Friday, December 16, 2011

Today, we discussed iambic pentameter. You were to paraphrase one of the sonnets as part of understanding Shakespeare.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Today, I gave you Sonnet 18. We discussed how Shakespearean sonnets have 14 lines, which consist of three quatrains and a couplet. We then discussed what a syllable was and watched a video. Finally, the students tried their hand at interpreting this sonnet, which we then discussed. If you were not here, I have put a copy of this sonnet in your portfolio. You can also find it online (Shakespeare: sonnet 18).

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Today, I discussed more of the history of England during the late 1500s, early 1600s. Specifically, we discussed entertainment, more of hygiene, the black plague and religious discrimination.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Today, I introduced Shakespeare. We watched a video on his films. I then presented a powerpoint showing some details about him as a man (this will be in your portfolio if you weren't here). I then discussed why people went to see his plays:
1. Universal themes
2. universal plots
3. inventor of "modern" language
4. really entertaining!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Today, we looked at slides of various types of people, discussing the stereotypes associated with them. The goal is to give you an understanding that stereotypes are, for the most part, negatively and improperly applied to a group as a whole. This will be a necessary concept to understand when we start examining The Merchant of Venice.

Friday, November 9, 2011

Today, I introduced the play we will be studying in our Shakespeare unit (The Merchant of Venice) through a discussion about stereotyping (groupwork was involved as well). In addition, your marks for the poetry exam are on home logic. The average was 69%.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Today, students finished working on their major poetry assignment. If they had time left over, they used it to study for tomorrow's poetry unit exam. To do well, they need to understand everything in their PowerPoint handout, their literary terms sheet, and their instructions on how to read poetry (these are also posted in previous blogger notes). It is a multiple choice exam.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Today, you were given time to work on your major assignment. I also reminded you to be sure to go over the types of poetry for your exam on Thursday (as well as the literary devices). These can be found on page 48 of your Resourcelines text.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Today, you wrote a quiz on literary devices. If you were not here, you will need to come in this week and write it at lunchtime. I then discussed pathetic fallacy and juxtaposition with you to ensure understanding. If you were not here, look in your portfolio for the notes. You then were able to work on your major assignment for the rest of the class. Keep in mind that this is due for Thursday, December 8.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Today, I went through the poem "Cockpit in the Clouds" with you. We reviewed figurative devices and marked the questions (which you then handed in).

I also informed you that you would have a quiz on Monday on the following figurative devices:

R – epetition: repetition, repetition, repetition
R – hetorical question: a question asked but desiring no answer
A – llusion: when an indirect reference is made to literature, history, pop-culture
A- lliteration: the repetition of sounds at the beginning of consecutive words
A-ssonance: the repetition of a vowel sound in consecutive words
P – ersonification: giving human qualities to inanimate objects
P- athetic fallacy: when the weather reflects the mood
S- ynecdoche: when a part stands for the whole (behind bars – for prison)

O – nomatopoeia: when the word sounds like itself. Ex: bang, crash
H – yperbole: exaggeration for effect

F – oreshadowing: when an element in the story hints at what’s to come
I – magery: when the author’s word choice deliberately creates vivid pictures
J – uxtaposition: when 2 images are placed side by side to reinforce a message
I – rony: when the opposite of what is expected is said, happens, etc.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Today, we marked the last comma exercise.
I showed you how to properly lay out your Canadian poem for your major assignment (most have chosen one now so this seemed like a good idea).
I then gave them a handout on essays to further reinforce what we have been talking about in class.