Comp Lit II:

Today:

Journal #11:  What is depression?  Please think about both both yourself and those around you.  How has depression affected you?

I gave you the 15 words for vocab #2  Please define.  Quiz on Friday.

Many people feel that you can be defined by your playlist.  If Holden had a 10 song playlist, what would be on it?  Please explain the connection to each song.  You might want to think about specific scenes and connect a song to this ie>)  when Holden is standing on the hill watching the football.  Alternative: 5 books, or 5 movies.

We defined tone and style.  We looked how these are cultural, regional, and generational.  We defined examples in the novel in small groups.

HW:  Define vocab, read ch 11.

Shakespeare

Today:

Journal #11:  Denmark is a prison.  How are the 5 towns like a prison to some?  Do you plan an escape, or do you like where you live?                                                              1pg

We watched Mel Gibson's take on Hamlet.  In mu opinion, the best Hamlet.

Follow Holden's footsteps in NYC

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/01/28/nyregion/20100128-salinger-map.html?_r=1&

Salinger writng novel during WWII

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We reviewed ch 9-10

The winners from the debate were rewarded with donuts.

We talked about the cover issues with Catcher.  For the last 30 years, the book did not have a cover per Salinger's demand.  I asked you to imagine a new cover, for your generation.  On the back of your cover jacket, I asked you to interview 3 people and quote their reaction to the novel on the back.

You act the scene:  I broke you into small groups and asked you to act out a scene from the novel.  We performed these in front of class.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We watched The Lion King and compared it to the storyline of Hamlet.

I asked you to list the 5 main similarities.

I passed your journals back.

Comp. Lit. II

Today:

We reviewed your reading from last night.

We too a quiz on CH 4-6.

We took a questionnaire on teenage problems and compared your problems to 1951 problems.

I gave each of you a baseball mitt and green pencils and asked you to write the poem inside Allie's glove.

HW:  Please read ch 9-10.   No weekend HW- so end the week strong!

Shakespeare

Today:
We took notes on act 2

We took a quiz on act 2.

We dressed up and performed act 3 on stage.

Friday:  We will be watching scenes from the Lion King and comparing the story to Hamlet (spoiler, they are the same story...)  Bring popcorn :-)

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We made writing folders to save our best and most important work.  These will be part of the end of the term reflection piece that will be a requirement.  You are welcome to bring these home and share, but you are responsible for keeping these.

We took a quiz on CH 1-3.

We defined escapism and looked more closely at the power and limitation of writing in the first person.

HW:  Please read ch 7-8

Shakespeare:

We each selected two words that you would save if act 2 burned in a fire and why they are both needed.  I collected these and will count this as your quiz.

We shared some of the Hamlet line stories of you using these words.  We will be writing about this on Thursday.  Please do this for HW if you have not.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

I shared Mark David Chapman's statement that he gave to police after he was arrested for killing John Lennon.  We also looked at his appeal statement made in 2000.

I shared leaked Salinger short stories.  Please see me if you want a copy.

We had a debate on censorship.  We broke into two teams:

Side One:  Books, movies, and music can be dangerous.  Some of these should be disallowed in school and outright banned in extreme cases.

Side 2: Freedom of expression is an important part of any democracy.  Books, music and movies are ideas.  We should never ban expressions of creativity.

We reviewed Ch 1-3.  Specifically, we looked at: Holden, 1st person narration, and the language.

HW:  Please read ch 4-6

Shakespeare

Today:

We watched the first 15 min of the recent PBS special on Hamlet.  Dr. Who fans rejoiced...

We finished act 2

We looked at lines 501-558.  Each person needed to examine the line and give it life and passion by using what we discussed:  Tone, pace, volume, movement, and rhythm. 

HW:  Use your Hamlet lines and be ready to write about it in your journal Wed.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

I collected your journals 1-10.  These will be marked as late starting Friday.  Please see me if you did not pass it in.

We went to the computer lab to type your Animal Farm paper.  These are due Friday.

Shakespeare

Today:

Journal Prompt #10:

Sounds.  I played 10 sounds and asked you to use them creating a story, using any of the main character's that we have met in act 1.  We shared a few.

We went over the 5 stages of grief.  For each stage, please record lines from the play as we go.  This will be the research for our first major paper.

We briefly touched on the plot line of a Shakespearian tragedy.  More next week as we get further into the play.

We acted out almost all of sc 4+5.

Quiz on act 1 very, very soon.......

Comp. Lit II:

Today:

We took the exam for Animal Farm.

I collected your books.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal #9:  Fear.  Please describe your greatest fear(s).  Why do you think that you have this fear?  Imagine and write about how you could overcome this fear.     1 page.

I broke you into small groups and asked you to find 4 of the 5 language tricks in Act 1.  Each group passed this in.

I passed back your recent quizzes.

We wrapped up the Hamlet lines.  If you did not go, please arrange a time to make this up.  It is a test grade.

Comp. Lit. II

Today:

Journal prompt #10:  If you could have one super power, what would you choose?  How would you use your power?    1 page

I broke you up in 2's and had you write 10 multiple choice questions for the book.  I will use a few of these on the test.

We played who wants to Win a Pizza Party.

HW:  Study for the test on Wed.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We went over the rules of blocking and explained stage direction.

I broke you into small groups and asked you to block a page of the script.

We went down to the Aud and tried these out on the stage.

We ended with 2 closing acting games.  I will throw up some pictures.

I collected you S. Alive! books.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal prompt #9:  Please pick 3 people that you would select to have a dinner conversation with.  They can be alive, dead, fictional, or from your life.  What would they talk about?  What questions would you ask?         1 page

We finished Animal Farm the movie.

We began reviewing for the test (Wed.)

HW:  Study notes on propaganda, Orwell, and review the book.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We spent 1/2 the class finishing the Hamlet lines.  If you were not ready, I will give you the opportunity to do these Tuesday.

I went over some of the difficulties in reading words that are over 400 years old:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPlpphT7n9s&app=desktop

W finished act 1, sc 2 and played freeze pop.  The class shared the ability to freeze the play and either make a cameo or add a prop to the scene.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We took vocab quiz #1

We reviewed the end of the book.  What did you think?

I assigned your first paper- due Fri Sept 19th.

We watched the first part of the Animal Farm Movie.

Shakespeare

Today:

We recited your Hamlet lines.  We looked at three different ways that they can be read:

Kenneth Branagh  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7TgTb_0wsg

Olivier's Hamlet (classic)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ks-NbCHUns

Mel Gibson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdp6dpiK8Ko

And for an added blog bonus, Patrick Stewart on Sesame ST :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7lv1SDzno

We will finish the 2nd 1/2 on Monday

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

I checked your vocab HW
I gave you my def for each word.  You will have a matching quiz on these words with my def. Friday.

Journal #8:  Please use all of your vocab words in a creative journal prompt.  You can tell a story, write a poem, or draw.  Anything that uses the words.  Imagination is more important than knowledge.

We shared your anthems and answered questions on the ones that we had a chance to share.

HW:  Please finish the book, study vocab

Shakespeare:

Today:
We defined how Shakespeare would often use language tricks as his cgi, or special effects.

 We defined and went over examples of:
Personification
Metaphor
Simile
Classical
 Allusions
Reversed Word
Reversed Thought
Reversed Sentence construction

Journal Prompt #8: Use and underline each of the language tricks in a creative journal prompt. You can tell a story, draw a picture, make a song or rap, or just share how you are feeling. Daydream and open your imagination......


I played a clip of Yoda using the language tricks. You can watch this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p44pcTXpPOs We acted out Act 1.

HW: Hamlet lines are due Friday.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal #7:  What is the greatest lie that you have ever told?  What was the result of the lie?  Would you lie again if given the same situation?   1 page.

I broke you into groups and asked you to look specifically at the propaganda that Squealer uses in CH 7-8.  You needed to list three examples and explain the truth behind the lies.

We reviewed your reading (CH 8)

We took a quiz on CH 8.

We finished the last speeches.

HW:  Please read CH 9.  Define vocab words and study for your quiz on Friday.

Long term:  We will be working to finish the novel for Friday.

Shakespeare:

Today:
Journal #7:  Please describe a time when your actions and thoughts were driven by pure hate.  What was the result?  Do you have any regrets?

We talked about how acting from hate can have power, but can be filled with regrets.

We took a closer look at the Hamlet lines.  I broke you into 5 groups and asked you to convert the lines to a different scenario.

HW:  Learn your lines!  3 a day keeps the evil doctor away!

Comp. Lit 2:

Today:

Journal #6:  Please re-read the last pg that you have read in Animal Farm.  In your journal, please write the next page of the book, according to you.    1 page

1/2 of you were selected to give your speech today, 1/2 will go Wed.

We defined Anthems.

I gave you your vocab words.  Def. will be checked Thursday, matching quiz on Friday.

HW:  Please read ch 8 and bring in an anthem to share with class.  Study vocab for Friday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal Prompt #6:  Please describe a moment when revenge was sweet.  This can be about someone besides yourself.     1 page

I broke you into 4 groups and we used the costumes to act out 4 skits based on future events in Hamlet.  We performed these for the class.

We did Hamlet act 1

HW:  Please continue to work on your lines.  These are due Friday and count as a test grade.

Comp. Lit II:

today:

Journal #5:  "If you tell a big enough lie, and tell it frequently enough, it be believed."  Hitler  Please think about the quote a write about a lie that was told so much, that it was believed.  Why does this happen?  What is the truth?

We did a peer-edit of the speeches that are due Tuesday.  You offered feedback, and had a chance to read your speech.

We discussed ways to improve your public speaking.

We watched a doc on Orwell and answered questions.

I passed back your Animal Farm quizzes.

HW:  Please read ch 7.  Please have final draft.  Please find an anthem and bring it in for wed.  If you don't have a real copy of it, print out the lyrics of the song, or write them down.

Shakespeare:

Today:
Journal #5:  Please describe a moment when you knew the truth, but pretended that you did not.  1 pg.

We took a pre-reading survey on topics in Hamlet.

We talked about these.

I assigned 14 lines from Hamlet.  These are to ne memorized by this Friday.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We reviewed your reading from last night

We took a quiz on CH 6.

We went over a what each animal represents in history

I checked off that you did the 1st draft of your speech.

We looked at different forms of propaganda.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We started class with 3 strikes or you quiz.  You lost and took Quiz #2 on Queen Elizabeth

We went down to the aud an did:

Fractured Fairy Tales
Murder!
The Machine!

I posted a video of your machine.

No weekend HW- have a great one!

Comp. Lit. II:

Journal #4:  Write a letter to yourself in the past giving yourself advice on 3 problems that you had then.  1 page.

We played 3 strikes and you Quiz.  B block won an avoided the quiz, C block lost and took quiz #2 on your reading/notes.

I passed back your quizzes.

We went over the following propaganda terms:

Euphemism, oversimplification, bandwagon, internal contradiction, faulty cause and effect reasoning, begging the question.

I explained how these can be used to take over a small country, or at least get out of taking the garbage out :-)

HW:  1st draft of your school take over speech.  Final draft/speech due 9/9.  Read CH 6 in Animal Farm.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal #4:  Do you believe in ghosts?  Do you have any good ghost stories?  What are your thoughts on the afterlife?  Where do you think we go when we die?  Do we go anywhere?  Can you come back after death?   1 page

We finished our notes on WS

We started Hamlet, Act 1, sc 1

HW:  Please read up to pg 84 in Shakespeare Alive!

Bonus question for the Quiz Wed....

What walks on 4 feet in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the twilight?

Lit. Comp. II:

Today:

Journal #3:  Please write a fable based on the characteristics that we discussed: Animals as characters, short, moral at the end.    Cpa/CP= 1/2 pg   H= 1 page

We reviewed your reading

We took a quiz on reading ch 1-3 and notes on Orwell

We went over the Russian Revolution. 

HW:  Please read Ch 4 +5 in Animal Farm.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal #3: What has been your experience with Shakespeare thus far? What plays have your read? What do you find difficult?    1/2 page

I passed out Hamlet.

We took a quiz on your reading from Shakespeare Alive!

We took notes on the very little factual information that we know about WS

We went to the aud and we did a series of acting games.  I shattered your expectations with lowering your arms into the floor.

HW: Night off- enjoy!

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal Prompt #2:  What are the top 3 reasons that people have revolutions?  What would happen in the US if there was a wide scale revolution?  CP/CPA 1/2 pg H= 1 page

I broke you into groups and asked you to come up with a name for your new society.  I asked for 10 rules.

We finished our notes on Orwell.

HW:  Please read ch 1-3.  Quiz on reading/notes Wed.

Shakespeare:

Today: Journal Prompt #2: Please pick one character from your reading and write a one pg, first person account of a day in their life. Please underline at least 5 details included from your reading in Shakespeare Alive!!

We each were given a line from a play and I introduced inflection, stress and power.

We went over the most popular Shakespeare insults. Each of you were paired with a person and insulted each other. Good times.

We learned how to clap. HW: Please read to pg 67.

Comp. Lit. II:

Journal Prompt #1: "Madness in great ones must not unwatched go." What is the danger of having too much power? Describe a moment when you were given power and how you handled it. 1 page I passed out Animal Farm.

Shakespeare

Today: Journal Prompt #1: "Madness in great ones must not unwatched go." What is the danger of having too much power? Describe a moment when you were given power and how you handled it. 1 page HW: Please read to pg 47. in Shakespeare Alive!

Welcome

Welcome to my class! Get ready to work hard and have fun while doing it. I look forward to teaching you this semester.

Brit. Lit

Today
We finished Jane Eyre.

Quiz (X3) on Monday.

I passed back your 1984 test and your room 101 paper.

Comp. Lit. II

Today

Day 2 of 2 in the computer lab.  Today you completed parts III an IV of your portfolio.  These are due this Tuesday.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We went around the room and wrote responses to the following questions:

Find textual evidence of sarcasm in the novel
How is Mr. Rochester a character that we are made to feel sympathy for?
Find the best example of Gothic Lit. in the novel

Nick suggested a Star Trek Voyager episode that deals with the Victorian novel.  We watch some of this episode and talked about how this fit.

HW: Please finish the novel :-)

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We had computer lab time day 1 of 2.

We used this time to complete Parts I + II of the final portfolio.

We will finish these on Friday.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We all went outside and found a tree to read ch 27.  I gave you 30 min. to read.

We came back in and I asked you each to summarize the chapter.

We ended class with a great clip from Seinfeld as a defeated history teacher.  This time of year, I often think of this clip.

http://www.schooltube.com/video/30747e2e060f4e4efc5b/

HW:  Please read to pg 371

Comp. Lit. II:

Today
We began work on your final portfolio.  Today, you selected 3 of your 30 journal prompts and wrote 3-5 sent. as to why these were your favorite. 

I broke you into small groups and asked you to:
define 10-15 of the main plot points.
perform them with no words or props
do the in reverse order
Perform in exactly 32 sec.

We ended class looking at the Beatles doing the play within a play scene from Midsummer.

Please have everything needed to complete part 1 +2 of your portfolio for Thursday.

Brit Lit.:

Today:

I passed back journals 21-30.

We defined Gothic Lit.

I broke you into small groups and asked you to find textual evidence for 8 of the 10 terms.

We watched a 20 minute Scooby Doo Episode and identified the gothic terminology that is also used there.

Comparing Gothic Lit in a Victorian classic and Scooby Doo- not bad for the last days of school....

HW:  Please read to pg 282.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We looked at twitter and the nature of tweets.  I asked you to pick two character's in the play a write 6 tweets for each of them.  We shared these.

We looked at Facebook and imagined if these character's were alive today, what would their Facebook page look like.  Each row was given a different character and tasked with making a facebook page for them.

I assigned your final project:  Portfolio's:

Portfolio Assessment

For your final assignment, I will ask you to reflect back on the work that we did together.  A portfolio allows you the opportunity to think about what you have done, what you have learned, and how you may have changed through the process.  A completed portfolio consists of the following four parts:

Part I:  Journal Prompts  Please select 3 out of the 30 journal prompts that you are most proud of.  For each one, please type out and write a 3-5 sentence reflection piece as to why the prompts that you selected were meaningful.

Part II:  Selected Assignment  Please select one assignment that you are the most proud of from  your writing folder and include it in your portfolio.  Please include a 3-5 sentence reflective piece commenting on:

1.        What did you learn from this assignment?

2.       What did you find most challenging in this assignment?

3.       If you could do this again, what specifically could you improve on?

Part III:  Letter to Students  Please write a one page letter to future students taking this class.  Please give advice on what to expect from me as a teacher, as well as your comments on the activities and assignments that we did in class.  Please make reference to specific assignments and novels in your discussion.

Part IV:  Letter to Yourself  Please write a letter to yourself.  In this letter, please comment on specific areas that you have improved upon while taking this course.  Think about thoughts and feeling that you have had while reading and writing in this class.  Please try and give specific evidence to back up your statements.  You should aim to cover at least three areas of improvement, with three specific examples.  Please also feel free to comment on how you have changed as a person through assignments and class discussions.

 Please include all parts along with this assignment sheet in a manila folder, with your name, date and class clearly marked on the front.  If you do not have one easily available, please see me.

Due Date:____________________

My Comments:

 

Grade:___________________

 

 

Finally, we played freeze pop.  Each of you were given the opportunity to use the TiVo remote, freeze the action of act 2, and insert something comical into the play.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We broke into small groups and designed a modern movie poster for a re-make of Jane Eyre.
You cast the top ten on the back.
We passed these around and wrote fictitious movie quotes.

We looked at a feminist article on what a modern woman (and man) could learn from Jane Eyre.

I passed out my notes on Gothic Lit.

HW:  Please read to pg 272.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We reviewed the play and notes on Shakespeare.

You took a quiz (A Block only)  on Act-1-2

Remaining people recited their Puck Lines.  -10 for each day not ready.

We went to support the Art department by attending All Arts Day.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We reviewed your reading from last night.

We played Three Strikes and You Get a Quiz.  You avoid a quiz by only having one strike.

We looked at the role of women during the Victorian Age.

We played a game on this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/games/victorian_women/index_embed.shtml

I asked you to do a free write:
Imagine that you are Jane and have wandered up to investigate the noises.  Open the door to the room in the attic and describe in first person what you see.  2/3 of a page

HW:  please read to pg 151 (ch 17)

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We defined the language tricks that Shakespeare uses.

We looked at reverse thought, and I played a short clip from Yoda demonstrating this effect.

I asked you to give your own examples for each of the terms.

I broke you into small groups and had you find specific examples from act 1-2.

We reviewed the Puck lines.  These remain due Friday.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We reviewed your reading

We looked at the used of weather in the novel to set mood

We looked at hope and compassion in the school.

We defined classical allusions and looked at 20 allusions in this novel.  We looked at how allusions are used in many movies and popular lit. today

We took a quiz on your notes from yesterday + reading.

HW:  Please read to pg. 119 (ch 14)

Comp. Lit. II

Today:

I gave you notes on the very little facts that are known about Shakespeare.

I gave you notes on:
The Globe
Groundlings
Plays vs. religion
Other forms of entertainment
Throwing food at the end of act 1.

We finished act 2

Reminder:  Puck lines need to be memorized for this Friday.  This is a test grade- so end in greatness!

Brit. Lit.

Today
We looked at the 1st person narration and some of the amateurish style of the writing in Jane Eyre.  I asked to write a 1st person account of the red room from Jane's perspective.  1 page.

We went outside and I encouraged you to find a tree and read for 30 minutes. 

We had a group discussion about:

Jane's rebellious spirit
Boarding school in 1860.
The style of the novel.
questions that you have from the exposition.

HW:  Please read to pg.  85

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

I assigned the last lines by Puck to be memorized for this Friday.

We broke into small groups and converted the lines to modern dialogue.  We performed these in front of the class.

We began acting out act 1.

Due to MCAS using all the computer labs, our letter to Ellie has been moved to another day.