Comp. Lit. II:

We finished acts III-IV

I collected your journals 21-30. 

C Block made Shakespeare snowflakes.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We watched the last groups movie project

We decided what to do with the money raised.

We began to present your sonnet projects.

We did peer evaluations for each.

FLM

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal #30:  Write a journal from the point of view of the monster Caliban.  Explore his anger, his feelings, and his reaction to the events thus far.  +5 if you try and draw him.   1 pg.

We did Shadow Shakespeare.  One person read the line, one acted it out.  Like a shadow.

We finished act 2.

Shakespeare:

Today:

I collected you sonnet comparisons.

We went over the basics for our Film Festival.  We agreed to dress up and bring in treats.  We will accept donations and give money to support a local family that is in need over the holidays.  Good food leads to big donations!

All groups need to have a clean version on either dvd or as a file on a flash drive.  Please preview it.  It should be perfect with no issues.

I can't wait for you all to showcase your appreciation and understanding of Shakespeare!

We went to the computer lab and worked on your Sonnet projects.  These are due on Monday.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal prompt #29:  Do you believe in love at first sight?  Do you believe in fate?  Please explain your experience with both.  H= 1 pg   CP/CPA= 1/2 pg.

We covered Act 2 sc1-3.

We elected a rep to work a sound effect board to use sound effects that added comedy to the scene.  After all, this is a tragic comedy, right?

We laughed, learned and had fun reading words 430 years old.  I told you so.....

Shakespeare:

Today:

We looked at the sonnet based on a problem, followed by a solution.  You each thought about a problem on your mind and wrote an original sonnet.

We looked at Sonnet 130 (WS) vs. Sonnet 15 (E. Spenser)  One pg writing prompt comparing their portrayal of women for HW

We looked at how comedy can be used in Sonnets.  We looked at a sonnet making fun of the rules by Billy Collins.

We spent 30 minutes working on your sonnet project.  You will have the entire class on Thursday.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We used costumes to bring the play and your involvement to life.

We reviewed act 1.

We took a word bank quiz on act 1.

We acted out act 2, sc1-2.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We warmed up with an activity called You Act the Sonnet.  You had to "show" a sonnet as a group with no words.

I showed a few more past examples of the sonnet project.

I shared 4 of my favorite sonnets.

Wed + Thursday will be work days on you project.

Friday is the film fest!

Continue to bring in your secret santa gifts.

Comp. Lit II:

Today:

Why Shakespeare?  We watched a 15 minute video filed with famous actors explaining why the Bard is important to them

We looked at inflection and stress.  You each picked a line from act 1 and I gave each row a challenge.  We proved that to understand Shakespeare, you only need to understand the emotion of the line.

We made either snowflakes, or poems, and filled them with 15 words from act 1 that connect to how you are feeling right now.

Shakespeare:

Get on the mic!  I set up a mic and amp and a stool.  You each had to read the sonnet you selected and explain why you connected to this.  Great job to all that have shared thus far.  We will finish this on Monday.

We made sonnet snowflakes- a snowflake as unique as you, with your sonnet inside it.

I gave permission slips for next Friday.

Comp. Lit. II:

I passed back your Lord of the Flies Exam.

We collected names for secret santa.

We watched Shakespeare in Love, looking for examples from my opening lecture.

I passed out copies of the Tempest.  Please bring to every class for the next 2 weeks.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We previewed the rest of your comedies.

We agreed to do a Secret Santa in class.

We took your sonnet and made it into a pocket poem with the following:
Cover that draws you in.
14 line poem inside
2-3 sent on back explaining your connection to the poem.

We then formed a congo line and decorated the holiday shrub.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal #28:  Please describe your experience with reading/watching Shakespeare.   1 page

We took notes on the Globe

We watched 20 min of Shakespeare in Love to set the stage as we launch into Shakespeare for the next 3 weeks.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We found 5 sonnets and read them.  We shared our thoughts on a few.

We took notes on them.

We defined the sonnet.

We looked at the GG at the end.  I compared it to the power cord in rock.

HW:  Find a sonnet that you connect with.  Have it for class on Tuesday.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We worked in groups and finished your Soundtrack project.  We will be presenting these on Monday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We all finished our projects, but ran short on time to share.  We will be previewing these on Monday, and presenting these at our Shakespeare Film Festival next Friday.

HW:  Begin to look over the sonnets.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We learned how to make a CD booklet using the link that I posted yesterday.

We went to the computer lab for day 2 to work on your Lord of the Flies Soundtrack assignment.

I extended the due date until Monday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We edited your Shakespeare Comedies.  I extended the due date till Monday.

Template for Project

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/cd-or-dvd-case-insert-TC001012985.aspx

or http://design.neato.com/PaperSelect.aspx?Category=2

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

I gave time to anyone needing more time to finish the test.

We finished the BW version of LOTF.

We went to the computer lab and began work on your Lord of the Flies Soundtrack project.

HW:  Continue work on your project.  Due Friday.

Shakespeare:

Last day of filming.  I am afterschool today for any group that needs more time.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We took the test for LOTF.

I collected your books.

Shakespeare:

Today:

You had your final day of filming for your comedy project.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal Prompt #27:  After reading Lord of the Flies, has your opinion of whether people are inherently evil changed in any way?  If so, how?  If not, please give examples to back this up.   1 pg.

We played a review game for the test Tuesday.

HW:  Study notes/review novel

Reminder Soundtrack projects due Friday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Day 4 of 5 filming days.

Projects due Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving.

We have much to be thankful for.  Have a great Thanksgiving Tantasqua.  Beat the Hill for Cusick.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

Journal #26:  Please consider all that we talked about concerning tone.  Please think of the tone and style of a news report.  Read journals 21-25.  Please write a one page news report on the event of your Lord of the Flies experience.

We discussed the ending of the book.

Please make sure that the book is finished by Monday.  Test Tuesday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We had day 3 of 5 work.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

LOTF journal prompt #25.

B Block:  We watched the BW movie version of the book.  At the end I asked you to write an honest movie review.

C Block:  We looked at Symbolism, themes, and the origin of names in the novel.

We reviewed CH 11

HW:  Please finish the book CH 12.

Shakespeare:

Today

Day 2 of 5 filming your Shakespeare comedy movie.  I uploaded some shots from the groups that used the pool today.  It is fun watching you have fun with Shakespeare :-)

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We started off with another Lord of the Flies themed journal prompt.

We reviewed 9-10 from last week.

We took a storyboard quiz on ch 9-10

I assigned the LOTF CD soundtrack project:

 

As a conclusion to our Lord of the Flies unit, your tribe will be creating a partial soundtrack for the book. As with any soundtrack, you should choose music to represent the mood and the feel of the text. You will also create a CD cover and creative liner notes to be enjoyed while listening to the CD.

 

With your group members you should:

 

v Choose your songs. As a group, you should decide on songs that represent each of the chapters of the novel (pick 2 chapters and so 2 songs total for each person in your group – each chapter can only be covered once in a group).  You can consider the lyrics of the song or simply the style and mood of the song. Be sure to choose music that is appropriate for the class. If you wish, you may write and perform a song for your CD.

 

v Create liner notes. Design liner notes that list the songs you have chosen with the information for the song and an explanation for why you chose each song. Your explanations should clearly demonstrate an understanding of the text and explain your rationale for choosing each song. You should have parenthetical citations referencing a specific moment in the text that you are trying to capture the feel of. It is not enough to simply say, ”this is the chapter where there is the fire…” Therefore, an “A” explanation would refer to specific points in the chapter and clearly describe the connection to the song. Your liner notes should also include the lyrics for each song.

v Design a CD cover. Design an original CD cover for your soundtrack. You can create images by hand or you can use a computer.

 

v Burn an actual CD of your soundtrack. Compile your song choices onto a CD to turn in along with your liner notes.

 

v Present your CD to the class. We will play selections of CDs during class.

 

 

 

 

Shakespeare:

Today:

I treated you to donuts for the food drive collection.

I went over the basics of film:
Stabilize your shot
Good clear audio
Multiple takes and marking shots
Storyboards

Most groups began filming.

HW:  Please continue to work on your comedies.

Comp. Lit. II

Today:

We looked at The Simpsons take on the novel Lord of the Flies.

We watched the following:

Verbal Irony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiR-bnCHIYo

Dramatic Irony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZFYuX84n1U


Situational Irony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqg6RO8c_W0

We looked at the song Ironic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jne9t8sHpUc


We broke into groups of two and found four examples in Lord of the Flies of each of the different forms of Irony.


HW:  Please make sure that you are up to ch 11 in your reading.  Extra credit if you go support the cast of Anything Goes.  Please bring in a page from the program as proof and be able to answer one simple question about the play.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We had our last work day on the script.

We raised 90 cans for the food drive.  Great job helping those in need.

We did group evaluations.  If you have any specific concerns or problems in your group, please come see me.  This is a group project- pull your weight and contribute!

HW:  Make sure your script is good to go for Monday.  We will begin filming next week!

Comp. Lit. II:

B Block:  We started with the third Lord of the Flies prompt and selected another from your group to be removed.

We looked at a LOTF flash game online that introduced us to the origin of the names, themes, and symbols in the novel.
You can play this at home here:
http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/literature/golding/lof.html

We reviewed ch 8.

We took a quiz on 7-8

We Looked at Irony: Verbal, dramatic and situational.

HW:  Please read ch 9 + 10.  No HW over the weekend.

Shakespeare:

We had day 4 of 5 to construct your script.  Reminder- goal is to finish by this week.

The Evil Inside

Comp. Lit. II:

Journal Prompt:  Lord of the Files Journal day 2 (b Block) 3 (c Block)  1 page.

We finished your textual analysis of light and darkness in the novel and presented your best example to the class and explained why you selected it.

We looked at the title of ch 7- Shadows and Tall Trees.  We looked at the song of the same name by U2.  We discussed how their lp Boy was inspired by many of the themes that we have been looking at.  What music do you listen to that might be inspired by a poem or novel?

We reviewed ch 7.

HW:  Please read CH 8.  Quiz on 7-8 Thursday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Work day 3 on your script.  These will be check Friday.  Please continue to work for that as your goal.  You are only as good as your script!  We will also be doing secret group evaluations- so please make sure that you contribute.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We completed your Lord of the Flies creative journal.

We reviewed ch 5-6.

We took a quiz on your reading.

We looked light and darkness in small groups and presented your findings to class.

HW:  Please read ch 7.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Work day #2 on your movie project.  Each group should have read/watched/reviewed their play.

Act 1 due today.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We finished our class debate on whether people are born good or evil.

C Block:  I passed your journals back and we worked on our survivor series of journal prompts.  Today, describe two rules that were broken and the consequences of this.  1 page.

HW:  Please read ch 6.  Expect a quiz on ch 5-6 Tuesday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We had a quiz on the comedy terms from Shakespeare.

We broke into your movie project groups and wrote out act 1.

HW:  Please make sure that you watch/review the play that you selected.  You should understand this and know it well.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We went down to the lib and worked on your final draft.  Specifically, we focused on:

The Rubric
Transitional words
A strong underlined thesis.

B block : we prepped the debate

C Block:  we had our debate.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We had 80's day.  This was the reward for winning the Othello review game.  I hope that it was fun. 

FLM episode 5

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We finished our peer review.

We reviewed ch 4.

We took a quiz on ch 4.

We watch Golding discuss good and evil in the novel:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=william+golding&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=17003B06C25CA51BBB7B17003B06C25CA51BBB7B

We discussed whether we are inherently good or evil. 

We broke into two sides and began to prep for the debate.

HW:  Please read ch 5.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We picked our groups for the project.

You selected the play.  I gave most groups a copy of the script and a film version.

You passed in a rough idea sketch.

HW:  Plan and implement 80's day.

Comp. Lit II:

Today:

We reviewed ch 1,2,3

We took a quiz on ch 3.

We took notes on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.  We will be looking at this and how it connects to Lord of the Flies.

I went over how to cite the internet using MLA

We revisited your papers from last week and did a peer edit using the rubrics given.

HW:  Please read ch 4.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We started off looking at the things that make us laugh.

We shared things that you find funny.

We discussed what time can do to comedy.  Specifically, would any of the things that you shared today still be funny 400 year's from now?

We defined the following terms:
Verbal Irony
Dramatic comedy
Situational Irony
Oxymoron
Comic Relief
Malapropism
Slapstick
Pun

I assigned the Shakespeare Movie project:

Over the next two exciting weeks, you will be working to produce a modern/classical version of any Shakespeare comedy.    We will be breaking this assignment into two parts.  At the end of each week, I will be asking each group to evaluate their performance, and I will also be giving you a weekly grade based on observations.  Translation:  If you do nothing your grade will reflect this. 

 

Each group should have the following parts assigned:

 

Director: Overseas all elements of production.

Actors:  Must learn lines, and have acting ability and also write script  You may need to play multiple parts.

Camera/filming/sound person, also write script.

Editors (knowledgeable in imovie, Final Cut, or other video editing program) 

 

 

Week One: November 13- 20:  Script Construction:

Over the next week, you will have one day to convert each scene and make your master cue-card script.  You  will be given a large over-sized note board to write your lines.  You will need to keep on task to complete this in the week given. 

 

November 13:  Watch a comedy in class as an example

November 14: Agree to play and parts.  Decide whether you are doing a modern or classical version, or something in between. Read/watch/discuss play over the weekend.

 

November 17:  Act 1 script construction.  You will be given an oversized sticky note board.  You must have a script that is followed 100%.  You can’t change your script, so make sure that you create a strong one.  If you are making these modern, you will most likely need to convert the lines.  If you choose to do these with the original language, you will need to decide what to keep and what to cut.  Do not cut anything that fundamentally changes the play.

 

November 18:  Act 2 Script construction.  Act 1 + 2 due at the end of class.

 

November 19:  Act 3 + 4 Script

 

November 20:  Act 5 script + rehearse All script writing is due at the end of the block.

 

 

Week Two:  November 21-26  filming:

You will have 2 days to film, and 2 days to edit.  Please make sure that you follow a schedule and use your time wisely. You may wish to divide your group, so you can edit and film during the same days. 

 

 

 

Final movie Due December 1

Comp. LIt. II:

Today:

Intro activities to Lord of the Flies:

We started on a plane trip as a class.
We crashed on an island in the pacific.
We salvaged 5 things from the list that you packed.
You selected your survival group.
You picked 5 of the 10 items from my list of supplies.
You discussed 5 rules and the consequences if broken.

These will be the basis for your journal writing.

HW:  Please read ch 1 2 3 in Lord of the Flies.

Shakespeare:

Today:

I gave 15 minutes to those needing more time to finish the test from Friday.  If you missed this, please make up asap.

We began our look at the comedies.  I showed you a pbs doc on them.  You can watch this here:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/shakespeare-uncovered/video/the-comedies-with-joely-richardson/

 

Hw:  Please bring in something funny.  Suggestions:  movie/youtube clips, music, pictures, jokes.  We will be trying to define comedy through these on Wed.  Make these good and appropriate for school.

Lit. Comp. 2:

Today:

We went to the library and finished your 5 paragraph essay.

If you did not finish and need more time, please use the weekend to get it done.

Up next....what happens if you have a group of pre-adolescent boys, without adult supervision, on a deserted island?  Get ready for Lord of the Flies....

Shakespeare:

We took the test for Othello today.

I collected your scripts.

We will start a new play Monday- no more tragedy.  Get ready to laugh a bit as we explore the comedies.

Changing Education Paradigms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

Comp. Lit. II:

We looked at a few more pieces of research for your paper:

Effect on childhood development:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/money/science-and-tech/new-technology-causes-concern-about-effect-on-childhood-development

Connected, but Alone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Xr3AsBEK4

The Effect of Technology on Teens:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYMAULd2vhg

Can Technology Change Education?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0s_M6xKxNc

We went to the computer lab to begin working on your paper.

Shakespeare:

Today in class we played a review game for the test.

You wisely chose to stop and walk away with 80's day.  We will do this next Friday.

We went over the questions on the test.  It is all essay and you have the questions.  As you may use any of your own notes, I would encourage you to use tonight to work on the questions and put together an outline.

Here are the questions to consider:
Directions : H: Please answer three of the following questions. CPA: Please answer two.

1. Essay #1 In a well written essay in the space provided, please discuss what weaknesses Othello has that make it easy for Iago to make him crazy with jealousy. What other circumstances contribute to the success of Iago’s plan? Please make sure that you use specific examples.

Essay #2 The movie “O” tried to modernize the story of Othello in a high school situation. Please look at the characters in the movie. Which ones were changed or amplified? How were they changed? Please discuss what was the cause of these changes.

Essay #3 Please consider one line that if taken out of the play, would change the play completely. What line would you remove? Please explain everything that it would alter.

Essay #4 Please describe in detail Act 5 of the play. Your focus should be on how all conflicts were resolved. What conflicts were left open? You should also examine the main 5 characters and detail what happens to each at the end of the play as part of your answer.

Essay #5 Iago is a complex and interesting character. Please examine his actions throughout the play and discuss how he successfully set up all of the main characters in the play.

Essay #6 If you had to remove 4 parts of the play that would not alter the main story, what parts would you remove and why?

Sherry Turkle on TED.com

Connected, but alone?
Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone?

 

Comp. Lit. II research links

Here are links to some of the videos that you may wish to use as part of your research:

http://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_jayne_blakemore_the_mysterious_workings_of_the_adolescent_brain

https://vimeo.com/55298815

http://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

http://medcitynews.com/2013/09/technology-messing-body-mind/

http://www.pnas.org/content/106/37/15583.full

You may also use your own.  Reminder H need one medical journal as a source.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We went over the structure of a 5 paragraph essay. 

We started with your thesis.

We then worked on a hook to pull your reader in.

We looked at a broad comment that could be added between these.

We wrote your introductory paragraph.

Shakespeare

Today:

We finished O.  We talked about how a modern version of Shakespeare can open him up to a new audience.  Specifically I asked you to think about how the basis of his stories are often used to craft new ones.

As a strong contrast, we then looked the final scene done with classical language.  We talked about the differences. 

We talked about the power of the final scene.  It is one of his best.  When Iago says that he will never speak again I still get a sick feeling in my stomach. 

I called you up and had a conference with each of you and showed you your grades for term 1.  Keep up the hard work.

HW:  Please make sure that you have finished the play.

Comp. Lit. II:

Today:

We watched:
http://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

I walked you through the intro powerpoint for your paper.

We went to the computer lab and researched 3 articles that you could use as support in your paper.
H students:  One of these must be a medical journal.

HW:  Please read all articles and star the best.  Be prepared to share Tuesday.

Shakespeare

Today:

We started off sharing your strawberry handkerchief children story.

We looked at the movie up to act 5.

We took notes on the mega long act 3, sc 3.  I mean that thing never ends....

HW:  Please share the permission note with your parents.  Have act V completed by Wed.