First Assignment-Homework Day 1

Good evening students! This is your first assignment, after you have created your "Google gadget" or blog, so you can begin blogging and storing your work online along with your classmates on Romeo and Juliet. This will be a great way to learn about and discuss Shakespeare; we can all share links to favorite websites; post movie clips from favorite film scenes, http://homemovies10.tripod.com/bk/rj1longtodie.wmv, and brainstorm for our end-of-term project. Remember the simple rules:

1. Keep it respectful; no obscene posts, language, put-downs. Don't turn me into the 'Net police, please.

2. Use this site every night; it's for YOU. Share your thoughts and ideas about R&J. Put your homework in your blog folder. Use your online journal. Find stuff you like and share it with the class here, and also in-class. This is a TOOL to USE. Don't hide here! Just use it like any other tool in your English tool box.

3. Keep it fun and light. Don't get overwhelmed--if you do, come see me. I'll quickly remind you that Shakespeare is supposed to be FUN, even though everyone kills each other or dies in the end.

Onward!

Tonight's homework:

1. Start your journal and read "Shakespeare: An Overview" with your focus questions in front of you. We will review in class tomorrow. Make notes to answer the focus questions.

2. Vocabulary: Sonnet, iambic pentameter, dramatic tragedy