Shakespeare:

Today we looked at two drastically different endings: The classical Othello, and the modern version, O.  We discussed what draws us to pain in stories. Why do we like endings like Othello?

We then went over some of your HW comments about humor.  I played two short clips to illustrate timing and slapstick.  As we move into our first comedy, we will be continually examining the funny in Shakespeare's plays.

I also gave out a character list for the next play to help with the whose, who.

Brit Lit

Today, I lost a bet with Mr. Metz and supported your learning by dressing up in an embarrassing costume for the day.

We finished the documentary, Shakespeare Behind Bars, and had a good talk about the film.

C Block:  We also did a short writing assignment that had me play 15 sound effects, while to Incorporated them into a story at the same time.Some utterly bizarre creativity on this one....

I also gave C Block back their corrected journals today.  Please continue to keep up with these.  They continue to be worth a paper grade and can tremendously help your grade average for my class.

Enjoy the three day weekend....

Shakespeare:

Today:  You took the exam for Othello.  This will be your fist grade for term 3.

I also collected your books and passed out our next play- The Twelfth Night.

HW:  Please list 10 things that you find funny.  These can be specific, or general.  What makes YOU laugh....

We will be examining humor tomorrow as we head into our first comedy.  Does comedy hold up as well 430 years after?

Brit Lit:

Today:

We caught up on our notes. 

We covered all the remaining events in Act 2. 

We defined the exciting force that sets the rise in action (death of Duncan) and looked at the climax of the play in act 3 (Macbeth becomes king.)  Being a tragedy, now we meet the first fall.  This is also when all of Shakespeare gets especially good in my opinion...

Block A: You also caught up on the act 2 quiz today.

Shakespeare

Today:
We reviewed act 5.  Specifically, we discussed what works in the ending, and what does not.

We played the review game, Who Wants to Win a Pizza Party.  This was to review for the test Wed.

HW:  Please look over your notes and review the play.

Brit Lit:

A Block:  We participated in a mock presidental debate with Mr. Metz's history class.  In a close debate, we lost 2-1.  Thanks to Mr. Metz for inviting us to participate in this worthwhile educational activity.

C Block:
 We broke into two large groups and I tasked you to show the play so far, backwards.

Shakespeare:

Today:

Journal Prompt #18:

If you could change a character, prop, line, or event in the play Othello that would drastically change the outcome of act 5, what could you change?  CPA: 1/2 page H: full page.

We then took the best and showed these in a small skit.

HW:  Please finish the play.  Review on Tuesday, test this Wed.

Brit Lit:

Today:

A Block spent the shortened block finishing our prep for the presidential debate with Mr. Metz's class Tuesday.

B Block:  We continued reading act 3.

Shakespeare:

We reviewed act 4, sc1. 

We acted out act 4, sc 2 with the aid of a tivo remote.  I had you each pause the action and suggest a new motivation for the lines in the scene.

Please have the play read by Tuesday.  We will have a test on the play next wed.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Brit Lit:

Today:

A Block went to the lib. to research information to prepare for our debate with Mr. Metz's class on Tuesday.  Please continue to research your position over the weekend.

We reviewed act 2 and began act 3.  Block C also took a quiz on act 2.

Shakespeare:

Yesterday:  I shared my Irish ghost story.

Today:  We had a guest teacher from Sweden share with our class a collection of videos that her students made.

We had the opportunity to ask her questions about the differences between our two countries. 

We agreed to work on a few collaborative projects with the classes from Sweden.

Please be ready for the quiz on act 4, sc 1.

Brit Lit:

Tuesday-Wed.

Welcome back.  I am sorry for the lack of updates.  I have been without power.

Yesterday:

I told my ghost story from my time teaching there.  Happy Halloween!

Today:

We finished Act 2.
I informed people that are still missing assignments.  The term closes Friday, but I will accept them through this Monday.

We took notes on act 2.

Last call for those that still needed to recite their Macbeth lines.

Shakespeare:

Today:

I passed back a handful of assignments.

We watched a modern parody of the play Othello, O.

Have a great weekend.

DVD's soon!

Brit Lit:

Today:



We recited our ten lines of Shakespeare. To those that went, I was exceptionally proud of you.

We then caught up on the film version of the play.

I passed back a bunch of assignments- some with no names. If you did not get everything back, please see me to make up or claim your work with no name.


Have a great weekend!

Further reading from today....

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

Shakespeare:

Journal Prompt: "A good idea will keep you awake during the morning, but a great idea will keep you awake during the night." Marilyn Vos Savant 1-2 pages


I passed out permission forms for the movie O.  Please return these if your parent or guardian has an objection to you watching this Friday in class.  A meaningful alternative assignment will be given if you are unable to view it :-)

We talked about being interviewed for the Town Common Story.  I can't wait to read it.  Thanks Jen!

We paired up and looked at finding emotion in the lines of act III.  I gave you a group worksheet and we completed these.

I went over relationships in the play thus far.  I gave you a handout to assist in this.

HW:  I gave you an early version of the same story that pre-dates Shakespeare.  Please read this for HW.

Brit Lit:

Journal Prompt:  "A good idea will keep you awake during the morning, but a great idea will keep you awake during the night."                                                                                                    Marilyn Vos Savant                             1-2 pages

We tried the Mozart effect to help you learn you 10 lines due Friday.

W looked at Act 2

HW:  Lines due.

Shakespeare:

Thank you for you willingness to answer questions from the reporter visiting our class today.  I remain very proud of the project that we did together. Thanks for all of your kind words.  That stuff means everything to me as a teacher.   I will let you all know when the article runs and try to get a few extra copies.

Today, we reviewed Act 3.  Act 3 is a tough act.  If you found it difficult, stay with it.  It gets easier.

We took a quiz on act 3.

We did not complete a journal today.

I will be collecting your assessments Thursday.  Please make sure that you have them.