Thursday, March 25, 2010

funniest short answer I've ever read

This is a real answer to a short answer question/topic on the last Romeo & Juliet test.
"Friar Laurence is a character who probably knows how everything is going to end. He deals Juliet the sleeping potion, so he knows she's probably going to end up dead, even if she threatens to kill herself how many times? He's also the character that inspired Sassy Gay Friend.
J: I'm going to kill myself because they want me to marry Paris.
FL: What, what, what are you doing?!"

also, her response to a question about whether or not Paris actually loved Juliet and their explanation for their answer:
"Paris most likely wants money, and wants to get laid. He's almost twice her age, so he's probably still a virgin. He doesn't know love, because you don't know you wanted something so bad until it's gone forever."

The student that wrote these two answers cracks me up on the daily. Her short answers are usually correct, but hilarious. Basically, I hope that my future teenagers are as quick and witty as she is.

For reference:

Also: In 7th period, we read the one act play The Brute by Anton Chekov. 3 students read a out loud in front of class. The boys that read the male parts actually acted. it. out. the best they could with the books in their hands. It was THE BEST version of The Brute my classes have ever heard/experienced. It was awesome!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

some days are just funny

3 classes took tests today. During those tests, two classes were hilarious. Some kids just can’t be quiet during tests. Those kids hate silence. I mean, HATE it. Unfortunately, it’s hard for me to keep a straight face. Like when a kid INSISTS on waving his hand at me for 2 minutes because he’s been taking a test for an hour and needs to make himself laugh, I can’t help but laugh, even though I should keep a straight face.
Sometimes I wish I had a way of remembering all of these funny moments. Basically, some days my classroom is filled with laughter while other days it's filled with anger, frustration and possibly tears. That is why my job is awesome.

So. Shakespeare is done. English 9 is working on finishing up essays and projects for Romeo & Juliet. One class is even making their OWN recorded version of the play instead of individual projects. English 10 is ready to read their one act play, then move on to persuasive writing.
This year, for persuasive writing, I decided to make them write a letter. Then they have to send that letter. They can choose parents, teachers, administrators, elected officials (local, state or national), etc., but they have to write the letter to them and send it. It should be interesting.
The literary magazine is coming along. The kids have chosen a day to start staying after school (we used to just meet during club days, but that is no longer possible) and we will start putting it together. This has all been one great experiment and I hope to god it turns out well, for my sake as well as theirs (and the school's!). This school has never had a literary magazine, so it's been interesting being involved in something very new for the school. Like I said, I really, really hope it turns out.