Student Art Work Day

Time for a little redecorating in Room 14. First hour students took down our depictions of various Shakespeare scenes and started the "home improvement" project.  The sophomores have read three short stories, so their assignment was to pick a story, pick a scene, and draw it.  The freshmen have also read three short stories and will do the same thing.  By now, they all appreciate and understand my refined tastes in art and are using tons of color!

Got Snow?

Of course, we have snow . . . quite a lot, actually.  Winter just HAD to get one more shot in!  Once it melts, though, Spring will be here with blooming flowers, chirping birds, sunnier days, and the promise of greener and warmer days.  I can't wait.

Genre Determination

Last year, I took a course at EIU about Genre Theory, and as part of the course readings, I discovered an opinion from one author who claimed that readers determine the genre of a literary work.  This seemed counter-intuitive to me, so I tested the claim in my classroom. I found it to be an interesting experiment, so I repeated it this year in English IA.

On Monday, I discussed the features and characteristics of three different genres (Action/Adventure, Horror, and Suspense/Thriller) with my students. On Tuesday, the students read "The Most Dangerous Game," and answered reading check questions on Wednesday. Yesterday, I surveyed the students and had them label their genre identifications of the story. Once again, the theory was supported by the varied answers to the survey.

Additionally, I expanded the lesson to provide an overview of the methods used to conduct academic social research. We went through the adaptation of the Scientific Method, collection of data, and analysis/interpretation of data.  All in all, it was an interesting and enlightening day for me and the students.

The Interlopers

Students in English II are reading a short story called "The Interlopers" this week. In this story, the leaders of two families who have had a long-standing feud attempt to end the disagreement by the use of violence. However, a twist of fate causes them to bond as friends in a life-threatening situation.  Unfortunately, another twist of fate happens before anyone else realizes they've reconciled; the two men pass away, and the feud continues.

The moral of the story?  I think I'll let you figure that out on your own.

Tasty Breakfast and Disturbing News

I enjoyed the annual Student Council Breakfast today.  There was a wide assortment of food items available, and I opted for scrambled eggs, hash browns, crispy bacon, and a sausage patty.  Thanks to all the Council members for their show of appreciation!

Unfortunately, when I got back to my room, I saw a very disturbing article on Yahoo News.  Chuck Norris has shaved his beard!

Read The Article If You Dare

If you don't think you can handle reading the article, don't look any further down on this post.  I have copied the picture, and it's quite surreal and frightening.

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The Most Dangerous Game

As a freshman at West Richland High School in Noble back in 1984, I remember studying a lot of short stories with Mrs. Wyatt.  Some of them were very memorable, including the one I'm starting with my English IA students today.  "The Most Dangerous Game," in my opinion, has to be one of the best short stories ever written.  General Zaroff is one creepy dude! I hope I never meet anyone like him in real life!

Two Weeks

In two weeks, the new MLB season will begin. I can't wait until opening day!  A few days ago, I caught the tail end of a televised Spring Training game between the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.  Of course, the Cubbies took an embarrassing loss. The score was 18-1, if I remember correctly.  While neither of those teams is my favorite, it was good to be able to watch a game again.

Variety Show

It's tonight!  The kids are all excited, and the show should be quite entertaining.  I've finally orchestrated a group to perform "Say You Will" by Foreigner, one of my all-time favorite songs, and I'm also making an appearance in a skit.  I hope to see you all there!

Pi Day!

Mrs. Cohorst has a lot of activities planned for the day, but one in particular has my full attention.  Math Club members will be selling pie at lunch for only $1 a slice.  Pie?  I LOVE PIE!  Only $1? I LOVE BARGAINS!

Favorite Snack?

Anyone who knows me should know that I love a wide variety of foods that aren't healthy.  On any given day, I'm liable to choose something different if asked to name a favorite.  Today, I haven't been asked that question, but I think I'll answer it anyway.  Cheez-It Crackers are currently at the top of my list, followed closely by M & Ms. Now that you possess such vital information, I hope you will be able to sleep better at night.

Genre Writing

English II students are having fun today report Julius Caesar's assassination in a variety of genres.  Some have chosen to share the news via text message, tweets, Facebook status updates, etc.  It is interesting to note that what is considered "bad" writing form in one genre is considered "good" or "correct" in another.

Time Change

I lost an hour of sleep.  GRRRRR!!!!!!

End of Quarter Three

This year has gone very, very quickly for me.  It's hard to believe that we're finished with three quarters, and Spring is just around the corner.  I hope the weather changes and warms up soon.  I'd like to get at least one fishing attempt in before my license expires from last year.

End of the Line

For our Shakespeare studies in English IA and II this year.  Tests tomorrow for Romeo and Juliet in IA and for Julius Caesar in II. Fourth quarter will be all about short stories.

Spring?

Where are you?  I miss you!  I'm tired of Winter.  I want to go outside and run and play!  Well, maybe that was an exaggeration, but I'd like to go outside without freezing my fingers off!  My fishing license is good until the end of the month. Will I get to use it before it expires?

Busy Weekend

I took the day off Friday, traveled to Terre Haute to pick up my latest guitar (pics coming in later posts this week), then traveled to Moline with my wife, my daughter, and her friend to see the Maroon 5 concert. We drove home Saturday morning after very little sleep, picked the dogs up from Lauren's Paws and Claws, and later went to Trivia Night at the Middle School.  By the time the contest was over, I was completely exhausted.  Then, to top it all off, I woke up sick Sunday morning, stayed home from church, and spent the entire day and night in bed, except for about two hours mid-afternoon.