Christmas break is over. Everyone seemed anxious to get back to learning. No — really. No joke.

First, fourth, and sixth periods began a two-day lesson on ballads. Today we began by looking at Bob Dylan’s “Boots of Spanish Leather” and using it to determine the elements of a ballad. Tomorrow we’ll be continuing with “Boots” and then moving on to “Ballad of Birmingham.”

Second period began the much-anticipated Romeo and Juliet. We watched a short film about the plot and spent some time going over the study guide, which includes a bit of information about how to read Shakespeare like a pro. We looked very briefly at the prologue, and we will begin in earnest tomorrow.

It should be fun!

Homework

• First, fourth, and sixth periods:
  • complete the ballad;
  • answer the comprehension questions.
• Second period:
  • read Act I Scene 1 through Romeo’s entrance (pg 741);
  • answer applicable study guide questions.