Mon. May 30, to Fri. June 3, 2016: Hamlet Reading, Film and Essay

On Monday, we read up to Act IV, Scene 6 of Hamlet.
On Tuesday, students were given essay topics and instructions on an in-class essay that will be written next Tuesday (the play itself should be read by the end of this class or early in tomorrow's).
On Wednesday, they should be done and the students will start watching the feature film (and taking notes on the differences between the film and the play itself.)
On Thursday and Friday, the students should continue viewing the film and preparing their cheat sheet for the in-class essay on Tuesday.
The Essay assignment is posted below:

ELA B30

Shakespearean Timed Formal Essay

Time Allowed: sixty minutes

Instructions: Using the Shakespearean play we studied in class, answer either a. b. c. or d.

a.       When it comes to the main character, determine if he is cunning or crazy. Defend your position. OR b.      Is the main character a person who could be defended as basically good or one who could be seen as basically bad? Defend your position. OR c.       Examine the actions of the main character. Based on our earlier unit, could he be defined as brave (heroic) or cowardly? Defend your position                                                              OR d.      Examine the differences between the text version of the Shakespearean play read in class and the film version viewed in class. Why did the director or script writer choose to make differences to the film? Defend your position.

I am allowing you to have the question early so you can prepare; I am also allowing you to bring in a cheat sheet of no more than 50 words. If the cheat sheet has more than 50, then it will not be allowed. Your planning should involve gathering your evidence, studying essay format, and honing up on any areas of mechanics or punctuation where you have deficits.

Further considerations:

·         You must write in dark blue or black ball-point pen (not felt tip as they bleed through).

·         You must double-space (this allows you room to cross out errors and fix in the line above).

·         You will be allowed to use a dictionary.

·         You will be given a planning page (you cannot bring one in with you).

·         All electrical devices must be off your person (if you bring them in the room, put the item(s) in the day care).

Fri. May 27, 2016: Hamlet Act III Completion

Today, we finished reading Act III of Hamlet. The students then wrote a quiz. If you were not here, you will need to do the alternative. The alternative questions have been put in your portfolios.

Thurs. May 26, 2016: Hamlet Act III continued

Today, we continued reading Hamlet. We got up to Act III, scene III, page 89 (the end of this page).

Wed. May 25, 2016 INS Time

Due to the fact that so many students are involved in track and field, I gave the classes today to work on their independent novel study, which is deadlined for Wed. June 8.

Tues. May 24, 2016: Hamlet Act III Scene 1

Today, we marked the Act II quiz for Hamlet and then assigned new roles for Act III and read Act III Scene 1.

Fri. May 20, 2016: Hamlet: Act II

Today, we completed reading Act II of Hamlet and wrote a quiz. If you were not here, you can see me for alternative questions.

Thurs. May 19, 2016: Hamlet: Act II

Today, we read all of Act Two scene one, and part of Act Two, scene 2 (page 52, line 288). We ended at the part where Guildenstern has told Hamlet that they were sent for by the king.

Wed. May 18, 2016: Hamlet Act One Completion

Today, we finished reading Act I of Hamlet. I then had the students write a ten minute summary. After this, I explained Act quizzes and we did one for this act. I also had the students pick out the character roles for Act II.

Tues. May 17, 2016: Hamlet Act I continued

Today, we read up to Act I, Scene Five (page 30, line 41) of Hamlet.

Mon. May 16, 2016: Hamlet: Act I

Today, we read Act I, scenes 1 and 2, ending when Hamlet is going to say his soliloquy after the court (page 14, line 129).

Fri. May, 13, 2016: Hamlet Intro. Continued

Today, I presented students with an overview of the play. I focused on unintended consequences, mentioned the Jung and Freud's complexes and introduced the characters and basic plot.

Tues, Wed. & Thurs. May 10, 11 & 12, 2016: Hamlet Introduction

On these days, the students were introduced to the text Hamlet. This included information on Shakespeare's time as far as the theatre, politics, religion and rights were concerned.
On Wednesday, students were given a booklet in their portfolios that they were to read actively. Once they were finished with the reading, they were to ask the instructor for the questions. This should all be done by the end of class on Thursday. Students should be ready to read starting on Friday.

Mon. May 9, 2016: Three Month Novel Study Check

Today, students got their last class day to work on their independent novel study. Keep in mind that the deadline for the project is Wednesday, June 8.