Happy Halloween!

Class Work

Travel back in time to your childhood. Do you have any fond Halloween or Day of the Dead memories?

Take a few minutes to talk at your table. Let's share.

Are there any volunteers who are willing to share the information they located about Halloween or the Day of the Dead? Your information should be in CANVAS. I will be happy to pull it up for you!


Halloween Sites
http://www.halloweenhistory.org/ There is also a Day of the Dead link here.
http://www.halloweenishere.com/history.html

Day of the Dead Sites
http://www.holidays-tip.com/Holidays/mexicos-day-of-the-dead.php
http://www.destination360.com/north-america/mexico/day-of-the-dead



1. Halloween icons: Search for Halloween pictures and practices.
2. Day of the Dead symbols Look and list. Search for Day of the Dead pictures and practices.

These two holidays are NOT the same!

• Now for a brainstorm - List all of the items and practices you can that are related to Halloween today such as pumpkins, skeletons, witches, black cats... Who can get the longest list? A treat will be yours!

• Now brainstorm a list of the items and practices associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations today such as bones, skulls, grave decorating, and marigolds.

• Is the celebration of the day of the dead anything like the Memorial Day holiday?

Choose one item from either list. Find out how it got to be associated with the holiday. What are its origins? (Share)

What's Halloween without a walk through a cemetery? Just what do those tombstone carvings mean?
http://genealogy.about.com/od/cemetery_records/ig/tombstone_symbols/

What's Halloween without a good ghost story?
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/famous-ghost-stories/1qaim6g

Ghost Busters Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyRqR56aCKc

Ghost Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cOb3gfe4tQ

Do you know a good ghost story you would be willing to share? I do!

What about those monsters? What would Halloween be without a monster or two?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IBNZ6O2kMk Monster's Inc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBzPioph8CI Monsters University
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG9AGf66tXM 6th Sense



Here's your treat! Enjoy Halloween. Honor your ancestors on Day of the Dead. NO NEW HOMEWORK! Give yourself a treat and catch up on missing assignments.

Class Work

1. Finish the "transformation" presentations.
2. Did you do this? If not, do it now.
For homework, create a collage that depicts as many things as you can think of one would expect to find in a haunted house. The program or format you use is up to you. Word documents work. PowerPoint is fine. There are other programs out in cyberspace that work as well. Feel free to draw if you have that talent. Post in Canvas or bring the visual to class. This is due on Tuesday. (50 points) We will be sharing these on Tuesday. Have a bit of fun!

3. Do you celebrate Halloween and/or Day of the Dead? Please share memories or plans.

Prepare a 6-7 slide PowerPoint of Halloween OR Day of the Dead. 
http://edsitement.neh.gov/feature/origins-halloween-and-day-dead 

This article tells a little about both holidays. Read it first.



3. Let's look at the who, what, when, where, why, and how of Halloween. Things you might expect to find: http://www.virtualsalt.com/gothic.htm
http://www.history.com/topics/halloween

If you prefer, pick an element of Halloween such as costumes, pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, witches, demons, spiders, etc., and create a PowerPoint on one of these and answer the w/w/w/w/w/h of the symbol

4. Let's also look at the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the Day of the Dead.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/541045
Google search: Images for Day of the Dead to see pictures. You could pick one element of day of the dead to research and report upon.




Do you celebrate either/both? Please share memories or plans.

Homework:

Dress up for class on Thursday. If you do not what to dress up, design a costume and share a picture with us. Be ready to explain why you selected the outfit. It must relate to Folklore.

Finish your Day of the Dead or Halloween Powerpoint. Post in Canvas. Be ready to share on Thursday. (Space will be ready tonight. Canvas is currently being grumpy! Ummm - Gremlins, perhaps! )

Class Work

Today is TRANSFORMATION day!  You have 10 minutes to get with your group and make sure that all of your "ducks are in a row."

As you watch each presentation, take a few notes. There will be a couple of minutes following each for writing time.

• Name the character involved in the transformation
• Why and how does the character transform?
• List one or two interesting facts about the transformation.

You will submit a paper copy.

Let the fun begin!

(100 pts.)

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I understand that there are a couple of "raven" experts in the class. Please share what you know or learned about ravens! (Part of this was homework.)

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For homework, create a collage that depicts as many things as you can think of one would expect to find in a haunted house. The program or format you use is up to you. Word documents work. PowerPoint is fine. There are other programs out in cyberspace that work as well. Feel free to draw if you have that talent. Post in Canvas or bring the visual to class. This is due on Tuesday. (50 points) We will be sharing these on Tuesday. Have a bit of fun!

Class Work

You have 1/2 of the class time to return to your groups to prepare your presentation for Thursday.

See the posting from October 17 for details.

During the other half of the class, we will be reading "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe.

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15638

Before we begin, what do you know about ravens?

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/raven/




http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/178713

For homework, read one of these other tales featuring the raven and:

• summarize the story
• tell how the raven is alike or differs from the ordinary bird
• share the theme of the story - what is the message?
• http://www.shades-of-night.com/aviary/birdfict.html Other stories of ravens may be found at this site.

October 17, 2013

Class Work
Transformations continued. . .

1. What is a transformation? (Your own words.) (Dictionary definition)
2. Why might one want or not want to transform?
3. Look back at Tuesday's post on this blog to see a list of possibilities for the following assignment:


Group Assignments: There will be eight groups - two for each story. Sign up on the board.
Here are some additional choices:

• Shrek
• Br. Bear
• Transformers
• Frog and the Princess
• Tremors
• Gremlins
• Hulk
• Superman
• Spider man
• Iron Man
• Bat Man
• Wolf Man
• Little Mermaid
• Etc.

Task: Read or listen to a written version of the story. (Jekyll and Hyde - watch a full length version of the tale.)  You might need to explore a bit to find the written version if it is not listed here.

View videos or listen to audio recordings. (This is weekend homework! Don't fail your group!

Step 2: Look carefully at the transformation scenes. Be a reporter. Answer the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of the tale.

You may divide the research assignments between or among the group members.

• Look for scholarly information about your literary character.
• Discover the origin of your character.
• Clearly be able to describe the transformation.
• Note the causes of the transformation. Why did it happen?
• Find out if the transformation is permanent. If not, what needs to happen for another change to occur?
• Keep track of your sources . . . use EasyBib if you wish.

Step 3: Your group must decide how to present the story  of transformation.

Choices:

• Newspaper/magazine format
• Video
• Original live play
• PowerPoint with speaking parts for all
• Mural with text
• (Ideas from the groups will be considered.)

Guidelines/expectations:


Look for scholarly information about your literary character.
Discover the origin of your character.
Clearly be able to describe the transformation.
Note the causes of the transformation. Why did it happen?
Find out if the transformation is permanent. If not, what needs to happen for another change to occur?
Tell the story.
Share creatively with the class.
Each presentation should last at least five minutes but not be longer than ten minutes.
All must participate. Keep track of who does what and give me a report.

Presentations begin next Thursday! We will have some time in class to work on Tuesday as well as today.

October 15, 2013

Class Work

A Day of Transformations ... If someone offered you a substance that would make you younger or older - your choice - would you take it? Discuss why or why not at your table.

Stories of Transformation

Group #1
Beauty and the Beast :
Why was the Beast a beast? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__x8CYAVMbk
Transformation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ba_kgtZSfE
Locate the Disney version to watch

Group #2
Dr. Heidger's Experiment by Nathaniel Hawthorne: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-pUin6in0M Audio of the story only...

Full length movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULBBg6kP38

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:
"This is the Moment" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-amTgdQhf_c
"Transformation Scenes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN4Di8DEPf8 1932

1942 Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns14yPuzTiQ

Check YouTube for possible links to full movies.


Group #3 "The Black Cat"
Story: http://www.online-literature.com/poe/24/
Check YouTube for possible video versions

Group #4: "The Cask of Amontillado"
Story: http://poestories.com/text.php?file=amontillado
Check YouTube for possible video or audio versions

All  together now . . . "The Raven"

http://www.houseofusher.net/raven.htmlhttp://www.houseofusher.net/raven.html

Group Assignments: There will be eight groups - two for each story. Sign up on the board.

Task: Read or listen to a written version of the story. (Jekyll and Hyde - watch a full length version of the tale.)  You might need to explore a bit to find the written version if it is not listed here.

Step 2: Look carefully at the transformation scenes. Be a reporter. Answer the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of the tale.

Step 3: Your group must decide how to present the story  of transformation.

Choices:

• Newspaper/magazine format
• Video
• Original live play
• PowerPoint with speaking parts for all
• Mural with text
• (Ideas from the groups will be considered.)

Guidelines will follow. For now, find and read/ listen to/ watch the tale. Complete that task by Thursday.

October 10, 2013 - Thursday

Class Work

Bring a monster to class today!

• Walk around the room a bit and see if anyone else selected your monster. Create a small group if so - stand together.
• If you have a unique monster, stand alone but talk to one or two others who found a different sort of monster.
• Introduce your monster to the class. Tell us the following:
• The monster's name
• A physical description of the monster. You may show us a picture if you wish.
• Where the monster can be found
• The length of time this monster has been or was around
• Special powers/abilities possessed by the monster
• Famous things done by the monster
• Famous stories about the monster
• Any other interesting facts

Folklore in the news...

Spirit Moose: http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/excursions/post/hunters-spark-outrage-by-killing-white-spirit-moose/

Do you know of any other animals that are considered to be "spirits?" Pick one. Research it. ( Two sources) Write a summary of your findings. Give credit to your sources. Consider:

• Who believes that this animal has spiritual powers?
• What powers is the animal believed to possess? What can it do?
• When did this belief begin? When is this animal powerful? Do people still believe in these powers?
• Where might one find such an animal?
• Why is there a need among the people who revere the animal to protect it and believe in it?
• How does this animal help? How do the people who believe in the powers of the animal treat or revere the animal?
• Other interesting notes.

Post in Canvas. This is worth 35 points and is due on October 15th.

Here is a link to a site that explains a bit about spirit animals. Click on the name of the animal to find some specific information.
http://www.manataka.org/page236.html#ANT
 
http://www.manataka.org/page291.html

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Back to Monsters:

http://listverse.com/2011/07/05/top-10-horrifying-monsters-in-literature/

http://classiclit.about.com/od/literarymonsters/Literary_Monsters.htm


Why do people believe in monsters:
http://www.livescience.com/5046-monsters-ghosts-gods.html

http://www.themysterybox.org/believe-in-monsters/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/08/20/bigfoot-monsters-and-ghosts-why-want-to-believe/
 
http://classiclit.about.com/od/literarymonsters/Literary_Monsters.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvOQeozL4S0

Why do people like to be scared?
Read: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/exploring-thrill-seeking-personalities
List ten points that you find interesting. Post your list in Canvas. (10 pts.)
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  Movies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvOQeozL4S0

 Frankeinstein: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H3dFh6GA-A

Dracula: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1jVcmDH43Y 

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Squid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qtWzbDgIQE

Godzilla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAO7BIeMR-Y

Creature from the Black Lagoon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM1o1xe5FGE

The Fly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7xoyu08xNE 

The Blob: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkOfeSNsWpM

I Was a Teenage Werewolf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jZS2Yn_vRQ

As you watch these clips, take notes. What is special about each monster? Why do you think the monster became so popular? Turn in your notes. If we do not finish viewing in class, finish for homework. Post your notes in Canvas. (20 pts.)




 

 

October 8, 2013 - Tuesday

Class Work

1. If memory serves, we have one more presentation to hear.



2. We will finish listening  to a tale from Afghanistan.  It is from the opening chapters of And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner.

First, let's review what we have heard so far.

Who are the characters?
What is the situation?
What sacrifice must be made?
Why is the sacrifice necessary?
What do you think the monster looks like? (Draw a picture...markers and crayons will be provided.)


3. Write a one page reaction to the story.

• What did you like?
• Was there anything you disliked? Why"
• What was familiar?
• What was the message?

Post in Canvas. (25 pts.) This is due today. You have 20 minutes to complete the task and post.

4. Speaking of monsters . . . what monsters do you know of? (Brainstorm at your table. Do a quick search for pictures/illustrations of these monsters. Also, see what written  information is available. Create an annotated list of links. (List the link - tell what your found there - one submission per table.)


5. This site has some "monster" information. You might find it interesting. Peruse it for homework.
http://public.wsu.edu/~delahoyd/monsters.html

6. Pick a monster, any monster, from literature or film. Read all that you can about that monster. Interview three friends or classmates to see what, if anything, they know about your monster. (You just adopted a monster!) Be ready to introduce your monster to the class on Thursday. You may bring an illustration if you wish or you may describe the monster.  Be sure to tell us:

• The name of the monster.
• What the monster looks like.
• Where the monster originated.
• Where the monster lives.
• The size of the monster.
• Special abilities of the monster.
• Why the monster is famous or should be.
• Hardships faces by the monster.

Have a bit of fun with this. We will share on Thursday. Don't forget to bring your monster!

• What the monster has done to become famous
• How to avoid or kill the monster

October 3, 2013 - Thursday

Class Work

Presentations! Please take notes on each.

Notes should include a two sentence summary of the story along with your reaction to the story. Does the story remind you of other stories? Why do you think the story has lingered in history and appears today? Do you like the story? Why/why not?


Listen to a tale from Afghanistan. It is from the opening chapters of And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner.

Write a one page reaction to the story.

• What did you like?
• Was there anything you disliked? Why"
• What was familiar?
• What was the message?

Post in Canvas. (25 pts.) This is due Tuesday.

October 1, 2013 - Tuesday

Class Work Return to your group. Check the Internet for a brief overview of your group's assigned hero.

Make a group PowerPoint presentation of 6-10+ slides to tell the story to the class. Each group member should create at least one slide. There is a space on Canvas to post. Please include the names of all group members on the "title" slide.

Here are some suggested sites. Feel free to check other sites.

Theseus: http://greece.mrdonn.org/theseus.html

Odysseus: http://www.mythweb.com/odyssey/

Jason: http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/GreekMyths/Jason/

Moses: http://www.topmarks.co.uk/judaism/moses/index.htm

Perseus: http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Heroes/Perseus/perseus.html

Hercules: http://www.pantheon.org/articles/h/hercules.html

Your group may post the finished PowerPoint in Canvas. List your names alphabetically by last name on the title slide. Post under the first person's name.

Presentations!!!! Take notes. Write a brief summary of each tale. Bulleted lists are fine. This is a paper assignment. I will collect these at the end of the presentations. Be sure you have notes for each.


Just in case there was a shortage of princesses . . .

http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/dual-disney-princesses-ice-face-off-frozen-trailer-164523666.html (New Disney Film to hit theatres in November!)

Just from viewing the trailer, how do these "ladies" differ from Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, to name a few? Are they similar in any way?

In the Theseus tale, there is a "chapter" about human sacrifice to the Minotaur.

Listen to a tale from Afghanistan. It is from the opening chapters of And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner.

Write a one page reaction to the story.

• What did you like?
• Was there anything you disliked? Why"
• What was familiar?
• What was the message?

Post in Canvas. (25 pts.) This is due Thursday.