Wed. 4/23/08

Good Evening!

For some reason, today felt like a long day and I was very tired when school ended. Tomorrow will be a really long day because we have VIP night in the evening. I am debating whether or not I should go home or just stay at school. We’ll see….all I know is that I came home, took a nap, ate dinner and now I need to pack like crazy. So, on with it..

JUNIORS: 1st and 3rd period — You had a pop quiz over chapters 1-3. Many of you really struggled. I wasn’t sure why — but you did have to think and extract quotes. My idea was that if you have read all three chapters, you would have already been going over the required information in your head, classifying and assessing each character and it would have been easy to find quotes and explain them. Hmmm…..I will ask you tomorrow if it was hard or just time consuming…or maybe it’s because you haven’t read or if you did read you skimmed?  Sixth period you didn’t have a quiz, but boy about three or four of you talked incessantly. I really am frustrated with that — I cut your class a break by not giving you a quiz, and then I gave you the entire period to work on your homework while I finished conferencing with your remaining classmates on their EOCT mid-point check exam. I sent a couple of you outside and then spoke to you after class. If either of you are reading this, please take heed DO NOT RUIN SIXTH period for the rest of the class. Next time, it will be public detention for a couple of days, and after that, a referral. I have been kind, I have been stern, I have cajoled, I have nagged, and now it’s done. You are almost seniors and must get it together. You are not the most important person(s) in your class and by talking incessantly, you take away from your classmates and me.

HW: 1. Print out the EOCT Study guide here: eoctstudyguide3  2. Read Chapter 4     3. Complete index cards for vocabulary words #41-80.

SOPHOMORES: Today you had your first performances. Well done. Some things that need to be improved: more preparation as to who is presenting, more group involement during discussion questions, better group question facilitators — repeat what each classmate says and then call on other people and add to what they’re saying, NO GUM chewing during the performance.

I made an executive decision today about our Hamlet test. We are not going to be having a separate unit test. Instead, the final will be on Hamlet and our last novel of the year, The Bell Jar. Unfortunately, we will not be reading Brave New World  because I am not able to get enough books for the end of the year. I do HIGHLY encourage you to read it, however, as it is a very great book and you’ll learn a lot. I will be issuing The Bell Jar this week and you will start reading it tomorrow night.

HW: If you haven’t presented, practice your presentation, your lines and your blocking.

Have a great night!

Mrs. Breaux

AMERICAN LIT. STUDENTS ONLY

Here is the condensed Georgia Dept. of Education’s American Literature EOCT study guide.

I included the items you NEED to make sure to remember and to know how to do. The last section (grammar, research, and writing) is where the majority of you need the most work.

If you are weak on grammar or unsure of yourself, LOOK IT UP! Google it on the web, and you’ll find definitions and examples.

OKAY, update as of 7:33 pm (and yes, sadly I’m still at school), I can’t link the document I created for you. I will try later tonight. It is about 10 pages, so you will get a copy in class to examine but not to keep. I HIGHLY encourage you to print this link, once I am able to get it posted, and study!

Meanwhile, here’s the EOCT study guide in its entirety:

http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/ci_testing.aspx?PageReq=CI_TESTING_EOCT&SubPageReq=GUIDES

Scroll down and click on both section of the American Literature EOCT.

See you tomorrow. I need to get home!

~Mrs. B

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

 Happy Earth Day!  It’s odd how trends are cyclical. I remember the publicity surrounding protecting Mother Earth in the early 90s, before that it was the 60’s and now it’s the early 21st Century. I hate how the media has collective ADD — it focuses on one thing and pounds it into the general public’s heads for a while and then forgets, which makes the general public forget or feel like it’s not a big deal anymore. Whether you question the existance of Global Warming or not, everyone has to admit it is wise to conserve. I was watching a PBS show this weekend and the chief water management officer of Las Vegas was speaking about how in 14 or so years, if the water’s main source keeps being taken then Las Vegas will not have any water which in turn will affect the Hoover Dam and electricity. Can you imagine Las Vegas without water or electricity?

Another example of the media making us forget is Georgia’s drought. What happened to it? Are we fine now and out of the crisis? Geesh…inquiring minds would like to know….

Anyhow, onwards and upwards…

JUNIORS: Today we discussed Chapter 2, you took notes, and we read part of Chapter 3. HW: FInish Chapter 3 and review the whole chapter. Remember index cards are due on Thursday (words 41-80).

SOPHOMORES: Today was dress rehearsal day and the final rehersal day in class. Some of you don’t know your lines yet. Yikes. I was observing today and making notes of who did and who didn’t and how things were going in your group. Remember this part is 25% of your total grade.  You also chose a committee for our Shakespeare Picnic next Tuesday.

HW: All written material is due tomorrow. If you misplaced your handout, see yesterday’s post and download and print it.   Also, remember the Hamlet test is on Monday. As soon as I’m done with today’s post, I will post the study guide. Also, go to the sophomore honors handouts page on this website and review the Hamlet Study Guide Wiki.

Have a fabulous Earth Day. Go home and do something to save the planet!

 

 

Monday, April 21, 2008

Hi folks.

Here’s what we did today:

JUNIORS: You had your first GG vocabulary Test (words 1-40), and then you “reviewed” Chapter 2 (it should have been read by today). The test results were not as good as I would have liked. Maybe the test format was challenging? The more likely example is because you didn’t study. So, let’s bust a move and study. Capiche? 

SOPHOMORES: Today, I announced the rest of our Hamlet assessment dates. Here’s how it’s going down:

1. Performances:

                                      2nd                             4th

Wed. 4/23                  Hakuna Matata                Ghostbusters

                                  Hamlet Sandwiches          Playas

Thursday 4/24           Polish Pringles                 NV

                                   Hyenas

Friday 4/25              Great Danes                    S’Bloods

Tues. 4/29                                                     Gravediggers

                                                                      Jigmakers

On Wed. 4/23, all written material needs to be handed in per these instructions given in class: downsizing-hamlet-checklist_rubric3.

On Mon. 4/28 — You are taking your Hamlet unit test which will be: matching (characters and setting), multiple choice and quotation identification.

On Tues. 4/29 Shakespeare Extravanganza and picnic

HW: STUDY YOUR LINES and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Ciao.

Mrs. B

Sophomores — Downsizing Hamlet RUBRIC

I’m posting the rubric here and under the sophomore honors handouts section of this website.

Downsizing Hamlet Checklist

 

All written work due: Wed. 4/23. Must be turned in clean manila or three-pronged flat folder with your Hamlet group name, your individual group members’ names,  and your class period. In addition, each person’s name should be on each piece of written work.

 

The following is a checklist for your folder:

 

Script Writer                                                                                                                                                        

• Typed, 11 point, TNR font is used
• MLA heading is correct
• In addition, you will need to type up: the group’s costume rationale, setting rationale, and list of the actors in your group, their assigned part and the rationale for their character assignment.

 

Scene Summarizer

• One page or more summary of original scene
• In your own words
• MLA format is used
• Organized writing
• Free of grammatical/spelling errors
• Turned into www.turnitin.com by Wed. 4/23

 

Line Rationalizer

• List of all lines cut from the original
• Explanation explaining why the line was cut
• MLA format is used
• Organized writing
• Free of grammatical/spelling errors
• Turned into www.turnitin.com by Wed. 4/23

 

Question Keeper

• Copy of 5 questions created by the group
• Questions should be  open ended and based on concrete events, not “do you think…”
• Every possible response to each question should be provided. Should be detailed and non-arguable
• Questions are thought provoking and require critical thinking
• Turned into www.turnitin.com by Wed. 4/23

Significance Explainer

• 1 page
• Tells why this scene is significant to the entire play thus far
• Addresses character changes, major themes or ideas, new information conveyed, etc.
• MLA format used
• Organized writing
• Free of grammatical/spelling errors
• Turned into www.turninin.com by Wed. 4/23

 

Scene Blocker (only if you have six group members)

• Multiple pages – entire script
• Very detailed  – multiple directions for each character, stage directions
• All stage directions are in italics
• Turned into www.turnitin.com by Wed. 4/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Group:_________________________________________  Class Period:____________

 

Your name: _____________________________________________ Your written role:___________________________

 

Your character:__________________________________________

 

 

Individual Grade                                                                                                                                 

 

 

Group Presentation

Acting:

• Lines memorized – needs no prompting – improvises accordingly if forgets lines – _________/10                                                                                                                                                                                                    
• Acted with enthusiasm and appropriate facial expressions:_______/20

 

• Props/costumes are very well-designed and fit into scene as a whole:_________/10

 

Presentation:

• Your contributions were interesting and thought provoking: ___________/5
• You participated equally with your group when required: ____________/5
• You didn’t fidget, articulated and enunciated sufficiently, and looked professional ______________/5

 

Individual Written work

•  
  • Work is formatted correctly:__________/5
  • Work is superior quality :____________/15

 

 

Group Grade                                                                                                                                                                                         __________/25

•  
  • Group interaction during rehearsals – each member contributed meaningfully and positively, no one was sitting doing “nothing” but assisted and gave feedback to the actors during and after their performance
  • Group had lines memorized on Monday, 4/21
  • Group brought all costumes on Tuesday, 4/22
  • Folder turned in on 4/23 with all required material

 

 

 

Total Grade                                                                                                                                                                                           __________/100

       

 

Comments:

 

TGIF – 4.18.08

Hellllloooooooooooooooooo……

Happy Friday! Happy Weekend! Happy good weather! Happy Pollen!

Today was a peaceful, productive Friday. Here’s what we did:

JUNIORS: 1. You took your GG Ch. 1 Quiz. Most grades were good — the average was about a 78.8 which means almost all of you are “getting it.” WTG!  2. Then you read Ch. 2. Finish for HW what you didn’t get a chance to read. HW: Study for your first GG Vocab. Assessment – #1-40.

SOPHOMORES: You took your Hamlet vocabulary test. Great JOB!!!! Very good scores — out of the 48 of you that took today’s test, there were only three c’s and one f and the rest were a’s and b’s. Woohoo!  HW: Rehearse and learn your lines. You must know them by Monday!!

Have a grandtastic weekend! I’ll be packing everything I own in preparation for our move in 12 days. YIKES!

Love,

Mrs. B

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Well, today was a very bad Titan first for me. I came to school this morning to find my classroom broken into. Someone had gone all through my drawers in my desk, leaving them open. At first I noticed the LCD projector was missing off of my cart, then I noticed the desk second. I had a gut instinct of alarm when I saw the LCD projector missing, but then I figured another English teacher probably borrowed it. Then, I saw my desk drawers and immediately went to the front door (because I had come in the back) and low and behold, some thug had forced the door open and broke in. LCD projectors run about $700. They got mine, Ms. Repass’, Mr. Hedden’s, and Mr. Rawlin’s. In addition, they took Ms. Repass’ laptop and ipod that was LOCKED in her desk, Mr. Rawlin’s ipod,  and Mr. Hedden’s expensive sunglasses. Incredible. These thugs are professional criminals. That phrase seems like an oxymoron — PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS.  Anyhow, then I get a message from the front office from Mr. Breaux who had stopped at the dumpster to drop off trash and locked his keys in his SUV. Can we say chaotic?  At least the day settled down somewhat.  I’ve been very tired today which is odd since I got enough sleep — I think it’s just the events of the day.

So here’s what we did:

JUNIORS: Today, I collected your index cards for GG Assessment #1 and then we took notes from pages 10-14. HW: Finish reading the GG Ch. 1 Quiz tomorrow. Also, after a bunch of looking and emails, I was able to procure enough GGs for everyone to have one. So, I made a reading schedule after school today. Here it is: the-great-gatsby-reading-schedule-2008

SOPHOMORES:  Today you rehearsed all day. It looks like it’s coming along great! Good work!

HW: Study for your Hamlet vocabulary Test.

Ciao!

Mrs. B

 

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Good evening!

I hope you had a good day today. I had to leave early for a doctor’s appointment, but I only missed sixth period and you guys were lucky enough to have Ms. Gathers as your sub.

Here’s what we did:

SOPHOMORES: Today (yikes!) somehow the Branaugh version of Hamlet jumped out of my purse somewhere between home and school so we had to settled for the Gibson version. Sorry! Before the film, I collected your Shakespeare notebook. I’m grading assignments #6-12 and #1-5 on those of you who I haven’t graded that section, yet.  After the film, you assigned parts/roles and ran through your lines.  HW: STUDY for your Vocabulary Test on Friday.

JUNIORS: Today, you received two handouts — Modernism Notes and GG vocabulary packet with words #1-144. We discussed the notes, I gave you the parts of speech for Monday’s vocabulary quiz. Then we read two pages in GG in first period up to page 14, in third period, we didn’t get to read any, and in sixth period, you read up through 16.  

HW: Vocabulary Index cards due tomorrow. See handout from Monday for specifications.

**Also, please check the American Literature Handouts section of this website for handouts from our Gatsby unit.

Okay! I must get back to making dinner. Pretty sad it’s almost 9 pm and dinner is not done yet. I have a very patient husband.

Have a swell night!

Mrs. B

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Hi All:

Someone said today in third period, “Is it only Tuesday?” This statement probably echoed many of your thoughts exactly! I know it echoed mine. At any rate, things are moving along… This is the time of year when teachers think to themselves, “How on earth am I going to get all this material taught in six weeks?” and students are thinking, “How am I going to get all these projects/papers/tests/novels read/textbooks finished in six weeks?”  At least we’re all in it together. 

Remember that on Thursday, twelve week progress reports go out.

Here’s what we did today:

JUNIORS: You checked to make sure your Great Gatsby notebook was up to date. Here’s the order so far:  

4/2  1. F. Scott Fitzgerald film Biography Notes

4/4  2. Langston Hughes film Biography Notes

4/14  3. GG Unit Assignment Handout

4/14  4. GG Questionnaire Handout

4/15 5. GG Chapter Reading Annotations

4/15  6. GG Vocabulary

Today in class, we read the first four pages of The Great Gatsby and took extensive notes. I know it’s slow going, but you need to remember that the first chapter is difficult — the sentence syntax, diction, and figurative language make it so. It will get easier, so hang in there with me.

HW: Start your #1-40 vocabulary cards and start studying for your vocabulary quiz on Monday

SOPHOMORES: Today, I wrote the this week’s assignments and next week’s assignments on the board. Here they are:

Monday 4/14 :

1. Downsizing Hamlet handout     2. Summarize the act prior to your scene(s), re-read your assigned scene   HW: Go to www.breauxclassroom.wordpress.com and print out your assigned scene and cut 1/3 of the lines.

Tuesday 4/15:

1. HW due – #11 in your folder  2. Coordinate with your group and compare and contrast which lines you want to cut.   HW: Everyone needs to finish Act IV questions. The scriptwriter needs to delete the lines and edit the script for your scene(s) and email everyone a copy. EVERYONE needs to print out the modified script for tomorrow.

Wednesday 4/16 – Watch Act IV of the Branaugh version    HW: Study for Hamlet Vocabulary Test (Here’s a link to the vocabulary in case you threw yours out or can’t find it: https://secure.layingthefoundation.org/english/vocab/novels/Hamlet.pdf

Thursday 4/17 – 1. With your modified script, assign parts, setting, costumes   2. Run through scenes as many times as you can HW: Study for you Hamlet Vocabulary Test.

Friday 4/18 – Hamlet Vocabulary Test and then rehearse your scene(s)

Mon. 4/21 – Lines memorized; rehearse

Tues. 4/22 – Dress rehearsal

Wed. 4/23 – IV: i-ii performance

Thur. 4/24 – IV:iii-v performances

Fri. 4/25 – IV:vii performances

As always, if you have questions, email me or talk to me tomorrow in class. Have a good night!

 Ciao!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Hi all!

It was really hard to hear that alarm clock ring this morning, wasn’t it? Well, the first day back is always the hardest, isn’t it? I was glad to see all of you safe and sound — many of you a bit tanner, but overall, well-rested and focused for the marathon that is the final weeks ahead of us.

Anyhow, here’s what we did today:

Juniors: Today, I passed back your Langston Hughes Documentary Notes from Friday, 4/4. The sub didn’t collect folders as instructed for first period, but did collect them from third and sixth period.  I passed back your notes and/or folders. Then, I gave you two handouts, one on an overview of your Gatsby assignments for this three week unit. Next, you received a GG reading survey of your opinion of some of the major ideas in our novel.

HW: If you were absent Friday, you need to find a SCHOLARLY website on the biography of Langston Hughes and copy and past the URL (web address) and 25 facts on Hughes’ life. These need to be printed out and placed into your notebook for tomorrow.

Here’s the link to the GG vocabulary – Words #1-40 are due on index cards. Here’s the link to the words: https://secure.layingthefoundation.org/english/vocab/novels/Great%20Gatsby.pdf

I’ll give you a printout tomorrow, but if you want them early, here you go.

Handouts: the-great-gatsby-unit-assignments3, prereadingsurvey

Sophomores:

Today, you received your handout on your Act IV scene performance. We thoroughly reviewed it, you were assigned your scene(s) and then you worked for about 10-15 minutes in your group, reviewing the scene that occurred right before your scene, wrote down a bullet-point summary, then if you had time, you began to re-read your scene.

Handouts: downsizinghamlet

The following scene assignments were given:

                                       2nd period                                     4th period

IV:i-ii                          Hakuna Matatas                                 Ghostbusters, Playas

IV:iii-iv                    Polish Pringles, Hamlet Sandwiches       NV

IV: v                          Hyenas                                                 S’Bloods

IV:vii                       The Great Danes                                    Gravediggers, Jigmakers

Here are the scene scripts for you to print out, but first read the following:

I couldn’t find a decent version of each scene of Act IV individually online, so I had to link you to the entire play. DO NOT PRINT THIS OUT — IT’S A HUGE DOCUMENT AND YOU DON’T NEED ALL OF IT.

Act IV goes from pages 87-110. Once you open the link, click on scene IV hyperlinked in blue. Then figure out which pages you need to print. You might want to click on print preview first to make sure you’re clicking on the right pages.

full-text-hamlet

It’s an Adobe file. You just need to have an Adobe reader program installed on your computer. If you don’t, it might or might not direct you to install Adobe Reader. If it doesn’t, Google Adobe Reader Free download, and install it. Check with your parents first. This is a safe program and doesn’t cost anything.

If you have any other questions, please email me.

Have a great night!

Mrs. B

from Friday, April 4, 2008

Thanks for being so wonderful for the substitute!

Here are the exact sub plans I left:

Lesson Plans

**Please write all lesson plans on board and then read them to students. ALL students in all of my classes know that I’m out today and they also know what they’ll be working on.

 

1, 3,6 American Lit – Please take roll using the seating charts. In first period, during the announcements, please have someone (Derrek, Kyle) set up the VCR and connect it to the LCD projector on the cart in the middle of the room. If you’re technologically inclined, please feel free to do it yourself. They will need to connect the VCR exactly as the DVD player is currently connected.

 

Then, put in the tape in the VCR. Tell the students to take notes and title them “Langston Hughes Biography Notes.” They are to write down 30 facts and organize them into the following categories: early life, writing life, and adult life.

They need to add this title to their Table of Contents in their Great Gatsby notebook. Please collect their notebooks at the end of the period. They should have their names and period in the lower right hand corner and The Great Gatsby Notebook written on the top. Tell them that they are getting credit for their notebook, too, and if they don’t have it, they will have to staple both sets of notes together (Fitzgerald and Hughes) and turn them in. They MAY NOT go to their locker or use their manilla writing folders in the boxes on the table. Please make piles for 1,3,6, label them and put them on my desk.

 2,4 – In 2^nd period, students are to read IV:vii aloud. They already know who is playing which part. Then, they are to stay seated in their groups and finish Act IV questions. They may work together, but only within their groups.  Fourth period had to finish Act IV for homework. They must immediately start working within their groups. If they are done early, put the Mel Gibson version of Hamlet in the DVD player. You’ll have to switch from the VCR configuration.  Remind both classes: Mon-Wed. after Spring Break is performance practice, Thursday is your performance, and Friday is your Hamlet Vocabulary Test.

 

 

Tuesday 4/1 and Wednesday 4/2

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Two more days until Spring Break. The weather was glorious today! I love going home and being outside as much as possible. I also love getting a book (or grading!) and sitting on my porch. As you know, I will not be here on Friday because I have to go to Florida early. I have a big announcement tomorrow….which explains why I’m going to Florida.

At any rate, here’s what we did…..

Tues. 4/1 – April Fool’s Day….only one joke was played on me by youknowwhoyouare in first period and it wasn’t funny. Today, first period took your Realism/Naturalism Test, third period watched the HORRIBLE Famous Authors VHS of F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was awful. Sorry for the mental anguish it may have caused you. So, sixth period, I sent April on a mission…to find who had the A & E version which is MUCH better. So, while she was searching for it, I had you set up your Great Gatsby Folders. We are putting away your lit. anthologies and Language Arts binders for a while and reading GG, our current novel, and using your folder to store all assignments related to this unit.  HW: None UNLESS you STILL HAVEN’T TURNED IN YOUR STUDY GUIDE AND YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!

Sophomores: In second period, we read Acts IV:i-v and discussed while we read. In fourth period, we discussed Act III and your notes. You didn’t know Shakespeare was so raunchy, did you?!?  HW: None.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Juniors: Today, we watched the A&E version of the F. Scott Fitzgerald documentary. You should have your Table of Contents set up for your GG notebook and this is your first assignment. If you missed today, you will need to find a SCHOLARLY website (not the first one that pops up after you Google it!) and copy and paste 25 facts about: his early life, college life, writing life, and later life. You need to copy and paste the website you used at the bottom. Print it out and put it in your GG notebook. HW: None.

Sophomores: In second period, we ALMOST finished Act IV — one and a half scenes are left. You received your Act IV questions. Due at the end of the period on Friday. Then, in fourth period, you also received your questions, due at the beginning of the period on Friday. We read IV:i-v in class. I have been so loving our discussions. Fabulous.HW: Work on Act IV questions.

Adios. Homeward bound am I.