Directions

Here are the directions to Nikki's place:
Take a right at SR9, exit 16 to Hurricane
This will turn into State Street in Hurricane
Turn right at S.Main Street/SR59
Turn left at 100 South/SR59
Follow SR-50 until Apple Vallen-turn left at Apple Valley Dr. (at the Cheveron)
Turn left at Rome WAy (there will be a stop sign)
Turn left at Cartland. --You will meander through town and fields and eventually turn a hard right. You will be on Smithsonian Way-we are the grey tri-level on the left with the address 1052.


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SEE YOU THERE!!!

WOO HOO!!

Woo hoo!! You guys were so awesome at the awards ceremony!

I can't wait to see everyone at the Christmas Party on the 21st. I will be posting a map soon to Nikki's house.

THIS IS IT!!

Tomorrow is the LAST day to turn in assignments for the conquest and to pass off the race. Did everyone hear me???

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY TO TURN IN ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE CONQUEST AND TO PASS OFF THE RACE!!

So get those set-pieces memorized, write that summery, finish up your vocab!! I really want EVERYONE to come to our huge activity NEXT MONTH. So PLEASE finish up everything!!

If you have questions to what you have left to do, please just call myself or Nikki. We will help you out with anything we can!!

Also, in your spare time, please read through your part and be very familiar with your lines so that we can get our little play together quickly.

Thou art a......

Way to go everyone!! What a blast that was!! Although the girls dominated in the end, the guys gave them a run for their money!! Talk about intense! I tried to get video of everyone, but the sound is really bad and so I didn't post them all.
Class is going to be so much fun on Thursday! I can't wait! Everybody better be better by then! I'm tired of having kids gone because they are sick!! So Brayden and Sawyer get better!

Classes combined!

Wow! Can you believe it! We have finished discussing King Lear! It is one of my favorite of Shakespeare's plays. It really has helped me identify the importance of family relations along with a TON of other stuff. I loved it! There is no reading assignment for this week. So it is a great time to get caught up on your writing and to finish your summery of King Lear. REMEMBER, you MUST READ THE ENTIRE PLAY OF KING LEAR to pass it off for the conquest. So if you missed a section of the play, go back and read it now so that we can pass off that you have completed reading the entire play. I am sure you remember, but there are only 3 more classes that you will have a chance to turn in papers, pass of the setpiece, and all that jazz. I really hope everyone passes everything off cause I would be SO SAD if someone was missing!
So, starting this week, the classes will now be combined. We will be preparing for our Shakespeare Evening with our families and we will be preparing something special for the awards ceremony. It will be lots of fun I promise!
How is everyone coming on your vocab? I have noticed one word that is missed over and over again. That word is FOIL. So, whomever can post the correct definition of the word FOIL as used for a Shakespeare play--and I'm not talking about tin foil! :--p I will have a prize for them on Thursday. Hint: it has something to do with bad guys and good guys.
Can't wait to see EVERYONE on Thursday!

Hey everyone!

WOW the week has FLOWN by!!

So, I'm curious...has anyone been practicing their insults on anyone?? Have you taught your younger siblings how to spar those insults?? Keep practicing!! The INSULT BATTLE will be Nov 12th. That will be our first class that everyone will be meeting together in the main classroom. Here is a link (Thanks Emily!!) to have some fun with insults: insults

The reading assignment is for Act 4 scenes 6-7. Next week the reading is for the entire Act 5, so it might be a good idea to read a little ahead.
Keep working on the summery of King Lear. There are only 5 more classes that you can turn it in--along with the other papers for the Conquest.

Did everyone hear me???

There are only 5 more classes to turn in and to pass off all of the requirements for the 10 step Shakespeare Conquest and to finish the RACE.

This includes the papers, iambic pentameter, reciting the setpiece, present a presentation, EVERYTHING. NO EXCEPTIONS!! :--)

I am going to forwarn you of how we are going to discuss the reading this week. I'm bringing the candy jar, of course, and if you participate then you can pull something out.
This is how you particiapate, you need to bring a question about the reading. Not a trivia question but a feeling or a thinking question. In other words...you begin the question with "What did you think about when.....," or "How do you think it felt when...." or" What would you have thought if ..." These are some difficult questions to come up with, so I am going to be getting some cooler candy for the jar.--any suggestions??? I will bring some to Nikki's class so that you can have your candy asap, and not have to wait. You can have a piece if you bring a question AND you can have a piece if you choose to pull a question out and answer it. What do you think??? YES the questions MUST be about KING LEAR and most preferably about the reading. You can earn up to 4 pieces this way. This limit does not include the "papers candy" (which you can earn up to 3 if you are all caught up) or the game from the previous post (which you can earn up to 3 also.)

Make sense? Any questions??

WOO! We have some SUPER fun things planned for the rest of the semester and I can hardly contain my excitement!! We are SO CLOSE to start getting ready to become Shakespearean Actors! It will be here sooner than you think!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT..and a game

Class will now begin at 12:30 and end at 2:30.
DON'T FORGET!!

For class this week the reading is Act 4 scenes 3-5.

For the writing assignment you are to begin writing your summery of King Lear. You will have a couple of weeks to finish this while you finish reading the play.

Bonus Question....Who are the Gods that are always being referred to?

Remember the Nicholas challenge.....Be the first class to finish all 10 of your writing assignments and the other class will provide the class with a treat of some sort.

And here is a little aside for you.....I can't wait to talk about bantering this week. Bwaahaa haaaa
You all should be very afraid.

Anyone up for a game???....here we go!

This is a personal vocab challenge....post THE CRAZIEST Shakespeare word you can find. It doesn't have to be in King Lear, it can be from any of your reading.

Post the word AND the definition.

The word MUST be a word that IS NOT used in today's language. A word that is unique to Elizabethan times only.

For example......

WAXEN means to hiccup
or
REECHY means dirty or smokey.

Each word must not be a word that has not been given already. Each word you give with the correct definition grants you a piece of candy from the candy jar--you can earn UP TO 3 PIECES of candy but do as many definitions as you like.

Get that personal vocab out!! Lets do this game through NEXT thursday the 29th.

Are you ready for class???

I can't wait for class tomorrow! There will be a special announcement!! You will have to wait and see!!
But here is the assignments for tomorrow in case you have forgotten......

1. Read Act 4 scenes 1-2--READ READ READ!! I really hate sending you to the back to finish! So please read! :--)
2. Writing assignment: Research a mythical character and write a short description. Any mythical character...it doesn't have to be related to Shakespeare.
3. Bonus Question: What does 'bear affliction' mean??

How are your vocab lists coming? Do you have any questions so far?

I will be posting on friday evening most likely, and I plan to post a new game! So get ready!!

This week's writing assignment...

This week's writing assignment is a little different. It is to write a character sketch. A character sketch is an outline of a character. The sketch includes the character's outward appearance, family members, personality, interests, and beliefs. When you write a character sketch, you are trying to introduce the reader to someone. You want the reader to have a strong mental image of the person, to know how the person talks, to know the person's characteristic ways of doing things, to know something about the person's value system. Character sketches only give snap shots of people; therefore, you should not try to write a history of the person.

As you work on this paper, you should decide what kind of emotional reaction you want to have in relationship to this person. What kind of details can you select to create that emotional reaction? Avoid making broad characterizing statements; instead, let the details you give suggest general characteristics.

These are some questions that might be helpful for you to get started.

1. What is the name of your character?
2. What is the age of your character?
3. What does your character look like?
4. What interests does your character have?
5. What does your character like to do the most?
6. What is your character's least favorite thing to do?
7. What are your character's beliefs?
8. Is your character outgoing or shy?
9 Do other people enjoy being around your character?
10. Is your character a man or a woman?

11. Is there any other information about your character that you need to know?

Thanks Nikki for coming up with this information!

psst...I'm bringing the candy jar on Thursday....just in case you wanted to know....

The Fool

This week in our reading, (Act 3 scenes 5-7) we will see one of our favorite characters for the last time. This is the fool. In Shakespeare's writing, he does not explain what happened to him. In various versions there are different explanations. In the show on PBS version that you can click to over on the right, there is a very sad scene that is added to the play--it is not in the original Shakespeare play.
But is it what really happened???
What do you think?
Put your thinking caps on and tell us what you think REALLY happened to the FOOL....
Every different entry you place you can pull one thing from the candy jar in class next week.

YEAH!! Let's have a party!

Ok..here is a map to the get together....

MAP



529 S. Woodsview Circle

Directions from St.George Boulevard

Head west on St George Blvd
Turn right at N Bluff St
Turn left at W Sunset Blvd
Turn left at N Valley View Dr

Head south on N Valley View Dr
Turn left at Woodsview Dr- "The Woods" subdivision
Go straight back and look for the large house.

If you are coming from Bloomington you will want to take Dixie Downs to Valley View Drive, then turn into "The Woods".

We will eat lunch, play games and swim from 12-2.

Please bring either a bag of chips or a salad.

Looks like it will be the one of the last hot days of the summer.

See you Tuesday!!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Party?????

In the next couple of weeks we would like to have a party with both classes. We are trying to brainstorm some ideas. If you have any suggestions of INEXPENSIVE party ideas let's have them! Is there a particular party game or theme that you like?
Post an idea and I'll bring the candy jar for each idea that you give.
Your ideas MUST cost little or no money to qualify...sorry..we can't go to Disneyland!

So what do you like to do?? Do you want another party where we watch a Shakespeare movie? Go to a park and play games?? What do think?? Let us know so we can plan a couple of AWESOME parties. :-)

And just a reminder.... reading assignment is ACT II Scene 4.
Writing assignment: Are older people wiser than younger people? Why or why not???

And the bonus question????..hmm....should I tell??
ok ok its: Are there swamps in England??? Super easy one! Its just a yes or no answer. :-)

Writing assignment for 9/17 and a warning....

In the schedule it says that for this week that you need to write about the imagery of the storm. HOWEVER....the reading didn't include the storm. The storm actually is in Act 3 which is in the reading for week 7. So this week, if you want, don't worry about writing about the storm. You can save that for week 7. Use this week for doing some of your vocab pages. This will give you two papers during week 7, but I know that you all will be able to handle it!!
Sorry for the confusion!!!

ALSO

I love to watch the online version of King Lear after I read a section. It really helps solidify what I have already learned. I wanted to warn those of you who plan on watching King Lear that is connected to this blog.--Over there on the right where you can watch shows. In case you haven't heard, somebody in the story gets his eyes plucked out.--Yeah I know, pretty nasty! (act 3 scene 7)In some film versions of King Lear this is very graphic and disturbing. This version is not the most graphic, HOWEVER, for the squeamish (like myself) you may want to cover your eyes when this happens. It happens like this, the guy approaches with a knife, the others surround the victum so you don't see the actual "plucking" but then the circle of observers move and then we see the victum with A LOT of blood where his eye was. This is then repeated. There is a sword fight following this. I prefer to skip this scene altogether. But thats just me. Use your judgment and talk to your parents. King Lear is a very sad tragedy, with this scene (in my opionion) the most disturbing in the play. As sad as it is, we can learn a tremendous amount from King Lear.

On that happy note..we'll see everyone in class tomorrow!!!

Want to play a game???

Have you started the reading assignment yet???--Act II scene 1,2 &3...
INTENSE STUFF!! Lots of good stuff there!!

Has anyone figured out the bonus question??? How big is England??? SHHH!!! Don't tell!!

Remember!! I am bringing the candy jar on Thursday...everyone who turns in an assignment will get something from the jar, and if you are all caught up with your assignments, then you will get 3!---I better fill that jar up nice and full...

Hey parents!! In case your scholar forgot to tell you...the class has been divided. We now have two Shakespeare classes. Ask your scholar about it, they can tell you which class they are in. :-)

Anyone up for a little blog game??? Earn a little treat for Thursday perhaps????

This could be interesting....

Find and Found

Ok..this is how we play. I am going to post a line from our King Lear book. From a part that WE HAVE ALREADY READ. -through our current reading assignment. I want you to reply by who said the line in what act and scene.

For example....
If I were post...

Find: "Nothing will come of nothing. Speak Again"

You of course would comment--
Found: "Nothing will come of nothing. Speak Again" KING LEAR in Act 1 scene 1.

Then in the same comment post, you will need to post your own line from King Lear--from what we have read already read Then the NEXT person would need to find your line and reply to it and leave a line of their own. Make sense? After you find a line and post one of your own you earn your piece of candy.

Once someone has FOUND it, then nobody else can FIND that quote. And you can't answer your own quotes! :-p

Play as much as you want but you can only earn 3 pieces from the jar. You must be in the Shakespeare classes to participate and the game ends when class begins on Thursday.

I'll start! Check the comments area!

Heads up!!

A reminder for class tomorrow......
The reading assignment is Act I Scene IV-V
The writing assignment is: Is it possible to have order in your home or community when there is more than one person in charge?

Bonus question....what is a mongrel?? hhmmm tricky question......

As you know, the ONLY requirement for our Shakespeare class is the reading assignments. This is so important that we will now ask you at the beginning of class if you did your reading. If so, GREAT!!! If you have a few pages to go, no worries, we'll just ask you to sit in the back and finish up your reading. If you can't find your book, the readings can be found HERE.

Woo hoo!! Can't wait for class tomorrow!

THE PRIZE!!!

In January, for the reward for finishing the 10 steps of the conquest we will be traveling to BRIAN HEAD SKI RESORT for a couple of hours of tubing on the mountainside. SUPER FUN!! After that we will travel to Cedar City for dinner and to attend the play "You're a good man Charlie Brown" --trust me when I say its HILARIOUS!

To come you MUST COMPLETE ALL 10 STEPS OF THE CONQUEST. Sorry, no exceptions. :-) We will be able to cover most of the costs of the trip. Students going will need to bring $12. Please let us know if this is a concern for you so that we can come to an arrangement to insure that everyone can go.

--On a side note...I WANT YOU ALL THERE!! I will be so sad if everyone isn't able to come. I know that the 10 steps aren't easy, but I KNOW everyone can do it!! We're here to help you in any way!! Just let us know what we can do to help you get there!! --Queen Bta

And the first scholar presentation is...

OFF WITH HIS HEAD! UNEMPLOYMENT, CRIME, AND PUNISHMENT

By: Sawyer Burdick

Sawyer did a fantastic job on his presentation! He was an encyclopedia of knowledge as he described Elizabethan hierarchy and the above mentioned topic. He carefully explained
each detail with such accuracy and enthusiasm, it was hard to believe we were sitting in a 21st century kitchen. For example, he taught us that a Lord and a peasant would receive different punishments for the same crime and showed us what those punishments would be (in a safe way, of course). Good job Sawyer! You were sun-sational!

We're looking forward to watching other scholar presentations, so dust off those Elizabethan books, grab a marker, and prepare to increase your knowledge.
--Queen Nikki

Whew!

What a race!! Can you guys believe we had 7 finish the race already! That is AMAZING! I knew there was going to be several but 7 is just fantastic! And EVERYONE is making progress!! The race hasn't finished so don't give up! Keep watching/reading/and listening to Shakespeare!
Reading assignment for this week in King Lear is Act I Scent 2-3.
Writing assignment is Define Loyalty. Was it right for Kent to stay loyal to the king?
Don't forget the bonus question!! Ahh...but I'm not telling you what it is this time..bwaaa haaa haaaa..... you'll have to think back to class to remember what it is.
One last thing, if you DO NOT want your picture on the blog, please let me know so I can remove it.
THANKS EVERYONE for a GREAT time!

READY SET GO!

The race has begun!!!

We have officially began the race to finish 17 plays!!!! Can you feel the excitement!!! WOO!! I can't wait till Thursday to see how far everyone has gone! Remember you can watch, read or listen to any of Shakespeare's plays. AND if you WATCH and READ the subtitles at the same time you can count it TWICE for the race. Also if you LISTEN and READ along you can count it TWICE for the race. Each play can only be counted twice. So, sorry, no watching the same play over and over and over and over and over again..lol...

At class we talked about RESPECT! Respect for each other, respect for the classroom and respect for the mentors. What a great rule everyone! By the way everyone was acting last Thursday, I can tell that this will be an easy rule for everyone to follow.

Don't forge the bonus question! Where is Burgundy??? Super prize for the winner!

The reading assignment for this week in King Lear is Act I Scene I. --On the handout it says Week 2, that is the week that we will discuss that assignment in class. So on week 2 we will discuss Act I Scene I. Make sense?

The writing assignment for this week is: What is the difference between acting and reacting? Give two examples.

Double bonus time!!! Post a comment or ask a question etc. for this entry before Thursday the 27th, and you get an extra treat from the candy jar!!! Super easy candy!--click on the word "comments" just below this entry.

Woo hoo here we go!

My first blog entry about our Shakespeare conquest and I am ALREADY apologizing! SHEESH! We had our fab-o Meet the Mentor night. We wanted to hand out something to get the kids exciting about. We (aka Nikki) came up with a fun poem and I stuck them on some tic tacs with some Shakespeare trivia. Then I placed the date and time class was at etc...HOWEVER when we got to the meet your mentor night, we learn that the information was WRONG!! AAAHHH!! So I'm feeling a little FOOLISH!! :-) So, dispite what the tic tacs say, the first day of class IS

August 20th at 12:30pm.

The book needed for the class is Cliff Notes Complete for King Lear. It is not available locally, so if you would like to purchase it on your own, it will need to be ordered online.

If you missed the handout summarizing the class, here is what is said:

Learning how to read and understand Shakespeare is just the beginning! In Shakespeare Conquest we learn different skills and abilities that will give us building blocks needed for a liberal education.

There are only two requirements for the class.
They are that the scholar read the assigned reading and to discuss it with the class.

There are also two main challenges in the class. Both of these are optional. The first is a race. This is a race for the scholars to read, listen to, or watch 17 Shakespeare’s plays. There is a prize for the first scholar to finish and a prize for everyone else that finishes the challenge. The other challenge is the Ten Step Conquest. There are ten different assignments for the scholars to finish in class and at home. The prize for completing the Ten Step Conquest will be a significant prize in the spring. Trust us, the scholars WILL NOT want to miss it! One of the steps in the conquest is to be involved in the spring production of a Shakespeare play. During the second semester this will be the focus of the class. The first half of the semester we will develop acting and speaking skills and the second half we will perform a play.

The best thing parents can do to help their scholars in this class is to jump into Shakespeare right along the scholar. Become excited with them as they learn and grow through Shakespeare.

Please feel free to post any questions or email me at: btasutton @ gmail dot com--without the spaces and a dot of course ;-)

Bonita Sutton