English 4: 11/30 - 12/1/10

1. Pages 290-293 discussion questions in preparation for test. Spent most of class discussing the answers. Absent students will need to get a copy and write the answers. Point out the need for students to express their understanding and how the questions were a study guide to understanding.
2. Assign the cause and effect essay page 530, prompt 2. Students will do the C and E essay based on one of the characters from Macbeth. Showed students the resources in sparknotes.com.
3. Read and discussed the model paper on pages 531, 532.
4. Gave the students the choice between the book process write on pages 533, 534 or the 4 D's. Showed and explained the processes.
   
5. Final paper due on or before 12/15/10
6. Assigned to read for discussion pages 316, 317, and 331-339.
7. We will begin reading Macbeth next class.
   

Drama: 11/30/10

1. Asked students for homework. Only one was not surprised.
2. Placed the homework on the projector. Made all students read in unison until it was clear that they could. Had all students copy the assignment to be turned in with the assignment. All assignments turned in after today will be for partial credit.
3. Spent time discussing the value of observation to an actor.
4. Printed and handed out a copy of the Twas the Night skit interruptions. Each student marked their copy of the poem with locations of the interruptions and the emotion to be expressed in the interruption.
5. Students were numbered so they would know which interruptions they were responsible to present and given time to prepare.
6. We did a read through of Twas the Night with the interruptions.
7. Discussed comedy and assigned, read Chapter 12.
8. Assigned an observational journal: Watch a moment of comedy from any of a variety of sources listed; observe timing, content, physical mannerism/content, and staging. Write a journal based on the observation showing how the different elements created the funny response.
   

English 4: 11/23,29/10

1. Assignment "What led to the British Civil War?" is now due and required.
2. Extended review of pages 287-289.
3. Students given test over 287-289.
4. Students assigned pages 290-293. We began going over the information generally. Students were challenged to consider two assignments I offer or come up with their own in an effort to more adequately study the pages. A test will come soon (within two class days).
5. The two suggested assignments are as follows: A. Paint yourself into the time and, through your imagination, try to understand what life was like during the period being studied; B. Compare what is described on pages 290-293 to life in America now.
6. Students are assigned to read pages 331-339 for class discussion.
   

Drama: 11/22/10

1. Improvisation: The Thanksgiving scene around the farm - each student given their role, but all part of the whole scene.
2. Improvisation: One at a time, each student was given a prop to improvise with. The theme, "It's Christmas." Each student had two opportunities.
3. Character analysis: Looked up pictures of Thanksgiving including one by Norman Rockwell. Students analyzed the pictures to identify the roles and life based on the props, setting, clothing, and other visual cues. From this students discussed generational relationships and other relationships represented in the pictures.
4. Different stories from experiences were shared to shed light on relationships and how they point to motivations and goals of a character or person.
5. Students assigned to do a written analysis of a minimum of 3 character relationship. They can do more, but 3 is the minimum. Students are to look and examine the relationship dynamics in an effort to uncover goals and motivations for each of the characters. They can choose real life (sensitivity required) or from other venues like TV or movies.
   

English 4: 11/19,22/10

1. Sgt. Tomes speaker informed students about the NROTC scholarship that is available.
2. Study and review time for the Unit 2 Vocabulary 3 test.
3. Students take the vocabulary test
4. Students were given the rest of class to prepare for the test on literature book pages 287 - 289 and to create the list/chart that answers the question "What led to the British Civil War?" The pages 287-289 are sufficient for both assignments.
5. Students were warned repeatedly that the holidays is no excuse to forget. The test will occur next class. The chart will be due next class and for partial/half credit any time after.
   

Drama: 11/19/10

1. No class due to early release day. Football team went to play offs.
   

English 4: 11/17, 18/10

1. Second and last call for the Cause and Effect chart/list based on topic of student's choice.
2. Complete the reading of A Land Remembered with notes as normal.
3. Remind students: Vocabulary test 3 is next class.
4. Remind students: Test on lit book pages 287-289 will be in two class days.
5. Read, discuss, and set up assigned cause and effect chart/list to answer the question, "What led to the British civil war in the 1640's?" Students are to use the information on pages 287-289, and the assignment is due next class.
   

Drama: 11/17/10

1. Severe discussion related to behavior and work not being turned in.
2. Grades published on the wall. Pointed out missing work.
3. Mannerism assignment is absolutely due next class. Discuss the point and value of mannerisms and how they communicate the life of the communicator.
4. Clearly define what is required and what will be graded on the character development assignment. Students were given a handout related to expectations. The assignment is due in two class from today. Students need to label the parts or write in order of expectations.
5. Students given handout of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Each student was assigned a section to read. They were to create an accent for their individual section of the reading and be able to identify the character they are doing.
6. Students were allowed to rummage through a variety of different parodies of the poem for later performances in class.
7. Students are assigned to be able to read the original poem in their character's voice from the character development assignment.
   

English 4: 11/15,16/10

1. Current grades posted for students with information related to zeros and levels of improvement.
2. Take up Cause and Effect assignment given last class
3. Give handout about England's rulers. Assign - read 287-289 and create a cause and effect chart/list which answers the question, "What led to England's civil war in the 1640's?"
4. Reminder: Next vocabulary test over words "turmoil" to "staying power" will be on 11/19 and 22/10.
5. Spent rest of period reading ALR with the usual notes, starting page 174. Reading ended: period 1, page 210; period 3, page 207; period 2, page 207, ; period 6, page 208.
   

Drama: 11/15/10

1. Study time for Chapter 10 test.
2. Give Chapter 10 test, open book. Two students made up Chapter 9 test.
3. Go over posted grades and missing work.
4. Long discussion with many examples of mannerisms and what they express. Examples of common mannerisms related to hair, clothes, and various activities.
5. Begin individual meetings over character development project.
6. Discuss character development project. List some expectations: A. Book list of things to include 104, 105; B. Handout that gave a lot to include in character; C. History - experience- whys which lead to motivations; D. Mannerisms and physicality of the character
7. I expect the mannerism assignment next class.
8. I expect the character development project to be complete in the next two classes.
   

English 4: 11/10,12/10

1. Last call for make up work except reading logs. Make up work will get less credit after work today.
2. Review vocabulary words "strictures" through "distinguished."
3. Vocabulary test 2.
4. Read pages 150-175 with related notes
5. Assign: Do a cause and effect chart/line/list for the subject of students own choice. Student can do a cause and effect list for a newspaper article or series, personal experience, observed event, or whatever. The goal is to show the cause and effect relationship between the outcome and the connecting items that created the outcome.
6. Assign pages 287 - 289 reading as homework in preparation for a quiz next class.
   

Drama: 11/10/10

1. Finish going over Chapter 10 in complete detail with discussion and examples.
2. Assign page 108 from the book: Do a critique of a performance and performer as explained on page 108. Do the critique on a play, TV performance, or movie instead of students work.
3. Give students the rest of the period to work on and help each other related to the character development project.
4. Reminder that the Chapter 10 is next class!
   

English 4: 11/8,9/10

1. Grades are posted with all zeros highlighted. Students are encouraged to see what they are missing. They have until next class to clean up all zeros except the reading notes, including: A. Canterbury Prologue notes; B. mini research on strange history; C. Choices; D. Grammar workbook assignments; and E. turn in dictated instructions. After next class, all late work will be graded at an increasing loss of points per day late.
   
2. Students were required to turn in the Mary Lewis paragraph assigned last class
3. Read ALR pages 126 to 152 with notes as usual.
4. Students given the rest of the class to complete make up work and assignments with teacher assistance.
   

Drama: 11/8/10

1. Remind of character assignment handout student are to be completing
2. Require students to turn in a character brief including three things: A. Name; B. Connection to Trenchards; C. Basic physical description.
3. Spend class going over chapter 10, pages 101 to 105 (stopped here). Discussed and gave multiple examples for each point in the book.
   

English 4: 11/4,5/10

1. Continue volunteer, extra credit program to encourage attendance and turning in work.
   
2. Continuing to take up make up work which is now overdue: A. Canterbury Tales Prologue notes; B. Something peculiar mini-research; C. Choices digital turn in assignment; D. Parts of Sentence in grammar workbook; E. Dictated instructions.
3. Reminder: Next vocabulary test will be on 11/10,12/10 over words "stricture" through "distinguished." Students are encouraged to find a way to study. If their techniques are written (like flash cards) they are to turn them in on the day of the test. There is no guarantee, but it will be noted and considered to help the student's grade if he/she gets in trouble.
4. Read pages 101 to 125 and take notes, as usual, in ALR. Turn in notes at the end of class.
5. Copy notes on Mary Lewis writing. Assign: Write a Mary Lewis paragraph on any topic and label the A. point; B. supporting detail; C. example/illustration
6. Discuss what study skills work and how to face the daunting task of reading 287-303 in preparation for a test.
   

Drama: 11/4/10

1. Review/give time to study for test.
2. Give open book test, Chapter 9
3. Go over and assign the handout on character development given last class. Add to the assignment: A. Make a physical manifestation of the character like a puppet, drawing, hat, or whatever is reasonable and can be carried with them. B. They will interact with the character in dialogue; C. The character can be any character from the play, Our American Cousin, or any character that would be there at that time in that place and interact with those people.
4. The above will be the assignment for Chapter 10, beginning on page 100.
   

English 4: 11/2, 3/10

1. Continuing to take up make up work which is now overdue: A. Canterbury Tales Prologue notes; B. Something peculiar mini-research; C. Choices digital turn in assignment; D. Parts of Sentence in grammar workbook; E. Dictated instructions.
2. Read ALR pages 76 through 101 with notes as usual
3. Review and take Unit 2 Vocab 1 test, words "censured" through "intricate"
4. Assign next vocabulary test, words "strictures" through "distinguished," for Nov. 10 and 12.
5. Begin discussion of Mary Lewis writing
6. Assign: answer the question, "What study techniques work?"
   

Drama: 11/2/10

1. Students were interviewed for a class grade: "Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? What skills do they show in their performing?"
2. Students read Chapter 9 aloud with much commentary and discussion.
3. Students were assigned to do an analysis on a TV or movie performer based on the chapter information.
4. Students were given a handout on character development to read over and begin to understand. The assignment will be given next class.
5. Students will be given a test on Chapter 9 next class.