11.12.08

Soph:
Today we talked about contrasts in imagery. Hot/cold, love/hate, sweet/sour.... Shakespeare had a great way of mixing comedy with tragedy- we explored that today. In class we made skits that were funny, and sad at the same time. Look for this contrast as we continue the play....

11.12.08

Brit Lit:  Today we broke into groups and had to work out a scene that told the story of Macbeth in 32 sec.  This forced you to decide what things are important to keep the story "intact."  On Friday we will be working on making the missing narrative in Macbeth- what you did today in class should help you decide what is important to stress....

Word O' the Week

Gongoozler {gahn-gooz-ler} 
A person who stares at activity on a canal.

11.11.08

Soph Lit:  Reminder- your 16 lines from AMND are due this Thursday- so use the day off today to stomp around your house and learn the lines :-)

Brit Lit:  Last call on videos- If you elected to do the alternative paper, you need to write a 3-5 page paper explaining a Shakespearean Tragedy, and how the play Macbeth follows this model.  These are due Wed.

Have a great day off, and take a moment to remember the sacrifices that those in the military have made for all of us.

11.05.08

I hope that you are enjoying the day off.  Reminder: Block A- your Macbeth videos are due Wed.  Bring some popcorn...

11.03.08

Block A: Macbeth videos are now due Tuesday.

Block B: Missing prijects are due this Wed. Jeff- that means you!

Block C: No HW- sorry that it is taking so long to get your last projects in. I will have your character journals, Survival guides, and test back for Wed.

I will have your term grade ready this Wed. So to any parents out there in cyber space reading my thoughts, ask them how they are doing in English Wed. night. Please also feel free to contact me by eith email or phone as always.

Word O' the Week

Spanghew {spang-hyoo}  To cause a frog or toad to fly into the air from the end of a stick, usually violently.

When teacher inspiration goes too far...

Scene from my old classroom at SH

Happy All Hallows Eve!

I hope you liked my Irish ghost story today in class.  As most of you are typical teenagers who don't talk to you parents anymore- try and tell the story again around a Fall fire this weekend.  It gets better with age and each time it is told. 

Brit Lit:  Please work on your Macbeth videos- Due A Block, wed.  Due B Block, Monday.

Soph Lit:  Get ready to have your neg feelings about Shakespeare to be smashed.  We are going to laugh out loud in class next week as we start the comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Word O' the Week

Onolatry: [oh-nah-luh-tree] The worship of donkeys.

10.29.08

Alert (whoop, whoop, whoop...) Grades close this Friday. I can stay after for anyone needing to make up work. Remember, not completing an assignment is a zero. A few of these can take a large bite out of even the strongest grade. Please see me before or after class to see if you are missing work....

Brit Lit.  This morning, we went outside to act in the woods.  Despite the cold breeze, we managed to have fun.  Nothing says Mr. Cusick is teaching Shakespeare like the buzz and crackle of toy light sabers....

Reminder to work on your Macbeth video. These will not be able to be done "at the last minute."  Make sure that you see me if you have problems- before the due date.

Soph Lit:  I posted a picture of your character journals.  I am impressed!  Now, if I can get the smoke smell off of my hands from reading some of them...  A special "thank you" to Courtney for bringing in cupcakes.  Random acts of kindness...... :-)

10.24.08

Brit Lit:

Next Friday, you are reminded that your Macbeth Video is due. 
Here is a brief description of the assignment as a reminder:
1.  Pick a part that we have studied (at least 5 min)
2.  Write a modern adaptation.  Include: Stage direction (see notes), Setting Description, voice (inflection, pause, stress.)
3.  Design and produce costumes
4.  Film Scene
5.  Play for class. :-)

Soph Lit: 

Today in class we relaxed and caught up in the BW version of Lord of the Flies.  A bit diff than the Simpson's version from Thursday, huh?

We will finish the novel for HW on Monday night.  If you are behind, as some of you are, please use this time to catch up and be ready for Monday.  Your character journals are now due Tuesday.  We will play a review game on Tuesday, and have our exam next Wed.


Have a great weekend.  Best of luck to all sport teams!  :-)