Online Journal Entry 6

For this week's journal entry, let's work on something a little different:  Our Powers of Persuasion!  I have a dilemma; last year, my students read Oedipus in class--just like we did--and then performed Antigone.  We divided up the play into Acts (remember, Greek dramas were not so divided) and assigned everyone one speaking part.  The students had a couple of days to rehearse, and then everyone performed their scene for the class!  However, I know we have several students this year who are uncomfortable speaking in front of a group.  So before I make this decision, I would like each of you to weigh in informing me of your opinions.  Tell me:  Would you rather perform Antigone in front of the class, or would you rather continue with the Readers' Theatre format (same rules apply, everyone reads).  Performing the play can be a really fun way to interact with the text on another level; but if I have to force it upon you (like in the picture above), it will be misery for everyone.  In your journal entry, tell me your opinion as well as WHY you feel that way, and then I will let you know what our plan for next week is!  Be PERSUASIVE, be PASSIONATE, be PREPARED to write a full PARAGRAPH, as always!  It may well be chosen on a class by class basis; remember, either way, some parts are large and some are very small.  Whichever we choose, it is still going to be AWESOME!!  Seriously, it's Greek Tragedy;  how could it NOT be?!  :)

Online Journal Entry 5

“We know what we are, but know now what we may be.” William Shakespeare
As we read this week, Oedipus has just discovered the shocking truth about his life. On a very different scale (thank goodness), have you ever discovered something surprising about yourself? Maybe a talent or a skill you didn't know you had until you tried something new? Maybe a place you didn't want to go until you went and found, to your surprise, you liked it?! Or even something that you were anxious to try, only to discover it was not for you after all!! What about something as simple as getting to know someone you thought you already knew and found they weren't the way they seemed at all? Sometimes you find out whom you ARE by finding out whom you are NOT, like trying on new experiences to see if they will be a good fit for you? Trying something new can be illuminating; so for this week, tell me the story of a time you discovered something surprising about yourself (one sentence is not going be enough), and remember what you've learned when the next new opportunity presents itself! :)

Online Journal Entry 4

"Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as a relaxation from study; to give our work the charm of a story-book, yet by means of it to impart a knowledge of an important branch of education. "  ~Thomas Bullfinch

Life in Ancient Greece.  After studying Greek culture all week, can you imagine what it would have been like to have actually lived during those times?  At your current age, the girls in our class would have been married and the boys would be in the military for the last three or four years at least!  Personally, I've always thought one of the most fascinating aspects of Greek culture lies in the study of their religion, what we know as Greek Mythology.  What do you think it would have been like to believe your fate rested in the hands of a group of all-powerful beings who couldn't even get along with each other most of the time?!  After briefly reviewing the character of each of the major gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece earlier this week, write a journal entry describing which gods or goddesses you would have wanted to be your patron.  From which ones would you have sought support and protection and which ones would you have wanted to avoid at all costs?  Use your graphic organizer from class to help you remember the specific realms and character traits of each deity; you will want to use that information in your answer!!  If you need a refresher, I posted the links to the videos here on the blogsite, right below the Weekly Schedule column.  Use your imagination and try to picture your life in Ancient Greece!  As we begin to read our first Greek Tragedy this week, we are about to see just how influential and interfering the Greeks believed the gods could be!  It's going to be awesome!!  Just wait and see!  :)

Online Journal Entry 3

"Without labor nothing prospers."  ~Sophocles 

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a celebration of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country (www.dol.gov).  I hope you all are having a wonderful Labor Day weekend!  It is always nice to have a three day weekend to celebrate the end of summer and to allow us to rest and recoup for all the work to come this fall!  In class, we are finishing our first major writing unit, Personal Narratives; in your spare time, you've been reading your books for your first independent book review (right???); and this week, we are going to dive into our first literature unit:  Greek Tragedies!!  Oh, the excitement that is to come!  But for now, as we are enjoying the holiday, it got me to thinking.  What is YOUR favorite holiday of the year?  Does your family have any traditions you particularly enjoy (or do NOT enjoy)?  Remember, this is a journal entry.  Don't just answer as quickly as possible; DESCRIBE what is your favorite holiday and WHY!  Then, enjoy the rest of your weekend--or the rest of this short school week, however the case may be.  :)