Brit Lit:

Today I went over the setup for your paper.

Outlines were due.

We went to the computer lab for work day 1of 3

Hero's Journey explained

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDx2o8e8sH8

Turn it in codes:

A Block:  Login- 14596743  Password-savage

B Block: Login 14596763  Password-savage

C Block: Login- 14596756 Password- savage

Please use these to link to your class.  See me with any questions.

Brit Lit.: Good food for assignment...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8XUVqjX_IA

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Boo!  Do you believe in ghosts?  Have you or anyone that you know ever seen a ghost?  Any good ghost stories?       1/2 page

We began Hamlet- intro notes

Who's there?  2 word start to the play.  We discussed the importance of the first scene.  If the groundlings were no entertained, you were pelted with rotten food.  We each did or best to created two words to begin a play.  We pelted some of the bad ones with fake food and guts.

We began acting act 1.

HW:  Read ch 5 in Shakespeare Alive!!!!!

Brit Lit.

Today:

MEGA Journal:  Following the stages of the Hero's Journey, please write an original hero based story.  Your short story must include all stages.    2-3 pages.

We shared what you wrote with another person in class.  Each of you then had to id with a color marker each of the stages.

We finished the outline for your paper and were given additional time to research your topic.

You will have Tuesday-Thursday to write your 4-5 page paper in class.

We set up Turnitin.com for you to submit all major writing assignments electronically.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Revenge can be sweet.  Please describe a time when you or someone that you know got revenge.  You may wish to write about more than one event.      1 pg

Acting Games Day 2: Fractured Fairy Tales

Lecture on Globe vs. the Church.

Brit. Lit.

Today:

Journal:  If you had 3 super powers, what would you pick and how would you use them?  At the end make sure to give yourself a super-hero name.       1/2 page

I assigned the Hero's Journey paper- Final due next Friday.  You will have three class days to write this where I can help you if you are having difficulty.

We finished the Doc. Finding Joe.

We used the sheet that I gave you to outline the movie/book/game that you selected for your paper.

Shakespeare:

Today:

You took a quiz on reading: ch 1-3

We paired up with a partner and conducted our Hamlet anticipation interviews with a student that you don't know yet.

We went over your responses.

I passed out Hamlet.

We played a few rounds of acting games to break the ice and introduce your to some terms.

Brit Lit.

Today:

Journal:  If you could have 3 super powers, what would you pick and why?  How would you use each power.  End your prompt giving yourself a super hero name.    1/2 pag

I lectured on Joe Campbell.

We looked at his research with the Hero's Journey.

HW:  Find a story that follows this and consider how it follows the formula.

We began watching the doc. Finding Joe.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal #2:  What movie/book do you feel will still be interesting and important in 400 years?  What specific ideas will hold up?  What things will still work?  What is the only remaining thing was a script?               1/2 pg

We looked at the bad words and phrases that Shakespeare uses.  Each of you were asked to stand up and select three of these to use to insult another student.

We defined inflection.

I gave you each a line from a different play.  Using the inflection of your voice, you were asked to read these with the emotion challenge that you were given.

We looked at the very limited amount of info that we know about W.S.

HW:  Read ch 1,2,3 in Shakespeare ALIVE!!!!  Quiz Thursday....

We ended class watching the 10 min doc: Why Shakespeare?

Brit Lit.:

Today:

A block finished yesterdays journal.
C Block:
What is a hero?  who are your hero's and why?  1/2 page.

We read pgs 2-15 on the Anglo Saxton invasion.

We defined, Alliteration, Kenning, and Caesura.

We finished the Seafarer.  C Block:  Find two examples of terms.

We played telephone:  I started a story that went around the class, showing the need for the written word.  Stories change and are diminished each time they are retold. 

Shakespeare:

I gave you a study guide for your final exam.

We watched The Taming of the Shrew.

Brit Lit:

Today I passed out a sheet detailing and explaining the 4 parts of your final portfolio.

We went to the lab to work on the Victorian fiction question.

You will have the last 3 class days to work on completing your portfolio.

I am afterschool today for anyone that is missing work or needs extra help- including college essay help.

Shakespeare:

We shared your findings on the Sonnet that you researched and discussed yesterday.  We broke into a circle and took a close look at each.

We began our last unit: The Taming of the Shrew.  We began watching 10 Things that I hate about You- a modern retelling of the story.

Brit Lit:

Today:

I collected your HW questions on Wuthering Heights

I passed out the Victorian Literature section of the final.  You will have amble time to complete this in class next week.

We watched part one of Wuthering Heights.  If you were absent, this is on You tube.  Just search for the PBS version so that we are all on the same page.

End in greatness!

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Dream Catching- Please take 5 words/ideas/images from Friday and work them into a 14 line sonnet.

You teach the sonnet:
I broke you into small groups and asked you to analyze the sonnet given.  I gave each group a worksheet designed to facilitate discussion. Each group received a grade for this.

After lunch, we moved the room into a circle and had a poetry discussion.

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal #38:  You are Jane.  Please write a one pg journal in 1st person detailing your time with Mr. Rochester.

We finished Jane Eyre.

We learned about her sister Emily Bronte (pg. 910)

We read the 1st ch of her novel Wuthering Heights (pg. 912-921)  After, please answer questions 1-4 on pg 921.  If you did not finish these in class they were HW.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Write a 14 line sonnet following the rules.  Suggested themes:  Love, Death, seasons, change, or anything you have on your mind.     14 lines.

You act the Sonnet:  In small groups you were given Shakespeare's most famous sonnet and tasked with showing through acting and props each line.  What was difficult about showing feeling?

Magnet Sonnet:  You were given a handful of words and asked to write a sonnet including all words.  I will share the best on the blog....

Brit Lit:

Today:

I gave those that did not complete their HW for any reason (including technical) to submit their poem using the ipads.  Some read their Victorian poem on the mic.  If you did not email me a recording or read it to the class, this goes in as a zero on a quiz. 

We learned about Charlotte Bronte on pg 922 in the anthology.

We discussed 1st person narration and the limits that often come with it.

We read the first ch of her most famous novel, Jane Eyre.

We ending class with a journal prompt based on the CH:

Journal:  Jane is sent in fear to the Red Room for her unjust punishment.  From 1st person point of view, please write a one page account of what happens in the red room.  Please describe this room in great detail from Jane's perspective.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We finished presenting your sonnet slideshows.

Pass the Sonnet:  We each started a line of a sonnet and passed them around 14 times each contributing a line that connected to the theme which also followed the rhyme pattern.  We then had the original writer share what emerged.

Question:  Should art be a collaboration or an individual form of expression?

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  Mind dump.  Please write about all the things that are on your mind today.   1 pg

We broke back into our Victorian Fiction groups and finished researching your topic.

Each group presented their findings via the ipads and google slides.

HW:  Find a poem from the Victorian age and read it into a recording device.  Send audio file to cusicks@tantasqua.org 

Shakespeare:

Today:

We presented our sonnet projects to the class.

Brit Lit.

Today:
Welcome back.  I hope that you had a restful and fin break.

Journal Prompt:  Discuss your hopes in the new year.  Please write about three different things- including one that is not about yourself.

I gave you notes on the characteristics of the Victorian Age.

I broke you into 5 groups to complete the following:

Directions:  Please research the topic that you group was given.  Your end product should be a powerpoint presentation.  Know your audience- try and make it multimedia and visually interesting.  You will present these at the end.

Topic 1:  Living in the Victorian Age

What was day to day like during this time?  Please look at social, political, and domestic problems.  Some possible ideas:  electoral reform, Corn laws of 1846, Rights of women, future of Ireland. Please do part of this as a narrative describing the conditions of a single person, describing what daily life was like for you.

Topic 2:  Religion and science

Please research evangelicalism, The Oxford Movement, YMCA, Darwin, Social Darwinism.  What was the conflict between the two?  Did this have an impact on the literature of the time?  What were some of the advancements in science that cause tension in the church?

Topic 3:  Victorian poetry

Who were the major poets of this time?  What characteristics do these poems share?  Find three examples and present to class with a picture for each that corresponds with the central theme.

Topic 4:  Victorian Fiction

Please explain romanticism, realism, and naturalism.  Please choose 3 literary works.  For each, what specifically made them Victorian?

Topic 5:  Victorian Fashion

Please present the different fashions of the time.  As this is visual, please make sure to include drawings/pictures.

The Holiday EP from Memories in High Def on Vimeo.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We had our last workday for you multimedia based sonnet project.  These are due before break.  We will present on Jan 3rd.

HW:  Secret santa gifts.

Brit Lit.

Today:

We had a final day to complete your gothic lit based short stories.  These are due Friday.

HW:  Please remember your wrapped gift if you are participating in our class secret santa Friday.

Sonnet tree in Shakespeare class.

Shakespeare

Today:

We went to the lab to begin work on your sonnet project.  You will have 2 class days to complete.  These are due by this Friday.

Brit Lit.:

Today:

We went over the characteristics of Gothic Lit.  I assigned a short story based on these.  You will have 2 class days to complete.

We had work day 1 of 2 in the computer lab to write these.

A block Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Time lapse of B block doing Mannequin Challenge for Rime of the Ancient ...

B Block: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Mannequin Challenge

Shakespeare:

Today:

I gave you notes on the sonnets.

We shared some of the sonnets that you selected.

We made pocket book sonnets and then used them to decorate the holiday shrub.

I assigned the sonnet project- due at the end of class Thursday.

We looked at previous examples of the project.

Brit Lit:

Journal:  Why do we often enjoy being scared?  What things scare you?  Please explore three things.  1/2 pg

We finished Frankenstein.

I gave you a handout on Gothic lit.  This will be the template for the story that you will write in class over the next 2 days. 

HW:  Please read over Gothic lit terms.

Shakespeare:

We presented your Othello-origin children stories.

We had the last day for your mannequin Challenge.

I passed out Sonnet books.

HW:  Read and find a sonnet that connects to what you are feeling.

Brit. Lit.

Today:

Journal:  Many areas of science carry both benefits and dangers.  What such areas in our own age can you name (at least 3)?  Which areas of science should we never explore and why?  Give reasons 1 page

We read the intro to why Shelley wrote Frankenstein pgs 744-747.

We watched Young Frankenstein.

I introduced our next project before break: Gothic Stories :-)

Shakespeare:

Today:  You took the Othello exam.

Brit Lit.

Today:

I passed back journals #21-30.

I passed back your Macbeth exam- great job on these.  You continue to make m very proud.

We looked at the 1931 version of Frankenstein.

Shakespeare:

Today:
I gave you a review sheet for the essays on Fridays exam.  You may outline this and use this to assist your writing. Please shoot me an email if you were not in class and want a copy: cusicks@tantasqua.org


We postponed our children's theater as we were missing many due to field trips. We will try and complete these after the test.

We finished watching Othello as review for the test.

HW: Test is still on for tomorrow.  Please review the play. Please finish any final work on converting Cintio's Tale into a children's tale.

Brit Lit.

Today:

A Block answered questions 2-7 at the end of Paradise Lost.  I counted this as a quiz.

I introduced Frankenstein.

We watched a doc on how Shelly wrote such a crazy tale at 19 in a world with no female writers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7MDJNmI13A

Shakespeare:

Today:

We broke into your groups and finished converting the origin of Othello into a children's' story.

After lunch we presented these to the children :-)

HW:  Please finish the play.  Test Thursday- please review.

Brit Lit:

Today:

A Block completed their poet research project and presented these to the class.  After the presentations, we took a quiz on this.

We covered the poems in the anthology from these poets.

B Block: We began Paradise Lost.  After reading, please answer questions 2-7.

HW:  Read/finish/review Paradise Lost.

Feels Like Monday

Feels Like Monday is an afterschool club that meets once a week to write and film original episodes that take place in a highly fictional world.  You can find the first 4 episodes that we made this year at: http://feelslikemonday.com

Shakespeare:

We took a quiz on act IV

We read the first 1/2 of Cinthio's Tale- the origin story to Othello.  We discussed the many differences, specifically with the character of Iago.

HW:  Please finish story at home.

Assignment:  Please take the tale and convert it into a story meant for children.  Options suggested:

Storybook with pictures, read to class

Act out scenes from story with narration

Use the program Storyboard that to make a cartoon of the tale.

Extended HW:  Please have act 5 completed for Thursday.

Brit Lit:

Today:

As we launched into our poetry unit, we started by watching the movie that inspired me to want to teach: Dead Poets Society.

After the movie, we looked at poems that were used in the movie.

Shakespeare:

Today:  You had a workday for your mannequin challenge project.

We began looking at a film version of Othello.  How did you find the way they presented Iago?

Brit Lit.

Today:

We finished The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Something to make you smile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go2qFO2IWog

The poem in pop culture:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rime_of_the_Ancient_Mariner_in_popular_culture

A Block took a quiz on the poem and finished their mannequin challenge.

We broke into groups and each researched the following poets:  Shelley, Keats, Yeats, Lord Byron, Coleridge.  Each then presented their findings using airplay on the ipads. 

As we launch into our poetry unit, I will be showing you the movie that made me want to be a teacher, Dead Poets Society.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Before lunch I gave you workday 3 of 5 to continue piecing the story of Othello with a series of Mannequin shots.

After lunch, you were given another groups blocking of act IV sc 1 and asked to perform it using the blocking notes.

We continued with act IV

Your She's the Man papers are graded and on turnitin.  Please double check that yours was submitted, as there were a few that did not submit a paper.  No paper, no grade...

Brit Lit:

Today:

We read the Rime of the Ancient Mariner and had our first look at the romantic movement.

We rocked out to the Iron Maiden version of the same poem.  Can art inspire art?

We took the story and told it via the Mannequin challenge.  2 of you were cast as "directors" and the rest were characters telling the story in 10 mannequin frames.

We took a quiz on the story as time permitted.

I collected Macbeth.  Make up test this Thursday afterschool.

Shakespeare:

You had work day 3of 5 to work on your Othello Mannequin challenge.  The goal for today was to film up to the end of 3.

HW:  Please review act 3- kahoots quiz Tuesday.

Brit Lit.

We wrapped up our Macbeth unit finishing some of the movies we looked at.  Make sure you have your Macbeth scripts Tuesday- I will be collecting these.

You will all need your big Anthology book Tuesday as we get back to work.

Make up test will be this Thursday afterschool.  If you were absent on Friday, please plan on being there to make up, as progress report grades close Friday.

Shakespeare:

We watched O, a modern retelling of Othello.

Brit. Lit.

Today:

We took the Macbeth Exam.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We took a quiz on your reading from act 3

I passed out movie permission sheets for the movie O.  We will be watching this Friday.  Please share with those at home and let me know if they have any concerns.

I gave you a sheet of personality traits- you needed to select 10 and find textual evidence to support each trait (10)

I gave you 15 min to work plan for you mannequin challenge.

We looked at act III sc III and played with different ways Emilia can be played.

Brit Lit:

I collected any late journals.  -10 points each late day.

In small groups, you wrote 10 multiple choice questions for the play, circling the correct answer.

We played the review game:  Who Wants to Win a Pizza Party.  A block won a 3 day paper extension, B block won 80's day with donuts.

We went over the format of the test and the essay.  You may use these notes Friday.  End in GREATNESS!

Shakespeare:

Today:

We updated the req. of the project.

We formed groups and completed mannequin shots for act 1+2.

We acted out act 3 sc 1-3

HW:  Have journals ready and finish act 3.  Quiz wed. and journals will be collected.

Brit. Lit.

Today:

Journal:  Pick ONE of the four days that we had off.  Describe in extreme detail each and EVERY thing that you did that day.  From the time you woke up, till when you fell asleep.     1 page

We finished act IV and started act V.

We reviewed a Shakespearian tragedy and how important act V is.

We imagined that we were lady Macbeth and wrote a one page suicide note.

3 is the magic #.  We looked for some of the over 80 examples of the number 3 in the play.  Why does this number have power and repeats in fairy tales, religion and stories?

We caught up on notes.

HW:  I will be collecting journals.  We will have a test on the play Thursday.  Please work on both if needed.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We started with a journal prompt to wake up our minds:

Journal:  Please imagine that you are Iago.  Complete a one page diary entry describing all of the events in the first two acts.

We completed Act 2.

We took a quiz on act 2

I assigned:

Othello Mannequin Challenge 2016:

Directions:  For our next class project, we will be jumping on the mannequin challenge bandwagon and attempt to show the entire story of Othello with a series of frozen shots.  You will break into small groups and be responsible for the entire play.  You should have AT LEAST have one mannequin shot for each scene- but you may need more.

Each group will be graded on the following rubric:

Costumes and props:  Each person in your group used a costume and props to show the character playing.  Even if you are a bystander, my expectations are that you are all in costume and used props when needed.                                                                                                          __________ out of 20 points

 Understanding of Play/scene:  Your shots should show a complex understanding of the main and sub plots, characters and their motives/feelings. These should be obvious and understandable to those that have not seen the play.                                                                                        __________ out of 20 points

 Edit:  You placed your scenes in the order of the play and listed with text, or voice, the act and scene before each.                                                                                                          __________ out of 20 points

 Effort:  Each mannequin scene showed effort.  Each person should remain frozen at all times and each scene shows that time was spent organizing the shot.  This includes multiple takes if needed.                                                                                                     __________ out of 20 points

 Completion:  At the end of the assignment, your mannequin Othello must tell the entire story.  The minimum should be one shot for every scene of the play.  All shots were edited together and submitted via you tube, vimeo, or on media (DVD or Flash drive.                    __________ out of 20 points

 

Final Grade: _____________ out of 100 possible points.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We completed peer edits and filled out the check sheet that I gave you offering meaningful comments and suggestions.

We went to the computer lab to make changes/finish your final draft and print. 

A completed project includes:  Final draft, 1st draft, peer edit sheet, outline of paper.

HW:  If you did not finish, please email it to me tonight: cusicks@tantasqua.org

Othello Still

Brit. Lit.:

Today:

We went to the computer lab to work on your Macbeth paper.  I have extended the due date to Monday. 

HW:  Have a wonderful break.  Spend quality time with those you love and eat till you can't see straight.

Brit Lit:

Sir Patrick Stewart discusses playing Macbeth:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/macbeth-a-conversation-with-sir-patrick-stewart/1022/

Shakespeare:

Today:

We defined a herald.

Journal:  Please write a herald announcing something school related to the class.   1/2 page

We each went around the room and announced your herald to the class.

We acted out act 2 sc2.

We took a mannequin shot of a scene from the party.  In your still shot, you needed to show each character and make their traits recognizable.  You shared these to: cusicks@tantasqua.org

Brit. Lit.:

Today:

We looked at the similarity and differences between the two modern versions of Macbeth and the original.

We completed the outline that I gave you.

I assigned a short paper that we will complete before break.  You have today and tomorrow as work days.

HW:  Complete outline/rewatch movie/begin paper

Brit Lit:

Today:

We watched a modernized version of Macbeth.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  If you had unlimited resources to throw a victory party, how would you plan your party?  1/2 pg

We finished building your Othello Kahoots! quizzes.

We played the best 3.

We planned for 80's day.  If you are bringing things in, please do not forget!

We began act 2.

Brit Lit.

Today:

Journal:  Please think about the three new prophecies.  For each one, explain how YOU think each will come true.                           1/2-1 page

We finished making your own Kahoots! Macbeth quiz.

We played the best three games.

We looked at the 2015 ver of Macbeth and how they depicted the witch scene.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  If you could live in any decade of time, which would you select and why?  What group would you connect to?  What would be your style?   1 pg.

We review your reading/act 1.

We broke into small groups and made a kahoots quiz on act 1.

We took a quiz on act 1.

HW read act 2 sc1+2.

Brit Lit.:

Today:

Journal:  Please describe a time when you were telling the truth, but nobody would believe you.  1/2 pg

We played three rounds of Kahoots! to review acts 1-4.

We made our own kahoots quiz in small groups.  A block will take B block and vice versa.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal prompt:  Please describe a time when you defied your parents.  Why did you hide the truth.  What was the end result.  Would you do it again?                       1/2 page

We planned 80's day.

We acted out act 1, sc 2-3

HW:  Please finish act 1 for HW. 

Brit Lit.

Today:

Journal:  Free write.  Please write about any three things on your mind.   1 page

We broke into small groups to answer some of Malcom's suspicions of Macduff.  Using the 11 lines given, I asked you to respond to each point as Macduff.  I collected these and counted as a quiz.

We did a large chunk of act 4 sc 3.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Imagine that you are a diff. race or religion.  Think about the many ways that your life would change.  Would it be better or worse.  What problems would you have that are "new"?

We acted out Act 1 in Othello.

Brit Lit.:

Today:

Journal:  "The very firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of my hand."  -Macbeth  But are 1st thoughts always best?  Think about times when you did not think before you acted.  Would it have been best to think before you acted.  Please describe the situation.     1pg

Act IV sc1+2

We came to the worst line Shakespeare ever wrote:  Mother they have killed me.."

We took notes

We took a quiz on the start of act IV.  This was the first new grade of the term- start strong!

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  We don't always get what we deserve.  Please describe a time when an award or recognition went to somebody else instead of you.  How did you feel?  Did you want revenge?   1/2 pg

Othello, like all Shakespeare plays begins with an exciting scene to capture our imagination.  In the case of Othello, this is a drunk argument.  Each of you had to take a line of insult and learn it.  We then challenged another student and yelled it at them.

We had our first round of Othello Fridays...just on a Thursday.  We will be playing three rounds of this.

Have a great, safe weekend.  We will hit the ground running on Monday, recharged and ready to learn.

Brit. Lit.

Today:

Journal:  Please describe a time that you could not hide your feelings.  You may choose to write about more than one event.    1 page

I passed back assignments and your Macbeth quizzes.

We watched the death of Banquo scene in the 1972 ver. of the Scottish play.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Jealousy is the green eyed monster.  How has jealousy effected your life or those around you?    1/2 page

We finished Shakespeare High

We started Othello

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  Act IV marks our final moment of suspense.  What do you think will be the new three prophecies?  For each, please be specific on how these will directly impact the play.  Remember, this is a moment of hope for Macbeth, so they should be positive.    1/2 page

We finished the Doc: Shakespeare High

We acted out act IV, sc 1.

I broke you into small groups to list 15 ingredients that are grosser than gross.  Did it surprise you how graphic Shakespeare was?  Did you beat the birth strangled babe delivered by a drab in a ditch?

Shakespeare:

Today: 
We took the 12th Night exam.

I collected books and passed out Othello.

We ended with a journal prompt:  What are your feeling to inter racial love relationships?  What would the reaction at home and with friends be if you dated another race?  Why do you think they feel this way?

No paper passed in Bad list:
Michaela
CID
Shane
Zoeii
Ethan
Sarah

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal Prompt:  Banquo's ghost never speaks.  Prepare 2 (10-15 line) speeches by him at the party.  Please use at least 3 Shakespeare language tricks and underline each of them.

Monarchs have a heraldic device:  a picture (or coat of arms).  This symbolizes their power and depicts in some way their perception of themselves and their nation.  It shows what they WANT people to think of them and their leadership.  They are not always true.  In small groups we researched coat of arms and made one for the Macbeth's.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We played the review game, who wants to Win a Pizza Party.

12th Night Paper is due via turnitin.com before midnight.  Please do not do this at the last minute and then say you had a problem.  Here are the log in codes:

Class code: 13568477
Password: darthvader

Essay test on Monday.  Make sure to review the play.

Brit Lit:

We worked hard this week on Macbeth.  I am very proud of the work that you are putting in.  I feel almost all of you are understanding and enjoying the play.

Today, We watched the 2015 version of Macbeth.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Work day for paper:  Day 2 of 2.

Friday we will have a review game for 12th night, essay test on Monday.  Please make sure that you are finished with the play.

PAPER IS DUE VIA TURNITIN.COM