I just started teaching Romeo and Juliet, and I am pretty much freaking out about it. This is my students' first time with Shakespeare. Do you know what kind of pressure that is? I could singley determine their entire outlook on Shakespeare. Wow. Especially because they are the Honors kids - I want them to understand how amazing these texts are. I have nightmares about teaching this unit. I know that I am a perfectionist, but this is just so important to me. Any suggestions? What do you remember most about learning about Shakespeare?
We went to the very last home game today - sad. I love football, but I especially love these home games because it gives me time alone with Jer. I will forever be grateful that Jer and I have so much in common. It wasn't always that way - we actually started out liking pretty different things. But we strongly believe that to have a fantastic marriage, it is important to learn to like the things that matter to your spouse. So I play video games and am a huge fan of football, and Jer tries new restaurants with me, reads classics, and watched sytycd (and likes it). I never feel like I have to make sacrifices with my time anymore - what Jer likes, I mostly like. We can share our favorite things with eachother without feeling like we are forcing eachother to participate. The only thing I miss now is playing board/card games. I used to LOVE playing games, but Jer HATES playing them :(
I was chosen to host a House Party for the new EA Sports Active 2 game - which means a FREE game ($100!) Woot woot! If anyone wants to check it out - party at my house Dec. 11 at 11:00 a.m.! I could definitely use another outlet to try and loose the rest of the baby weight - another 15 lbs to go! Plus, I just feel like my body is all weird now. My legs and arms seem back down to normal, but my stomach is completely different than it was before Kaiah. I guess that babies change everything!
Speaking of babies - I know that most of you will think that we are crazy, but Jer and I have always planned on having our first two babies close in age - like just one grade level apart. Kamie and I are 16 months apart and Jer and his brother are 15 months, and we both absolutely loved growing up with a gauranteed best friend. I can't imagine growing up without Kamie there every single step of the way. We did everything together. I want that for Kaiah. So, we started trying again in August, but we haven't had any luck yet. I know that it hasn't been very long, but now baby #2 won't be one grade level behind Kaiah, but at least two. It may seem silly to you, but it is such a big deal to me. I have always imagined having two babies growing up together and every day that Kaiah gets older and learns more and changes more is one more day that she is doing it without her younger brother or sister. This isn't what I imagined - it isn't what I had planned. I am definitely a planner, and I don't know what to do when my plans fail!
Watching the U vs SDSU game - ugh. Why, oh why did you give up the win, SDSU?
I know that this is a long post about nothing, but I just feel like I need an outlet. I used to be a huge writer, but that has stopped. I never write anymore. Writing is so cathartic - it really helps me to release the things that keep mulling over in my head and refocus. So, if you are still reading this post, then I am sorry. Really, I am. But this is what I needed. This is what I need more of. Feel free to ignore, because (once again), this blog is for me.
Now off to bed.
Quarantine
3 years ago
8 comments:
It's tough when your "plan" doesn't fall into place! We got pregnant with Cam in 2 months, and with Allie, it took 2 WEEKS!! We've been trying for a 3rd for 11 months now. Tough year!!! I know how you feel....let me know if you ever need to chat! I got SO mad because someone said, "Well, just be grateful for the 2 you already have." Well, I am, but that doesn't take away the pain of seeing each month pass!!! Just know that I know how you feel!
No need to apologize, it's fun to read everything!
As far as Shakespeare goes, I have loved it since I was in grade school so when I started to actually get to study it in high school I was thrilled. It seemed like doing summaries, going over words and meanings, acting things out, watching the movie, etc. all helped to engage and explain it to my peers. When I was in the play in high school we all went to Barnes & Noble and looked through the books that explained what was happening and what was going on culturally at the time and that really helped as well.
Good luck in the baby making business! It is so hard when things don't go as planned! I totally know what you mean! "They" always say that it's in the Lord's time, but sometimes I just wish our time was the same! I'm sure all will go well and your kids will be best friends, even if they are a few grade levels apart!
Unfortunately I've never enjoyed reading Shakespeare and nothing the school ever did changed that. :(
And just keep trying. Whatever the Lord wants for you and your family will happen. Maybe it will be your second and third kids that will be close in age with Kaiah as the helpful and motherly older sister. Or maybe the Lord knows you'll have twins next and that's why He's giving you a little extra time between the next birth. :)
Love you!
I felt super intimidated about teaching R&J last year, but it went surprisingly well. If you want anything, I have a couple fun videos and stuff. I showed them the Taylor Swift "Love Story" music video as well as the "Check Yes Juliet" video by We the Kings and they did a little questionnaire on it and then we talked about how often Romeo and Juliet are still around. If nothing else, the kids made a connection and didn't feel like it was totally old school stuff. We also watched the Leo DeCaprio version and the regular version (balcony scene) and did compare/contrast with it (I teach compare/contrast essay with this unit). I also didn't have them watch it until the end this year, but I think I might actually start with watching the first scene and then reading from there. Last week I went to a conference, and the English specialist was talking about how we always show the video afterwards but that we should really show it before so that kids can get a picture in their minds. So I think I might do that this year. That way, if nothing else, it helps them get a feel for the language and what some things mean. Anyway. This is long and I'm not saying I'm an expert, but if you want any quizzes or anything I have, let me know and I can email stuff to you.
Sorry. This is Mindy. Didn't meant to comment from this blog :-S
I believe your next little monster will be here before we know it!!! Hang in there my beautiful sister.
first off....just let your students watch the movie....don't make them read such a boring book!!:) second....don't try so hard...remember australia? just when you think it's no big deal that's when it happens!!!!! I'm with the other comment....maybe it's cause you will have twins next!!!! love ya
Remember watching Romeo and Juliet together almost every week freshman year...I do it was awesome. If you explain the stories to them in a way that they can understand it they will love it. There are so many twists and interesting people.
Kaiah will always have little Ari to play with. And cousins are great friends too. Have a great winter.
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