Tragedy, The Tragic Hero and Imagery

We covered a lot in class today!

First, students made notes on Tragedy and the traits of a Tragic Hero.  If you missed the class, please see Mrs. Phillips for an update and get the notes from a peer.

Second, students were asked to look closely at act 2, scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet.  A handout was provided of this scene so students could highlight phrases and words used by the characters pertaining to love.  Students have been asked to now find the lyrics to a contemporary song and compare the love imagery used today to the imagery used by Shakespeare.

I spoke briefly to the class about the importance of the learning skills.  It is mandatory that students come to class prepared for the lesson.  Food and drink, with the exception of water, is not allowed in class.  The use of technology is encouraged if it is used to further and enhance learning.  If technology such as hand-held devices deters from learning, students will be asked to put it away.

Parents are encouraged to get in touch with the teacher, Mrs. Phillips via email: phillipst@hdsb.ca

The Return of Mrs. Phillips!

What a glorious year it has been!  It is Sunday night.  Tomorrow I will be returning to the Ridge and the classroom after 52 weeks with my baby boy.  I will be returning with bittersweet emotions.  It is so difficult to leave the baby, knowing that I will never again have this time to spend with him.  The year has been filled with firsts, growth, quiet time as well as excitement.  It has been a time for family and reflection.  It has been a time to grow our family and home; building what we have looked forward to for so long.  From that perspective, it is very difficult to return to work.

The return is also sweet.  It is sweet to be returning to my career and the energy of academic life.  I am starved for intellectual conversation and am longing to get my head back into the English game.  It will also be so good to see familiar faces both around the school and in the English department.  The Ridge really is a home away from home, and in that sense, the return will be welcomed.  I was made to be a teacher of English and the classroom really is where I belong.  After eleven years of teaching, the return is less stressful than it was six years ago after my first maternity leave.

Teaching grade nine is one of my favourite things.  I have never taught Romeo and Juliet before, although I am very familiar with the play and LOVE teaching Shakesperare!!  I am looking forward to hearing from the students and finding out what they have discovered about the play and the playwright already.  I am also interested in hearing about their experience of Tragedy and the toll the drama of the play is taking on them.

In response to this blog, please jot down a sentence or two about what your expectations are of your "new" teacher.  Let me know what your hopes and fears are.  I have included a short video of my son.  Please watch the video and tell me what you think it symbolizes for our class.  Thanks!  I'm really looking forward to hearing from all of you.