Wos:

Today in class I passed back your exams. The class average was an 86.

Whether you realize it or not, I have been conditioning you for what we start next week. I tried hard to hold your hand in Hamlet, explain fundamental concepts, and most importantly: break down that inherent fear the students' have around studying Shakespeare. Next week, I take off the safety switch and go full speed.....

Brit Lit:

Today in class: Block A: We finished taking notes on Act I in Macbeth, reviewed, and had a quick quiz on Act I. A few of you came in late and missed parts of this- please be diligent about missing class and YOUR responsibility to make up anything missed.
The last 5 minutes I asked you to storyboard Act I, trying to include EVERYTHING in 8 frames. I am sorry that we were rushed on time. I will give you the first 15 minutes Monday to finish the assignment. Make sure you bring them on Monday.

Block A/B: We watched act I in the Roman Polanski version of Macbeth. Most consider this version to be far and above, the best film adaptation. Please be thinking of whether you agree with the screenplay and character interpretations. Do you agree with the depiction of Lady Macbeth?

Next week we be getting deep into the meat of the play. Look forward to some blood and death in class! Have a wonderful rainy weekend, and try and re-charge for next week.

Parent/teacher Night

It was very nice to meet so many of you last night during parent/teacher conferences. If you were unable to attend and would like to speak with me, please feel free to call or email me. I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience. My email at school is cusicks@tantasqua.org

Shadenfreude.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude

How does this impact comedy?

What does it say about us?

Brains? You need them in my class!

WOS:

Today, we looked at comedy. For HW, I asked each of you to bring in 5 "safe for school" knock knock jokes. We looked at how timing can influence comedy. Specifically, we examined pause, tone, stress and inflection. All of these terms are crucial in understanding the "funny" in Shakespeare's comedies.

Comedy is a difficult topic. Unlike hard drama, it does not always hold up well over large periods of time. Jokes that are topical and funny today, often seem dated and out of place in as little as 5 years time. So, you can imagine what 400 years can do to a joke. But the universal comedies hold true. Please be thinking about what type of jokes are lasting.

Knock Knock.
Who's There?
Qsick.
Qsick who?
Qsick of Shakespeare yet?

I am looking forward to laughing together.
Remember: the average child laughs 30 times a day. The average adult: 3 times per week.
Laughter, and being able to find humor in things, keeps us young.....

Brit Lit:

Today we finished working on our Compare and Contrast Essays. Please see me if you did not have a chance to finish. Block A: We will have a quiz on Act I on Thursday. HW: Review Act I and bring in any questions that you have. I will answer these during our review.

Block B: You took your quiz today. Mr. C will work with any of you still needing time on your essays on Friday. I am also after today if anyone wants help on the paper or Macbeth.

Word O' the Week:

Ullage: Noun [Ul-ij] The amount of liquid by which a container falls short of being full.