Wednesday, December 14th!

Journal Prompt:

There is a lot goin' down at the castle in Elsinore.  Drama.  Death.  Destruction. 
Your task for this journal prompt is to write an article (think Rita Skeeter from Harry Potter - think National Enquirer) that discusses the happenings with Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius and the gang.  And remember - scandal sells magazines, crew.  Be creative!

- Shall we finish Act IV and take a quiz?  Why, yes.  We shall!

Hamlet and Ophelia - two crazy lovers...
and we mean that literally.
Photo taken from Google Images

     

Happy Monday!

Journal Prompt:

Hamlet is in a constant struggle between action and inaction.  One is not particularly superior to the other because the world is made up of "thinkers" and "doers" - the world needs both in order to function.  What would you consider yourself - a thinker or a doer?  Why?  Use your genre sheet!

The plan for the rest of the week is to finish the play so that next week you can watch the film and memorize those lines for your recitation!  Over the break, you should be memorizing and should know your recitation by heart upon your return from break!  Perform it for your grandparents while they visit - perform it for your dog before you go to bed at night -  I don't care!  Just learn those lines!

To be or not to be?

Basketball people!  Make sure that you post you "To be or not to be" blog before you leave tomorrow!  Best of luck this weekend!

Today, my friends...we are going to attempt to get through Act III.  Finally.  Brace yourselves.

Also, make sure that you get me your monologue or sonnet or whatever you plan to recite in January!  I needa know by tomorrow!

Photo taken from Google Images

"The play's the thing..."

A couple things:

1. Make sure that by this Friday, you get your monologue or sonnet in so that I can see what you will be reciting in January - and get to memorizing those lines!

2. Everyone will have the same journal this week - we are rewriting Hamlet's "To be or not to be" monologue in modern-day language.

*****

Journal Prompt: Rewrite the first ten lines of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" monologue.

We will begin Act III Scene 2 today! 

"To be or not to be...

...that is the question."

Ethan Hawke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YHMYkUrV7A

Kenneth Branagh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7740lGif65Y

David Tennant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzuEKkPVeBQ&feature=related

Mel Gibson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZtGzBT7mFU

I couldn't find Jude Law's speech - sorry, ladies :(

"It's Friday, Friday..."

Ze Plan:

-Take Act II Quiz

-Read through Act III Scene 1 (the plot thickens...)

-Watch a bit o' Mel Gibson

-HAVE AN OUTSTANDING WEEKEND! (and take pictures at Winter Formal so I can see y'all decked out in your tuxedos and dresses!)

Quiz Friday!

Taken from Google Images

Some of you wanted another journal topic for this week, so here it is (you will have to do this one on your own time, unfortunately - happy writing!):

Have you or anyone you have ever known claimed to have witnessed some kind of supernatural being like Hamlet did?  Explain the circumstances surrounding the event.  Do you believe in the supernatural?  Explain why/why not.

You will have a quiz tomorrow!  Make sure that you recap what happened in Act II!

Wed-nes-day.

-Journal Prompt:

To what extent do parents have the right to "spy" on their children as Polonius does with Laertes and Ophelia? What would you do if you found that your parent(s) sent someone to spy on you while you were away at college?  What about if they asked to read love letters from your significant other?  How have the times changed regarding parental involvement?  How have they not changed?

-Finish Act II Scene 2

-Be ready for a quiz tomorrow

Happy Monday, Crew!

Welcome back!

-Journal Prompt:

Using one of the writing styles on your genre sheet, write about your Thanksgiving break.

-Review Act I (since you probably forgot all about Hamlet over the four day weekend)

-Reading Act II Scenes 1-2 of Hamlet

Short Day!

Happy Thanksgiving, my Shakespeare class!  Have fun and be safe over the long weekend!



Monday! Short Week!

Taken from Google Images

Today, you will...

1. Have a quiz over Act I in Hamlet

2. Watch Act I in the film so you all understand what the is going on!  It's not as confusing as it seems - I promise!  You got through Othello; you can definitely "get" Hamlet!

Thursday, November 17th

The agenda:

Journal Prompt: Think about how relationships between stepparents and stepchildren are depicted in literature or movies. Do you have any experience or knowledge of step-relationships? What conflicts or barriers must be overcome?  In contrast, what are the advantages or positive aspects of these relationships?  Use your genre sheet.

Read through Act I - Scenes 3, 4 and 5 (breathe - they are short)

Taken from Google Images



Monday FUNday!









Okay, Whiners (mainly Chance)!  Your MSND papers are not due until Tuesday, November 15th!  If you have them today - great, but I changed the due date to tomorrow!

Here's the agenda for this fine day:

- Journal Prompt: In order to relate to our angsty and depressive main character in the new play - Hamlet - write about a time when you felt as if the world was collapsing in on you - a time when nothing was going your way - a time when nobody you knew could pull you out of the slump in which you found yourself.  Use your genre sheet! 

- Talk about Shakespeare recitations (the end of the semester will be here faster than we know it!).  Find 14 lines and start memorizing!

- Character List for Hamlet - fill out together

- Check out Hamlet texts - begin reading Act 1?

Test Tomorrow!



Taken from Google Images

 Today:

- Finish MSND

- Writing Assignment (due Monday!)

- Shakespearean Jeopardy!

- Study for your test tonight!  (both the play and the Elizabethan notes)

Mooooondaaaay.

- Today our goal is to get through Act IV!

-Tomorrow (Tuesday) our goal is to get through Act V!

-Wednesday I am assigning you a paper - we will do some test review as well

-Thursday you will have a test over MSND and the Elizabethan period - bring your SSR book for when you finish

-Friday we will finish the film! (and maybe start Hamlet!)

A Midsummer Night's Quarrel

Taken from Google Images



-Journal Prompt: There is a lot of chasing, fighting, yelling, running away, and he-loves-her-she-loves-him mumbo-jumbo happening in Act III Scene 2.  Your task for this journal prompt is to rewrite a portion of this scene in modern day language.  But wait!  You're not done yet.  As you analyze Shakespeare's language and translate it into modern speech, think about what the actors may be doing as they say their lines, and be sure to write in stage directions.  After we're finished writing, recruit a couple of your buddies and act out the scene for the class!  Be creative (and keep it PG-13)!

-After the journal, we'll watch about 15 minutes of the film and see how professional actors portray these characters during this scene.

Today, My Friends...



-Journal Prompt: Act III Scene 2 shows us that people say and do silly things when they are utterly exhausted.  Write about a time when you were overly tired and did and/or said some foolish things.

-Finish Act III Scene 2!

-Quiz over Act III!

Today's Agenda...

Taken from Google Images

-For those of you who were absent yesterday, you will take ze QUIZ over Act II!

-After quizzes are handed in, we will start Act III Scene 1 in a MSND

- A bit of acting, perhaps?

- POST YOUR BLOGS EARLY so you don't have to worry about it tomorrow!

Good luck this weekend, Herders!

Wednesday Already?!

For those of you who missed class today, this is what we did:

-Journal Prompt: Titania and Oberon are in a fight over something that is rather silly.  Write a short story about a time you got into a fight/spat over something rather ridiculous.  Use dialogue!

-We finished reading Act II as a class (be sure to do so at home!)

-We took a quiz over Act II - be prepared to take it tomorrow!

-Post your blogs early so that on Friday, you may enjoy the VB tournaments and will not have to worry about school!

Tomorrow we will start reading through Act III!

Tuesday (Which is kind of your Thursday)!

Nice job reading Act II Scene 1 yesterday!  I had fun talking about the play with you guys!

This is the agenda for today:

-Watch the corresponding film clip for Act II Scene 1

-Facebook Assignment!  We will have the rest of the period to work on this AND in class tomorrow (but remember that class tomorrow is only 30 minutes).  You will probably have to do some homework tonight in order to finish it by the end of class tomorrow!

And remember: NO BLOGS THIS WEEK!

Happy Friday!

"The course of true love never did run smooth" (Act I Scene 1, Line 134).

Taken from Google Images

The plan for this rainy Friday afternoon:

1. Take Quiz over Act I Scene 1 and the Elizabethan Era

2. Act II Scene 1 - Meet the fairies!

3. MSND film (if there is time)
4. Remember to post blog entries by 4!

Thursday

- Journal Prompt:

Why is love so complicated? (use your genre sheet)

- The tale of "Pyramus and Thisbe" and how Ovid's love story relates to A Midsummer Night's Dream

- Reading of Act I Scene 2 - your introduction to the "players"! Quince, Bottom, Flute, Starveling, Snout and Snug

Acting Day!

Today, we will finish Act I Scene 1 in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and then...

WE WILL ACT!

I am going to split you up into groups of 5, and each of you will arrange the scene I assign (lines 56-126).  In your groups, choose your character and discuss the following questions to prepare for your group's debut:

1. How is Hermia feeling in this scene?  Why?  How will you portray her emotions with your delivery of the lines and gestures?
2. How is Theseus feeling in this scene?  Why?  How will you portray his character with your delivery of lines and gestures?  How should he, as the Duke of Athens, hold himself?
3. How is Egeus feeling in this scene?  Why? Is he a domineering father or does he simply want the best for his daughter?  How will your actions and delivery of his lines portray this?
4. How is Lysander feeling in this scene?  What does he want?  What kind of person is he?  How will you portray his character with your delivery of his lines and gestures?
5. How is Demetrius feeling in this scene?  What does he want?  Do you think he feels confident in himself?  Why or why not?  How will you portray your thoughts on his character through your lines and gestures?
6. How should characters be situated on the "stage"?  What would be the most effective set up?
7. Who do you think the most important person is in this scene?  Where should he/she be situated in the scene? 
8. Who do you think thinks he/she is the most important person in this scene?  Where should he/she be placed in the scene?

Don't be afraid to get up there and really get into your parts!  Remember, we will all look like fools at one point or another!  So get over your stage fright and deliver those lines! 

Today, my Friends...

The Plan:

- Journal Entry: Define "comedy".  What is your favorite comedy?  What is it that makes it so good? (use your genre sheet!).
- A Midsummer Night's Dream as a pastoral comedy
- Finish character List
- Begin Act I Scene 1!

Side note: You will have a quiz on Friday over the PowerPoint I showed you yesterday as well as any material covered in class up until Thursday (in-class readings, Pyramus and Thisbe, etc).

Monday FUNday.

The agenda:

-Jolly Rancher Journal Prompt
-Elizabethan PowerPoint Lesson (TAKE NOTES)!
-Midsummer Night's Dream Character List
-Start Act I (maybe)

"It's Friday, Friday..."

THE PLAN:

- 30 minutes of SSR - my gift to you

- Go over tests

- Begin character list for A Midsummer Night's Dream

Have a fun and safe weekend!  Good luck tonight, gentlemen!

Test Today!

Today, my friends, we are taking your Othello test.  Afterwards, we can attempt to finish the film.  I'm not giving you anymore journal entries this week, so post yo' blogs early!  Get them out of the way so you don't have to post them tomorrow!

Good luck tonight in VB, ladies!

Wed-nes-day.

Journal Prompt:

Respond to one of the 7 Statements about Othello using one of the writing approaches on your genre sheet.

Test Review!  Be prepared for a test of Matching, Multiple Choice, True/False, and Fill in the Blank tomorrow!  After we finish the test, we'll watch the rest of the film!

October 4th

The plan for today, crew:

Journal Prompt:

We have finally finished reading Othello, so your task for this journal entry is to reflect on your reading of the play - its characters, its themes (race, class, jealousy, greed, deceit), its plot, the language (etc).  Write a letter to Shakespeare himself, telling him what you thought of this famous tragedy.  You may also ask him any questions that you have concerning the play.  These letters may be serious, but there is also room to have some fun with your writing as well.  Be creative.

Group Discussion - 7 Statements about Othello (these are not facts, but merely statements that various scholars have said about the play):

1. Othello's problem is his own jealousy.

2. It is very important to the play for Othello to be black.

3. Desdemona is not a wimp.  She is a soldier's wife and fit to be so.  She has good sense, stubbornness, and courage.  She can stand up to Othello for the sake of what she thinks is right, even when he is in a dangerous mood and few people would care to face him.

4. Desdemona is not angelically pure.  The potential for unrestrained desire must be in her character in order for the drama to work.  The more loving she is, the easier it is for Othello to think that she has deceived him.

5. Iago is not a "motiveless malignity" as he has been called - a devil who does evil for its own sake.  He has a thirst for power and the wit to contrive a way to get it.  Desdemona's death is a side effect he did not really intend.

6. Iago's cleverness is not total.  He build into the intricate structure of his plot a piece of terrible stupidity: he fails to understand his wife.

7. The war between Othello and Iago is fundamentally a dispute between the goodness and evil of the world.

Tomorrow we'll finish this discussion and have a Jeopardy Test Review Session - the TEST IS ON THURSDAY!

Thuuuursday.

Ze Plan for Today:

-Share journals from yesterday - keep it PG, people!

-Start on Act V!  We're almost done!

-Remember to post your blog entry by 4 pm tomorrow!

-We will take our last Othello quiz over Act V when we finish

-Test will be next week!

Happy Middle-of-the-Week Day!

Excellent work on Act IV yesterday!

Today, my friends, we will finish the last pages in Act IV, review, take a quiz and then GO OUTSIDE to write your journal prompt that we didn't get to write yesterday!

Tuesday, September 27th

Journal Prompt:

Rewrite a scene from Othello in modern day language.  But wait!  You're not done yet!  Your other task is to change the gender of the characters to show how they may act differently.  How would a female Othello have behaved compared to Shakespeare's male Othello?  What about a male Desdemona or Emilia?  Cassio or Iago?  BE CREATIVE and show your gender's superiority regarding how they handle drama ;)

After the journal, we'll continue reading through Act IV - hopefully we'll get through most of Scene 2 today; be ready for a quiz after this Act!

Oh, Joyous Monday!

Here's what's on the agenda for today, my Shakespearean Crew:

• Journal Prompt: Jolly Rancher Journal Prompt!
• Reading through Act IV - Scene 1 - the drama continues!

Be prepared for a quiz or two later on in the week as we finish the play (over Acts IV and V)!  And next week we'll have the final test (we will review), and we can proceed with a happier Shakespearean play - A Midsummer Night's Dream!

Happy Homecoming Friday!

A gift from me to you - NO BLOG POST THIS WEEK! 

Good Luck Tonight, Herders!
(AND have a super fun and safe weekend!)

Wednesday 9/21

Journal Prompt for the day:

What if Othello were white instead of black?  How would the play be different?  Would it be different?

-Today we'll continue through Act III - when we finish, be prepared for a quiz!  And don't forget to post your blog entries by Friday at 4! (You don't have class on Friday due to Homecoming - so post early so you don't have to worry about it!).

Monday Agenda

Oh, Career Fair killed my classroom today.

For those of you who were gone, respond to this journal prompt:

What Disney character do you most relate to? Why? (Use one of the different writing styles on your genre sheet!)

Tomorrow - be ready to crank through Act III!



Friday Film Day!

Act II quiz today!

Don't forget to post your blog entries by 4!

Thank you all for doing such a thorough reading of Act II this week (a special thanks to Tyrell for reading Iago's part yesterday)!  For your fine efforts, today we will watch the Othello movie today starring Laurence Fishburne and Kenneth Branagh!



Picture taken from Google Images





Evil Iago

Remember Aladdin?  The evil bird's name was Iago...

Journal Prompt:

As we read through Act II in Othello, we begin to see new depths to Iago's malice towards those around him.  For this journal prompt, take on the role of Iago's psychiatrist.  Your job is to observe his actions and motives in order to draw some conclusions about why he acts the way he does.  Why is he using Roderigo?  Why does he hate Othello?  Why does he want to see Cassio fall from his lieutenant position?  And why does he treat Emelia and Desdamona like garbage?  What makes this evil character tick?  As a certified psychologist, it is your job to psychoanalyze the play's antagonist in order to draw some conclusions about why he acts the manner he does.  Hey, you can even write him a prescription for something!  Have fun with this journal entry!

For the remainder of the period, we'll keep truckin' along through Act II.  Be ready for a quiz later on in the week - either Thursday or Friday, depending how far we read in the next couple of days!

Monday 9/12 Agenda

Journal Prompt:

You were all relatively young during the 9-11 attacks that took place ten years ago, but you must remember something from that day.  Using one of the styles from your genre sheet, write about what you remember as a 7 or 8 year old child.  Be creative.  This would be a good opportunity to write a poem or a diary entry from the perspective of a 2nd or 3rd grader.

Today we'll begin Act II in Othello!  I loved your Foil Character drawings, by the way!  Well done!  And SUPERB work on your blog entries this past week!  They were lovely to read.

Thursday, September 8th

This is what is going on today, my favorite Seniors:

- Journal Prompt: As you all have gathered from Act I of Othello, there is a whole 'lotta drama happening.  He loves her, but she loves another guy.  He's mad at this guy, but this guy thinks they're friends.  He's using him to get back at another dude.  It's a little overwhelming.  For this journal, take on the role of one of the characters who is tied up in this twisted Shakespearean web.  Write a journal entry from a character's perspective about what is going on in the play (Othello, Iago, Desdamona, Roderigo, Cassio, etc).  How are they feeling?  Are they ignorant to the events?  Or are they the one causing this huge mess?  Be creative!

- Foil Character Assignment (due tomorrow!)



September 7th

QUIZ TODAY over ACT I!

And put your creative hats on for tomorrow - we're doing a fun little activity on foil characters!

Agenda 9/6

Hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!  This is what's going on today:

Journal Prompt: Using one of the writing styles from the genre sheet I gave you the first week of class, write about something you did over your long weekend (I've had some awesome poems, Top 10 lists, philosophies of life and IM messages thus far)!  Be creative!

Next: shall we finish Act I Scene 3 in Othello? Yes, we shall.  Be prepared for a quiz over Act I tomorrow! (if you were in class and breathing, you should pass!).

Jolly Rancher Journal Prompts

Watermelon (pink) – Remember the last time you laughed until you cried.  Write about it.

Green Apple (green) – Make a list of 10+ things that make you happy.  Give an explanation for each.

Blue Raspberry (blue) – Finish this thought: In 20 years, I will be…

Grape (purple) – Write about the best advice you have ever received.  Who gave you this advice and how does it apply to your life?

Cherry (red) – If you were an animal, what would you be and why?  Use your adjectives!

A "Magical" Arts Moment Journal Prompt

I hope you all completed your journal topic from yesterday!  I know a lot of you were having difficulty thinking about what to write about, but I'm sure everyone thought of something great!  I couldn't decide on just one, so I wrote a long list...here goes...

1. Seeing my high school band perform a piece from the Robin Hood score
2. Performing "Down to the River to Pray" in a quartet my senior year
3. Watching a symphony for the first time
4. Watching an opera for the first time
5. Reading Lord of the Flies in 8th grade and that "aha" moment of understanding metaphors
6. Seeing a Michelangelo sculpture at the Louvre in Paris
7. Going to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
8. Seeing As You Like It performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, England
9. Watching Grease performed at the Firehouse 5 in Livingston when I was 12
10. Going to the Seattle Symphony
11. Reading Wordsworth's poetry outside of his home - Dove Cottage - in Grasmere, England
12. Fleet Foxes concert...amazing
13. Writing in my journal while sitting in the grass in the English countryside
14. Reading Jane Eyre as a senior in high school - falling in love with literature because of Charlotte Bronte
15. Seeing John Mayer rock out on his guitar for hours at the Fieldhouse in Bozeman
16. Watching the film Nine.  For the first time in my life I enjoyed a musical
17. Seeing Storyhill perform at the Emerson one wintry December night

There.  I have 17 and could go on - you guys have to have at least one moving experience concerning the Arts ;)  I look forward to reading/hearing about them.

August 30th Agenda

Homework for this evening:

1. Make sure to review your notes on Shakespeare's biography - there will be a quiz tomorrow! (Wednesday)

2. Finish your journal entry if you did not do so in class today:

Write about a magical moment that you have had concerning the Arts.  This could be an experience you had while watching a play, going to a concert, walking around a museum or even reading a piece of writing.  What about this experience was so moving to you?

Journal Prompt 8/29

Shakespeare's name is known around the world.  When you hear the name "Shakespeare", what do you think of?  How have Shakespeare's works impacted your life?

Your Expectations

Thank you all for taking the time yesterday to write down what you'd like to gain from taking Shakespeare this semester, as well as what you expect of me, your teacher.  I will do my best to accommodate all of you as we study Shakespeare, his works and the Elizabethan period!

Some things that you would like to learn/do/gain from this class:

a. understand Shakespeare
b. new vocabulary
c. learn about the plays
d. have fun while learning
e. no R&J
f. have a sword fight!
g. memorize a sonnet
h. better reading skills
i. Much Ado about Nothing
j. analyze sonnets
k. memorization
l. learn the importance of Shakespeare today
m. different writing styles
n. watch some Shakespeare movies
o. be able to use what is learned outside of class
p. Why the fancy words?
q. improved writing skills
r. new experiences
s. memorize a stanza
t. Shakespearean history
u. patience and appreciation of Shakespeare
v. understand Shakespearean language

Some things that you expect of me:

a. make the class fun/exciting
b. be understanding
c. help explain Shakespeare
d. interactive lessons
e. don't be strict about everything
f. be a good teacher
g. be fair and helpful
h. get to know you as individuals
i. have fun with you
j. teach you about Shakespeare
k. show movies
l. not too much homework
m. assign projects
n. make the class fun, yet beneficial
o. make students earn their grades by effort and participation
p. have a good sense of humor

Due Dates!

Remember what you need to have by Friday, August 26th -

1. Letter of Introduction (25 points)
2. Notebook for Journaling
3. SSR Book

And by Monday, August 29th, please return your Student Behavior Acknowledgment Forms - signed by you and your parent/guardian!  They will be an easy 20 points, so make sure to get them in!

Welcome!

Welcome to Miss Perkins' Shakespeare Blog site!  I'm looking forward to getting to know each one of you during this class and as I follow your Shakespeare blogs this Fall semester!  We will be using blogging as a tool of communication and brainstorming while sharing our thoughts, ideas and opinions about Shakespeare's works and the time period in which he wrote. 

Please look to this page for any assignments that may be due, to peruse and comment on your fellow classmates' writings about the world's most famous author, and to check out any helpful links that we may use throughout the semester.  Happy blogging!

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." -As You Like It