The
Shortest Sentence in the English Language

The shortest English language sentence is not “I am.” Follow along now—it does get technical.

“I am,” first of all, is not a sentence. An English sentence must have a subject / predicate relationship, and the key element in that relationship is the type of verb that creates the predicate. Verbs either show action or they do not. Verbs without action, such as “am,” when used as a predicate, must have something to complete the meaning—a complement. So you “am” “something.” “I am happy” is a sentence since “happy” is fulfilling the complement role. Therefore, “I am” is not a sentence.

The shortest English sentence is probably “Go.” “Go” is an action verb and can be used in imperative mood, which means that it can be used with good, old “You Understood.” So “Go” actually means “You go.” On the other hand, if that interpretation doesn’t strike your fancy, let’s say that understood meanings are disallowed, then “I go” is the shortest sentence. “Go” doesn’t require a complement since it is an action verb nor does it require a direct object. With a total of three letters—the same number as the illegal “I am” contender—“I go” should reign as the champion, unless someone out there knows of a single letter verb. (No fair pulling in Old English and foreign languages.)

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We broke into small groups and looked at the many lies that Holden tells. I asked you to formulate an opinion on whether Holden is honest/good, or dishonest/evil. Does he lie for fun? Is it a form of sarcasm? Does his lies hurt other people around him? Would you want to be friends with a kid like Holden?

Next, we worked on an activity called You Act the Scene. I asked you to re-create the following scenes:

1. Old Spencer Says Goodbye (pg. 6)
2. Holden and Ackley-Kid (pg. 20)
3. Holden vs. Stradlater (pg. 27)
4. Holden tries to woo Ernest's Mom (pg. 54)

We had our 2nd quiz on the book.

HW: Please read 10-11.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:
We took a quiz on Act 3. Please see me ASAP if you missed it to schedule a make-up.

We completed you mini productions of Othello, ending in greatness with Act 4, sc 1

Soph Lit:

Today in class:
Journal #27: What is the largest lie that you have ever told?

Quiz on CH 4-7

End of Debate.

Start/finish Ferris Bueller and go over compare and contrast paper.

World of Shakespeare:

Today:
We performed Act III sc 3, 4 Act IV sc 1
We will have a quiz on Thursday
HW: Please review above in preparation for the quiz

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We reviewed CH 4-5. We had a quick quiz. We completed our class debate on censorship of books and media.

HW: Please read CH 6-7

Tomorrow we will be starting our compare and contrast essays. Specifically we will be looking at two of my favorite characters: Holden and Ferris Bueller.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:
We reviewed up to Act 4. I broke you into groups and we worked on staging your scene. These will be performed tomorrow- so make sure you end in super greatness!

HW: Please review your lines. You need to be super familiar with them for this to flow.

World of Shakespeare:

A Block:
We looked at the film. I broke you into two groups- each responsible for an scene in act 3.

B Block:
We missed our senior friends. We did a few acting exercises showing: weight, smell, and sound without words. As always, so cool to see you all smile while learning.

We will get back to Othello Tueday.

Soph Lit:

Yesterday we started Catcher in the Rye. We discussed the history of the book. Specifically, we looked at the life of J D Salinger. I assigned Ch 1-3 for HW Thursday night.

Today we had a quiz on Ch 1-3. We broke into two groups and debated whether the book should be banned.

I passed out his obituary and we looked deeper into his life.

Sorry for the light posts this week- I am struggling with the additional class and am doing my best to keep up. I appreciate your understanding :-)

World of Shakespeare:

A Block: We finished our Shakespeare Remix scenes.

B Block: We are performing act 3. Each group has a scene, which I am hoping that we will perform on Monday.

Be safe this weekend- and have a great time at prom!

Soph Lit:

Today we wrote poetry all block with our unconscious mind in a lesson that I call Dream Catching. We will take these random thoughts and process them on Monday into a new poem. This was an optional assignment- so if you did not wish to participate, or were not able to collect any dreams, I will have an alternative assignment for you on Monday.

Have a nice weekend.

World of Shakespeare:

Today we:

Completed Act 2. We did a new lesson that I call "a Monkey on my back." Basically we did the rest of Act 2 with doubles: One person said the line from the script, and the Monkey on the back said what they really were thinking. Even though this seemed silly at times- you were unknowingly doing some real higher level thinking.

We ended the block looking at Act 2 in movie form. We discussed the very different interpretations of Iago in the movie and debated if it worked for you as the viewer.

A Block dressed in costumes for the first time and was scared to use fake blood. We talked about drinking songs, and worked in audience feedback in the scene. We also looked at the difficulty in acting intoxicated.

--

Soph Lit:

Updates to your post it note assignment.

I gave you the option to share your original poem.

We looked at 2 new poems: Jane Kenyon's Finding a Long Gray Hair, and Kenneth Koch's The Boiling Water

We stomped around the room demonstrating the sound pattern in Green Eggs and Ham.

World of Shakespeare:

A Block:
We took a quiz on Act 1.
I answered questions on your Macbeth Project. I reduced the quotes to 2 and answered questions. These are due Friday.
We reviewed Act 1.

B Block:
Some of you shared your Heralds. You made made me laugh out loud...
We performed our remix scenes- great stuff guys...
We reviewed act 2.
We acted Act 2, sc 3.
Have I mentioned that I love your class?

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We started with journal #26: "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood."
T.S.Elliot

We finished/completed our open mic night readings. I gave you notes on poetry. We read a few good poems and discussed them- specifically asking: what makes a good poem?

HW: Write a "good" original poem. These will be shared openly Thursday.

World of Shakespeare:

A Block:
We performed your modern Act 1 scenes in Othello. I hope to post some short video tonight...stay tuned....

HW: Please finish act 1.

B Block:
We completed Act 2, scene 3 in class. We learned about a Herald, fake blood, and drinking songs. We also explored the idea of audience participation. Specifically, we interacted with Iago and tried to warn Othello of his true nature.

The last 20 min. we completed your remix scenes. We will perform these Thursday (chica-chica)

HW: Please make a modern Herald. 1/2 page.

Award Show....

Soph Lit:

C Block:
We had our first open mic night in room 3115. Each of you stood in front of the class and recited your favorite poem with a brief explanation as to why. Incredible stuff. Thank you for those that trusted us with personal feelings. You helped to illustrate the point: poems connect us with our humanity. They make us feel and connect to other people. The poems shared today exemplified this. Great job C Block!

D: Block:
We finished Dead Poets Society and looked at 5 poems mentioned/suggested in the film.

HW: Please bring in your favorite poem and be prepared to read it in front of the class. Please also be ready with a brief introduction to why you liked it.

World of Shakespeare:

A Block: It was nice to meet you all today. We will finish your work on Act 1 in Othello.

B Block:
Today I hosted the first annual Willie Award Show. Congratulations to all winning movies.

We broke into our groups and spent time finishing your remix scenes. I am looking for you to perform these Wed. From walking around the room, I am excited to see these!

WOS:

Directions: Throughout the course, you have met some very powerful, yet diverse characters. Most would agree that the development of these complex parts is one of the most lasting elements of his play construction. As we discussed in class, Hamlet can be performed at least 5 different ways.

1.) I would like you to step back and identify 5 of your favorite characters. In a 3-4 page script, I would like to have you work them into an original scene. The focus should be on showing each part.

2.) Start with listing all 5 parts, with a brief description of each to someone not familiar with any of the plays

3.) Next, identify a setting and scene. Please begin your play with a brief description of where the play takes place.

4.) Decide as a group the main conflict that they are facing and how it will be resolved. You are required to make these a tragedy, following the notes that I gave you on how this was crafted by Shakespeare. Your final moment of suspense needs to be clear and well defined.

5.) Last, we will make copies and perform these in class on Tuesday. You will have all of this block, and 15 minutes Tuesday to construct and rehearse.


Please select from the following plays: Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Hamlet, The 12th Night, and Othello.

Soph Lit:

Today we:
Finished/started Dead Poets Society
Looked at the poems from the movie

HW: Please bring in your favorite poem and be prepared to read it to the class and briefly explain why you like it.

WOS:

A warm welcome to A block! I will be taking over your class while Mr. Earls is out on sick leave. Looking forward to meeting you...

B Block: Today we:
Finished our movies.
Started the remix of Will. I asked you to take 4 plays, and at least 5 characters and rework them into an original scene. The emphasis should be on character development; meaning they should act like their character. 3-4 pages min.

We will have our awards show for the movies and perform these Tuesday.

This just blew me away...WOW!

Mood Music for Othello

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

I introduced our next unit; a week on poetry.

I showed you the movie that once inspired me during my senior year of HS, Dead Poets Society. We will begin on the Monday when we return examining poems and poets that were used in the film.

HW: You have the vacation week 100% off. Please rest and recharge and come ready to learn on Monday!

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

Sonnet Premiere! Today we watched your Sonnet movies. Hopefully I will be able to post a few examples soon.

Have a wonderful break....

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We watched the end of the Lord of the Flies Film.
We discussed the ending and concluded our debate on evil. Did the book change your opinion at all?

I collected books.

World of Shakespeare:

Today:

I asked you to remix the following plays:

Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, 12th Night, Othello, Julius Caesar and Hamlet.

Specifically, I had you break into groups to create a new scene with characters from all the plays that you have seen or read. 1 page.

I again gave you time to work on your sonnet project and ask questions.

HW:
Friday: Showtime! Sonnet film festival before break- be ready!

A note:

I apologize for the lack of posts this week. We are having some issues with our blocking software at school which is preventing me from posting. Thanks!

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We worked on the Lord of the Flies exam. I will do my best to get these back to you before we break.

Please have your books for Thursday, as I will be collecting them.

WOS:

Today in class:

A thank you to Jenn from the Town Common. Jenn is working on a story showcasing the great things that the TED grants make possible. Thanks Jenn for your time!

We showed off our use of the costumes purchased last year with our TED grant. Specifically, we began Act 2. I also answered remaining questions about you Sonnet Movie Project. Reminder- these are due Friday.

I am after-school today if anyone needs technical help. If you are having issues, stop by for some free help.

HW: Please work on your projects.

Think:

Acorns on oak trees do not come out until the tree is about 50 years old.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

I showed you 2 solid examples from last year of the Sonnet Movie Project. I will be after Wed if anyone needs help, or does not have the ability to complete this at home. I gave you the rubric for the assignment orally, so please see me if you need it. These are due on Friday. We will have a movie premiere in class, with awards for best picture, etc...

We began Othello today. We had a very open discussion on race relations in terms of love, and how jealousy can destroy.

HW: Please finish Act 1, sc1.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

Journal #24 "Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get."
DC
We reviewed Foreshadowing, and each row examined in detail one ch looking for examples that might hint at future events. Remember, foreshadowing can be very subtle. How does this add to the enjoyment of the story?

We began reviewing for the test. We will be playing Who Wants to Win a Pizza Party Tuesday. Tentative plans will have us taking a test on the book Wed.

HW: Please finish the book for Tuesday.

Lord of the Flies Comic

Foreshadowing in Film Examples:

Foreshadowing in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939)
1. In this classic film, Dorothy Gale is transported by a tornado into the fantastical land of Oz where she must contend with witches, odd creatures and supernatural happenings. The real message of the film is to help children learn the essential value of self-reliance; that they can succeed in life and survive great hardship through their own resourcefulness and determination.Examples of foreshadowing can be seen in the early black-and-white sequence. Every major character who will appear in Oz--the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, the Cowardly Lion, the Wizard himself and, most famously, the Wicked Witch of the West--is introduced at the beginning of the film as a normal, readily identifiable character. Ms. Gulch is a hateful crone who attempts to take away Dorothy's dog Toto, representing a threat to the main character. Later, the same actress (Margaret Hamilton) will appear in Oz as the Wicked Witch, threatening Dorothy once again. A sham carnival worker who predicts phony fortunes will appear later in the film as the tricky Wizard of Oz, who is much less than he appears to be.The Wizard of Oz uses foreshadowing to encourage children to rely as much on their own wits and resources as they would depend on the kindness of strangers.

Foreshadowing in "Charlotte's Web" (1973 and 2006)
2. Charlotte is a spider who lives in the rafters of a barn in this classic story by E.B. White. In the two film adaptations, Charlotte resolves to save the life of a runt pig named Wilbur, who is destined for the dinner table.Early in the film, Charlotte explains to Wilbur that all living things eventually die. This foreshadowing sets the stage for the main plot struggle, which is saving Wilbur from the slaughterhouse. To do this, Charlotte weaves a web over the barn door with a message that startles the humans and spares Wilbur's life. In the process of spinning her web, Charlotte expends all her energy and dies, just as she had hinted to Wilbur at the beginning of the story.

Foreshadowing in "Bambi" (1942)
3. Bambi is a classic animated film produced by the Walt Disney Studios. The picture highlights the life of a young deer that grows to maturity in a deep forest while transcending tragedy. Early in the film, Bambi's mother warns him of the dangers in the forest, none greater than Man with his gun.The death of Bambi's mother is foreshadowed by her conversation about the threat of Man encroaching upon the forest. Her death is the catalyst that propels the story forward and drives Bambi, now determined and self-confident, to survive into adulthood.

Soph Lit:

Thank you for the positive report from my sub yesterday.

Yesterday we:
Journal #22 (courtesy of Mrs. Gervais)
"The past is a foreign country, they do things differently there."

We took a quiz on CH 9-10.
We finished our LOTF storyboards. Great job btw.
HW- Read Ch 11

Today we:
Journal #23
"Humanity can be quite cold to those whose eyes see the world differently."
Eric A. Burns

We presented our storyboards to the class.
We took notes on foresdaowing and defined some examples from the book and popular culture.

HW: You have the weekend off. We will be finishing the novel Monday- so if you are behind in your reading, please use this time to catch up.

World of Shakespeare:

I had a great time on our field trip to Julious Caesar yesterday. Thanks as always for being such polite and respectful people. My favorite memory from the trip is when you all sang the Star Wars theme song on the bus ride. Thank you.

We are missing class today to see another production- this time Macbeth comes to Tantasqua. As you watch the play, look for the final moment of suspense that we disscussed in Act 4. It is a tradgedy, and follows out notes exactly.

What did you think of the ending? Was the woman born part of the last professy still interesting in 2010? Does it hold up?

We will work a bit on the Sonnet Movie Project on Monday. I hope to have examples to show you and hopefully inspire you towards greatness.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:
I assigned the Sonnet Movie Project. These will be due the Friday before vacation.

We took the last 30 minutes outside and read "Sun" Sonnets.

Please report to the foyer by 7:30 if you are going with us to Julius Caesar tomorrow. See you guys then!

Soph Lit:

Today we worked on storyboards for Ch 1-8.




Due to the unexpected summer day, your Capt'n Cusick gives you the night off to be kids and have fun outside for the night. Be good...

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We began term 4 with a return of the journal...

Journal #21: Let a good man do good deeds with the same zeal that the evil man does bad ones." Belzer Rabbi

We had a quiz on CH 7-8.

We discussed symbols/themes.

We defined foreshadowing. I broke you into groups of two and asked for you to look for examples that would foreshadow a character death.

HW: Please read CH 10.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

I collected your papers. I wanted to squeeze them into term 3, but they will need to be your first term 4 grade.

We read sonnets 1-5 and had a book talk style disscution.

I explained the sonnet film project. More to come

I played a sonnet rap and further explained the power of the iambic pentameter. We also did the foot drag stomp dance to prove the point. Video to follow....

Soph Lit:

U2: Shadows and Tall Trees
Title and song has been credited by U2 to have been inspired by the imagery in the novel Lord of the Flies.

Back to the cold restless streets at night
I talk to myself about tomorrow night
Walls of white protest
A gravestone in name
Who is it now
It's always the same
Who is it now
Who calls me inside
Are the leaves on the trees
Just a living disguise
I walk the sweet rain tragicomedy
I'll walk home again
To the street melody

But I know, oh no
But I know, oh no
But I know

Shadows and tall trees
Shadows and tall trees
Shadows and tall trees
Shadows and tall trees

Life through a window
Discoloured pain
Mrs. Brown's washing is always the same
I walk street rain tragicomedy
I'll walk home again
To the street melody

But I know, oh no
But I know, oh no
But I know

...out there...

Do you feel in me
Anything redeeming
Any worthwhile feeling
Is life like a tightrope
Hanging from the ceiling

But I know, oh no
But I know, oh no
But I know

Shadows and Tall Trees
Shadows and Tall Trees
Shadows and Tall Trees
Shadows and Tall Trees
Shadow...shadow...shadow
Shadow...shadow...shadow
Shadows and Tall Trees
Shadows and Tall Trees
Don't be my shadow...shadow...shadow
It's only my shadow...shadow...shadow
Shadows and Tall Trees

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We watched ch 1-7: Lord of the Flies: the movie.

No HW: Enjoy the 3 day and get caught up if you are behind in your reading. Nothing is better than reading a book under a tree during a warm-up wave in early April if you ask me...

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We took a test on Hamlet.

Reminder: Please have your Hamlet paper for Tuesday.

Go Tantasqua!

Soph Lit:

http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/literature/golding/lof.html

You can play at home. We used this in class today to define themes and symbols in the novel.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We had a quiz on CH 3,4,5. This will be the final grade for term 3.

We "passed the story" for todays journal. Basically, each row continued the island fiction that we have been creating. If you were absent today, please see me for the make-up assignment.

HW- Please read Ch 6-7. We will be "watching" ch 1-7 in class Thursday in movie form.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

We finished the Mel Gibson ver of Hamlet and disscussed the end of the play.

We reviewed for the test tomorrow, looked at your paper assignment, and I reminded you of your line challenge. You should be ready to report on how it was used Thursday after the test.

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We examined the use of light in the novel Lord of the Flies.

We had a 10 question quiz on Ch 2-3.

HW: Please read Ch 4-5 for wed.

Golding Reading Lord of the Flies...

Early Mark Twain Video 1909

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leYj--P4CgQ

Soph Lit:

Today in class:

We watched The Simpson's Parody Lord of the Flies.

We listened to 20 sounds, which you needed to work into your LOTF diary. 2 pages.

HW: Please read Ch 2-3. Quiz on reading Tuesday.

World of Shakespeare:

Today in class:

I passed back your parody papers. Please see me Thursday if you wish to re-write.

We covered Act 4.

We defined the working elements of a Shakespearean tragedy. Specifically, we examine the final moment of suspense, and where it may be in Act 4.

Reminders:

Act 4 sc 1-5 quiz Tuesday.

To Be or Not spoken challenge due by Thursday.

Macbeth Field Trip permission forms due Thursday.

Next Monday, your Hamlet papers are due.