In Act 5, Scene 3, Lady Capulet is going through some extreme emotional turmoil. She thinks that her daughter is dead, only to arrive at her tomb and find that she was actually alive, but has now killed herself. She had to experience the death of her child twice, which is an incredibly horrific thing to go through. She is experiencing shock, grief, and pain beyond imagine. Although at the beginning of the play, she is more of a secondary, supporting character, by Act 5, Scene 3, she has developed into an extremely emotionally complex person. I definitely wanted to convey this in my performance of this scene. Although I only had two lines, I did my best to bring out the emotions she was feeling at the time.
I think overall, my group did a very good job in our performance. I think we were all conscious of making sure to face the audience. I also know that a lot of us worked on projecting our voices so that everyone could hear what we were saying, because we knew that that had been an issue for some people in the scenes before mine. I think one thing that I could have improved during my performance was my facial expression and composure. I fidgeted a little bit during the scene as well, which was definitely something to fix. In addition, if I could have changed anything, it would be the amount of practice time my group got. We were a pretty large group, so it took a lot of effort (and yelling!) to get everyone quiet and in the same place for long enough to run the scene. Also, the scene was very long, containing a few monologues and lots of lines. This all meant that we got to do very few full run throughs, which would have been extremely helpful in terms of blocking and interactions with other actors.
I definitely feel like I have learned a lot from Romeo and Juliet. It was a text that challenged me in a brand new way, because it was something I had never been exposed to before. Shakespeare was a new experience for me, and I have been able to take so much away from it as a reader. I have learned to place sentences and lines into context, reread to help me understand, and look up challenging words or references that I may not understand. I used all of these strategies to "decode" the old english used in Romeo and Juliet. I think that those methods will definitely help me in high school ELA, because I now know how to conquer a difficult text, and improve my reading comprehension by using reading strategies to help me better understand the text. All of the acting lessons helped me with visualization, which is also very helpful when trying to understand a scene and interactions between characters. I think Romeo and Juliet was a very important book in terms of preparation for high school english classes.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Romeo and Juliet Project: Sonnet from Lady Capulet's POV
A day that once was bright has now turned black
For my dear daughter has gone from this earth
Many hours I wish I could get back
For she was my star ever since her birth.
My husband, cruel and strict as he may be
Only wanted what's best for our love
But married was something she would not be
And now she's in the heavens up above.
Poor Country Paris, he must try to brave
This sea of grief that's jostled up his life
For now, he looks down upon a small grave
A dead body, that should have been his wife.
It's almost impossible not to cry
For without my Juliet, I may die.
In this sonnet, I really wanted to convey how Lady Capulet was feeling in Act 4, when she discovers that Juliet is "dead". Her only daughter is her life, and she becomes so grief stricken when she finds out she is gone. She feels like everything has been taken away from her, and she doesn't know how she will go on.
For my dear daughter has gone from this earth
Many hours I wish I could get back
For she was my star ever since her birth.
My husband, cruel and strict as he may be
Only wanted what's best for our love
But married was something she would not be
And now she's in the heavens up above.
Poor Country Paris, he must try to brave
This sea of grief that's jostled up his life
For now, he looks down upon a small grave
A dead body, that should have been his wife.
It's almost impossible not to cry
For without my Juliet, I may die.
In this sonnet, I really wanted to convey how Lady Capulet was feeling in Act 4, when she discovers that Juliet is "dead". Her only daughter is her life, and she becomes so grief stricken when she finds out she is gone. She feels like everything has been taken away from her, and she doesn't know how she will go on.
ELA Year Reflection
Dear 811 and Ms Galang,
As I sit here typing this, it truly dawns on me that the year is ending. I remember the first day of school like it was yesterday, 30 something nervous 8th graders who barely knew each other, all awkward and unsure. It's almost funny to me now to think back on that, because we have all grown so comfortable with each other. During ELA class this year, we have done many meaningful projects and units, and I feel like I have really learned a lot.
One unit that really stood out to me was when we did our book clubs where we read about social issues. Me, Sophie, Ella and Olivia read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It was so interesting to read the book through a lense where we closely examined the social issues discussed in the story, because I learned so much and enjoyed it a lot. I feel like I vastly improved my annotation skills, as well as my ability to discuss the text in a group.
Another unit that was valuable to me was reading Romeo and Juliet. It was my first exposure to Shakespeare, and at the beginning of the book, I felt like I couldn't understand anything. However, as we continued through the story, my ability to decode and understand the text improved so much. I completely developed my language skills, and I learned the meanings of many new words. Although the text was intimidating, I was really proud when I finished it. Our class visit to the Met really enhanced the experience of the text as well. In terms of the acting aspect, performing scenes and especially doing the final project was so helpful, simply because it made the story easier to understand. The acting exercises we did in class helped me to visualize the setting and the scene. Romeo and Juliet was very challenging, but I feel like I learned a lot and truly improved as a reader.
I would have to say my favorite thing we did as a class was the picture book unit. It was really fun to reread old childhood classics as a class together, and although I'm definitely not the most artistically inclined, I loved getting to share my work with kids I knew it could influence. Seeing their reactions to all of our stories was super incredible.
I would have to say my favorite thing we did as a class was the picture book unit. It was really fun to reread old childhood classics as a class together, and although I'm definitely not the most artistically inclined, I loved getting to share my work with kids I knew it could influence. Seeing their reactions to all of our stories was super incredible.
My goals for ELA in high school are to continue exploring social issues, read increasingly challenging texts, and write more fiction. I would like to maybe keep a journal, and read 150 minutes a week.
From our sometimes painful Friday triples to Am I Blue, I won't forget anything we did in 8th grade ELA. I know that everyone in this class is going on to do amazing things. Thanks for a great year!!
Sincerely,
Jane
My Ideal High School/Summer Bookshelf:
1. The Glass Castle
2. Where'd You Go Bernadette
3. The Heir
4. Yes Please (Amy Poehler)
5. Water for Elephants
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
"A Little Friendly Advice" Reading response
Best friends since elementary school, Ruby and Beth have always been inseparable. Beth was Ruby's rock, her support system, when Ruby's dad walked out on her and her mom when she was 10. Ruby's dad, Jim, has always been a memory, a distant figure- but when his presence is suddenly back in her life, it takes a harsh toll on Ruby and Beth's friendship. The fact that Ruby's dad left has made Ruby's friendship with beth more difficult.
One example of how Ruby's dad leaving has made Ruby and Beth's friendship more strained is because Beth has felt the need to lie to Ruby. Ever since Ruby's dad showed up at her 16th birthday, Ruby has felt this nagging urge to see him. She wants closure. But, when Beth finds a letter addressed to Ruby, from her dad, she takes it and doesn't tell Ruby about it. "That's when I see it. Half and envelope sliding out of Beth's back pocket. I pinch the corner between two fingers and slide it out the rest of the way, like it's hot or something. The blue ink vibrates blurry letters until I lean against the wall to settle my trembling arms. Although the envelope is addressed to 'Rubes', it's already been opened by someone else. By her[Beth]." (Vivian, loc. 1037) This quote really demonstrates how hard Beth's lie has hit Ruby. Beth knew that Ruby has wanted peace from the demons surrounding her father's leaving, but yet she still chose to lie and hide things from her. This definitely makes their relationship more difficult, because Ruby is unsure of if she can trust Beth, or even if Beth truly has her best interests at heart.
Another example of how Ruby's dad walking out has increased the tensions between Ruby and Beth is that Beth constantly feels the need to force Ruby into doing things. This makes Ruby feel bossed around and uncomfortable. "Last night already felt kind of weird like that between me and Beth. Like because I did't hook up with Teddy, it means I'm hell-bent at screwing myself over. Like because I didn't do exactly what she wanted, I haven't been listening at all." (Vivian, loc. 831.) This quote gives the reader insight into how Ruby is feeling. She wants to make Beth happy, but she feels like Beth doesn't realize that sometimes, Ruby needs to do something for herself, without Beth's "approval" or "guidance". This has created tension between Ruby and Beth, because Beth has begun to realize that Ruby won't always want to do exactly what she wants, and that the dynamic of their friendship has really changed.
A final example of the difficulties of Beth and Ruby's friendship due to Ruby's family situation is that Beth is highly protective over Ruby. She doesn't want Ruby to do anything that could possibly damage her emotionally, because she sees Ruby to be weaker and more fragile than she actually is. "Right, Ruby. Like I'm such a bad person. All I did was try to help you, keep you positive and give you advice when you asked me for it...Stop making me look like a bad friend! I have a good reason for not telling you!" (Vivian, loc. 2574). This quote demonstrates Beth's frustration at the fact that she can't always hide things from Ruby and protect her. Beth has always tried to shelter Ruby, but what she doesn't realize is that Ruby needs to take risks in order to find the closure that she so desperately craves. This is Ruby's journey, not Beth's, and Beth can't always protect her. This shows that Ruby and Beth's relationship has become more strained, because Ruby isn't letting Beth protect her anymore.
Friendships and relationships change all the time. Ruby and Beth's is no exception to that. They are growing up, needing each other less, but in other ways, a lot more. Ruby's dad leaving has made their relationship strained and tense, because suddenly, nothing is the same once Ruby wants to know her dad and make peace with her situation. But, as all good friendships do, Ruby and Beth's weathers all the tests it is given. After all, they have been through too much together to give up.
One example of how Ruby's dad leaving has made Ruby and Beth's friendship more strained is because Beth has felt the need to lie to Ruby. Ever since Ruby's dad showed up at her 16th birthday, Ruby has felt this nagging urge to see him. She wants closure. But, when Beth finds a letter addressed to Ruby, from her dad, she takes it and doesn't tell Ruby about it. "That's when I see it. Half and envelope sliding out of Beth's back pocket. I pinch the corner between two fingers and slide it out the rest of the way, like it's hot or something. The blue ink vibrates blurry letters until I lean against the wall to settle my trembling arms. Although the envelope is addressed to 'Rubes', it's already been opened by someone else. By her[Beth]." (Vivian, loc. 1037) This quote really demonstrates how hard Beth's lie has hit Ruby. Beth knew that Ruby has wanted peace from the demons surrounding her father's leaving, but yet she still chose to lie and hide things from her. This definitely makes their relationship more difficult, because Ruby is unsure of if she can trust Beth, or even if Beth truly has her best interests at heart.
Another example of how Ruby's dad walking out has increased the tensions between Ruby and Beth is that Beth constantly feels the need to force Ruby into doing things. This makes Ruby feel bossed around and uncomfortable. "Last night already felt kind of weird like that between me and Beth. Like because I did't hook up with Teddy, it means I'm hell-bent at screwing myself over. Like because I didn't do exactly what she wanted, I haven't been listening at all." (Vivian, loc. 831.) This quote gives the reader insight into how Ruby is feeling. She wants to make Beth happy, but she feels like Beth doesn't realize that sometimes, Ruby needs to do something for herself, without Beth's "approval" or "guidance". This has created tension between Ruby and Beth, because Beth has begun to realize that Ruby won't always want to do exactly what she wants, and that the dynamic of their friendship has really changed.
A final example of the difficulties of Beth and Ruby's friendship due to Ruby's family situation is that Beth is highly protective over Ruby. She doesn't want Ruby to do anything that could possibly damage her emotionally, because she sees Ruby to be weaker and more fragile than she actually is. "Right, Ruby. Like I'm such a bad person. All I did was try to help you, keep you positive and give you advice when you asked me for it...Stop making me look like a bad friend! I have a good reason for not telling you!" (Vivian, loc. 2574). This quote demonstrates Beth's frustration at the fact that she can't always hide things from Ruby and protect her. Beth has always tried to shelter Ruby, but what she doesn't realize is that Ruby needs to take risks in order to find the closure that she so desperately craves. This is Ruby's journey, not Beth's, and Beth can't always protect her. This shows that Ruby and Beth's relationship has become more strained, because Ruby isn't letting Beth protect her anymore.
Friendships and relationships change all the time. Ruby and Beth's is no exception to that. They are growing up, needing each other less, but in other ways, a lot more. Ruby's dad leaving has made their relationship strained and tense, because suddenly, nothing is the same once Ruby wants to know her dad and make peace with her situation. But, as all good friendships do, Ruby and Beth's weathers all the tests it is given. After all, they have been through too much together to give up.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Picture Book Foreword
In our 21st century world, bullying travels through cyberspace via a comment on a Facebook wall, or a mean anonymous text. Educators are so preoccupied with teaching middle schoolers and high schoolers the dangers of hitting “send”, that often times, it’s forgotten that bullying happens on the playground just as much as it does online. People have forgotten how mean six year old girls can be, and how terrifyingly desperate you felt to fit in.
Having grown up in an inclusive and nurturing community, I was taught right from a young age to be accepting of all my peers. I was never the kid who wouldn’t let the other girls play. I was the one who was perfectly fine singing “backup” to all the alpha girls when we played High School Musical during recess, because I hadn’t seen the movie, but they knew Sharpay’s part by heart. When you’re younger, you have a sense of who “fits in” and who doesn’t, but as long as you weren’t an outsider, you saw no reason to care that much about it. However, as I got older, and I volunteered as a kindergarten lunch helper, the social groups, dictated by the top dogs of the class, became so much more apparent. Even the small things, like “your clothes are weird,” or “we don’t want her to sit with us,” shocked me, and made me realize: little girls can be mean. And often times, no one is stopping them.
A New York Times article about the subject of bullying in younger kids summarizes this point beautifully. Examples of students in 1st and second grade, sometimes even kindergarten, all demonstrate a kid who may have been different, or quirky; and a mean girl who started in on them from day one. The article states: “Mean girl behavior, typically referred to by professionals as relational or social aggression and by terrified parents as bullying, has existed for as long as there have been pony tails to pull and notes to pass(today’s insults are texted, instead.) But while the calculated round of cliquishness and exclusion used to set in over fifth-grade sleepover parties, warfare increasingly permeantes the early elementary school years.”
My hope for Ruby Robotic is that it can show younger kids that there doesn’t have to be a mean girl, or an alpha dog. I hope for all the kids who wear funky clothing, or are shy, or are learning english for the first time, or even don’t know the words to High School Musical, is this: stand up and stand out. Every day, kids feel pressured to do what’s cool, or fit in with everyone else. But, honestly. If Hello Kitty is what’s trending, but you’re more into Strawberry Shortcake, go for it. You’ll be glad you did. Trust me.
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