Tag Archive for video

Short Stories: “Gentlemen, Your Verdict”

April 14, 2020 / / No comments

Goals for the Week:

  1. Follow along with the daily readings of short stories.
  2. Decide on and begin a project from the Choice Board
  3. Continue to collaborate with teachers and classmates

Today’s Checklist:

  1. Understand a moral dilemma
  2. Read and analyze the short story “Gentlemen, Your Verdict” by Michael Bruce
  3. Watch an episode from a television show or a scene from a movie about a moral dilemma

Today’s Lesson!

Standard:

  • ELAGSE9-10RL2 Determine a theme or central idea of text and closely analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • ELAGSE9-10RL3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Learning Target: 

I can analyze the representation of a moral dilemma in fiction by watching a movie clip and reading a short story, so that I can determine what a moral dilemma is and identify one in various mediums.

Activator: 

A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person is torn between right and wrong. A moral dilemma often forces the individual to decide which option he or she can live with, but any outcomes are extremely unpleasant no matter what. Moral dilemmas are used to help people think through the reasoning for their beliefs and actions.

Check out this scene from the movie Titanic where the crew decides who is allowed to get into the lifeboats first. Would you have made the same decision as the crew? Why or why not? What do you think would happen if the crew didn’t make a decision right away?

Work Session: 

Your assignment for this unit!

You will have one major assignment for this unit, and you get to choose it! Visit the choice board and select one project to complete about one story. In other words,

Today’s Story:

“Gentlemen, Your Verdict” by Michael Bruce

This is the story about twenty men trapped in a submarine at the bottom of the ocean. Help will not arrive for 7 days but there is only enough oxygen available in the submarine to last the entire crew about 2 days. The captain has a decision to make…

Questions to consider during and after reading:

  1. What is the moral dilemma the Captain faces? Does the crew face any moral dilemmas?
  2. What is a sense of duty? Does the crew recognize their sense of duty?
  3. Did the Captain make a good decision? Was it right? Why or why not?
  4. Who decides what is right and wrong?
  5. What would you do if you were in the Captains position? How would you feel towards the Captain if you were one of the survivors?

Closing Session: 

  • I want you to think about a television show or movie that features a moral dilemma (I immediately thought of the television show How to Get Away with Murder and the movie Stranger than Fiction). If possible, go and watch either an episode from the television show of your choice or a scene from the movie of your choice via a streaming service or whatever method that you have available. After you watch, determine: Who makes the decision about the moral dilemma in your example? Do you agree with the decision? Why or why not?
  • Check out this Buzz Feed poll to see how you compare to other people when it comes to making a decision about a moral dilemma. Content warning: some of these scenarios are extremely dark. If you want to look at the poll, you should do it with a trusted adult so that you can talk about what you’re reading and seeing. ()

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow’s Checklist

If you want to get ahead on things, here is what we’re going to be doing tomorrow!

 

Online Learning of A Doll’s House, LAST DAY!!!

April 3, 2020 / / No comments

Before we start today’s lesson… Check out your “I Need Feminism Because” video that we made with your pictures from last week!

Music: “Soy Yo” by Bomba Estéreo

Goals for the Week:

  1. Write a response to a prompt analyzing A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.
  2. Continue to collaborate with teachers and classmates.
  3. Finalize all work on A Doll’s House and our Feminism unit and prepare for our next learning experience!

Today’s Checklist:

  1. Remind ourselves what a theme is and how to find one.
  2. Consider some possible themes of A Doll’s House.
  3. Find out the topic of OUR NEXT UNIT!!!!!

Today’s Lesson!

Standard:

  • ELAGSE9-10RL2 Determine a theme or central idea of text and closely analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

Learning Target: 

I can determine a theme of a text by analyzing A Doll’s House so that I can write about how Nora’s character reveals and shapes the theme.

Activator: 

Today we’re talking all about THEME! Need a reminder of what theme means, some examples, and how to find one? Check out D4Darious, who will explain it to you!

 

Work Session: 

Your assignment for this week!

This week is your largest assignment to date! Each day we will explore a different topic related to feminism and A Doll’s House. I have made a Google Doc with 5 prompts, one for each day this week. CHOOSE ONE PROMPT and write a paragraph in response to it.

Type your response in this document!

Remember, you only need to respond to ONE prompt this week!

Today’s Topic: Theme!

As you saw in the opening video, theme is a moral or message that the author is trying to tell you in their story. Every movie, book, play, and story has a theme. What’s most interesting about theme is that it’s completely up to the person who’s reading the story to determine it – a writer can try to make you learn a specific lesson, and they are often successful, BUT if a reader gets a completely different message, that’s still a valid theme!

For example, the writers of Finding Nemo might have intended the lesson to be that parents should trust their children and let hem make their own decisions. But if you watch that movie and think the message is that parents should keep their kids on a very short leash so they don’t get kidnapped or worse, that’s still a valid theme!

The important thing about a theme is that you must be able to back up your theme with evidence from the text.

Let’s consider 2 themes for A Doll’s House:

  • Society expects women to stay home and take care of their house and family above all else.

Do we have evidence from the play to back this up? What do you think? If Torvald is representative of society, then he certainly expects Nora to put her household above everything else. Even the laws of the time try to keep women at home!

  • Lies will always destroy relationships.

Do we have evidence from the play to back this up? Nora lied to Torvald and it certainly destroyed their relationship! And Mrs. Linde and Krogstad only got a happy ending when they finally told the truth to one another.

If you want to do today’s prompt for this week’s writing assignment, think of a theme from the play (or use one of my examples) and explain how the play shows that theme 🙂

Closing Session: 

AND THAT’S A WRAP! We’re done with A Doll’s House and our feminism unit! Now it’s time for the big reveal….our next unit will be….

(drumroll please….)

 

Short Stories!!!

We will be reading short stories from around the world, and you guys will choose one slightly larger project to complete over the unit.

Now… Go enjoy your spring break! Stay safe, stay well, and try and have some socially-distant fun!

Looking Ahead: Next Unit

When we return from Spring Break, we start a NEW UNIT! We will be reading a series of short stories from many authors around the world. Here are your goals for the first week 🙂

  1. Follow along with the daily readings of short stories.
  2. Decide on and begin a project from the Choice Board
  3. Continue to collaborate with teachers and classmates

Online Learning of A Doll’s House, Day 9

March 26, 2020 / / No comments

Don’t forget! Zoom meeting TOMORROW at 10am! I will send the link in Remind at 9:45!

Goals for the Week:

  1. Finish reading and analysis of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.
  2. Understand why A Doll’s House is considered feminist, and how it remains relevant today.
  3. Collaborate with your teacher or classmates to discuss the play.

Today’s Checklist:

  1. Read and consider this article on Toxic Masculinity from The New York Times
  2. Read and consider this comic on the concept of “Mental Load” (If that link isn’t working, read this article on Mental Load instead)
  3. Read and consider this depressing study on how women are expected to handle all the household work

Today’s Lesson!

Standard:

  • ELAGSE9-10RI2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

Learning Target: 

I can analyze how an author develops a central idea by reading three articles so that I can consider my own opinions on feminism and toxic masculinity.

Activator: 

So, we’ve talked a lot about feminism over the last week, but today I’m bringing in a new term that you might be unfamiliar with: Toxic Masculinity. Check out this video that explains what it means!

Work Session: 

Today we’re going to be reading some articles on feminism in the modern day! I would like for you to read, consider, and discuss these articles with your family. Ready? Here we go!

Article 1: Read and consider this article on Toxic Masculinity from The New York Times

  • Questions to consider: 
    • Did you know what toxic masculinity was before reading this article?
    • Have you, or a boy you know of, ever been told “boys don’t cry” or “man up”? What message do you think that sends to little kids?
    • What’s the difference in “toxic masculinity” and someone just being traditionally masculine

Article 2: Read and consider this comic on the concept of “Mental Load” (If that link isn’t working, read this article on Mental Load instead)

  • Questions to consider: 
    • Have you ever noticed this disproportionate work balance at home? If you stay with your mom and your dad, which parent would you ask if you needed to know information like when something is scheduled or if there’s snacks in the cabinet?
    • Have you ever felt this work balance on yourself? Are you (or your sisters, or girls you know) expected to know how to get dinner on the table, while boys are just expected to be ready to eat on time?
    • If you haven’t noticed this, why do you think that is? If you have noticed this, do you think it’s OK?

Article 3: Read and consider this depressing study on how women are expected to handle all the household work

  • Questions to consider:
    • How are chores divided in your house? It’s okay if your mom usually handles laundry and your dad usually handles yardwork, but why do you think that is the “norm”?
    • This article talks a little about same-sex couples. How do you think that changes the household work balance?
    • What do you think about roommates? Many of you will go off to college in a couple years and live with roommates for the first time. How do you expect the chores to be divided up? If your parents or older family members have ever had roommates, how did they divide the chores?

After reading and thinking about these questions, I want you to take the discussion to your family or whomever you’re quarantined with. Ask them the questions, show off the articles, and listen to what they have to say! You might find some differing opinions from your own, and that’s okay!

Closing Session: 

Remember, tomorrow we have our Zoom meeting at 10am – I hope you can attend! We’re going to be talking about how feminism in 2020 relates to A Doll’s House. Consider how the play is still relevant today and lessons of feminism we can learn from it. Have some thoughts ready for tomorrow’s Zoom meeting at 10am!!

I’ll send the link to the meeting out tomorrow at 9:45. Remember to get the Zoom client downloaded and ready!

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow’s Checklist

If you want to get ahead on things, here is what we’re going to be doing tomorrow!

  1. Attend the virtual class meeting on Zoom if you are able.
  2. Find a way to collaborate with your teacher or classmates – comment on the blog, on YouTube, etc.
  3. Send your “I Need Feminism Because” photo to your teacher, and check your feedback from last week’s assignment 🙂

Online Learning of A Doll’s House, Day 8

March 25, 2020 / / No comments

Goals for the Week:

  1. Finish reading and analysis of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.
  2. Understand why A Doll’s House is considered feminist, and how it remains relevant today.
  3. Collaborate with your teacher or classmates to discuss the play.

Today’s Checklist:

  1. Read the second half of act III of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (from when Dr. Rank leaves to the end of the play)
  2. Consider Torvald’s reaction to Krogstad’s letters.
    • How did he react after reading the first letter? How did his behavior change after reading the second letter?
  3. Consider Nora’s actions at the end of the play.
    • What did Nora do at the end of the play? What choice did she make? Do you think she made the right decision?

Today’s Lesson!

Standard:

  • ELAGSE9-10RL6 Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.

Learning Target: 

I can analyze a particular cultural experience by reading A Doll’s House so that I can understand why Nora’s actions at the end of the play were radical.

Activator: 

Take a look at this scene from the very end of A Doll’s House. This isn’t the very very end, but it is close to it – listen closely to Nora when she talks about her most important duties in life:

Work Session: 

Today we finish reading Act III of A Doll’s House. We will start when

  • Here is my annotated copy of the text. You can add your own comments on Google Docs!
  • Here is the full text of the play  – use this if Google Docs gives you trouble.
  • Here is the full audiobook, if you would rather listen to it. That link should take you directly to where today’s reading starts 🙂

While you read, consider our checklist questions for the day:

  1. Consider Torvald’s reaction to Krogstad’s letters.
    • How did he react after reading the first letter? How did his behavior change after reading the second letter?
  2. Consider Nora’s actions at the end of the play.
    • What did Nora do at the end of the play? What choice did she make? Do you think she made the right decision?

And that’s it! You’ve read the entire play!!! Congratulations!

Closing Session: 

Every time we read a book, you guys are always all like “Can’t we just watch the mooooovieeeeeeeee????” and usually I say no, we’re reading this, and the movie is awful anyway. But in this case, A Doll’s House is a play, and plays are meant to be watched! So here it is!

You’re not required to watch the whole thing, but let’s face it, we’re all bored out of our skulls at this point, right? Watch whatever parts you need to get a better understanding of the play.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow’s Checklist

If you want to get ahead on things, here is what we’re going to be doing tomorrow!

  1. Read and consider this article on Toxic Masculinity from The New York Times
  2. Read and consider this comic on the concept of “Mental Load”
  3. Read and consider this depressing study on how women are expected to handle all the household work

 

Online Learning of A Doll’s House, Day 7

March 24, 2020 / / No comments

Goals for the Week:

  1. Finish reading and analysis of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.
  2. Understand why A Doll’s House is considered feminist, and how it remains relevant today.
  3. Collaborate with your teacher or classmates to discuss the play.

Today’s Checklist:

  1. Read the first half of act III of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (from the beginning of the act to when Dr. Rank leaves)
  2. Consider the relationship between Krogstad and Mrs. Linde.
    • How does this relationship differ from Nora and Torvald’s? How does Krogstad act around Mrs. Linde, compared to how he acts around Nora?
  3. Reflect on Nora as a dynamic character vs. Torvald as a static one.
    • Nora has changed and grown (dynamic character) and Torvald has stayed exactly the same (static character). Reflect on how the two of them are interacting now, in act III, versus how they were interacting back in act I.

Today’s Lesson!

Standard:

  • ELAGSE9-10RL3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Learning Target: 

I can consider how the complex relationships between characters advance the plot of the play by reading and reflecting on A Doll’s House, so that I can understand Nora’s actions at the end of the play.

Activator: 

Need to remember what happened last week? Want a preview of Act III? You’re in luck! Our activator today is this great audio summary video!

Work Session: 

Today we begin reading Act III of A Doll’s House. We will start at the beginning of the act and read until Dr. Rank leaves (poor guy, he’s dying 🙁 )

While you read, consider our checklist questions for the day:

  1. Consider the relationship between Krogstad and Mrs. Linde.
    • How does this relationship differ from Nora and Torvald’s? How does Krogstad act around Mrs. Linde, compared to how he acts around Nora?
  2. Reflect on Nora as a dynamic character vs. Torvald as a static one.
    • Nora has changed and grown (dynamic character) and Torvald has stayed exactly the same (static character). Reflect on how the two of them are interacting now, in act III, versus how they were interacting back in act I.

As we finish our reading for the day, we’re starting to get to a breaking point with Nora. She’s tried everything she can try to keep Torvald from finding out her secret… and now there’s nothing left but to deal with the fallout. We’ll see how that plays out tomorrow at the end of act III.

Closing Session: 

One of our goals for the week is for you to collaborate with your classmates or teacher. In order to facilitate that, for our closer today I want you to go download the Zoom app and create an account! Head over to Zoom.us or search the App Store or Google Play store. You can start playing around with Zooming your friends or classmates, and

Friday, I will host a Zoom class meeting at 10am. 

  • This meeting is completely optional, but I encourage you to attend and collaborate!
  • You don’t have to come if that time doesn’t work for you. But if you can come, that would be great!
  • We will be discussing feminism in A Doll’s House and really anything else you guys want to talk about 🙂

Once you’ve got Zoom installed and you’re done with the reading, that’s it, you’re done for the day!

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow’s Checklist

If you want to get ahead on things, here is what we’re going to be doing tomorrow!

  1. Read the second half of act III of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (from when Dr. Rank leaves to the end of the play)
  2. Consider Torvald’s reaction to Krogstad’s letters.
    • How did he react after reading the first letter? How did his behavior change after reading the second letter?
  3. Consider Nora’s actions at the end of the play.
    • What did Nora do at the end of the play? What choice did she make? Do you think she made the right decision?
« Older Entries  
zeeReputation Theme