that I gave today in class.
Block B- Now that we all have the same versions, this should be easy....Please read pgs 69-79. You may take notes in it helps you. Quiz Tuesday. Please also review the notes on Gothis Lit
We will be reading in the dark on Tuesday.
Soph: Please define vocab words. Make sure you read Ch 6-9 in Catcher. Also, please continue to work on your rough draft of your Holden Paper. I have us signed up for the lab on Wed., so make sure you have all of your 1st draft writting finished. Our vocab quiz will be on Wed. of this week, to allow you Wed and Thursday night to look over your Summer Reading.
Reminder: Summer Reading- this Fri., Sept. 12th. Make sure you read!
Block A- you have the night off. I will get everyone the same copy of the anthology for Tuesday. Review your notes on Gothic Lit that I gave today in class.
Block B- Now that we all have the same versions, this should be easy....Please read pgs 69-79. You may take notes in it helps you. Quiz Tuesday. Please also review the notes on Gothis Lit
We will be reading in the dark on Tuesday.
Soph: Please define vocab words. Make sure you read Ch 6-9 in Catcher. Also, please continue to work on your rough draft of your Holden Paper. I have us signed up for the lab on Wed., so make sure you have all of your 1st draft writting finished. Our vocab quiz will be on Wed. of this week, to allow you Wed and Thursday night to look over your Summer Reading.
Reminder: Summer Reading- this Fri., Sept. 12th. Make sure you read!
Friday, September 5, 2008
9.5.08
This weather made it feel like the August we never had. You do not know how lucky you are to go to a school with central air. I can't believe that many of you complained that it was too cold!
For me, there was nothing worse than teaching in a 90 degree classroom in shirt and tie. Today, it felt so great to dress comfortably, and "chill" in room 3115.Brit Lit: I am still working to see if I can show you clips of the 2008 version of Beowulf. If it does not work out, please consider watching it at home. You may still be able to find it on pay-per-view, and def. at your local video store.
Soph Lit:
I corrected your vocab quizzes. In general, lots of B's and A's. I will pass them back on Monday. Good to see that most of you studied the words. Make sure you take your Dream Catching words and do not look at them until next Friday. If you did not have any luck getting some dreams, I will have an alternative assignment for you- so fear not.
Both classes- You have the weekend off HW wise. Do something fun. The Summer winds are passing fast, and before you know it, we will smell fresh fires burning at night, and wearing heavy clothing. (Brit Lit: Note the well place alliteration.....)
Summer Reading assessment will take place Sept. 12th- so consider reading. If you read it early in the Summer, you may want to look it over to refresh your reading. I am going to the Boston College football game with my Dad and daughter. Hanna looks to bring the tropics to MA for the day, so it should be fun. I don't mind sitting in the rain- as long as it is not cold November rain.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
9.04.08
Brit Lit:
Block A- please read the section on Medieval history. Some good stuff- Knights of the round table, etc...
Block B- You have the night off.
Friday- I try to plan for something fun and different on Friday. Tomorrow, we will be listening to some "phat beats" and laying down some rap all over some classic ballads in your Anthology. Pdiddy has nothing on this stuff :-)
Soph Lit: You have a vocab quiz on Friday. Please also continue to work on your Holden papers. I am sorry about the computer lab mess up today. I have us scheduled in the lab next Tuesday and Wed., which should be suffice to get all of your work done. We will then be looking at your papers, and injecting some Holdenisms. Imitating tone and style is one of the hardest things to do- this assignment will let you do this, and have some fun while you are at it.
On Friday, we will be writing from your sleepy "creative" side of your brain. Get ready to catch some dreams......
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
9.3.08
Brit Lit:
I asked you to read the next 2 seg. of Beowulf. Apparently, there are 2 diff. versions of your textbook. Please wait and I will clarify the assignment in class Thursday. I apologize for the confusion....
I have graded your epic poems- some real, real, good stuff. Most of you understand how to use a kenning, and demonstrated understanding of the Hero's Journey. For those of you who are interested, please google: The power of Myth. You can also search this on you tube if you want to see highlights from the PBS documentary that I talked about in class. Blogger will not allow me to paste a direct link for some reason.
I will have the papers that were passed in back on Thursday. If you asked to finish it at home, please do not forget to pass it in.
Soph Lit.: Continue tonight to look at your world as "Holden." We will be in the computer lab Thursday, so please make sure you have enough of your first draft done to utilize this time. HW: Please read Ch 4-5. Most of you read Ch 4 last night- Please expect a quiz.
Also, please remember that your vocab def. are due Thursday. I will be checking this in class.
Many of you have been using the word of the week in your writing assignments. You are rewarded with extra credit when you do so. If you used the word, and I missed it, please make sure that you bring this to my attention. Remember- words and education, make us stronger. A strong vocabulary is a strong compliment to your arsenal. Knowledge = POWER.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
9.2.08
Brit Lit: Please make sure that you read the Battle with Grendel. Per your request, the music score will return. Please also review your notes that I gave you on the Hero's Journey. In class on Wed., we will be making our own mini - epic poems (talk about a contradiction of terms.) Remember to try and use the word of the week as much as you can. Words can only make us stronger!
Soph Lit: Please make sure that you read 1-4 in Catcher. Please expect a quiz Wed. It will be 10 questions on Chapters 1-3. Reminder: Vocab def are due Thursday. Quiz on your words (matching) Fri.
And you may want to pay attention to the random facts on the side of this page- I find many of my bonus questions right here.
Soph Lit: Please make sure that you read 1-4 in Catcher. Please expect a quiz Wed. It will be 10 questions on Chapters 1-3. Reminder: Vocab def are due Thursday. Quiz on your words (matching) Fri.
And you may want to pay attention to the random facts on the side of this page- I find many of my bonus questions right here.
Word O' the week
This week, the word of the week is: Abnormous- mis-shapen. It is a word that sounds made up, and not a real word. Try and use it as often as you can this week in class.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Xbox Live
When I am not being a Dad, or correcting piles of papers, I love to escape and play video games. If any of you would like to take on your new teacher, add: The Q to your friends list. I don't get on as much as I would like, but if you see me on, I will try to play.
8.30.08
I hope everyone is enjoying the great weather. Moving to a new school after 13 years was a hard move for me to make, but I couldn't be happier about teaching at Tantasqua.
One of the things that you will hear me talk about, is a student TV show that I did at Shepherd Hill. If you are curious (and real bored), you can check out all 183 episodes at: www.youtube.com/user/seancusick
I would love to hear what you guys think, as well as if you think that I should bring a TV show to Tantasqua.
Enjoy the weekend, and I will see you Tuesday. :-)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
8/28/08
Brit Lit:
I hope that the sound effects and mood music added to our reading of Beowulf. Block A is starting to feel like my soundcheck class- with me trying new things to see if they will work. I will try and be much more polished in the next few weeks. I just looked over your drawings and creature descriptions. Not bad.... But nothing near to the real Grendel that we will meet next week! Play in the sunshine....
Soph Lit:
It surprised me that you all like Holden in chapter 1. Kudos to Michelle for being brave enough to tell the teacher that she did not like the character in her teachers fav book. :-)
Next Friday, you will have your 1st vocab quiz on the ten words that I gave you. If you have time and want to get ahead, please define each of them. Other than that.... think about the diff. levels of mental illness. We will begin to examine Holden and talk about some of bad choices that he is starting to make.
General Note:
I would like to thank all of you for making my 1st few days at Tantasqua memorable. It is true what everyone told me: there are great kids at Tantasqua. Thank you for the warm and kind welcome!
I hope that the sound effects and mood music added to our reading of Beowulf. Block A is starting to feel like my soundcheck class- with me trying new things to see if they will work. I will try and be much more polished in the next few weeks. I just looked over your drawings and creature descriptions. Not bad.... But nothing near to the real Grendel that we will meet next week! Play in the sunshine....
Soph Lit:
It surprised me that you all like Holden in chapter 1. Kudos to Michelle for being brave enough to tell the teacher that she did not like the character in her teachers fav book. :-)
Next Friday, you will have your 1st vocab quiz on the ten words that I gave you. If you have time and want to get ahead, please define each of them. Other than that.... think about the diff. levels of mental illness. We will begin to examine Holden and talk about some of bad choices that he is starting to make.
General Note:
I would like to thank all of you for making my 1st few days at Tantasqua memorable. It is true what everyone told me: there are great kids at Tantasqua. Thank you for the warm and kind welcome!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
August 27, 2008
Brit Lit:
For tonight please read the intro history on pgs 1-10 in most of your anthologies. Please expect a real short quiz on your reading.
Your "skits" today, made my day. I know that it is early in the year, but it was nice to see some of you having fun while you were learning. Both classes proved that the oral tradition of storytelling still does not preserve a story....
Thursday we will begin Beowulf, and start class by taking some intro notes, and examining what it means to be a hero. Get ready for some bloody good monster reading.... and some sound effects to set the mood as we plunge into fear.
We will also be trying to create our own original monsters, and talk about what triggers our fear of the unknown, and how fear played a large part in early British Literature. Grendel is coming....... and he is hungry.... and mad........
Sophmore Lit.:
Tonight you will meet Holden. What are your first impressions? Remember to ask those around you for their experiences. Were they allowed to read it?
We will begin talking about vocab this year, and you will be given your first set of words. Remember, new words give us great power.....
Cover your book- you know who you are....
4 days where we can pretend that it is still Summer, and be grateful that we will get out almost a week before those who go back to school next Tuesday. Enjoy the great weather- but don't forget your Summer reading. If you have not read yet, there is still plenty of time- it is an easy read- so find a good tree and read!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
First Day
It was nice meeting all of you today. Just a reminder to cover your books. Block C: please finish you "what if...." questions, as we will be talking about them Wed.
Blocks A & B Please think about:
What makes a hero?
Block C:
Should books ever be banned? Please share with those around you that you are reading Catcher, and report back to class their reactions. :-)
I am real excited about this year, and working with you. Get ready to do some fun things......
Quote of the week:
"There can be no rtrue learning without some element of fun." Emerson
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to my English Class blog!
I am super excited about my new position, and can't wait for the year to begin. As a new teacher at Tantasqua, I thought that it might be a good idea to introduce myself. So here is a bit about me, and what to expect this year in my class:
I am a graduate of Boston College, and have been teaching for 13 years. Most of those years was right next door at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley. As a teacher in a nearby district, I have always heard great things about your school and communities. At Shepherd Hill, I always tried hard to make my classroom a place where students look forward to attending. I hope to continue this at Tantasqua.
When I was in high school, I was bored most of the time, very rarely challenged, and had many teachers who in my estimation at the time, disliked teenagers.
The year I graduated high school, I saw the film Dead Poets Society in the theaters. I began to wonder what it would be like to go into education from the background of a student who hated school. I saw the character that Robin Williams played, and thought to myself: How would have HS been different if I had a teacher like him?
So I changed and broadened my English major to include education classes. During my Jr. year in college, I had the opportunity to teach in Ireland for the year. I am sure I will end up telling stories from time to time in class :-) Remind me to tell my Irish Ghost story on Halloween....
At SH, I wore many different hats. I co-directed plays with your own Ms. St. Jean for 5 years. (Did I mention how excited I am to be working with her again?) We did some great stuff together. I was thinking of twisting her arm and doing it again here, but who knows.... In addition to English, I have a passion for technology. I love tinkering with computers and seeing how stuff works. This interest led me to creating a video studio at Shepherd Hill, and producing a student run TV show, called Shepherd Hill AM- or SHAM for short. If you are curious, you can watch old episodes at: http://www.youtube.com/user/seancusick
Most recently, I taught a creative writing class, where my students wrote and published their own origional novels. You can read about it here: http://www.southbridgeeveningnews.com/pdf/WEB.2008.05.30.pdf
So what can you expect from me as your teacher- lots! I have extremely high expectations for both myself and you in my classroom. I will be using this blog to communicate with you outside of class. This includes class notes, weekly discussion questions, a new vocab word of the week to be used in class and daily assignments for those of you who might miss class or need clarification. I look forward to doing great things together this year! See you in a few.....
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