Shakespeare:

Journal Prompt:  Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.  What is the danger of power?  Describe a moment when you were given power.  How did you use it?  1 page

We watched She's the Man- a parody of the play 12th Night.  This will eventually lead to your next major paper.

ipads were delayed one day, so we needed to reschedule the 12th Night music assignment to Friday.

HW:  Please finish act 2.  I smell a quiz Friday, which will also be the last grade of term 1.  As always, end in greatness.....

Brit Lit:

Today:

Do you believe in love at first sight?  Describe your experience with love 1/2 page
Write a 1/2 page love letter fro Lady Macbeth to her husband.    1/2 page

We finished act 4.

I played the Queen is Dead by the 80's group The Smiths.  While we listening, we wrote a suicide letter from Lady Macbeth to the world.

I am afterschool today for anyone that needs to make up work or needs help with the play.

Brit Lit:

Journal:  If you knew that you only had 60 days to live, what things would you do?  What 10 things would be on your "bucket-list?"                                1 page

You each made a 2015 version of the Macbeth stew.

We acted out Act IV.

Shakespeare:

Today:
Journal:  We all have two faces: one we show others, and one that is truly who we are.  Describe your two faces.  When do you show each?    1 page

We went over the 12th Night Music Assignment.

We started act II.

HW:  Finish act II

To make you smile: http://wn.com/the_muppet_show._swedish_chef_reciting_shakespeare_(323)

Shakespeare:

Today:

We started class looking at some of the most interesting lines of the entire play, out of context. 

Journal Prompt:  Please select a line that connects to you and use it to comment on.  1 page.

We reviewed all of the parts in the play.

We played three strikes and you quiz, narrowing escaping a quiz.

I introduced the music project for the play.  These will be due next Friday.

HW:  Please review act I and have act 2 finished for Thursday.

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  Please write a one page spark note- styled explanation for acts 1-3.  1/2 page for each act, 8 main events for each act.

We took your journal entry and broke into three groups.  Each group needed to make it into 32 seconds, deciding what could be taken out.  Video samples below :-)

We acted out act IV sc 1.

Up, up away

https://www.skypixel.com/pilot/videos/shakespeare-2015

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Have you ever lost a person/animal/thing that was especially close to you?  Please describe the experience      1 page

We did a large chunk of Act I.

We took notes on 12th Night, and a Shakespearian Comedy.

We went outside and re-enacted the ship crash.  Drone footage to follow....

HW:  Finish act I.

Brit Lit.

Today:

Journal #17:  RANT!  What is bothering you?  Get it all out.  Writing can be very healing.  1 page

We finished act III.

We finished notes on act III

We again looked at: Reversed word/thoughts/sent.  I showed you a clip of Yoda doing these in Star Wars.

With a partner, find 5 examples in act III.

Shakespeare:

We continued sharing things that you find funny.

We re-enacted the ship wreck at the start of the 12th Night.

We began the play.

Brit Lit:

Journal:
Do you believe in ghosts?  Do you have any good ghost stories made up, or real?  Tell a 2 page ghost story and share.                                                       2pgs.

Act III, sc 4: The ghost of Banquo.  We acted out this scene.

We ended watching the same scene:
http://video.pbs.org/video/1604122998/

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Please describe a time in your life when you were the most alone.  How did you manage these feelings?  What did you do?                                          1/2 page

We went over the 12 comedy terms. 

A few of you shared your funny thing from your HW.  We tried to identify the form of humor from the comedy terms.

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  In act IV, Macbeth goes back to the witches and is given 3 new prophesies.  Please imagine what these might be and make up a scene that reveals three new events from his future.  You may wish to write this as a script.                             1 page

We finished act III, sc 2.

We took notes

We took a quiz on the terms from yesterday and what we have read so far in act 3.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Today we started our look at the comedies.

Journal:  What ten things do you find funny?  Bigger question:  Why do humans need to laugh?  What happens to people when the don't or can't?  Where does funny come from?  1 page

You presented your projects.

I passed out The 12th Night.

HW:  Bring in something to make me and the class laugh.  Can be a joke, a clip, a story, a sound or face.  Tomorrow we begin to look closely at humor. 

Brit Lit:

Journal:  If you were made president/king/all powerful being, what 4 things would you do with you power?  Should you be trusted with that kind of power?  why?     1 page

We looked at and defined terms that make this stuff so hard:  Metaphor, simile, reversed word/sentence/thought, classical allusion.

You came up with your own examples, and found 3 of the 7 in Macbeth.

We read act III sc 1.

Last call on lines

Brit Lit:

You recited the 10 Macbeth lines

We watched the Macbeth movie through the end of act II

Shakespeare:

Today:

Work day #2 on your project.  These will be presented this Friday.

Brit Lit:

Journal: 
What is the greatest lie that you have ever told?  Why did you tell it?  What was the end result?                               1 page

We went outside and performed the death of Duncan scene with fake blood and light sabers.

We covered act 2, scene1-2.

I introduced you to the Beethoven effect and we studied your Macbeth lines.  This is a test grade and will be due this Friday!

Shakespeare:

Today:

I assigned the final project for Hamlet.  This will count as a test grade.

You cast the play:  With a partner, select the 5 main parts and cast them with modern players.  For each one write 2-3 sentences as to why you cast them.. Be specific.

We finished act 4.

I smell a quiz on act 4.......

Shakespeare

Hamlet Final Project

Each of you will need to select from the following projects:

 

1. You act the scene:  Perform one act of the play on stage, in costume (15 minute min.)  Lines must ne memorized.  This will be graded on effort- so give it your all.

 

2. You play the teacher:  Teach a 30 minute class on any aspect of the play.  You have long imagined it, now try it. Much like a real teacher, your aim should be to use varied, interesting instruction.  This must include some form of assessment at the end.

 

3. You make the Movie:  Select one scene from the play and film and edit it. (10 minute min.)  Please only consider this if you have equipment available.

 

4. Hamlet, Part 2.  Create a sequel to the play.  You must have a script and a way (storyboard/painting/powerpoint, etc.) to present it to the class.  (15 min)

 

 

5. Paper: Theme: Select a topic from the play that interests you and write and essay in which you explore the development of that topic throughout the play. Come to a conclusion that you think the play comes to regarding the topic and give clear reasons.

 

Then, in the second part of the essay, personally respond to the topic/theme. Do you agree or disagree with the play regarding the theme? How has that idea been a part of your narrative? Suggested themes:

Morality: the nature of good and evil

Betrayal

Death (murder, suicide)

Power and Politics (corruption?)

Sex (gender issues, love vs. lust)

Love

Friendship and loyalty

Duty/ Responsibility

Revenge

 

Project idea of you own?  See me!  Anything flies.

 

 

Timeline:

Monday and Tuesday = Work days.

 

Wed. = Project due.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We took notes on the Globe

We watched the 15 min doc:  Why Shakespeare?

You were each given a random line from a play and had to read it in a given emotion.

We acted out act 1, sc2-3

Shakespeare:

Today:

Hamlet and the Pirates- the lost scene
In a small group, create a 25-30 line lost scene that explains how Hamlet convinces them to help out and return him to Denmark.  What does he offer?  Please include 5 of the 7 language tricks in your script.

We performed some.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We started with a brief intro to the very few things that we know about Shakespeare.

We paired up and did Shakespearian Insults.

We began Act 1, sc 1, complete with fake blood.

Shakespeare Class: Silent Hamlet

Pinky Fights

Shakespeare:

Thursday:

We started class by sharing your Hamlet pop culture references.

We acted out Act IV, scene 5

We went outside and did:
Pinky sword fights
Different styles of newscasts detailing the events of Act IV. 
Enjoyed the fleeting moments of nice weather.  Winter is coming...

HW:  Have a restful long weekend.

Brit Lit:

Thursday:

We went to the lab and wrote your pilgrimage writing assignment.

We watch two more examples of stories from the Canterbury Tales

You passed in all three parts of the assignment: Prologue Poem, Symbolism sheet, Pilgrimage story.

HW:  Enjoy the leaves and your 4 day weekend.  Tuesday we start the Scottish play.

Shakespeare:

We went over the basics of blocking and stage direction.

You broke into groups and blocked two pages of act 4.

We watched various clips of Hamlet in pop culture.

HW:  Please find an obscure Hamlet reference and present this to class Thursday.  Dig deep....

Brit Lit:

Today:

We reviewed the Pardoner's Tale

We took a quiz on your reading

We finished your symbolism sheet

We defined Chaucer's style:  end rhyme, direct statements, short and to the point. Direct characterization.

We began work on your prologue poem and character title.

HW:  Have an idea for the pilgrimage writing assignment.

Hamlet Grief Paper:

Assignment #1: Hamlet: Grief Session

 

Directions:  You are a psychiatrist and have begun counseling a new patient recently.  In a 500 word min., two- three page typed paper, please file a report on your findings.  Please use specific examples from Acts 1-4 to support you end recommendations.  You are required to look at all of his soliloquies and dialogue, which should be used as direct conversations given in his therapy sessions.

 

Please follow the following rubric:

 

1.)  Start with an opening paragraph which needs to state your overall opinion of Hamlet’s mental state.                                                                           20 points

 

2.)  In your body, please detail textual examples which support your thesis.   

40 points

 

3.)  Please end with a final paragraph restating your diagnosis.  Please end your report with your recommendations.                                                                        20 points

 

4.)  Paper is typed, with proper grammar and punctuation                 20 points                                                        

Shakespeare:

Today:

We picked a character from Hamlet and made a fake Facebook page for them.

I answered paper questions.  Just to recap:  Submit to www.turnitin.com  Use code and password to join.  Please also have your grief examples ready to pass in.  Bonus question can be included in your paper at the end.

We watched an example of revered sentences here:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=yoda+reversed+words&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=B92CEA4D426C29FBC6A8B92CEA4D426C29FBC6A8

What would it sound if not reversed?
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=yoda+reversed+words&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=A88230C2CC382DB1C842A88230C2CC382DB1C842


We did an assignment to change the order of simple sentences and talked about how Shakespeare continues to do this.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We finished A Knight's Tale

We took a quiz on the characters in the Canterbury Tales

We began this assignment:

Make Your Own Pilgrimage…..

 

Over the next week, we will be reading a collection of “tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer.

 

In class we will be looking at his style, and be looking at what a pilgrimage is, and why you would go on one.  Duplicating a writer’s style is one of the hardest tasks that I will ask you to do.  It will require close examination of the language and the way Chaucer tells the tale.

 

Part 1:  The Prologue Poem  In this section, you will write a poem to begin your piece.  In your poem you must:              Give yourself a title as a pilgrim

                                                Write 4-6 Lines.

                                                Emulate Chaucer

 

Part II:  The Symbolic Representation Provide a hand drawn picture, a collage, or a brief descriptive piece which clearly gives a symbolic representation of who you are.  Remember, symbols are common images, which are used to represent much larger things.

 

Part III: The Tale You will write about a pilgrimage that you have been on.

In your Tale, you must:           Write 3 well written paragraphs

Write a tale that includes, Characters, a plot, a setting, a climax, and a conclusion

There is a clear lesson that you learn by the end of the tale.

 

Shakespeare:

I broke you into three groups.  Each group needed to take an act and rehearse it as a silent movie.  All action needs to be shown.

We went down to the stage and performed these.  I filmed it and will put them all together and post on the blog soon.

Brit:

Today:

We looked at characterization.  We defined direct and indirect.

We finished work on our Canterbury character sketches.
You presented these to class and we took notes.  The quiz Monday is based on your notes.

We looked at one of the tales:  A Knight's Tale.

I collected late video game manuals, and journals #1-10.  Please remember that you loose 10 points for each day late.  Please make sure you have them Monday if you did not complete.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We started class with a recent article in the NYT on the line:  The lady doth protest too much me thinks."  You can read this here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world/asia/22china.html?_r=0

We worked through act III

The Conscience of a King:  pg 137 
We broke into small groups and broke this down into 10 main questions.

We finished finding textual evidence for your paper.

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  What makes a good game.  What is your favorite game and why?  Why do you think that we need games and creative play?                                          1 page

We debated the topic of the importance and influence of games.

I played a TED talk on how video games make us smarter:
https://www.ted.com/talks/gabe_zichermann_how_games_make_kids_smarter

We broke into small groups and defined the two pilgrims that I gave you from the C.Tales on giant post-it sheets.  We will present these on Friday.

I collected you video game manuals.  -10 points for each unexcused late day.

Journals are due Friday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We completed more of act III

We watched a film version of the mouse trap scene.

I gave you examples of past Shakespeare projects:

https://vimeo.com/108526333

WBZ report:
https://vimeo.com/51645190

Brit Lit:

Today:

We worked on finishing the outline for your video game manual.

We took a quiz on Chaucer

B Block had time to break into groups and work on character presentations from the Canterbury Tales.

Sir Gawain Video game manuals due Thursday
Journals 1-10 due Thursday

Canterbury Tales

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Think about the character of Hamlet thus far.  How would the character be different if he, were a she?  Please explain you three specific scenes would be different and how.    1 page

Ophelia Tongue lashing activity

Quiz on act 2

Find 5 terms in act 2 in small groups of 3-4

HW:  Continue work on your Hamlet paper.

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  Please write a one page letter to yourself in 8th grade.  What advice would you give your younger self?  Please give yourself three warnings of the future.       1 page

Day 2 of 3 to work on your Video Game manual.  These are due Tues.

Intro notes to the Canterbury Tales.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Have you ever caught someone in a lie?  How did you know that they were not telling the truth?  How did this resolve?                        1/2 page CPA       1 page H

Find lines that support:

Shock denial
pain + guilt
Anger

We made small skits that Hamlet could use to show his uncle's guilt.  These needed to be done with no words- only actions.

We began act III

Reminder: Papers due October 6th.

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  Please describe a time when you made a promise or gave your word.  Did you keep it?  What would have happened if you had not?  Is giving your word still important in this world?  1 pg.

We began working on the outline for you video game manual.  These are due at the end of class on Wed.

Here is the audio recording that I referenced in class if you are still having a difficult time remembering/understanding the story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc4BILHone8

Shakespeare:

Today:

We finished Shakespeare in Love

We acted out act 2

We reviewed the terms from yesterday and looked for them in what we read today.

HW:  Begin finding lines for your Hamlet paper.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We finished and shared the Ballad of U assignment.

We discussed your reading from last night.

Journal Prompt:  Please look at the lyrics of the ballad that you brought in.  Please look again at them from a story telling point of view.  Please write a 20 line ballad from anothers point of view in the story.  What would the bartender feel and see in Billy Joels Piano Man?  If you can't do this, please write a sequel ballad the next day.                                                  20 Lines

We watched:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74glI1lg1CQ

I passed out your next assignment:

 

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: the Video Game

You were graded on the following rubrics:


1.) A cover that has the title of your game and cover art for the game. This section must show effort

 

_______________ 10 points

2.) Weapons page. Detailing at least 5 weapons that you have researched from the 14th century. Please include a picture and detailed 3 sent description for each.  These need to be in your own words.  All weapons needed to be from the time period

 

_______________ 20 Points

3.) Intro page, which summarizes the entire story.   250 words min.

 

________________ 20 Points

4.) 10 Levels. For each, please do the following:

Create a title for the level

Give a 5-10 sentence description of the objective of the level. These also needed to somehow connect to the story in some meaningful way.

 

________________ 30 Points

5.) End boss

Include a detailed picture or description, including the one weakness that allows you to destroy the boss and win the game.

 

________________ 20 Points.

 

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal Prompt:  Please let me know how you are doing in class.  How is the class in general going for you?                                                   1/2 page

I gave you the info for the app Remind.  Please see me if you need the code

We broke into small groups and made a skit showing the stages of grief.  We performed these.

We defined the following terms:

Alliteration
Metaphor
Simile
Reversed Word
Reversed sentence
Reversed Though
Classical Allusion

Quiz: You needed to find three examples in act 1.

HW:  Please read the essay on grief in Hamlet

Brit Lit:

We went to the lib and finished your paper.

We submitted it to www.turnitin.com

HW:  Please bring in lyrics that fit the def of a ballad
Please read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in your Anthology

Shakespeare:

We took a quiz on act 1 and notes.

We watched Shakespeare in Love

We finished up on the Hamlet lines- last call Tuesday.

HW:  Please look over act II

Brit Lit

Today:

A Block: 
Due to some issues with the ipads, we went to the lib to finish work on your Hero's Journey paper.

HW:  Read pgs 42-68  Please take notes- you may use notes on the quiz Tuesday.

B Block:

We made a blues riff and read Sir Patrick Spens.  I had you read Get up and Bar the door with a drum beat.  Both were to help you connect why music and rhythmic patterns emerged in early stories.  We watched three clips of modern versions of Barbara Allen, and then read the original.

We finished Beowulf

Journal Prompt 7:  Please write a movie review for Beowulf.  Include your opinion and also commentary if it followed the hero's Journey and how.  1 page

HW:  Read pgs 42-68  Please take notes- you may use notes on the quiz Tuesday.

Shakespeare:

Wed + Thursday:

We finished and reviewed act one. 

We looked at the framework of a S.tragedy

Most of you recited your to be, or not to be lines.  The remainder will be due Monday.  Be ready!

We watched MST3K and their mocking of a made for TV BW German version of Hamlet.  I loved hearing you all laugh :-)


We ended with this clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7lv1SDzno

Quiz is printed for Monday.  Please review.

Brit Lit:

Wed + Thursday:

We watched the movie Beowulf and looked at how this follows most of the hero's Journey.

We wrote your outline for your paper.

We learned about: Thesis statement, transitional words and phrases and how to write a strong conclusion. 

We passed out ipads and used the online version of Word to type your 1st draft.  I am sorry for those of you that had technical problems with making an account.  Blame Microsoft :-)

Papers were moved to be due at the end of class Monday, but please feel free to log on and work on these from home.  They should automatically be saved to your Microsoft cloud.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  How do you think we should use the ipads in this class?  Please think about the subject and come up with three lesson ideas.                                                                 1page

We made Shakespeare Star Wars Sonnets:
www.shakespearestarwars.com

We worked with a partner and researched three interesting facts to share with the class about Hamlet.

We completed act 1, sc 1

Reminder- 14 lines are due this Wed....tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow....

Brit Lit

Today:

Journal:  If you could have three super powers, what would they be?  For each power, please describe three things that you would do with each.  1 Page

We finished Spot the Kenning.

I collected the sheet I gave you to record each one.

I passed out the ipads and went over the rules.

I assigned each of you an ipad.  This will be yours to use during this class.  Please always use the same number.

I passed out outlines for your paper: 3-5 sentences for each stage.

We went online and researched three different sources.

Outline is due today.

Paper is due this Thursday via Turn it in.

If you tried real hard, imagine how easy school would be.

C Block:  This is what I was referencing in class.
https://vimeo.com/51448053

See if you can follow the scenes in Hamlet.

Shakespeare:

We watched the PBS special:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/shakespeare-uncovered/uncategorized/hamlet-with-david-tennant/

Reminder:  14 lines from Hamlet will be due Wed.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We finished watching the doc Finding Joe.  After watching, what are your dragons? 

We defined what a Kenning is.

I asked you to find three examples of Kennings in the story of Beowulf.  This counts as your quiz today.

Spot the Kenning: We broke into small groups and presented a scene that used three kennings.  For each, I gave you a worksheet to record them.

Shakespeare:

Yesterday:

We paired with a partner and conducted a pre-interview on some of the themes/topics in the play and shared your responses.

We looked at some of the 1500+ words that Shakespeare is credited for inventing.

Journal Prompt:  Please explain how your year is going so far using 10 of the words we covered.

We started Act 1, sc 1 in Hamlet

We took a quiz on Ch 1-3 in Shakespeare Alive!

Today:

We started by learning about all of the things that we know for sure about Shakespeare.  Please familiarize yourself with the key points.

We broke into small groups by rows and converted the 14 lines that you have to memorize into a modern version.

I gave out challenges for the To Be or Not to be speeches.  Reminder- this is a test grade- due next Wed.

Brit Lit:

Yesterday:
Journal Prompt:  Please list 10 of the 12 ways your selected movie/book/story fits the hero's journey

We created an account in Turn it in

We transferred your hero story into turn it in

We further defined the Hero's Journey by watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AG4rlGkCRU
https://vimeo.com/108682934
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8XUVqjX_IA

Today:

Journal:
Joseph Campbell said "Follow your bliss."  What is your bliss?  Is this good advice?  1/2 page

We watched the 1st 1/2 of the doc, Finding Joe.  See me to borrow DVD as it is not online in any form.

We reviewed Beowulf

We took a quiz on your reading.

HW:  Please have the movie/story ready for your outline work Friday.

Shakespeare

Journal #1:  Please describe in detail your experience with Shakespeare- good and bad.  What have you read/seen?  What specifically did you find difficult.  CP= 1/2 page CPA/H 1 page

We watched the 20 min. Documentary, Why Shakespeare?

We ended with Shakespearian insults- each person needed to get up and use three insults.

Brit Lit:

Today:

 Journal #1:  Please write a 1 page creation story that tries to explain the following: Seasons, The sun/stars, death/afterlife.

We discussed why stories change that are told orally.

We passed the story in the hall to show how stories can change and shorten.

We read The Seafarer on Pg 17.  Please look over for HW.