Feels Like Monday:
There will be an informational meeting after-school Tuesday, September 18 in room 3115. I would love to see loads of new faces (and old). We will be meeting from 2-3 to discuss the future of the club.
In the meantime, please check out www.feelslikemonday.com to see the 22 episodes that we made over the past 2 years. You might see some familur faces and places.....
Thursday, September 13, 2012
WOS:
Today:
We began with a prompt to connect you to Hamlet:
Journal #6: Describe a moment when you deceived your parent or guardian. A moment when you knew that it was wrong, but you did it anyway. What was the final outcome? Would you do it again the same way? What did you learn from the experience?
32 seconds. We performed all of the events in the play in exactly 32 seconds. This forced you to discuss the most important moments and review the play so far.
We acted out Act 2, sc3.
HW: Finish Act 2, sc 3-4.
Continue learning your Hamlet lines. These are due Monday.
We began with a prompt to connect you to Hamlet:
Journal #6: Describe a moment when you deceived your parent or guardian. A moment when you knew that it was wrong, but you did it anyway. What was the final outcome? Would you do it again the same way? What did you learn from the experience?
32 seconds. We performed all of the events in the play in exactly 32 seconds. This forced you to discuss the most important moments and review the play so far.
We acted out Act 2, sc3.
HW: Finish Act 2, sc 3-4.
Continue learning your Hamlet lines. These are due Monday.
Brit Lit:
Today:
We went over how to use transitional thoughts, words, and phrases to improve your writing. I gave you a hand out on suggestions to improve your writing. This would be a great thing to hold onto and use in your other classes as well.
We worked on your Hero's Quest paper. These are now due at the end of class on Monday.
We went over how to use transitional thoughts, words, and phrases to improve your writing. I gave you a hand out on suggestions to improve your writing. This would be a great thing to hold onto and use in your other classes as well.
We worked on your Hero's Quest paper. These are now due at the end of class on Monday.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
World of Bill:
Today:
Journal #5: Please cast all of the parts in Act I with well known celebrities, and explain why you cast them in that role.
We talked about costumes, set construction, hidden meanings, and phrases like drabbing.
We started Act 2
HW: Learn your Hamlet lines. Read Act 2, sc 2.
Journal #5: Please cast all of the parts in Act I with well known celebrities, and explain why you cast them in that role.
We talked about costumes, set construction, hidden meanings, and phrases like drabbing.
We started Act 2
HW: Learn your Hamlet lines. Read Act 2, sc 2.
Brit Lit
A Block: Journal Prompt #5: If life was a movie.... Imagine that they are making your life into a movie. Please describe 5 people that are famous that you would cast to play the people in your lives. For each, please explain specifically why you picked them. 1 page
We took a quiz on Beowulf.
We went to the computer lab to type your 1st draft of your paper.
C Block:
Same prompt for your journal.
We defined a folk ballad.
We looked at why stories began to rhyme and use a meter.
We Read: Sir Patrick Spens, Get Up and Bar the Door
We broke into small groups and made your own folk ballad following the characteristics that we define in our group discussions.
We took a quiz on Beowulf.
We went to the computer lab to type your 1st draft of your paper.
C Block:
Same prompt for your journal.
We defined a folk ballad.
We looked at why stories began to rhyme and use a meter.
We Read: Sir Patrick Spens, Get Up and Bar the Door
We broke into small groups and made your own folk ballad following the characteristics that we define in our group discussions.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
World of Shakespeare
Today:
No journal prompt.
We reviewed act 1 in Hamlet.
We defined the following terms:
Suspension of disbelief
Aside
We ran short on time and did not take a quiz. Please look over act 1 for HW and be ready for a quick quiz first thing tomorrow.
No journal prompt.
We reviewed act 1 in Hamlet.
We defined the following terms:
Suspension of disbelief
Aside
We ran short on time and did not take a quiz. Please look over act 1 for HW and be ready for a quick quiz first thing tomorrow.
Brit Lit:
No journal today. We started talking about your memories of September 11.
We watched the last 15 minutes of the Hero With a Thousand Faces documentary.
We went over how to write a strong, clear thesis statement.
We worked on the outline for your first paper. Please make sure that you have this Wed., as we will be typing your first draft in the computer lab.
Block C review your HW reading and took a quiz on Beowulf. Block A should expect a quiz Wed.
We watched the last 15 minutes of the Hero With a Thousand Faces documentary.
We went over how to write a strong, clear thesis statement.
We worked on the outline for your first paper. Please make sure that you have this Wed., as we will be typing your first draft in the computer lab.
Block C review your HW reading and took a quiz on Beowulf. Block A should expect a quiz Wed.
Monday, September 10, 2012
World of Shakespeare:
Today:
Journal #4: The play Hamlet begins with the line: Who's there? Please write a 15 line scene, where each line only has 2 words per line, between 2-3 different characters.
We used the movie Shakespeare in Love to show some of what William Shakespeare might have been like while writing Romeo and Juliet.
HW: Please Read Act 1 in Hamlet. Hamlet lines are now officially assigned and due next Monday. This will be a test grade.
Journal #4: The play Hamlet begins with the line: Who's there? Please write a 15 line scene, where each line only has 2 words per line, between 2-3 different characters.
We used the movie Shakespeare in Love to show some of what William Shakespeare might have been like while writing Romeo and Juliet.
HW: Please Read Act 1 in Hamlet. Hamlet lines are now officially assigned and due next Monday. This will be a test grade.
Brit Lit Paper outline form:
The Hero’s Quest
Over the last week, we have looked at the classical definition of a hero. Specifically, we discussed the research and findings of Joseph Campbell. He believed that mythology was our one single truth as humans, and these stories connected us all in a very deep and spiritual way.
In a 3-4 page traditional 5 paragraph typed paper, please take a popular movie, play, or novel, and examine how it fits Campbell’s classical definition. Please use the sheet that I gave you on this. You may pick any hero that you feel fits this mold, however, here are some suggestions that would work well: Pinocchio, Dumbo, Star Wars (1st 3), the Matrix, The Lion King, Indiana Jones, Batman, Harry Potter
Your paper needs to have a clear thesis and you must use solid examples in your body to answer the question.
Please use the following outline to help you formulate your ideas:
Opening Paragraph
Your Thesis:
Example: Many stories in literature are often influenced by stories and writers before them. In the movie Star Wars, we are told the story of a Young Luke Skywalker, and follow his quest into outer space on his way to defining himself and finding the hero inside him. The movie Star Wars follows the traditional hero’s quest.
Main body paragraph 1:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 2:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 3:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Conclusion:
Closing wrap up. Here you re-state your thesis statement.
Final Due:________________
Over the last week, we have looked at the classical definition of a hero. Specifically, we discussed the research and findings of Joseph Campbell. He believed that mythology was our one single truth as humans, and these stories connected us all in a very deep and spiritual way.
In a 3-4 page traditional 5 paragraph typed paper, please take a popular movie, play, or novel, and examine how it fits Campbell’s classical definition. Please use the sheet that I gave you on this. You may pick any hero that you feel fits this mold, however, here are some suggestions that would work well: Pinocchio, Dumbo, Star Wars (1st 3), the Matrix, The Lion King, Indiana Jones, Batman, Harry Potter
Your paper needs to have a clear thesis and you must use solid examples in your body to answer the question.
Please use the following outline to help you formulate your ideas:
Opening Paragraph
Your Thesis:
Example: Many stories in literature are often influenced by stories and writers before them. In the movie Star Wars, we are told the story of a Young Luke Skywalker, and follow his quest into outer space on his way to defining himself and finding the hero inside him. The movie Star Wars follows the traditional hero’s quest.
Main body paragraph 1:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 2:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Main body paragraph 3:
Transition sentence:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Conclusion:
Closing wrap up. Here you re-state your thesis statement.
Final Due:________________
Brit Lit:
Today:
Journal Prompt #4: Newsprint is a dying art form. In my opinion, Newspapers help keep us honest in a democracy. Please read 4 articles from the Wall Street Journal. In your journal, please explain what each article is about, and more importantly, what YOUR opinion is on what you read. One page.
I assigned your first paper. Please complete the outline and be ready to work on your 1st draft this Wed. We will be working on these in the computer lab this Wed. and Thur. Your final paper is due this Friday. Please see me with any questions.
I showed you the documentary The Hero's Journey. Although the fashion and quality were both dated, I hope that it was a good supplement to the notes that I gave you.
HW: Please read Beowulf in your Anthology. Please be ready for a surprise quiz on Tuesday.
Journal Prompt #4: Newsprint is a dying art form. In my opinion, Newspapers help keep us honest in a democracy. Please read 4 articles from the Wall Street Journal. In your journal, please explain what each article is about, and more importantly, what YOUR opinion is on what you read. One page.
I assigned your first paper. Please complete the outline and be ready to work on your 1st draft this Wed. We will be working on these in the computer lab this Wed. and Thur. Your final paper is due this Friday. Please see me with any questions.
I showed you the documentary The Hero's Journey. Although the fashion and quality were both dated, I hope that it was a good supplement to the notes that I gave you.
HW: Please read Beowulf in your Anthology. Please be ready for a surprise quiz on Tuesday.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Shakespeare:
Today: Journal Prompt #3: Describe the rise and eventual fall of a person/company/event/a song. Why do we enjoy watching the fall? Why do we slow down and watch an accident? 1 page.
This led us to our intro on Shakespeare and his version of a tragedy. We defined a Shakespearean Tragedy. These are important reference notes. Please make sure that you understand it fully. We will be referencing it often during our look at the tragedies.
I broke you into 4 groups and asked you to model the final moment of suspense. I will try and post some of these on the blog.
This led us to our intro on Shakespeare and his version of a tragedy. We defined a Shakespearean Tragedy. These are important reference notes. Please make sure that you understand it fully. We will be referencing it often during our look at the tragedies.
I broke you into 4 groups and asked you to model the final moment of suspense. I will try and post some of these on the blog.
Brit Lit:
Today:
Journal Prompt #3: Please describe a moment where you helped someone without looking for any recognition. A random act of kindness moment. 1 page.
We went over the Hero's Quest, and used examples from many popular movies: Jaws, Lord of the Rings, Batman, Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc...
I broke you into small groups and asked you to brainstorm on how a specific movie follows this formula.
Journal Prompt #3: Please describe a moment where you helped someone without looking for any recognition. A random act of kindness moment. 1 page.
We went over the Hero's Quest, and used examples from many popular movies: Jaws, Lord of the Rings, Batman, Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc...
I broke you into small groups and asked you to brainstorm on how a specific movie follows this formula.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
World of Shakespeare:
We began class with:
Journal Prompt #2: Please describe your experience with Shakespeare. 1/2 page.
We went down to the auditorium and did a series of acting games. It was great to see you all laughing and smiling in school.
HW: Please look over your reading from last night. Please be ready for a short quiz on your reading.
Journal Prompt #2: Please describe your experience with Shakespeare. 1/2 page.
We went down to the auditorium and did a series of acting games. It was great to see you all laughing and smiling in school.
HW: Please look over your reading from last night. Please be ready for a short quiz on your reading.
Brit Lit:
Today:
We started with journal prompt #2: If you could choose three super powers, what would they be and how would you use them? 1 page.
We defined the classical hero. We looked at our need for a hero, and why we are always waiting for superman. We discussed people that might be modern heroes.
I introduced you to Joseph Cambell and his book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces. I gave you a handout in preparation for your fist paper. We went over the basic concepts of the Hero's journey.
We looked at Star Wars and other popular stories that follow this formula.
HW: Please find a movie/book that follows this formula and be prepared to explain how it follows the outline that you were given.
We started with journal prompt #2: If you could choose three super powers, what would they be and how would you use them? 1 page.
We defined the classical hero. We looked at our need for a hero, and why we are always waiting for superman. We discussed people that might be modern heroes.
I introduced you to Joseph Cambell and his book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces. I gave you a handout in preparation for your fist paper. We went over the basic concepts of the Hero's journey.
We looked at Star Wars and other popular stories that follow this formula.
HW: Please find a movie/book that follows this formula and be prepared to explain how it follows the outline that you were given.
Here's some advice Bill Gates recently dished out at a high school speech about 11 things they did not learn in school.
RULE 1
Life is not fair - get used to it.
RULE 2
The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world
will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel
good about yourself.
RULE 3
You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out
of high school. You won't be a vice president with
car phone, until you earn both.
RULE 4
If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a
boss. He doesn't have tenure.
RULE 5
Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your
grandparents had a different word for burger flipping
they
called it Opportunity.
RULE 6
If you mess up,it's not your parents' fault, so don't
whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
RULE 7
Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as
they are now. They got that way from paying your bills,
cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about
how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest
from the parasites of your parent's generation, try
delousing the closet in your own room.
RULE 8
Your school may have done away with winners and losers,
but life has not. In some schools they have abolished
failing grades and they'll give you as many times as
you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the
slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
RULE 9
Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get
summers off and very few employers are interested in
helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.
RULE 10
Television is NOT real life. In real life people
actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
RULE 11
Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
RULE 1
Life is not fair - get used to it.
RULE 2
The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world
will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel
good about yourself.
RULE 3
You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out
of high school. You won't be a vice president with
car phone, until you earn both.
RULE 4
If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a
boss. He doesn't have tenure.
RULE 5
Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your
grandparents had a different word for burger flipping
they
called it Opportunity.
RULE 6
If you mess up,it's not your parents' fault, so don't
whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
RULE 7
Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as
they are now. They got that way from paying your bills,
cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about
how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest
from the parasites of your parent's generation, try
delousing the closet in your own room.
RULE 8
Your school may have done away with winners and losers,
but life has not. In some schools they have abolished
failing grades and they'll give you as many times as
you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the
slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
RULE 9
Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get
summers off and very few employers are interested in
helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.
RULE 10
Television is NOT real life. In real life people
actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
RULE 11
Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
World of Shakespeare:
Today:
We started class with our 1st journal Prompt:
#1 Pick a character from your reading last night and write from their perspective. Please describe a typical day in their life.
We watched a clip from the National Endowment for the Arts on why Shakespeare is important.
We looked at some words and phrases that we thing Shakespeare coined.
HW: Please read pgs. 17-47 Order in the Court: The Renaissance
Please wear compfortable outfits for class on Thursday. We will be doing some warm ups that require you to move around.
We started class with our 1st journal Prompt:
#1 Pick a character from your reading last night and write from their perspective. Please describe a typical day in their life.
We watched a clip from the National Endowment for the Arts on why Shakespeare is important.
We looked at some words and phrases that we thing Shakespeare coined.
HW: Please read pgs. 17-47 Order in the Court: The Renaissance
Please wear compfortable outfits for class on Thursday. We will be doing some warm ups that require you to move around.
Brit Lit:
Today:
I passed out books and we tracked down old writing journals.
We wrote our 1st Journal Prompt:
Journal Prompt #1: Write an original creation story. 1 page.
We defined the Oral Tradition of storytelling, and explored the fundamental problems.
We defined a Lyric Poem and discussed The Seafarer
Black A: Read above story for HW. Page 17.
I passed out books and we tracked down old writing journals.
We wrote our 1st Journal Prompt:
Journal Prompt #1: Write an original creation story. 1 page.
We defined the Oral Tradition of storytelling, and explored the fundamental problems.
We defined a Lyric Poem and discussed The Seafarer
Black A: Read above story for HW. Page 17.
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