Brit Lit:

Today:

We began our look at the impact Queen Elizabeth had on our next time period.  Some would argue, that modern entertainment as we know it, would not exist if she did not love attending plays.

We watched the movie: Queen Elizabeth.

HW please read pgs 160-168 in your anthology.  Quiz whenever we come back to school.  THINK SNOW BLIZZARD!!!!!!!

Shakespeare:

Much of the Lion King follows the story of Hamlet.  So much in fact, that scenes were changed to prevent it from being obvious.

We watched The Lion King

Journal:  Please describe 3 ways in detail that the story of the Lion King follows the story of Hamlet.

HW:  Read act IV sc 1+2

EMULATION OF HAMLET’S THIRD SOLILOQUY

To snooze or not to snooze – that is the question:
Whether ’tis easier to rise on time
And face the harsh light of early day,
Or to stay huddled under the quilt,
And, by hiding, avoid the rays.
To rise, to hit the snooze button—
No more – and by rising to say I face
The early-morning preparations for the events
That each day holds—
’Tis a situation
I do not wish to face.
To snooze, to sleep—
To sleep, perhaps too long. Ay, there’s the problem,
For in oversleeping what events may come about
When we are hiding from the alarm’s harsh call
Must make us stop and think.
That’s the idea
That makes disaster of sleeping in.
For who really wants to face the 6 a.m. sun,
The first period’s quiz,
The morning person’s obnoxious cheeriness,
The disappointment in decaffeinated coffee,
The dance class’s early rehearsals,
The overly chipper song of the early bird,
And the cold looks
That early-risers send in my late-sleeping direction,
When they too may sleep in
On weekends free from tribulations?
Who would heed the alarm’s early call,
To squint and yawn through the first hours of the day,
But that the horror that something may be missed while dozing,
The unknown events that have occurred which
The gossips discuss
While we stand in a confused daze,
Wishing we had risen on time
Instead of seeking those futile thirty minutes?
Thus the chance of missing out does make early risers of us all,
And thus the bliss of sleeping in
Is tainted by eye-opening thoughts of lost news,
And peaceful moments of dreams and sleep
With this regard their paths are cut short
And lose the dark in favor of the harsh light.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Please re-read where we left off in the play (142).  In script form, please write what happens next.  This can be modern or classic in style.  Please use 4 of the Shakespeare language tricks that we covered and underline each of these.     H= 3pgs CPS= 2 pgs

I introduced you to Hamlet, the video game on the ipads.  We played through the first level.

We almost finished act 3.

HW:  Please finish act 3 and review.  I smell a quiz Friday.....

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  Imagine that you could sit down to dinner with any 3 people- alive, dead or fictional.  Please come up with 3 topics to discuss around the table and write the conversation.  H=3 pgs CPA=2 pgs

We watched a Twilight Zone episode that is based on the morality play Everyman.

I gave you the essay portion of the test tomorrow:

Essay questions (30 pts.) H= 3  CPA=2

1.       Choose 5 of the elements of the Hero’s Journey and explain how one of the works of literature that we read follows this model. You will be graded on your specific examples.

2.       One of the main reasons we study literature from different cultures and different times is to learn about the people who wrote these stories down. Choose three values you can identify from any of the stories/ballads that we have read during this unit and show how the story illustrates those values. Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

3.        Please write an original morality play that has symbolic character names and a moral lesson at the end.

4.       Sir Gawain faces many challenges on his journey.  Please discuss three of these in detail.

5.       Some say Chivalry is dead; but in the early works that we looked at, it is very much alive.  Please define the term and explain how 3 characters demonstrate chivalry in one of the works of literature covered.  Please give specific examples to support your opinion.

HW:  Use study guide and review for the test Friday on Unit 1.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  What actors' would you cast in a modern revival of Hamlet?  For each person cast, please explain what they would bring to the part.  Why would you cast them?

We finished making our Kahoots! review game for Act 1-2

I assigned the next project:

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        

We continued to look for textual evidence. 

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  You can only save three lines from all of the works that we have covered.  For each please explain why each line was important enough to save.    1/2 pg

I gave you time to finish your test review game on Kahoots!

I gave you a study guide for the test:

Please review the following:

Creation Stories

Hero’s Journey

Oral Tradition

Epic poetry

Caesura

Kenning

Ballad

Folk Ballad

Life of Chaucer

Symbolism

Direct and indirect characterization

All the characters from the C. Tales

Morality Plays

Medieval Romance

Stories/poems/ballads:

The Seafarer, Sir Patrick Spens, Get up and Bar the Door, The Twa Corbies, Barbara Allan, Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Everyman

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Why do you think that Hamlet treats Ophelia so badly?  Please find three piece of textual evidence to support your opinion.                                                       1/2 page.

We revisited the Kahoots! review game and warmed up with a practice quiz on act 2.

I broke you into small groups and asked you to make a 20 question Kahoots! quiz on anything covered so far in this course: Notes, video, the play itself.  Extra credit to those that use video/pictures.

We played the best ones.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We read Everyman on pg 142.

Journal:  Please explain what the moral lesson is at the end of the morality play.  Do you agree?  1/2 pg

Kahoots!  I introduced you to this online review game.

In small groups, I asked you to create a 20 questions Kahoots! quiz based on material covered in the first unit.  One of the 20 can be a random, fun question.

We played the best games.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  How do you think Hamlet might get his revenge without killing his uncle?  H= 1 pg CPA= 1/2 pg

We looked at the stages of grief.  I gave you a worksheet on this and asked you with a partner to find specific lines that show each stage.

We continued act 3

Brit Lit:

Today:

We read and defined Morality plays on pgs 140-141

I showed you the morality rap:
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=morality+plays&tbm=vid&start=10&*

Journal:  Write a short morality play that shows:
A Fight for your soul
Conflict between good and evil
Simple names that describe what they are
You must dramatize one of the two:  Honest ids the best policy or Haste makes waste
CPA= 2 pgs  H= 3 pgs

We broke into groups and I asked you to select the best play and then perform it in front of the class.

HW:  Please have your Sir Gawain assignment completed.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We started with the prompt from yesterday.  Please see post.

We watched the Mel Gibson ver of the play within a play in Hamlet.

We broke into small groups and were tasked with showing act 1+2.....backwards.....in 32 seconds....

Brit Lit:

Today:

We went to the computer lab to finish work on your Sir Gawain project.  Reminder:  These are due Tuesday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We looked at the Mel Gibson version and I asked you to look for the many differences.

I passed back past quizzes.

Brit Lit:

Today:  We went to the 2nd floor lab to work on your Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Video Game project.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  What did you think of seeing the play/working with the actors?  Share your opinion.  H=1pg, CPA=1/2

We used costumes and acted out the first Hamlet crazy scene: act 2 sc2.

Brit Lit.:

Today:

Journal:  Please consider the point of view of the Green Knight.  Please write a one pg account of the story from his POV.

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

HW:  We will be working on your video game manual Thursday.  Please have your outline, assignment sheet and notes.  These are due March 7.

Shakespeare:

Yesterday:
We were treated to a live performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream

Today:
Two of the cast came and ran acting exercises with us that allowed deeper understanding of Shakespeare and his words.

Brit. Lit.

Yesterday:

We finished a Knight's Tale.

We took notes and learned about Medieval Romance

HW:  Read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Today:

Journal #11:  Please describe a promise that was broken in your life.  Why was it broken?  1/2 pg

I passed back journals #1-10.  These were graded on effort.  If you di not get one back, I did not receive it. Please see me ASAP if it has not be passed in.

I assigned our next project:

Assignment: You work for a small indie video game company, and have just purchased the publishing rights for a new video game based on the story. Please design a manual that will explain how the game is played. You will be graded on the following rubrics:


1.) A cover that has the title of your game and cover art for the game.

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.
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.

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.

We used the ipads to research 14th c weapons.  These will be used in your video game.

Due Date:  March 7th.

Shakespeare:

We recited our To Be, or Not to Be lines.

This was a test grade, so if you were not ready to go, please make sure that you use vacation to learn them.  You new deducted -10 for each day not ready.

HW:  Have a great vacation!

Brit Lit:

Today:

I collected your Make Your Own Pilgrimage assignment

I collected journals #1-10

We watched A Knight's Tale.

HW:  Have a wonderful, HW free break!

Shakespeare:

Today:

I collected journals #1-10

We acted act 2 sc 1-2.

I defined 6 not 5 terms. :-)

I broke you into groups and tasked you to find an example of each term.

We watched a 3 min clip of Yoda demonstrating reserve thoughts and sent.

HW:  Lines due Friday.  This is a test grade.  Make it count!

Brit Lit:

Today:

We took a quiz on your reading.

We went to the lib to finish your Pilgrimage assignment.  Specifically, we finished your prologue poem and typed your pilgrimage tale.  I asked you to staple all three parts and submit at the end of class.  For those needing more time, I will accept these Friday as well.

Shakespeare:

We started with a quiz on the information covered in Act 1

We reviewed act 1

We finished act 1 in class.

We looked at what David Tennet (Dr.Who) did to get ready to play Hamlet (video)

Brit Lit:

Today:  A Block finished presenting their examples of direct and indirect characterization.  We took a quiz on this information.

HW:  Please read Pardoner's Tale on pg 115.  I smell a quiz on this reading Thursday.....

We began the next 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:

Today:

Journal:  Please write a 1/2 pg diary entry from Hamlet's Mom.  Please explore her thoughts on the recent events.

I reviewed the acting challenge for your lines (extra credit)

Midsummer performance moved to Feb 27th B Block

We acted out act 1 sc 2-3.

Brit Lit:

Today:

Journal:  Please describe a time in detail that you went to visit a person, a place, or a thing that held special importance.      1/2 pg.

Characterization.  We defined and looked at Direct and indirect.  We used a scene in Mean Girls to show examples of both.

I introduced the Canterbury Tales.  In small groups, you were each given two characters and asked to answer questions based on direct and indirect characterizations.  On a large post it sheet, you were tasked with listing these and explaining your findings to the class.

We will present these Wed. followed by an open notebook quiz.

To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,

No more; and by a sleep to say we end

The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;

To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause—there's the respect

That makes calamity of so long life.

Shakespeare:

Today:

I gave you 14 lines to memorize by next Friday.

Journal:  Please convert the 14 lines to modern English.

We watched a few of the famous versions.  We also watched a few humorous ones.

In small groups of 2-3, I tasked you with converting the lines into one of the following:  Cowboy, Mobb boss, Superman, firefighter, or your fav. fictional character.

Lines are due next Friday.  This is a test grade- so make sure that you don't wait till the last minute.

Brit Lit:

We listed to the Johnny Cash song: Ballad of a Teenage Queen.

Journal:  Listen to the cash ballad.  From HER point of view, please describe the events in the ballad.  Please also consider 5 years after......                                 1 page

With the aid of my raven puppet, we read the Twa Corbies, and Get Up and Bar the Door.

We looked at modern examples of folk versions of the ballad Barbara Allen.

Do ballads still work today?

Shakespeare:

We finished Shakespeare in Love

I introduced the review game kahoots!  We played one round answering 20 questions based on the movie.  Rowan ran laps around all of you and won.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We looked at the ballad that you found.

Journal:  Please describe THE STORY of your ballad.  Please answer the 5 w's.  1/2 page

Get ON the MiC:  I set up a pic and amp and encouraged you to share the ballad that you wrote about another student in class.  Anyone that was brave enough to share can drop their lowest quiz grade.

We read the ballads:  Sir Patrick Spens and Barbara Allen.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We watched the movie Shakespeare in Love to illustrate many of the tings that we learned about the Globe and Elizabethan times.

Brit Lit:

Today:
Journal: Describe yourself in great detail from another point of view.   1/2 page

We defined Ballad and folk ballad

We generated 10 questions and used these to interview another person.

We took this information and wrote a story (ballad) about them in 25-30 lines.

HW:  Please bring in lyrics that fit the def. of a ballad.  You can print these or write them out.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  We learn in act 1 that Hamlet keeps a journal.  Please think about what we know about Hamlet in the beginning of the play and write a 1/2 page entry.

I collected books.

Last day for field trip forms and $$$.  See me if you still want to go on Monday.

We continued act 1,sc2.

Each group presented your Elizabethan research topics via the ipads.

Brit Lit.

Today:

Journal:  What was/is the hardest decision that you have had to make?  1/2 page

We printed out your paper and did a focused peer review.  I asked you to look for specific areas of improvement.

I broke you into 4 groups and had each group research different anglo-saxton research topics using the ipads.  Each group then presented their findings.

HW:  Reminder that your paper is due today by midnight via turnitin.  It is your responsibility to submit and check that it has received.  Late papers -10 each school day late.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Please describe a time when you had your love rejected.  This can be any form of love.  1/2 pg

I broke you into small groups with the ipads.  Each group was responsible for making a 5 slide min. on the topic that you were given.  We will present this to class on Friday.

I collected Field trip forms and $.  Friday is the last day.

Brit Lit.

We went to the lab to finish your paper.

I met with those done to give suggestions.

Reminder:  These must be submitted to www.turnitin.com Friday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal:  Please describe a time when nobody believed you even though you were telling the truth.  1/2 pg

We used the ipads to finish researching the Globe via the globe 360 app.

We quickly went around the room and shared 2 things that your group learned.

We began act 1, sc 2.  I introduced the new characters.

I collected permission forms for the in-school field trip.  These need to be in by Friday!

We took a quiz on Ch 5 of Shakespeare ALIVE!!!!!

Please bring books, as I will be collecting these Thursday.

Brit Lit.

Today:

No journal.

We went to the computer lab for day 2 of 3 workdays.

Final draft is still due this Friday.

SNL Hamlet:

For fun:
https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/hamlet-auditions/n12761?snl=1

Shakespeare:

Today:

We looked at words and phrased coined by Shakespeare.

Journal prompt:  Please write a summary of your school year using 10 of the words that you were given.  Please underline each word/phrase.                          1/2 page

We watched a doc on the rebuilt Globe

We used the Globe 360 app on the ipads to research the building and place it in VR on any spot in the room.

We acted Act 1 sc 2.

HW:  Please read CH 5 in Shakespeare ALIVE!!!

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.