Focus: How well do we know this week's vocabulary, and how are we going to present our independent reading books to the class?
If anyone has a copy of Midsummer to turn in, I will gladly take it off your hands.
1. Warming up with a little individual vocabulary review
2. Taking the SAT List 15 vocabulary quiz
3. Reading your memoir independent reading books
4. Introducing your "Book Talks," aka, your independent reading project
HW:
1. If you'd like to purchase your own copy of Fahrenheit 451, please bring it to class on Monday.
2. You should be finishing/close to finishing your memoir independent reading book (final deadline is March 14).
3. Finish your Midsummer essay for the early bird deadline, which is Tuesday, March 4; print a clean, hard copy by 3:00 pm.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 27, 2014
Focus: How can we transform a rough outline into a polished essay?
Please welcome our Link Crew leader to class!
1. Warming up: Color coding the sample essay to see what a strong rough draft looks like
a. If you haven't done so yet, make a copy of the overview and scroll to the sample essay.
b. Highlight the opening and concluding sentences in orange.
c. Highlight the thesis statement and the sentences of analysis that follow each quotation in yellow.
d. Highlight the lead-in's, quotations and citations in green.
e. Highlight the background information that comes before each quotation in light blue.
2. Peer or self editing using the rubric (also, please see my feedback on your thesis statements)
3. Taking time to revise based on today's editing
HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's SAT List 15 vocabulary quiz.
2. Bring your memoir independent reading book to class.
3. Continue to edit your essay; early bird deadline for the final draft is Tuesday, March 4.
4. Please turn in your Midsummer books as soon as you can (two classes are waiting on them).
Please welcome our Link Crew leader to class!
1. Warming up: Color coding the sample essay to see what a strong rough draft looks like
a. If you haven't done so yet, make a copy of the overview and scroll to the sample essay.
b. Highlight the opening and concluding sentences in orange.
c. Highlight the thesis statement and the sentences of analysis that follow each quotation in yellow.
d. Highlight the lead-in's, quotations and citations in green.
e. Highlight the background information that comes before each quotation in light blue.
2. Peer or self editing using the rubric (also, please see my feedback on your thesis statements)
3. Taking time to revise based on today's editing
HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's SAT List 15 vocabulary quiz.
2. Bring your memoir independent reading book to class.
3. Continue to edit your essay; early bird deadline for the final draft is Tuesday, March 4.
4. Please turn in your Midsummer books as soon as you can (two classes are waiting on them).
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 26, 2014
Focus: How can we improve and develop your essay on A Midsummer Night's Dream?
1. Warming up with a little List 15 SAT vocabulary: Would you like a little quizlet.com time?
2. Taking a few brave volunteers: Thesis editing
Is it clear (eloquent and easy to understand)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Is it specific (does it list 2-3 reasons, the title of the play, etc.)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Is it debatable (does it take a strong stance)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Is it provable (is there evidence in the play and in real life to support it)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
3. Working on your essay:
HW:
1. Finish the outline (#4, #5, and #6).
2. Study your List 15 SAT vocabulary for Friday's quiz.
3. Memoir reading
1. Warming up with a little List 15 SAT vocabulary: Would you like a little quizlet.com time?
2. Taking a few brave volunteers: Thesis editing
Is it clear (eloquent and easy to understand)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Is it specific (does it list 2-3 reasons, the title of the play, etc.)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Is it debatable (does it take a strong stance)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Is it provable (is there evidence in the play and in real life to support it)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
3. Working on your essay:
- Revising your thesis
- Revising your opening sentence
- Revising your first example
- Composing your next example (or two)
HW:
1. Finish the outline (#4, #5, and #6).
2. Study your List 15 SAT vocabulary for Friday's quiz.
3. Memoir reading
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 25, 2014
Focus: How can we compose our thoughts about love in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
1. Warming up: Sharing some of your smart observations about Puck's speech:
From Adam's homework last night:
The scene showed that Neil seemed to be talking more to his father during Puck’s final speech than to the audience, that the words about mending where more about them than just lines. Neil feels that if they’re both willing to put forth the effort they can both make amends for their differences and end up living together better because of it. Whereas Neil’s father and Neil seem to be at different ends of the spectrum on what he should do, he tries to imply in the lines that if they’re both willing to make a compromise, they can both get what they want.
From Emma's homework:
This speech in the movie is transformed as Neil is saying to his dad I’m sorry about what I did. You can tell he can see the disapproval on his father’s face, which adds emotion to the monologue. The original speech translates very well into what Neil is feeling, as he is saying don’t be mad at me, please forgive me. In a way Neil was poking fun at his dad just like the faeries in the play but he does it instead by disobeying him.
2. Finishing the film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream
As you watch, please type a few notes on the following: What about this play might be offensive?
3. Perusing the overview of the Midsummer essay (it's actually just one paragraph, not a giant essay) and forming your thesis statements and opening sentences
Please start a new document called "____________ (your last name) Midsummer Essay."
Place the document inside your Midsummer folder to make sure it's shared with me before you leave class today.
HW:
1. Finish #1 and #2 on the outline if you did not do so in class (thesis and opening sentence).
2. Complete all parts of #3 (your first example) before class tomorrow.
3. Start looking over SAT List 15 vocabulary.
1. Warming up: Sharing some of your smart observations about Puck's speech:
.JPG) |
| Hannah's |
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| Carter's |
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| Bryan's |
.JPG) |
| Ally's |
From Adam's homework last night:
The scene showed that Neil seemed to be talking more to his father during Puck’s final speech than to the audience, that the words about mending where more about them than just lines. Neil feels that if they’re both willing to put forth the effort they can both make amends for their differences and end up living together better because of it. Whereas Neil’s father and Neil seem to be at different ends of the spectrum on what he should do, he tries to imply in the lines that if they’re both willing to make a compromise, they can both get what they want.
From Emma's homework:
This speech in the movie is transformed as Neil is saying to his dad I’m sorry about what I did. You can tell he can see the disapproval on his father’s face, which adds emotion to the monologue. The original speech translates very well into what Neil is feeling, as he is saying don’t be mad at me, please forgive me. In a way Neil was poking fun at his dad just like the faeries in the play but he does it instead by disobeying him.
2. Finishing the film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream
As you watch, please type a few notes on the following: What about this play might be offensive?
3. Perusing the overview of the Midsummer essay (it's actually just one paragraph, not a giant essay) and forming your thesis statements and opening sentences
Please start a new document called "____________ (your last name) Midsummer Essay."
Example: Nowlan Midsummer Essay
Place the document inside your Midsummer folder to make sure it's shared with me before you leave class today.
HW:
1. Finish #1 and #2 on the outline if you did not do so in class (thesis and opening sentence).
2. Complete all parts of #3 (your first example) before class tomorrow.
3. Start looking over SAT List 15 vocabulary.
Monday, February 24, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 24, 2014
Focus: How does A Midsummer Night's Dream conclude, and why does it conclude this way?
1. Warming up: Celebrating blogging brilliance
2. Spontaneously acting out the tragic tale of Pyramus and Thisbe:
Before reading: What do you know about this myth?
While reading: Mark any passages that connect somehow to Midsummer.
After reading: Why do you think Shakespeare selected this story to be in Midsummer?
Why is this a strange choice for the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta, Hermia and Lysander, and Helena and Demetrius?
3. Closely reading Puck's final speech (it's one of my favorites) and using the reading strategies chart to unravel it; you can find the speech at the very end of Act 5 (5.1.440-end)
Take a look at my example if you need some help:
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4. Watching the film version of Acts 4 and 5
This will be the last time you add to your film notes; again, mark any interesting directorial choices and analyze what they might signify.
HW:
1. Watch THIS CLIP from Dead Poets Society, then watch THIS ONE (one scene, just divided into two clips). Here's a little helpful background information before you watch: Neil, who plays Puck in his boarding school's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, is surprised to see his father in the audience. His father, who is extremely controlling (and borderline abusive, in my opinion) has explicitly forbidden Neil to be in a play.
In your "Thou Doest Thine Homework Document," please respond to the following question: How does this scene slightly transform the meaning of Puck's final speech? To whom does Neil seem to be speaking, and how does the meaning of this speech apply to his situation? Please type at least a few thoughtful sentences in response to this question.
2. Memoir reading
1. Warming up: Celebrating blogging brilliance
brandonwFebruary 23, 2014 at 5:41 PM
We still read this book because it reminds us of how chaotic love is in our lives. That we are humans, and humans aren't ever perfect.
Eli C.February 23, 2014 at 2:38 PM
The reason why we still read a Midsummer Night's Dream is that it shows us that love and all matters of life will run their true part and that all things, either bad or good will conclude. This is important to remember in modern life because as a society we are always stressed about the outcomes of certain things. Also we read Shakespeare because he helped develop the complexity of the English language. A verse Midsummer Night's Dream contributes to the world is that all things will come to conclusion and different aspects of life, such as love, will take unexpected turns.
Hadley IFebruary 23, 2014 at 11:54 AM
Nothing ever works out quite the way you plan but in the end, a higher power is on your side and eventually, everything will turn out in your favor.
I think that we still read classical literature because it, in some ways, restores faith in the human race and shows that there is humanity there to lean back on. Love is powerful, if you are willing to work for it.
A Midsummer's Night Dream is still being read because it represents that relationships between people can be tangled up with the slightest misunderstanding but with some outside help they find a way to settle and find peace.
2. Spontaneously acting out the tragic tale of Pyramus and Thisbe:
Before reading: What do you know about this myth?
While reading: Mark any passages that connect somehow to Midsummer.
After reading: Why do you think Shakespeare selected this story to be in Midsummer?
Why is this a strange choice for the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta, Hermia and Lysander, and Helena and Demetrius?
3. Closely reading Puck's final speech (it's one of my favorites) and using the reading strategies chart to unravel it; you can find the speech at the very end of Act 5 (5.1.440-end)
Take a look at my example if you need some help:
4. Watching the film version of Acts 4 and 5
This will be the last time you add to your film notes; again, mark any interesting directorial choices and analyze what they might signify.
HW:
1. Watch THIS CLIP from Dead Poets Society, then watch THIS ONE (one scene, just divided into two clips). Here's a little helpful background information before you watch: Neil, who plays Puck in his boarding school's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, is surprised to see his father in the audience. His father, who is extremely controlling (and borderline abusive, in my opinion) has explicitly forbidden Neil to be in a play.
In your "Thou Doest Thine Homework Document," please respond to the following question: How does this scene slightly transform the meaning of Puck's final speech? To whom does Neil seem to be speaking, and how does the meaning of this speech apply to his situation? Please type at least a few thoughtful sentences in response to this question.
2. Memoir reading
Friday, February 21, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 21, 2014
Focus: What can I learn through my memoir?
Please note that today is the last day to submit anything from the past six weeks.
1. Warming up: Taking five minutes to review vocabulary (try one of the Quizlet games!)
2. Assessing your vocabulary with the SAT List 14 vocabulary quiz
3. Reading your memoir independent reading books and setting a schedule:
4. Finishing your Acting Company quizzes over Acts 3 and 4 if need be
HW:
1. Memoir independent reading
2. Watch the following iPad Air commercial by clicking here.
Then, respond on today's class blog to the following question:
The narration of this commercial comes from the film Dead Poets Society, and the speaker ends with, "The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
I'd like you to answer the question, "What verse might A Midsummer Night's Dream contribute to the world?" Think about why we still read this play, and how it reaches us despite the fact that it was written and performed centuries ago.
Here's an example from The Kite Runner: Redemption, though difficult, is possible no matter how disastrous the mistake.
Or, here's an example from A Long Way Gone: It is never too late to heal.
Please note that today is the last day to submit anything from the past six weeks.
1. Warming up: Taking five minutes to review vocabulary (try one of the Quizlet games!)
2. Assessing your vocabulary with the SAT List 14 vocabulary quiz
3. Reading your memoir independent reading books and setting a schedule:
- You must finish by March 14 at the latest.
- If you want to finish your memoir before we begin Fahrenheit 451, which I highly advise because the reading load for that book is challenging, then you will need to finish by Monday, March 3.
- Count how many pages you have left, then count how many days you have left until the deadline you have set for yourself.
- Decide if it's better for you to read a little each day, or if you'd rather read for longer periods of time over the weekend or on lighter days.
- Write down in your student calendar how many pages you need to read each day, or each week; set yourself some specific deadlines.
4. Finishing your Acting Company quizzes over Acts 3 and 4 if need be
HW:
1. Memoir independent reading
2. Watch the following iPad Air commercial by clicking here.
Then, respond on today's class blog to the following question:
The narration of this commercial comes from the film Dead Poets Society, and the speaker ends with, "The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
I'd like you to answer the question, "What verse might A Midsummer Night's Dream contribute to the world?" Think about why we still read this play, and how it reaches us despite the fact that it was written and performed centuries ago.
Here's an example from The Kite Runner: Redemption, though difficult, is possible no matter how disastrous the mistake.
Or, here's an example from A Long Way Gone: It is never too late to heal.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 20, 2014
Focus: What does Act 4 of Midsummer teach us about power, love and dreams?
1. Warming up: On today's blog, post your smartest, most specific observation on the transformation of the lovers' appearance/clothing in the film version of Act 3 and what you think that transformation symbolizes. When you finish, peruse the your classmates' brilliant posts.
2. Meeting with your acting companies to read and analyze Act 4
a. Open your Acting Company document and give today's task the heading "Power, Love and Dreams in Act 4."
b. Read Act 4, scenes 1 and 2 together.
c. Pause at the bottom of each page to discuss and record your thoughts on the following topics:
At this point, which characters have the most power? How do you know?
Which characters have the least power? Why is this?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the strongest love between them?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the weakest love?
What do you think Shakespeare is trying to say about romantic love in this play?
d. Read Bottom's speech (4.1.210-end of scene) aloud several times. Discuss and record in your notes some thoughts on the following questions:
What are some of the puns in this speech?
What is he saying about dreams in this speech?
Does he seem wise in this scene, or is he still a donkey head, or a little of both?
3. Taking the big quiz on Acts 3 and 4 (you will be taking it as an acting company)
HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's quiz on SAT vocabulary: List 14.
2. Bring your memoir book to class tomorrow.
3. Tomorrow is the last day to submit any homework from the first 6 weeks, to take vocabulary quizzes, to revise, etc.
4. Finish any acting company work not completed in class today.
1. Warming up: On today's blog, post your smartest, most specific observation on the transformation of the lovers' appearance/clothing in the film version of Act 3 and what you think that transformation symbolizes. When you finish, peruse the your classmates' brilliant posts.
2. Meeting with your acting companies to read and analyze Act 4
a. Open your Acting Company document and give today's task the heading "Power, Love and Dreams in Act 4."
b. Read Act 4, scenes 1 and 2 together.
c. Pause at the bottom of each page to discuss and record your thoughts on the following topics:
At this point, which characters have the most power? How do you know?
Which characters have the least power? Why is this?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the strongest love between them?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the weakest love?
What do you think Shakespeare is trying to say about romantic love in this play?
d. Read Bottom's speech (4.1.210-end of scene) aloud several times. Discuss and record in your notes some thoughts on the following questions:
What are some of the puns in this speech?
What is he saying about dreams in this speech?
Does he seem wise in this scene, or is he still a donkey head, or a little of both?
3. Taking the big quiz on Acts 3 and 4 (you will be taking it as an acting company)
HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's quiz on SAT vocabulary: List 14.
2. Bring your memoir book to class tomorrow.
3. Tomorrow is the last day to submit any homework from the first 6 weeks, to take vocabulary quizzes, to revise, etc.
4. Finish any acting company work not completed in class today.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 19, 2014
Focus: What does Act 4 of Midsummer teach us about power, love and dreams?
1. Warming up: Trying out quizlet.com (if you have not done so already) for SAT Vocabulary: List 14
2. Finishing the film version of Act 3 with the following focus: What happens to the four lovers' clothes and appearance in Act 3? What might this symbolize?
3. Meeting with your acting companies to read and analyze Act 4
a. Open your Acting Company document and give today's task the heading "Power, Love and Dreams in Act 4."
b. Read Act 4, scene 1 together.
c. Pause at the bottom of each page to discuss and record your thoughts on the following topics:
At this point, which characters have the most power? How do you know?
Which characters have the least power? Why is this?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the strongest love between them?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the weakest love?
What do you think Shakespeare is trying to say about romantic love in this play?
d. Read Bottom's speech (4.1.210-end of scene) several times. What are some of the puns in this speech? What is he saying about dreams in this speech? Does he seem wise in this scene, or is he still a donkey head, or a little of both?
HW:
1. Finish any Acting Company work not completed in class today.
2. Start studying for Friday's quiz on SAT Vocabulary: List 14
3. Remember that this Friday is the deadline for all make-up work, revisions, etc.; after this Friday, all grades from the first six weeks will stand as they are.
1. Warming up: Trying out quizlet.com (if you have not done so already) for SAT Vocabulary: List 14
2. Finishing the film version of Act 3 with the following focus: What happens to the four lovers' clothes and appearance in Act 3? What might this symbolize?
3. Meeting with your acting companies to read and analyze Act 4
a. Open your Acting Company document and give today's task the heading "Power, Love and Dreams in Act 4."
b. Read Act 4, scene 1 together.
c. Pause at the bottom of each page to discuss and record your thoughts on the following topics:
At this point, which characters have the most power? How do you know?
Which characters have the least power? Why is this?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the strongest love between them?
Which couples, in your opinion, have the weakest love?
What do you think Shakespeare is trying to say about romantic love in this play?
d. Read Bottom's speech (4.1.210-end of scene) several times. What are some of the puns in this speech? What is he saying about dreams in this speech? Does he seem wise in this scene, or is he still a donkey head, or a little of both?
HW:
1. Finish any Acting Company work not completed in class today.
2. Start studying for Friday's quiz on SAT Vocabulary: List 14
3. Remember that this Friday is the deadline for all make-up work, revisions, etc.; after this Friday, all grades from the first six weeks will stand as they are.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 18, 2014
Focus: What symbolism does Act 3 of Midsummer offer, and how does this help us understand the play as a whole?
If you did not turn in your signed grades last Friday, please do so today.
1. Warming up: Enjoying your memoir independent reading books for about 20 minutes and setting yourself a reading schedule
2. Recapping last week: With your acting company put the Midsummer Act 3 events in order
(Periods 1 and 3: Finish the final performances)
3. Viewing the film version of Act 3 with a symbolic focus:
What happens to the four lovers' clothes and appearance in Act 3? What might this symbolize?
HW:
1. For tomorrow: Read the No Fear Shakespeare version of Act 4, scene 1 (or just the original Shakespearean if you'd like a challenge); then, in your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document, analyze THREE possible symbols in Midsummer by doing the following for each symbol:
a. Identify what the symbol is
b. Offer thoughts on what abstract idea it might represent
c. Copy one quotation from the play (doesn't have to be just Act 4) that supports your thoughts.
Here's an example:
Symbol #1: The woods
a. The place where the lovers escape to, the tradesmen rehearse, and the fairies live
b. The woods symbolize freedom from the laws but also uncontrollable chaos.
c. ..."the winds, piping to us in vain, / As in revenge have sucked up from the sea / Contagious fogs..." (2.1.91-93)
If you're having a hard time finding symbols, here are a few possibilities: the magical flower, the singing, the donkey head, the play the tradesmen are rehearsing (Pyramus and Thisbe), Titania's bower, the changeling boy...and anything else you see that could serve as a symbol.
2. Remember that this Friday is the deadline for make-up work, revisions, late work, etc.
If you did not turn in your signed grades last Friday, please do so today.
1. Warming up: Enjoying your memoir independent reading books for about 20 minutes and setting yourself a reading schedule
2. Recapping last week: With your acting company put the Midsummer Act 3 events in order
(Periods 1 and 3: Finish the final performances)
3. Viewing the film version of Act 3 with a symbolic focus:
What happens to the four lovers' clothes and appearance in Act 3? What might this symbolize?
HW:
1. For tomorrow: Read the No Fear Shakespeare version of Act 4, scene 1 (or just the original Shakespearean if you'd like a challenge); then, in your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document, analyze THREE possible symbols in Midsummer by doing the following for each symbol:
a. Identify what the symbol is
b. Offer thoughts on what abstract idea it might represent
c. Copy one quotation from the play (doesn't have to be just Act 4) that supports your thoughts.
Here's an example:
Symbol #1: The woods
a. The place where the lovers escape to, the tradesmen rehearse, and the fairies live
b. The woods symbolize freedom from the laws but also uncontrollable chaos.
c. ..."the winds, piping to us in vain, / As in revenge have sucked up from the sea / Contagious fogs..." (2.1.91-93)
If you're having a hard time finding symbols, here are a few possibilities: the magical flower, the singing, the donkey head, the play the tradesmen are rehearsing (Pyramus and Thisbe), Titania's bower, the changeling boy...and anything else you see that could serve as a symbol.
2. Remember that this Friday is the deadline for make-up work, revisions, late work, etc.
Friday, February 14, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 14, 2014
Focus: How can we learn SAT vocabulary, wrap up Act 3 of Midsummer, and ready ourselves for Valentines Day in just 58 minutes?
1. Warming up: Reviewing the SAT List 13 vocabulary words with love
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I would...
I love you not only for what you are, but for...
Other men said they have seen angels, but I...
When the world seems more beautiful,
You are the sun in my day, the wind in my...
If I know what love is, it's because...
Come live in my heart, and pay...
If the only place where I could see you was in my dreams, I'd...
It's a rainy day when...
I love two things, you and the...
Love is friendship set on fire and you are...
I discovered true happiness the day you...
2. Taking the SAT List 13 vocabulary quiz
3. Reading your memoir independent reading books (today's memoir time will be shortened)
4. Finishing our Act 3 performances
HW:
1. Spend at least 30 minutes with your memoir and bring it to class on Tuesday.
2. For Wednesday: Read the No Fear Shakespeare version of Act 4, scene 1 (or just the original Shakespearean if you'd like a challenge); then, in your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document, analyze THREE possible symbols in Midsummer by doing the following for each symbol:
a. Identify what the symbol is
b. Offer thoughts on what abstract idea it might represent
c. Copy one quotation from the play (doesn't have to be just Act 4) that supports your thoughts.
Here's an example:
Symbol #1: The woods
a. The place where the lovers escape to, the tradesmen rehearse, and the fairies live
b. The woods symbolize freedom from the laws but also uncontrollable chaos.
c. ..."the winds, piping to us in vain, / As in revenge have sucked up from the sea / Contagious fogs..." (2.1.91-93)
If you're having a hard time finding symbols, here are a few possibilities: the magical flower, the singing, the donkey head, the play the tradesmen are rehearsing (Pyramus and Thisbe), Titania's bower, the changeling boy...and anything else you see that could serve as a symbol.
1. Warming up: Reviewing the SAT List 13 vocabulary words with love
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I would...
I love you not only for what you are, but for...
Other men said they have seen angels, but I...
When the world seems more beautiful,
You are the sun in my day, the wind in my...
If I know what love is, it's because...
Come live in my heart, and pay...
If the only place where I could see you was in my dreams, I'd...
It's a rainy day when...
I love two things, you and the...
Love is friendship set on fire and you are...
I discovered true happiness the day you...
2. Taking the SAT List 13 vocabulary quiz
3. Reading your memoir independent reading books (today's memoir time will be shortened)
4. Finishing our Act 3 performances
HW:
1. Spend at least 30 minutes with your memoir and bring it to class on Tuesday.
2. For Wednesday: Read the No Fear Shakespeare version of Act 4, scene 1 (or just the original Shakespearean if you'd like a challenge); then, in your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document, analyze THREE possible symbols in Midsummer by doing the following for each symbol:
a. Identify what the symbol is
b. Offer thoughts on what abstract idea it might represent
c. Copy one quotation from the play (doesn't have to be just Act 4) that supports your thoughts.
Here's an example:
Symbol #1: The woods
a. The place where the lovers escape to, the tradesmen rehearse, and the fairies live
b. The woods symbolize freedom from the laws but also uncontrollable chaos.
c. ..."the winds, piping to us in vain, / As in revenge have sucked up from the sea / Contagious fogs..." (2.1.91-93)
If you're having a hard time finding symbols, here are a few possibilities: the magical flower, the singing, the donkey head, the play the tradesmen are rehearsing (Pyramus and Thisbe), Titania's bower, the changeling boy...and anything else you see that could serve as a symbol.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 13, 2014
Focus: How can performance help us understand the comedy of A Midsummer Night's Dream?
1. Warming up: Taking ten minutes to rehearse (think about Tuesday's mini lesson on text and subtext--it's up to you to bring meaning to the lines)
2. Enjoying each other's performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3
3. Reviewing List 13 SAT vocabulary (hopefully)
HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's quiz on SAT List 13 Vocabulary.
2. Bring your memoir independent reading book to class; it should be in your hands, not in your locker.
3. The first 6 week grading period technically ends this Friday, but I'm extending the window to Friday, February 21. This means all make-up work and revised work must be completed by Friday, February 21. Remember always to send me an e-mail if you need me to regrade something submitted via Google docs.
4. Ask your parents to sign your grade sheet and return it to me by this Friday, Feb 14.
1. Warming up: Taking ten minutes to rehearse (think about Tuesday's mini lesson on text and subtext--it's up to you to bring meaning to the lines)
2. Enjoying each other's performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3
3. Reviewing List 13 SAT vocabulary (hopefully)
HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's quiz on SAT List 13 Vocabulary.
2. Bring your memoir independent reading book to class; it should be in your hands, not in your locker.
3. The first 6 week grading period technically ends this Friday, but I'm extending the window to Friday, February 21. This means all make-up work and revised work must be completed by Friday, February 21. Remember always to send me an e-mail if you need me to regrade something submitted via Google docs.
4. Ask your parents to sign your grade sheet and return it to me by this Friday, Feb 14.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 12, 2014
Focus: How can performing Act 3 of Midsummer help us understand its comedy?
1. Warming up: Checking out your grades and thinking about the six week deadline
2. Meeting with your acting companies to compose your script, to figure out staging, and to rehearse; please click HERE for the overview and rubric.
HW:
1. All performances will take place tomorrow at the beginning of class, so take care of whatever you need to take care of to be ready to perform your scene (props, music, costumes, rehearsing, script, etc).
2. SAT Vocabulary List 13 quiz this Friday; bring your memoir independent reading book to class on Friday as well.
3. The first 6 week grading period technically ends this Friday, but I'm extending the window to Friday, February 21. This means all make-up work and revised work must be completed by Friday, February 21. Remember always to send me an e-mail if you need me to regrade something submitted via Google docs.
4. Ask your parents to sign your grade sheet and return it to me by this Friday, Feb 14.
1. Warming up: Checking out your grades and thinking about the six week deadline
2. Meeting with your acting companies to compose your script, to figure out staging, and to rehearse; please click HERE for the overview and rubric.
HW:
1. All performances will take place tomorrow at the beginning of class, so take care of whatever you need to take care of to be ready to perform your scene (props, music, costumes, rehearsing, script, etc).
2. SAT Vocabulary List 13 quiz this Friday; bring your memoir independent reading book to class on Friday as well.
3. The first 6 week grading period technically ends this Friday, but I'm extending the window to Friday, February 21. This means all make-up work and revised work must be completed by Friday, February 21. Remember always to send me an e-mail if you need me to regrade something submitted via Google docs.
4. Ask your parents to sign your grade sheet and return it to me by this Friday, Feb 14.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 11, 2014
Focus: How can we understand Act 3 through performance?
1. Warming up: How much subtext can squeeze out of your words?
The Text: "Don't go!"
The Subtext:
"I command you to stay!"
"Please stay if you love me."
"It's not safe out there."
"I warn you--you'll be sorry if you go."
The Text: "What time is it?" "It's eleven o'clock"
The Subtext:
"How much longer do I have to live?" "You have one hour to live and will be executed at midnight."
"When is this boring class going to end?" "Thank goodness the bell is about to ring."
"We've complete lost track of time." "We're late to class and about to get into trouble."
Applying it to 2.2.41-71: Which words would you emphasize? Where would you pause? Tone? Volume?
Lysander could be innocent and Hermia seductive.
Lysander could be seductive and Hermia cold.
Lysander could be genuinely in love and Hermia could say no but be tempted all the same.
2. Finally, a little acting for Act 3: A Challenge for Your Royal Acting Company
Check out the reward if you need extrinsic motivation: The Leclaire Dessert Menu
HW:
1. MSND homework to be decided by your Acting Company.
2. Optional: Flashcards for SAT List 13 Vocabulary (quiz on Friday).
3. Memoir independent reading books due March 14, but I highly suggest trying to finish your book in the next two weeks.
1. Warming up: How much subtext can squeeze out of your words?
The Text: "Don't go!"
The Subtext:
"I command you to stay!"
"Please stay if you love me."
"It's not safe out there."
"I warn you--you'll be sorry if you go."
The Text: "What time is it?" "It's eleven o'clock"
The Subtext:
"How much longer do I have to live?" "You have one hour to live and will be executed at midnight."
"When is this boring class going to end?" "Thank goodness the bell is about to ring."
"We've complete lost track of time." "We're late to class and about to get into trouble."
Applying it to 2.2.41-71: Which words would you emphasize? Where would you pause? Tone? Volume?
Lysander could be innocent and Hermia seductive.
Lysander could be seductive and Hermia cold.
Lysander could be genuinely in love and Hermia could say no but be tempted all the same.
2. Finally, a little acting for Act 3: A Challenge for Your Royal Acting Company
Check out the reward if you need extrinsic motivation: The Leclaire Dessert Menu
HW:
1. MSND homework to be decided by your Acting Company.
2. Optional: Flashcards for SAT List 13 Vocabulary (quiz on Friday).
3. Memoir independent reading books due March 14, but I highly suggest trying to finish your book in the next two weeks.
Monday, February 10, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 10, 2014
Focus: What conflicts are brewing in Act 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream?
1. Warming up: Finishing Task #2: The Frenzied Fairies, with your acting companies
2. Testing your understanding by taking the Midsummer quiz on Acts 1 and 2 as a group
3. Viewing Act 2 and focusing on directorial choices:
As you watch...
HW:
1. Read the plot summaries in your school copy of Midsummer for Act 3, scenes 1 and 2. Using your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document or an online timeline creator such as www.timetoast.com create a timeline that includes at least 15 events from these two scenes. Your timeline won't have actual dates.
2. Optional: Start making flaschards for SAT List 13 Vocabulary (remember that they are no longer required, though strongly suggested).
3. Your memoir independent reading books are due March 14. Spend time with yours if need be.
1. Warming up: Finishing Task #2: The Frenzied Fairies, with your acting companies
2. Testing your understanding by taking the Midsummer quiz on Acts 1 and 2 as a group
3. Viewing Act 2 and focusing on directorial choices:
As you watch...
- In "Ye Daily Class Log," give your notes today a date and heading.
- Note three directorial choices you find interesting, such as the casting of actors, any changes the director has made to the original play, and any parts that really help you understand the play.
- Briefly explain why you find each choice notable. Bullet points are fine.
HW:
1. Read the plot summaries in your school copy of Midsummer for Act 3, scenes 1 and 2. Using your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document or an online timeline creator such as www.timetoast.com create a timeline that includes at least 15 events from these two scenes. Your timeline won't have actual dates.
2. Optional: Start making flaschards for SAT List 13 Vocabulary (remember that they are no longer required, though strongly suggested).
3. Your memoir independent reading books are due March 14. Spend time with yours if need be.
Friday, February 7, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 7, 2014
Focus: What new vocabulary have you mastered? How can you improve your reading skills?
1. Warming up: Going over your List 11 SAT Vocabulary Quiz
2. Testing your vocabulary prowess with the List 12 SAT Vocabulary Quiz
3. Reading your memoir independent reading books
4. Wrapping up yesterday's Acting Company Task #2: The Frenzied Fairies
HW:
1. With your Acting Company, you will be taking a closed-note quiz on Acts 1 and 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream on Monday. Everyone in your Acting Company will receive the same score.
2. Spend 30 minutes with your memoir independent reading book (must be finished by March 14).
1. Warming up: Going over your List 11 SAT Vocabulary Quiz
2. Testing your vocabulary prowess with the List 12 SAT Vocabulary Quiz
3. Reading your memoir independent reading books
4. Wrapping up yesterday's Acting Company Task #2: The Frenzied Fairies
HW:
1. With your Acting Company, you will be taking a closed-note quiz on Acts 1 and 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream on Monday. Everyone in your Acting Company will receive the same score.
2. Spend 30 minutes with your memoir independent reading book (must be finished by March 14).
Thursday, February 6, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 6, 2014
Focus: What conflicts are brewing in A Midsummer Night's Dream and why?
1. Warming up: A quick round of storytelling with SAT Vocabulary, List 12
1. Warming up: A quick round of storytelling with SAT Vocabulary, List 12
2. Flying into the fairy world of A Midsummer Night's Dream with your acting companies
a. Assign
parts and read aloud Act 2, scenes 1 and 2. Pause at the end of every page to paraphrase aloud what's happening and to work on the tasks detailed below:
b. Create a document in your Acting Company folder called "Task #2: The Frenzied Fairies" and keep detailed notes on the following:
–Characters (What motivates them? What obstacles do they face? How would you describe their personalities?)
–Conflicts (How would you describe the relationships? What problems do characters have with each
other and why? What other elements are in
conflict with each other?)
–Setting (What do the woods
symbolize? What does Athens symbolize?)
--Vocabulary (Keep a running list of words you don't know and type their definitions)
c. Before
the end of class, you will also want to fill in the other side of your pink character map.
d. Decide on your MVP and give at least one good reason for this decision.
HW:
1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz on SAT List 12 (there will be a few throwbacks to List 11).
2. Bring your memoir independent reading book to class tomorrow.
3. Finish any Acting Company work not completed in class today.
4. On MONDAY, you will be taking a group quiz on MSND, Act 1 and Act 2, scene 1.
4. On MONDAY, you will be taking a group quiz on MSND, Act 1 and Act 2, scene 1.
fill in the other side of your pink
character map.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 5, 2014
Focus: What can watching Act 1 in performance help us understand about A Midsummer Night's Dream?
1. Warming up: Sharing my thoughts on your group work yesterday; regrouping to cast the right actors in the right roles:
Please complete the following task on yesterday's document: For each of the following characters, please decide (1) which modern actor should play each role (feel free to include a picture), and (2) give a one sentence explanation as to why the actor is a kindred spirit to the character:
2. Viewing the film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 1
As you watch...
3. Reviewing SAT List 12 vocabulary (if time allows)
HW:
1. For TOMORROW: Using the No Fear Shakespeare version of A Midsummer Night's Dream (which you can access on the class website), read Act 2, scene 1, lines 1-194.
In your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document, please make a list of all characters you meet in Act 1, scene 1, and, as specifically as possible, tell what each character wants. Support each response with a quotation from the play (in the original Shakespearean). This will be worth 20 points in the Growth category because, yes, it's that important.
2. For FRIDAY: Study for Friday's vocabulary quiz on the List 12 words (and yes, there will be a few words from List 11 reappearing on the quiz as well). Bring your memoir independent reading book to class as well.
Announcement: I need Midsummer folders from the following people ASAP:
1st Hour:
Eli
Tony
Alex
Michael J.
Jeff
Paul
Bryan
3rd Hour:
Grace
Joseph
Riley
Zach--I need editing rights to yours
(Andy)
6th Hour:
Nick
Adam
Cassie
1. Warming up: Sharing my thoughts on your group work yesterday; regrouping to cast the right actors in the right roles:
Please complete the following task on yesterday's document: For each of the following characters, please decide (1) which modern actor should play each role (feel free to include a picture), and (2) give a one sentence explanation as to why the actor is a kindred spirit to the character:
- Theseus
- Hippolyta
- Hermia
- Helena
- Lysander
- Demetrius
- Nick Bottom
2. Viewing the film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 1
As you watch...
- In "Ye Daily Class Log," give your notes today a date and heading.
- Note three directorial choices you find interesting, such as the casting of actors, any changes the director has made to the original play, and any parts that really help you understand the play.
- Briefly explain why you find each choice notable. Bullet points are fine.
3. Reviewing SAT List 12 vocabulary (if time allows)
HW:
1. For TOMORROW: Using the No Fear Shakespeare version of A Midsummer Night's Dream (which you can access on the class website), read Act 2, scene 1, lines 1-194.
In your "Thou Doest Thine Homework" document, please make a list of all characters you meet in Act 1, scene 1, and, as specifically as possible, tell what each character wants. Support each response with a quotation from the play (in the original Shakespearean). This will be worth 20 points in the Growth category because, yes, it's that important.
2. For FRIDAY: Study for Friday's vocabulary quiz on the List 12 words (and yes, there will be a few words from List 11 reappearing on the quiz as well). Bring your memoir independent reading book to class as well.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 4, 2014
Focus: Who are the mechanicals, and what is their role in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
1. Warming up: Look back to yesterday's blog and respond to at least one question with as specific an answer as possible.
2. Finishing the presentations and discussions of yesterday's "Living Pictures"; finish reading scene 1 together
3. Setting up acting companies for this unit:
a. Decide on a name for your acting company. It should sound Shakespearean.
b. Select one member of your group to set up a folder and share it with your entire acting company and with me. The title should be the name of your acting company.
c. Start a new document called "Task #1: The Mechanicals' Play Rehearsal" and put it inside your acting company folder. Give it an MLA heading (include all group members' names)
d. Follow the directions below for Task #1: The Mechanicals' Play Rehearsal:
4. Viewing Act 1 of the film version (if time allows)
HW:
1. Make your List 12 SAT vocabulary flashcards by tomorrow. I might actually have time to check them off in class tomorrow. Remember, too, that this is your last round of required flashcards, so let's make them excellent.
2. Spend 20 minutes with your memoir independent reading book (and bring it to class on Friday).
1. Warming up: Look back to yesterday's blog and respond to at least one question with as specific an answer as possible.
2. Finishing the presentations and discussions of yesterday's "Living Pictures"; finish reading scene 1 together
3. Setting up acting companies for this unit:
a. Decide on a name for your acting company. It should sound Shakespearean.
b. Select one member of your group to set up a folder and share it with your entire acting company and with me. The title should be the name of your acting company.
c. Start a new document called "Task #1: The Mechanicals' Play Rehearsal" and put it inside your acting company folder. Give it an MLA heading (include all group members' names)
d. Follow the directions below for Task #1: The Mechanicals' Play Rehearsal:
- Find Act 1, scene 2 in your school copy of the play.
- With your acting company, do a round-robin reading to a period, semicolon, colon, or question mark.
- Have someone keep a list in your document of all words you don't know; come to a consensus about what those words mean and record those definitions in your document.
- Discuss last night's homework until you feel as though everyone understands the scene pretty well. In other words, who are these new characters, and what do they want?
- Record in your document a specific, thoughtful response to today's focus question.
- Decide on an MVP for your acting company today. In other words, who was the most helpful and how so? Record the person and the reason in your document.
4. Viewing Act 1 of the film version (if time allows)
HW:
1. Make your List 12 SAT vocabulary flashcards by tomorrow. I might actually have time to check them off in class tomorrow. Remember, too, that this is your last round of required flashcards, so let's make them excellent.
2. Spend 20 minutes with your memoir independent reading book (and bring it to class on Friday).
Monday, February 3, 2014
We're English 10 Nerds and Loving It: February 3, 2014
Focus: What can we infer about the complex relationships unfolding in Midsummer?
1. Warming up: With a partner, please explore the relationships between Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena by doing the following:
a. Go over last night's homework together so that you feel comfortable with the characters.
b. Using the graphic organizer given out in class, try to fill in as much about the characters and their relationship based on your memory as you can. Then, open your books to add to or correct what you've written down.
Take at look at the example below if you need a jump start:
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2. Digging a little deeper in these relationships by putting them into action:
Living Picture 1: Theseus and Hippolyta (1.1.1-20)
Living Picture 2: Theseus and Egeus (1.1.21-46)
Living Picture 3: Theseus and Hermia (1.1.47-92)
Living Picture 4: Demetrius, Lysander, Theseus, and Egeus (1.1.93-129)
Living Picture 5: Lysander and Hermia (1.1.130-182)
Living Picture 6: Hermia and Helena (1.1.183-212)
ALL GROUP MEMBERS MUST PARTICIPATE EITHER BY READING OR POSING.
3. Returning to your opening questions: Find one question on the blog that you can at least partly answer after today's class. Go ahead and type your response right underneath the question.
4. (If time allows) Exploring the cast of characters and putting you in charge of prop/costume duty.
HW:
1. Finish reading all of Act 1 (the end of scene 1 and all of scene 2) using No Fear Shakespeare. Continue the homework you did for today by listing the new characters you meet and what they want. Be as specific as possible, and include a quotation for each in the original Shakespearean.
2. Make your SAT List 12 flashcards for Wednesday.
3rd hour: During announcements, please post on today's class blog one question you have from last night's reading. This can be a Level 1 (plot), Level 2 (inference), or Level 3 (bigger picture) question as long as it's a question you would genuinely like answered.
1. Warming up: With a partner, please explore the relationships between Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena by doing the following:
a. Go over last night's homework together so that you feel comfortable with the characters.
b. Using the graphic organizer given out in class, try to fill in as much about the characters and their relationship based on your memory as you can. Then, open your books to add to or correct what you've written down.
Take at look at the example below if you need a jump start:
2. Digging a little deeper in these relationships by putting them into action:
Living Picture 1: Theseus and Hippolyta (1.1.1-20)
Living Picture 2: Theseus and Egeus (1.1.21-46)
Living Picture 3: Theseus and Hermia (1.1.47-92)
Living Picture 4: Demetrius, Lysander, Theseus, and Egeus (1.1.93-129)
Living Picture 5: Lysander and Hermia (1.1.130-182)
Living Picture 6: Hermia and Helena (1.1.183-212)
ALL GROUP MEMBERS MUST PARTICIPATE EITHER BY READING OR POSING.
3. Returning to your opening questions: Find one question on the blog that you can at least partly answer after today's class. Go ahead and type your response right underneath the question.
4. (If time allows) Exploring the cast of characters and putting you in charge of prop/costume duty.
HW:
1. Finish reading all of Act 1 (the end of scene 1 and all of scene 2) using No Fear Shakespeare. Continue the homework you did for today by listing the new characters you meet and what they want. Be as specific as possible, and include a quotation for each in the original Shakespearean.
2. Make your SAT List 12 flashcards for Wednesday.
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