Reflections on Week 4

Honors English 10:

We're wrapping up our reading of Hamlet. We'll be comparing cinematic and theatrical productions next week, and students have a project on Google Classroom to work with. The project has a ton of options, so every student should find an interesting way to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize Hamlet.

Next, we're using our study of Hamlet as the anchor for argumentative essays. Students will research the Shakespeare authorship controversy, develop a position, and defend it. I can't wait!

College Bound English 11:

Students finished a comparison of "Sinners" and "Liberty or Death" or the "Declaration." This will probably not be their favorite learning activity of the year, but I feel that students know and can do things that they did not previously know or could not previously do as a result of their hard work.

Based on our readings in and analysis of Puritanical and Enlightenment literature, students are going to create an argumentative presentation. They can give a speech, write an essay, give a TEDTalk, create a short film, etc. (They will likely think of an approach that I haven't listed. I hope they do!) Students will learn the kinds of arguments and rhetorical strategies present in effective argumentation prior to commencing the project.

Art 2:

Project time! After finishing up with classical architecture, students are headed to the studio. They are busy creating replica classical structures, original mosaics, or original frescoes. This is a favorite unit of mine because the art from this period has a direct impact on Western art for the next two millennia.

Art 3:

Altered Image Collage! I love this technique and couldn't wait to share it with students. Students will create transfers from glossy magazine images and use them in a collaged work. Students should have some finished next week for the display case. Prepare to be blown away.

Art 4:

AP Portfolio students are hard at work on their concentration series. Twelve images on a single theme is proving to be a challenge, but I am confident that it is a challenge to which they will rise. Several students are working in clay, and by the time the kiln is ready, they should have a significant quantity of work to fire. I would like to make the first firing an event for them, and we'll see how that unfolds in the coming weeks.