Writing Rubrics

Scoring Guide for Topic/Idea Development
Score
Description
6
Rich topic/idea development
Careful and/or subtle organization
Effective/rich use of language
5
Full topic/idea development
Logical organization
Strong details
Appropriate use of language
4
Moderate topic/idea development and organization
Adequate, relevant details
Some variety in language
3
Rudimentary topic/idea development and/or organization
Basic supporting details
Simplistic language
2
Limited or weak topic/idea development, organization, and/or details
Limited awareness of audience and/or task
1
Little topic/idea development, organization, and/or details
Little or no awareness of audience and/or task
Scoring Guide for Standard English Conventions
Score
Description
4
Control of sentence structure, grammar and usage, and mechanics (length and complexity of essay provide opportunity for student to show control of standard English conventions)
3
Errors do not interfere with communication and/or
Few errors relative to length of essay or complexity of sentence structure, grammar and usage, and mechanics
2
Errors interfere somewhat with communication and/or
Too many errors relative to the length of the essay or complexity of sentence structure, grammar and usage, and mechanics
1
Errors seriously interfere with communication AND
Little control of sentence structure, grammar and usage, and mechanics

Soph Lit:

Today in class....

We concluded our review for the English section of the MCAS exam, which will take place Tuesday. I saw continuous marked improvement in all of you, specifically in your writing.

At the end of class, I collected your MCAS review pack. If you were absent, or missing sections, please have them for Monday. I will look these over this weekend and offer final helpful comments on Monday as you prepare to take the test. I am quite confident that ALL of you will successfully complete the English portion.

We also re-enacted a MCAS correcting session. I broke you into small groups with a team leader and asked you to grade each writing prompt with a set of rubrics. Your in-group discussions of what makes a good written response will help you on Tuesday.

I also have additional review questions if anyone would like additional practice over the weekend. Please see me if interested.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

Each of you recited your section from Hamlet. Please note that if you were not prepared, you have 10 points deducted for each missed school day. We will have a make-up on Monday for anyone needed additional time.

Parent-Teacher Night

It was nice to meet you all. I apologize for the line waiting to speak with me. If you did not get a chance to see me, or have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

For those of you visiting the blog for the first time- welcome!

I hope that you and your student find this information helpful. If during the course you have any questions about things happening in class, please feel free to ask. I believe that open communication by us is helpful in achieving academic success.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We continued to review for the MCAS. A reminder: MCAS testing is March 23rd.

We are in the computer lab Thursday to type your writing prompt. Please make sure that you have completed all section of the MCAS review pack.

I am also after school today and Thursday if anyone needs one-on-one help. I would encourage everyone to take advantage on this.

World of Shakespeare:

Today we took on Mr. Metz in his history challenge.

HW: Please have your 10 Hamlet lines memorized for this Friday.

Soph Lit:

We continued on our MCAS prep today.

Specifically, we focused on the 5 paragraph essay, writing a clean, clear thesis statement, and using transitional words and phrases.

Please note that all parts of the practice packet are due this Friday.

Wed. we will be working on writing a strong conclusion.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:
I passed out the Hamlet lines to learn for this Friday.

We discussed the many differences between How Mel and Ken approach the mind of Hamlet.

I passed back your 12th Night Exams. Please see me if you have not completed it ASAP.

Mr. Metz has invited us down to his annual history challenge. Please bring your best game face to class Wed as we destroy his class. No pressure.

Soph Lit:

Today:

We continued our MCAS prep.

Journal #20: "Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected."
William Plomer

Hamlet:
To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause—there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th'unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovere'd country, from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry
And lose the name of action.
Hamlet Act 3, scene 1, 55–87

World of Shakespeare:

Today:

We looked at the famous To be, or not to be speech.
In groups of 3, I asked you to convert each line into one of the following:
- Mob Boss -Sport coach -President -teacher

We then practiced it. For this Friday, you will need to memorize the first 10 lines and recite it to the class.

We began Act 3 in class and discussed the events in Act 1-2.

Word O' the Week:

Cogitate [koj-i-tayt]
Verb. To ponder; mediate; think deeply.

Think:

In Cleveland, it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

C Block: You finished your Animal farm essay portion of the exam.

D Block: We took the Animal Farm exam.

We will be moving from a novel to a 2 weeks intensive MCAS prep section of the class. While this may not be the most enjoyable thing that we do in class this semester, it will certainly help you prepare for the MCAS. If anyone would like extra practice examples, I will have them available and will be willing to give feedback on your response. Please see me if interested. Remember, knowledge makes you stronger....

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class we looked at act 1 in Hamlet.

We began class with a quick two person skit. Each pair needed to show a scene with only two words to capture our attention. Shakespeare does this well in Hamlet with "Who's there?"

We had a discussion based on your 5 HW questions from Act 1; sc 1-2.

We acted out live Act 1; sc 3.

HW: Please finish Act 1.

Think:

Thank you for the new "Think" added on the board Monday:

There are 1.9 calories in every Tic-Tac.

Word O' the Week:

Thank you to the student that added the word of the week in my absence:

Fop (fop): A man preoccupied with clothes and manners; dandy.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

Journal #19: "He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist in our helper." Edmund Burke

We finished the film for review.

Animal Farm Test. Please see me to make up if you were missing.

I collected your books. Please have them for Wed if you did not pass in.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

I collected your books.

I passed out a collection of the most famous quotes from Shakespeare. I broke you into small groups and asked to to take ten lines and work them into a skit. As always, it is so much fun watching you have some much fun with Will. I have posted videos above.

We began notes on Hamlet.

HW: Please reas Act 1, sc 1-2. Please have 5 questions/comments/feedback on the 2 scenes. We will use these as starter questions for class tomorrow, so please try to have insightful comments that may lead to good conversation.

Soph Lit:

I was not in class today. Here is the work completed with the sub:

C Block: Mrs. G reviewed for the test.
Journal #18 "Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking." Clement Atlee

We watched about 2/3 of the Animal Farm film to help review the story.

D: Block: Journal #18 "Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking." Clement Atlee

I broke you into small groups and had you work most of the block on a Utopia project. Please make sure all names are on it and it is passed in.

Today in class:

I was unfortunately out today. I gave your exam on The 12th Night. Please see me if you need to complete, or did not have ample time to finish.

I will be collecting books on Tuesday, so please have them ready to pass in.

World of Shakespeare:

Today we finished She's the Man.

We had a 5 question quiz on ACT 5.

I gave you the essay questions:

The Twelfth Night
Essay Exam

Please answer the following questions in well written essay format. Please make sure that you back up all statements will solid examples from the play. You may use your scripts and any notes that you have to answer each question.

One critic has called this play “an anthology of madness”. He states that with the exception of viola and Sebastian, almost everyone in the play exhibits some form of extreme behavior which separates him or her from the norm. Please give three examples of characters exhibiting such abnormal behavior. How does this lens itself to the comedy of the play?


Often, the charm and humor of this Shakespearian comedy are still appealing and engaging to a modern audience. How are Viola, Malvolio, Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek responsible for the humor in the play?


The basic fuel for the play is in mistaken identity. Seemingly everyone is in love with a person that is not the person that they truly are. Please examine the love relationships in the play and detail how this is resolved in Act 5.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

C Block: Journal # 17: " History never looks like history when you are living through it."

We played the game, three strikes and we quiz. Due to a powerful answer from Josh, a runner scored and a quiz was narrowly avoided.

We broke into small groups of two and worked on creating time lines for the events in the book thus far Ch 1-7. You may use this on the test.

D Block: Journal # 17: " History never looks like history when you are living through it."
We watched the Henson version of the film Animal Farm. Hopefully it helped you review the story so far. All parts are played by famous actors. Can you name any?

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

I collected your Haiti journals. If you did not get one, please see me. Thank you for doing this.

We acted out highlights from act 4.

Friday we will finish She's the Man.

HW: Please finish the play. Please be prepared for a short quiz on act 5 this Friday.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

Journal #16: " Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk." Joaquin Setanti

We had a last call on your propaganda speech. If you did not complete the assignment, please see me ASAP.

We concluded our discussion on anthems.

We looked at your 7 laws and broke into groups to find holes in the rules, and ways around them. Laws are only as good as the people that make them....

We had a character debate of which animal should rule the farm.

HW: Please read Ch 6 and 7. Quiz on Thursday.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We began with journal #15: "Always be a little kinder than necessary." James Barrie

We concluded our Animal Farm Propaganda speeches. Please also find video examples from class yesterday. Some of you have politics in your blood I think....

Today we defined Anthems, and explored how the animals used Beasts of England to unify the farm. We listened to examples of modern anthems: Sunday Bloody Sunday (U2), The Times They Are a Changing (Dylan), Smells like Teen Spirit (Nirvana), and Revolution (Beatles).

We ended class examining the animal that your row was given. I asked you to list reasons why you should be the leader on Animal Farm.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We reviewed act 3 and 4 in the form of a video performance.

We acted out selected highlights from both acts.

Your She's the Man Parody Comparison paper will be due next Tuesday. Please plan accordingly. We will finish the second part of the film this Friday.

I am aiming for a test on the Play this Monday.

HW: Please finish Act 5.

Soph Lit:

Animal Farm: The speech

Directions: Propaganda is the manipulation and control of language. Using the sheet of terms that you were given on propaganda, please write a one pg typed speech where you address the Tantasqua student body to convince them to elect you as the new “supreme ruler.” Your speech must include the following:

A scapegoat: Even if they are not directly responsible, you need to identify a person to blame all of the problems on.


Faulty Cause and Effect Reasoning: A statement where no logical cause is given for the effect.


Bandwagon Effect: Everyone else is voting for you, so you should as well.

Euphemism: Use words to soften the true meaning.

Oversimplification: Making things so simple that you try to cover the real meaning.

Please place a small number to correspond to the above examples at the end of the sentence or statement.

After:
You will be required to give your speech to the class. For extra credit, you may choose to demonstrate begging the question. Remember, this is done by skillfully avoiding the question.

World of Shakespeare:

Can funny be taught? Today we looked at comic timing, and how Shakespeare uses it in his comedies.

We defined it:
Comic timing is use of rhythm and tempo to enhance comedy and humour. The pacing of the delivery of a joke has a strong impact on its comic effect; the same is also true of more physical comedy such as slapstick.
A beat is a pause taken for the purposes of comic timing, often to allow the audience time to recognize the joke and react, or to heighten the suspense before delivery of the expected punch line. Pauses can be used to discern subtext or even unconscious content — that is, what the speaker is really thinking about.

HW: please read Act 3 and begin making a rough outline for your paper.

World of Shakespeare:

She’s the Man Parodies the Bard


Often, literature has an indirect impact on pop culture. Shakespeare is of course of no exception. The film She’s the Man borrows more than small doses of the story from The 12th Night. In fact, one could argue that the movie succeeds strictly as a direct parody of the play itself.

In a well written 5 paragraph essay, I would like you to answer the following questions: Does the movie She’s the Man successfully parody the play The 12th Night? While the tendency will be to answer yes, I would also encourage those to voice disagreement. Please examine not just the names, but more importantly, the function of the relationships in both stories. Does the film require the play to fully enjoy the story? Please have a clear thesis, and make sure to back this up with direct examples from both.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:
Journal prompt #13: "To someone seeking power, the poorest man is the most useful."
Sallust

We reviewed Ch 3-5 and had a quiz on the reading and lecture last week.

We looked at your first draft of your speech.

We broke into small groups and examined the propaganda on Animal Farm.

HW: Please read CH 6 and work on your final copy of your speech, which is due Tuesday.

Word O' the Week:

Timorous [Tim-uhr-uhs]: Adj. Full of fear, timid.

World of Shakespeare:

Shakespeare enthusiasts in the USA will be pleased to learn that the UK-based Royal Shakespeare Company will be crossing the pond for an unprecedented run of performances as part of Lincoln Center Festival 2011.The ensemble of 44 will be bringing with them a full scale replica of its transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Americans will be able to see performances on the world's greatest Shakespeare stage without even having their passports stamped!
The 930-seat replica theater will be erected in New York and will host 45 performances in July and August 2011. Five plays will be selected from the RSC's current repertoire: Antony and Cleopatra, As You Like It, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, and The Winter's Tale.Michael Boyd, RSC Artistic Director, said "Collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do at the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is why I am so pleased that we are able to work with such great partners to bring the culmination of three years' work in the UK to New York in 2011.""Our thrust stage, wrapping the audience around the action, allows people to reach out to our actors and to each other in a space which is both intimate and powerful. I am delighted that we can recreate that intimacy right here in New York City."I recently reported that the Royal Shakespeare Company will be shipping over to New York a full-scale replica of its Stratford-upon-Avon theater for a repertoire of five plays in 2011. I can't get over the scale of this project - so I've been looking into what the RSC will be packing in their suitcase.·

425 x costumes· 20 x wigs· 38 x fake facial hair pieces (15 beards, 15 moustaches, 5 sideburns, 2 joke beards and one set of eyebrows)· 20 x liters of blood·

Soph Lit:

Journal #11:
"The biggest revolutions are the ones that happen between our ears."

Today in class:
We defined propaganda, and looked at terms. I gave a lecture titled: How to take over the world, or at least a small town....

I assigned your first formal paper. You will be using all the terms and making a revolution speech to be given to you fellow comrades. 2 pages written, one page typed.

We reviewed Ch 3-4

HW: Please finish your 1st draft.

World of Shakespeare:

Today we:

I moved you into groups and asked you to show all of the important aspect of Act 1 in 32 sec or under...

We continued to look at asides.

We began Act 2

Snow Day

I guess our offering to the Snow God in Shakespeare yesterday worked. Enjoy the day off!

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We discussed the reading last night.

I reviewed the notes that I gave yesterday on the Russian Revolution.

We had a short quiz on both.

We talked about the author, and I showed a documentary on his life and influences.

HW: Please read ch 3 and 4.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We had a quiz on your Shakespeare terms.

I defined an aside, and we broke into small groups to create a skit that featured an aside. We discussed how an aside can produce comedy. We also talked about a new concept: suspension of disbelief. This is important to realize- especially in a comedy. If you question things with a rational mind, large holes begin to emerge in any of his plays.

We finished Act 1.

HW: Please read Act 2 and have a general understanding of events.

Soph Lit

Today in class:

I collected All My Sons and had closing thoughts on the play.

I passed out our first novel: Animal Farm.

I gave notes on the book and we talked about Revolution.

I defined a fable, and we wrote short examples in class. Remember- the moral is the most important aspect of a fable.

Journals will be back this Wed.

HW: Please read Ch 1+2 in Animal Farm. Expect a 10 question comprehension quiz Tuesday.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:
We looked at a clip from the film The Empire Strikes Back. Specifically, we examined Yoda and his reverse speach.

We reviewed terms for your quiz tomorrow.

We broke into groups and looked for 5 examples of your 10 terms.

We continued acting Act 1.

HW: Study terms for quiz Tuesday.

Word O' the Week:

Diastema: [die-uh-STEE-mah]:
Noun. A gap between two adjacent teeth.

Think:

An ostrich's eye is bigger than it's brain.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We finished the film.

We reviewed the questions on the test.

We took the All my Sons test during the last 1/2.

After vacation, we will be reading a book that you may have heard about in the news this month, Catcher in the Rye. Over vacation, please find time to ask different people about their opinion of the novel. Were they allowed to read it? Do they remember liking the book? Please be prepared to discuss different reactions on Monday.

Have a great vacation!

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class we played a game based on the hit TV show Survivor. Besides being a fun class before we head into vacation, this was designed to help you identify the different character parts in the play and to speculate on their relationships.

Due to the snow day, our quiz on the comedy terms will be Tuesday when we get back. I will go over them on Monday.

Have a great vacation!

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

Journal #10: "No moral system can rest solely on authority."
A.J. Ayer


I collected journals #1-#10. Please see me asap if you did not pass them in. I will have these back after vacation.

We finished watching the movie version of All My Sons. Tomorrow, you will have a test on the play. Please use the following to review tonight. You should be able to answer all questions:

All My Sons –Study Questions for the test on 2.12.10


1. Compromise is a theme in the play. Describe the compromise that three of the characters have had to make. What is your opinion of their compromise?

2. Do you think Chris and Ann will be happy together? Give reasons for your
answer based on the play.

3. Larry does not appear in the play but is mentioned. What is his role in the play?

4. What picture do we get of the American society?

5. Why is the play called “All My Sons”? How does the title reflect the human and moral issues of the play?

6. There are two different concepts in the play; on the one hand – idealism, and on the other – practicality. Classify each of the following characters – Chris, Ann, Joe, and Kate according to the above concepts. Do they undergo any change during the course of the play?

7. How do family loyalties conflict with other kinds of responsibilities (to one’s
principles, conscience, society) in this play? Give at least TWO examples.

8. Choose ONE of the following characters:
Joe Keller / Ann Deever / Chris Keller / Kate Keller / Jim Bayliss
a. Give a description of this character.
b. Choose a decision made by this character and state your opinion of it, giving reasons for your opinion.

World of Shakespeare:

Today:
We continued to look at comedy. We acted out Act 1 and I continued to answer any questions that you have.

We broke into small groups and generated examples of the terms covered.

Tomorrow, we will begin playing Survivor. Bring your best game face to class and be ready to have some fun before we break.

World of Shakespeare:

Survivor: Illyria

A fun game coming this Friday to your class (cue tv show intro music in background....)

Details soon....

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

Journal #9: "The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves."
Sophocles

We finished act 2. Block C had a quiz today, block D had this yesterday.

We came close to finishing the play. Review Thursday, test on Friday.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:
We defined 10 terms on the board. Please make sure that you have solid definitions. You will have a quiz on the terms this Friday.

We discussed comic timing and how a beat or pause can make the joke. The pacing of delivery of a joke has a strong impact on the comic effect in this play.

I asked you to break into small groups and develop 3 jokes that use timing for the humor.

HW: Please study the terms.

Show Choir

Congratulations to members of Show Choir in placing 2nd at Shepherd Hill!

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We started with journal topic #8:
You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts will take you....

We finished our discussion of stage directions in the play and why they are important.

We read/acted act 2.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We completed our Sonnet toss and wrapped up our discussion on stress and inflection.

I introduced some of the characters and themes in The Twelfth Night.

We started our first play with a shipwreck reenactment landing us on the magical shores of fictional Illyria.

I passed out the play and we began Act 1.

Word O' the Week:

Nous (Noos): Noun:
1. Mind, intellect 2. Common sense.

Think:

111,111,111 X 111,111,111= 12,345,678,987,654,321
Why?

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

Journal topic #7: Remix (chica-chica)
I asked you to take one line from each of you last 6 and put them together for journal 7. Additionally, I asked you to draw a symbolic representation of each of the lines underneath the entry. Please remember- you need a dedicated journal. I will collect these after 10 on Wednesday. Please make sure that you make up any that you may be missing by that point.

We then acted out act 2. Each group gave their 15 blocking notes to a different group and we all had a chance to try and incorporate an outside stage direction into your scene.

No weekend HW. You are reminded: If we work hard M-Thursday, no HW over weekends. Thanks for all of your early effort in class. Keep it up!

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We reviewed the activity missed by our junior members yesterday during the assembly.

Today we focused on stress and inflection. I asked you to think of Juliet's scene where she is 1st told of her marriage to Paris. I suggested that they could be read in my differing ways: Sarcasm, defiance, submission, or anger. This is all done with how the words are said and the change in sound.

I then asked you to break into groups and I gave you all different scenarios. While we all had the same words, the meaning changed drastically when we changed the inflection and added stress.

I am posting a few examples- I hope the video is working for everyone.

Last, we did the sonnet toss assignment. Each person had to use their voice to "throw" their lines to another person in class. Based on how it was thrown, you were asked to react accordingly. I tried to also use this as an example on how often the person on stage without lines can often save a scene. This will be especially true as we approach The 12th Night next week and look at comedy and comic timing.

Good luck to Show Choir this weekend. Beat SH. :-)

Soph Lit:

Journal Topic #6:
"It is easier to pull down than to build up." Latin Proverb

We discussed stage direction, and how it is used in the play. Miller had a clear vision of his stage work, and went to great lengths to describe how they should be performed.

I broke you down into 6 groups and asked you to assign parts for pgs 37-44 in Act 2. Each group examined the stage direction and how it is used.

I asked you to add 15 additional stage directions in the play: movement, sounds, non-verbal actions, reactions, and specific directions on how lines should be read.

I collected HW from Wed.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We finished the last 5 minutes of Shakespeare in Heart and had a brief discussion on what it added to your understanding of the times.

I passed back your "Day in the Life" writing prompts. I asked you to become the character that you created, and we worked them into 5 scenes.

Sonnet toss: We defined inflection and stress. We tossed our lines across the room for another to catch.

HW: 1/2 page on what the line that you picked means to YOU.

Quote

Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a
vigorous mind.
by Samuel Johnson

Quote

Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.
by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote

Education: that which reveals to the wise, and conceals from the
stupid, the vast limits of their knowledge.
by Mark Twain

Soph Lit:

Journal Topic #5:

"Find out what you like doing best and then get someone to pay you for doing it."

K. Whitehorn

We finished/went over your modern day casting list. Yesterday, I gave you an unlimited budget and asked you to cast all of the characters in Act 1. For each character, please list 3 traits/roles that they have that would be well suited for the part.

We read the 1st part of act 2 and discussed the role of the intermission in a play and how Miller used it.

Writing prompt: Please pick 3 events in the play that are "open problems" at the end of Act 1 and describe how you think they may be resolved in Acts 2 and 3 of the play.

One pg (H)
1/2 pg (S, CP)

World of Shakespeare:

Today we finished Shakespeare in Love. After the movie, we examined what life was like during this time.

I passed back your day in the life writing prompt. This character that you have become will next be worked into a small group scene- so make sure that you brush up on the details of your character.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We went over the questions on Act 1.

Journal topic #4: "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." Carl Buechner

Reminder: I will be collecting and grading your journals for every 10 entries. Please make sure that you keep up-to-date.

We began Act 2 in class.

At the end of class I gave you the following writing prompt:
Where do you think the play will go from here? Please think of at least 3 loose ends and attempt to resolve them.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We discussed the placement of you "sticky sonnets." We reviewed Ch 4 in Shakespeare Alive!!!! and had a quick quiz on your reading.

We talked briefly about the role of women in the theater.

We began watching the film Shakespeare in Love. Please look for some of the finer details that we have been discussing. The movie does a great job giving you a visual of what life was possibly like for a young writer in 1599.

HW: Please learn your fav sonnet line and have it ready.

NYTimes: Teenagers Speak Up on Salinger

From The New York Times:

Teenagers Speak Up on Salinger

Teenage readers share their thoughts about Holden Caulfield.

http://s.nyt.com/u/edM

Get The New York Times on your iPhone for free by visiting http://itunes.com/apps/nytimes

Sent from my iPhone

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

I checked your journals
Journal #3 What is the American Dream? How has it changed in the last 50 years?

We had a debate on if life is better today vs. 1950's.

Brief historical context of the play.

We broke into small groups and acted act 1 (pgs 25-35.)

Quick 5 question quiz on act 1.

No HW tonight.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class we shared a sonnet from WS. I asked you to take your fav. line and broke you into groups to remix your line into a poem. Row 1 had the best:

Love in the Shadows of Heat (a sonnet mash up)

The spirit of love with a perpetual dullness.
Love is a babe, then might I not say so,
The one doth shadow of your beauty show,
If eyes corrupt by over partial looks.
Which from loves fire took heat perpetual.

Of course, this is not a sonnet. We went onto define a sonnet and took notes on the origin of theatre.

HW: Tonight, please read CH 5 in Shakespeare ALIVE!!!!!! You will read about the virgin queen, Queen Elizabeth. If it was not for her support of theatre, the world would have undoubtedly morphed into a much less entertaining place. Please be ready to talk about her rule and impact on theater.

Think:

In every Seinfeld episode there is a Superman.

Soph Lit:

Yesterday in class we continued to read Act 1 in All My Son's. We played a small review game that I call three strikes and we quiz. Both classes avoided a quiz with some solid offence.

Today we began class looking at Arthur Miller's declassified FBI files. We talked about his writing, and what may have led the government to fear his influence. As we read, please ask yourself if anything is "un-American."

The last part of class I introduced our journals. You will be keeping a daily journal in class that will be checked and graded periodically. There is no "right" answer..but you are expected to write a 1/2 page on the prompt. This is an easy paper grade, and as long as you keep up with it, it should be a very easy way to keep a great grade in my class. Please make sure that you have a dedicated notebook and that you have each day. You can't play if you don't have the equipment.

World of Shakespeare:

Yesterday we went down to the stage a played some acting games that were focused on trust and leadership. I will try to get us back down for class this Friday for part 2 of the exercise.

We also had our 1st in class writing assignment. I asked you to pick a character from your reading (ch 1 &2) and write a 1st person narrative from their perspective. I asked you to describe a day in the life of this person in one page.

HW Tuesday: Please read CH 3 in Shakespeare Alive!!!!!

Today, we discussed the little known factual information about Will. I also gave you a brief lecture on the history of theater. Please make sure that you review these notes for tonight.

Welcome!

A warm welcome to you all visiting for the first time. I enjoyed meeting you all today, and look forward to having you all in class.