D Block:

Today we took the test for 1984.

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

Reminder: I am after-school today if you need to make up any missing work.

A/B Block:

Today:

We rocked out to a little Iron Maiden. We looked at the lyrics to their version of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

I broke you into small groups and had you write a ship log based on the events in both the song and poem.

We again discussed allusions. We talked about the allusion to the albatross in literature and pop culture.

A/B Block:

Journal prompt #36:

Describe a specific moment when you acted on impluse, but instantly regretted what you did. Describe the: before/event/how you felt after.

1-2 pages.

We read a story that followed a simular structure: D.H. Lawrence's The Snake.

Word O' the Week:

Mouche: [moosh] A small patch of beard grown under the lower lip.

Think:

The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is: uncopyrightable.

D Block:

Today:

I broke you into small "study groups" and I gave you a review sheet for the test Tuesday. Please review your reading tonight.

We watched the last 5 minute of 1984 and talked about your reaction to the film.

We played a quick review game.

A+B Block:

Today:

We finished Jane Eyre.

Journal #35 prompt:

Please examine three specific examples of human kindness and the story and discuss how they changed the outcome of the story.

We will be finishing your journal prompts this week, and I will be collecting 30-39 this Wed. Please make sure that you are caught up on all of them.

I will be also giving you a final exam review sheet on Thursday.

A friendly reminder: I am after-school on Wed. for any last minute make-up work. If you are missing ANYTHING- it is your responsibility to make up the work that you might have missed.

D Block:

Today:

We watched a short documentary on George Orwell. There was a short assignment that went along with it.

We read the article: Simpler terms: Orwellian

We reviewed your reading.

I gave you a quiz.

HW: Please finish reading 1984.

A + B Block:

Today:

We finished Araby.
Today we looked at some of the symbols in the story. We discussed what are the things that make a good short story. Most of you agreed that the story was missing a traditional plot. I suggested the beauty in the writing is the power of the story.

We also read George Orwell's short story, Shooting an Elephant. We looked at the epiphany in the story and talked a little about Orwell's experience in the army and how it influence the majority of his writing.

Suggested reading: 1984. Please see me if you would like to borrow a copy to read.

D Block

Today:

We looked at a few articles from the NYT:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/magazine/17FOB-WWLN-t.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/22/weekinreview/simpler-terms-if-it-s-orwellian-it-s-probably-not.html

We looked at a bunch of quotes from the world of 1984 and made modern connections.

HW: Please read pg 260 (III)

We ran out of time for a quiz- but we will have one Thursday.

A+B Block:

Today:

Journal Prompt #36:

Please pick a significant event in your life and write from the perspective as an outsider observer, in 1st person.

We defined Epiphany: A profound or spiritual revelation. I asked you to work your own Epiphany into your journal prompt as well.

A block: I passed back your reading quiz from yesterday.
B Block: I collected said quiz.

We discussed symbolism and James Joyce. We read 1/2 of the short story Araby.

Think:

Antarctica is the only continent without snakes.

Word O' the Week:

Furl: verb. To roll something up, such as a flag.

D Block:

Today we had our debate on censorship and spying.


HW: Please read to pg 218 (X)

A+B Block:

Today in class:

We began reading selections from the Modern period.

We read: The Rocking-Horse Winner by D.H. Lawrence, and took a quiz on the reading.

I introduced you to James Joyce. We will be reading Araby in class on Wed.

A+B Block:

A/ B block:

Today in class:

We closed our discussion on the Victorian Novel. We looked at the similarities between Wuthering Heights, and Jane Eyre. We talked about the shift that was happening in British Literature that gave a voice to the voiceless in society.

This led us to my intro on Modern Literature. We looked at 10 quotes from writer's and thinker's of this time.

Journal Prompt: Imagine Jane's "red room." In a one page response, please describe it based on the clues found in Ch 1. Please make sure that your narration follows the same 1st person account.

D Block:

Today:

We began talking Internet censorship.

I shared a video and article on the bill introduced by Rep. Smith of Texas: The Protect IP act. We talked about the dangers abusing legislation like this.

I broke you into 2 groups and gave you time to formulate an argument on the following:
1984: The Debate

During this class, I will be breaking you into two groups to debate the following:

Side One: Government censorship and surveillance are both needed to protect our freedom and safety.
Side 2: Censorship and spying on American Citizens’ are both wrong and counter our basic fundamental rights as Americans.

Directions: Please break into two groups and assign the following parts:

Captain: You will read your opening statement expressing your main point to prove. This will be very similar to the thesis of a paper. You will pick the order of your team to make your top 4 points.

Thinkers (4): You will direct the 4 examples that your team uses.

Scribe: You will write the main thesis of your group and record the four examples to prove your point.

Debate team: You will carefully listen to the argument from the other side and attempt to counter their argument.


Main Statement:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Example 1:______________________________________________________________________

Example 2:______________________________________________________________________

Example 3:______________________________________________________________________

Example 4:______________________________________________________________________

We will begin with each side giving their opening. Then we will go back in forth. Each team will present their example, and the other side will have the opportunity to counter their argument with their own examples.

Each round will be awarded a winner.



HW: Please read to Pg 179 (IX)

2 + 2= 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lstDdzedgcE&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

D Block:

News Article Assignment:
“You think, I dare say, that our chief job is inventing new words. But not a bit of it! We’re destroying words— scores of them, hundreds of them, every day” (Orwell, 50-51).
Find a short news story. Think about how the article might be altered or censored in the world of 1984. Using what you know about Newspeak make changes to the article and show how it would be presented in the world of 1984.
Please re-write the story in the space below:

A/ B block:

Today:

Journal Prompt 34:

Find three articles from the Wall Street Journal, student edition. Give your opinion on three articles that peeked your interest. 1/2 page on each article.

We finished Wuthering Heights, and defined a Victorian Novel.

Next up... the other Bronte sister....

D Block:

We completed the 3rd Utopia journal.

We presented your Utopia projects.

We defined Dystopia. I made you a renegade anarchist group, and had you list 5 ways that you would destroy the harmony of the utopia.

We looked at 1984, part I.

I shared with you an example of Russian capitalist propaganda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3ezma9cLEs&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

I shared an article on how China records all voice communication.

HW: Read to pg. 136(eye book) or Pg. 113 in old book. Bring in a section that you found interesting to lead a class discussion on. We will begin using these as parts of our 1984 "book talk."

Word O' the Week:

Crossbuck: (Kros-buk): Noun. An X shaped warning sign at a highway-railroad crossing.

Think:

Cows will walk upstairs but not downstairs.

A/ B block:

Today

We had some extra time to finish your ghost stories. The due date for these has been moved to Tuesday.
Please see me with any questions.

Read Wuthering Heights pgs. 910-920 in the Anthology.

Journal Prompt: Continue to write the next two pages of the story in 1st person (observation mode.)

or

Rewrite the pages read in 3rd person narration.

D Block: Utopian Assignment

1984: Utopian Society Activity (2 days)


Day 1:

1. Name of Your Utopian Society Choose a creative and appropriate name to represent your new society. Explain your choice in a way that makes the reasons for the name clear.
2. Declaration of Independence Write a brief statement (2–3 paragraphs) describing the reasons for your formation of a utopian society. In other words, what specifically don’t you like about current society? How has the current society broken trust with you? Why do you feel the need to form a “more perfect” society? You might refer to the U.S. Declaration of Independence for ideas.
3. Utopian Motto and Seal Create a slogan or motto that inhabitants of your utopia will follow, and develop a utopian seal. Explain the meaning and significance of the motto and seal you choose.
5. List of Rules Develop a list of at least ten rules that all community members will follow. Provide a rationale for each rule.
6. Governing Body How will the government of this utopia be structured? Will you have a democracy, an anarchy, a monarchy, or a dictatorship? How will your utopia make decisions? 2-3 paragraphs.

Day 2:

7. Invitation to Friends Write a persuasive letter to a friend or relative on why your utopia is the best one in which to live.
8. Journal Entries Write three journal entries, describing three days in your utopia. Choose days when different events will be occurring—for instance, a day when a utopian community member goes to school or work and a day when the person does not. Your entries might include details on work, family, worship, school, entertainment, and so on. Please write these in the 1st person.
9. Daily Itinerary How will utopia inhabitants spend their time during the week? Develop a hypothetical schedule that community members might follow during a typical day. Your itinerary can be a listing of times and activities, but it should be broken down by the hour (or a similar time period that is appropriate for your utopia). Please make this as detailed as possible.

Used by permission, copyright NCTE 2006

Welcome Back!

Today:
A+B: We started with the journal prompt:
Write a one page letter to yourself in 40 years, explaining what 2011 was like for you. What are your hopes for the new year?

List 10 resolutions for 2012.

In a attempt to make that transition from break to let's get back to work: We read "The Signalman" by Charles Dickens (not bad for a teaching transition if I do say so myself.)

Unlike A Christmas Carol, this story is a ghost story. Why do ghost stories continue to pull us in?

Today in class:

Today we:

Read the poem Twas The Night Before Christmas. We looked at the end rhyme, and I asked you to follow it with:

Twas the Day before school vacation, and all through the school.... Best one posted below....

We recorded an audio version of the poem as a class on the iPhone. I am still trying to post them...

We shared the spirit of giving with our class version of secret Santa. Thank you to those that participated.

Pictures below....

Wishing you all a restful break with your friends and family. I will see you in the new year....

Today in class:

We took the poetry exam.

We looked at the meter of Twas The Night Before Christmas and analyzed the structure and language from a non- religious point of view and discussed the impact the poem has had.

Reminder: Secret Santa tomorrow....

Today in class:

Journal #31:

Some in education would still agree that Mr. Keating should be responsible for Neil's death. What were your thoughts watching the movie? What is the point of education? What are the dangers in teaching to "think for yourself?"

We finished defining our poetry terms. Today we looked at and defined: Alliteration, End Rhyme, and repetition.

I gave you a study sheet for the poetry test Thursday.

HW: Please study the terms.
Secret Santa all this week. Please continue to bring in:-)

Today in class:

We finished Dead Poets Society. I hope that it inspired you, as much as it did me at 18.

I passed back a huge pile of assignments, as well as your journals. I gave everyone their progress report grades, so that there are no surprises. A reminder: I am after-school Wed. night if anyone needs to make up work, or needs extra help.

We will be finishing our look at Brit Lit. Poetry Wed. Please have your notebooks, as we will be taking the last of our notes before the test Thursday.

Today in class:

We took a quiz on meter. This will be the last grade before progress reports. Please see me asap if you are missing any work.

We did part 2 of the Dream Catching assignment: Take 20 words or images that you collected from your dream and work them into an original poem.

or

The alternative assignment: Cut out 20 words from the newspaper and work them into an original poem.

A + B Block completed their pocket 17th century poem and placed them on our holiday shrub.

How many days till break?

Have a great weekend Tantasqua....

A + B + D Block

Today:

We discussed end rhyme.
We diagrammed and read poems by John Donne and John Keats.
We completed a worksheet on diagramming the three poems looking end rhyme, foot, and meter.

We wrote an original poem following the suggested end rhyme:
ABABCCDD. We talked about beginning in delight, and ending in wisdom.

HW: Please study for the quiz on feet and meter. Quiz Friday.

Today in class:

A + B Block:

I started class with a short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p226OX39OLs&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

We did iambic skits: Entire conversations in iambic pentameter. Some video of that below...

We read some poems by Ben Jonson (Still to Be Neat, On My First Son, Song: To Celia).

We looked at your 17th century winter themed poems that you brought in for HW.

D Block:

We made an offering to the snow Gods for a snow day by offering snowflakes in the classroom windows.
We also made pocket poems, and placed them on the holiday shrub in our classroom.

We completed iambic skits.

We watched: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p226OX39OLs&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Today in class:

We did a round of Pass the poem: starting a poem and passing it around, each contributing a verse.

We defined Meter and looked at specific types. You will have a quiz this Friday on these terms.

We looked at select poems from the anthology.

HW: Please find a poem from the 17th century that has Winter as a central theme
or....
Write an original poem on the same topic.

Please bring your dream catching sheets to class on Wed.

Today in class

Dream Catching

We did a writing assignment where I tried to get you to write with your unconscious mind.

Hold onto what you collected, but resist the urge to read them. We will be looking at them on Monday and using your words and thoughts like paint to write some amazing poetry.

Much like a dream, your thoughts will have faded, but you will instantly remember some of the images.

D Block:

Today:

We had sign-ups for our class secret Santa. If you were absent and still would like to participate, let me know Friday.

We talked about any experiences that you had sharing your poem from Tuesday.

Donne, Dun, Dun, Dun......we looked at the poetry of Donne.

We tried writing from the other side of the emotional spectrum: hate/anger/hurt/death.

We ended class with a little exercise that I call pass the poem. We started 10 original poems and passed them around allowing each of you to contribute a verse.

Today:

We started our look at 17thc poetry. Many of you shared a poem on a stool with a mic. I hope that some of you felt a connection to the poem that you selected.

It was neat to see that most of you got mildly into it.

Please make sure that you all look over the intro pages on the historical thoughts that were conflicting when these poems were written.

D Block- Did you share your poem? If so, tell us in class. I would love to hear about any stories.

Poetry can capture emotion like a fly in amber.

Today

We finished act 5. Macbeth Video projects are due Tuesday. Those that plan on taking the test instead should be prepared to do so tomorrow.

Today in class:

Today was production day for your Macbeth video project.

I extended the due date to Tuesday to allow you an extra day to edit your projects as needed.

Please be reminded that this is a test grade- so make it count. Please review the grading rubrics that I gave you.

Today:

I broke you into groups of 4 and had you read out loud act 4.3.

I defined the 7 (or 5) stages of grief.

I broke you back into your groups and asked you to analyze Macduff's response to the news that his family has savagely been killed. I asked you to do so from the perspective of the stages of grief.

I gave you the last 15 minutes to organize and plan for you Macbeth Video production day on Friday. A reminder:

You need: Costumes, a camera, props, and a typed finished script.

If you would rather do this on your own time, please make sure that you bring something to class to stay productive. My expectations are that you will use the time given towards your projects.

These remain due this Monday. Make them great!

Today:

Journal #30:

"A good idea will keep you awake during the morning, but a great idea will keep you awake during the night."
Marilyn Vos Sauant

Describe in a page something that has kept you awake.

I assigned the Macbeth video assignment.

You broke into groups and produced a script for your selected scene.

B and D block took a quiz on act 3-4.

Good read...

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/11/28/all_the_worlds_a_stage_for_navy_reservist_ty_lemerande_and_his_one_man_shakespeare_show/?p1=Well_AE_links

Today in class:

Journal #29:

If you could change any 5 things at Tantasqua, what would you change and WHY?

What are the three best things about our school?

The Stew:
We looked at the crazy ingredients in the new stew made for Macbeth at the start of act 4. I had you list the 15 worst ingredients.

I then had you make your own gross stew. What would be your 15 super gross ingredients (pg-13)?

We continued with Act 4. We will finish the play by the end of the week.

Word O' the Week:

Nide: (nyde) Noun. A nest or a group of pheasants.

today in class

Journal prompt #28:

A picture is worth a 1,000 words. I gave you a unique picture and asked you to tell the story that you saw in the photo.

Macbeth movie.

Have a wonderful break. Despite the difficult weather this year, we all have so much to be thankful for.

Today:

Journal #27:

Please write a 1/2 page in your journal on:
What could be the final moment of suspense in Macbeth as we start Act 4?

A picture is worth 1,000 words: For HW, please bring in an unusual picture that tells a unique story. We will be exchanging these and using them as the basis for your journal writing prompt Wed.

We caught up on the Polanski ver. of Macbeth.

We defined the final moment of suspense in Macbeth and discussed whether it gives you the feeling that everything is going to be ok.

Feels Like Monday

Feels Like Monday, season 2, episode 19 is out:

http://feelslikemonday.com/

I would love to get your feedback.

Today in class:

Journal Prompt #26:

Write a 2 page short story titled: A Simple Mistake.

We finished act 3 and caught up on our notes.

Today in class:

We did journal prompt #23: If you had to change three things in your community, what would you change and why?

1 page

We broke into 2 groups and read Act 3 sc 4. I then had you block the scene, with the use of costumes and fake blood for the ghost of Banquo. Hopefully, I will post some videos, so check back....

Have a great weekend. Remember, extra credit for anyone that goes to support Beauty and the Beast this weekend. Just bring in your ticket stub and I will replace your lowest quiz term 2.