Celebrating Shakespeare: The Ides of March Are Come...But Not Gone

March 15th is upon us, which means it is officially the ides of March, or middle of the month. Of course, this statement has much deeper meaning than just professing the date. It is the day Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times--and warned almost as many times--in William Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.

Instead of rewriting another post to commemorate this date, please read the one I wrote two years ago:

Beware the Ides of March: Lessons Men Can Learn from Julius Caesar

Also, you can find many connections between The Hunger Games trilogy (in particular Mockingjay) and Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar was not the only character who lost his life in a brutal manner on the ides of March. Cinna the poet is also brutally attacked for having the same name as a conspirator. Even after finding out he is not a conspirator, the angry mob murders him "for his bad verses." Re-read page 334 of Mockingjay--in particular about the "unfortunate incident." Coincidence? I think not.

There are so many allusions like this in the trilogy, which makes it all the more interesting when you re-read the series. So today, on the ides of March, let's celebrate the richness of literature and share our favorite quotes from Shakespeare and/or The Hunger Games trilogy. Please add yours in the comments below.

Caesar's response to Calpurnia when she is urging him to stay home.

From Mark Antony's funeral speech.

You can find materials for both Julius Caesar and Mockingjay (with connections to Caesar) in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Font in images by Kimberly Geswein.

Snow Day? Every day is Snow Day in Panem

We have a snow day today, so I couldn't resist making this meme with President Snow. 

While I'm at it, here are some of my favorite images lately (these were not created by me):

from: http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2y1m0dfp11r90ok0o1_400.jpg

from: http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/20476040.jpg

from: https://twitter.com/Yo_Catnip/status/294560193625329664/photo/1

from: https://i.canvasugc.com/ugc/original/e27918e2f4ca715df938b2a68731bebd59a78144.png

from: http://memegenerator.net/instance/23536756

You can find many of these and more on my English Teacher Geek, Classroom Humor, The Hunger Games, and Grammar Errors Pinterest boards. I also have Catching Fire and Mockingjay boards! :)

And don't forget to check out CapitolCouture.pn and The Hunger Games Movie Facebook for the latest "Catching Fire" images. You can find Caesar Flickerman's on Fandango.

Meme Assignment Your Students Will Love

Teaching the second half of the year is always the most challenging. We have fewer breaks and we all tend to get spring fever. If you have seniors, there's also the dreaded "senioritis" they all seem to come down with. (I think my seniors had it by the second week of school.)

It's even more important during this time of year, though, to offer engaging assignments they want to do. Yet, it's hard coming up with new ideas. Instead of trying to create them all yourself, just get to know your students. Last year when my students were fixated with websites like High School Memes, I decided to utilize that obsession with a meme assignment: create a meme related to the chapter we just read. I expanded the activity when I posted my "Meme Activity..." in my teacher store, which includes a presentation on what memes are, an icebreaker meme assignment, and a mini-research project about memes. It's a versatile bundle that any content teacher can utilize in class. I also have a full set of classroom posters teachers can download with popular memes I created. Check them out here: Teacher memes for classroom display or presentations.

Recently, my seniors made some memes based on Part I of Catching Fire. Some made additional memes for The Hunger Games, and some--who have read the entire series--were excited to create memes for the rest of Catching Fire and Mockingjay. I won't post those yet, but I do want to warn you if you haven't read Catching Fire: spoilers ahead!

You might be wondering, "What are the educational benefits of assigning a meme?" That is a valid question. Looking at the finished product, you probably won't see the learning process that went into it. But if you observe your students while they are working on them, here's what you'll find:
• Students re-reading the text to find something they can parody or reference.
• Students asking one another questions, such as, "Which character said...?" and "Didn't this event take place at...?" and "Why didn't you use this picture? Doesn't it go better with that scene?"
• Students using technology to create the actual meme (some used meme generators online, while others found images and used programs on their MacBooks to add their own text, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Fireworks, or Pages).
• Students editing their own work and peer editing one another's. (I stipulated that they needed correct spelling and usage, though some misspellings, like "Capitol" with an "a" instead of an "o" slipped through.)
• Students critiquing one another's finished product and offering suggestions, even explaining and justifying their choices.

Not only do they allow students to engage in critical analysis of each other's work, they also offer opportunities for deeper class discussions. Memes mimic real life; touchy topics are exposed, opening up your classroom to complex conversations you may have otherwise skipped.  

Do you use memes in class? Comment below and see my Facebook page for more conversation about using memes in class.

And one last thing: not all of the memes students turn in will be school-appropriate, no matter how many warnings you give them. For some students, they honestly don't realize where they crossed the line. For others, they are just testing the waters. I let them state their justification for using it and ask if there would have been a better way to say the same thing without losing the point. Some students made great arguments; others, not so much. But I believe in giving them the opportunity to be responsible rather than eliminate the activity all together. Here are a few that were questionable for various reasons. (Keep in mind these were made by 17, 18, and 19-year old students, so I'm more accepting of things that I wouldn't allow in my other classes.) Frankly, they still made me laugh!

Meme Activity for class includes:

Meme posters for your classroom:

'The Katniss Chronicles' to Return for 'Part II'

I have to share this fabulous press release with you all because I am SO excited for the Catching Fire adaptation by my talented friends at The Katniss Chronicles. If you have never listened to their episodes for The Hunger Games, you are missing out. Check out their links and spread the word! Their work is professionally done, tasteful, and perfect for sharing with your students. (Struggling readers find the chapters so much easier to visualize and advanced readers can analyze the adaptation, even creating their own versions.)

‘THE KATNISS CHRONICLES’ TO RETURN FOR ‘PART II’

Los Angeles, CA – February 20, 2013 - This is the sound of rebellion!  After months of preparation, the first episode of the fan-made audio drama The Katniss Chronicles: Part II will premiere on Tuesday, June 25th, 2013. 

Based on the second book of author Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games trilogy, The Katniss Chronicles: Part II will continue the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 17-year-old girl living in a post-apocalyptic America, who has just been crowned one of two victors in the annually televised battle to the death known as the Hunger Games. 

Premiering on June 25th, Part II promises even more nonstop action and excitement, as this installment of the trilogy will feature 22 episodes, with each new episode to be released on a weekly basis.

To celebrate the upcoming premiere of Part II, the creators of The Katniss Chronicles will be rereleasing an episode from Part I every Tuesday on the audio drama’s Facebook and Twitter (@KatnissChron) leading up to the premiere.  Starting on Tuesday, February 26th, listeners can relive the excitement of the Girl on Fire as she makes her way to the Hunger Games!

Important to note is that fans in search of the audio drama’s all-new Episodes, Production Journals, and Bonus Material will want to subscribe to the new iTunes Network, The Katniss Chronicles: Part II.  All content will continue to be available for free to listeners through the official website (www.thekatnisschronicles.com) and through iTunes.

Interested fans may visit The Katniss Chronicles’ website for up-to-date information on the production and the newly added cast members.  Additional information can be found on Facebook and Twitter (@KatnissChron). 

The Beauty of Rereading a Novel...

The beauty of rereading a novel: those little gems you didn't notice the first time. 

Spoiler alert: If you have not read Catching Fire, you should stop reading as there is a major spoiler here.

While rereading Catching Fire for the sixth or seventh time, I noticed this line from Effie as the District 12 team readies for their victory dinner in District 11: "So, I was just having a peek around because district ruins are going to be all the rage this year..." (page 69).

Talk about foreshadowing! I wondered why I hadn't I noticed that line before? The hint of what is to come at the end of the book is so obvious, yet I must not have paid any attention to it before. Or maybe I had forgotten.

Which really is the beauty of a re-read. There is always something I either hadn't noticed or I've forgotten that stands out. It does not matter how many times I've read the book, either. After almost 100 readings of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, I still find these little gems sitting on the page waiting for me to discover or rediscover them.

This is one reason why I am still content with using The Hunger Games trilogy in my classroom. Yes, many students have already read the series before I have them in class. But showing them that a reread can be just as pleasurable, if not more so, is a lesson in itself. Many of them don't remember anything but the basic plot. Those little details that pop out now add more depth to the overall storyline.

Think about the line above: why would Effie use the term "ruins" as she is having a "peek around" District 11? Is she implying that District 11 is currently (because of its unkemptness) in ruins or implying that it was in ruins in the past...or that it will be in ruins? Or could she be suggesting that there is more than just one district, besides District 13, that is in ruins? Or is her quote foreshadowing that another district will be in ruins by the end of the book?

I find myself wanting to discuss more and more with students who have already read the series on this reread because it's so delightful to see the lightbulbs go off in their heads when they come across these little portending nuggets.

In case you are worried about reading a book half your class has already read: don't worry. Chances are they will take delight in these aha! moments along with you.

*Side note worth mentioning: I had noticed this when I first read the book, but it's worthy of discussion. Suzanne Collins uses the word "Peacemakers" here rather than the standard "Peacekeepers" she has been using throughout the trilogy. I believe this happens another time because I recall talking about the "Peacemakers" in class and having a student correct me (don't you love it when they do that!?). Then I went back to look at why I would have used "Peacemakers" and, sure enough, there it was in the book. I've always thought this was just a mistake. What are your thoughts?

Every Day is President's Day in Panem

Every day is President's Day in Panem. Or, at least President Snow would like to be honored each day, it seems.

You can take this opportunity to discuss with your students the purpose of having a day to honor the office of the presidency and how that relates to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and especially Mockingjay.

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:3g12934u.jpg

To start the conversation, ask your students:
1. Why do we have a "Presidents Day"? What are its origins? Who declared the holiday and why?
2. How do many Americans celebrate "Presidents Day"?
3. Would "Presidents Day" be celebrated the same way in Panem? Why or why not.
4. In what ways do the citizens of Panem "honor" their current and past leaders? Give examples from the novel(s).
5. Do you think the citizens of the Capitol have respect for and honor President Snow, or do so for another reason? Explain.

What additional questions would you ask your students? Post in the comments below.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by Hunger Games Lessons! Make sure you check out my other blog, Mrs. Orman's Classroom.

You Are As Radiant As the Sun, Valentine

You are as radiant as the sun, Valentine.

 As Valentine's Day quickly approaches, don't forget about my FREE Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay-themed Valentine's Day cards. Just print, cut, and distribute to all your friends and even that special someone. And don't forget to remember your mom! :)

Download them here:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hunger-Games-Valentine-Cards-Free-Printables

Teachers: There are blank templates at the end of the document, so you can have your students make their own literature-inspired Valentines. Or you can download this free template:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Create-Your-Own-Valentines-Templates

These will work with ANY novel or story you are reading.

May the odds be ever in your favor, Valentine!

You love me. Real or not real?

Have a great Valentine's Day, friends!

Check out more Valentine's Day links below.

Catching Fire...The "What If..." Questions

A couple of years ago I posted my "What if..." questions for The Hunger Games. I thought it would only be fair to do the same for Catching Fire and Mockingjay (coming soon).

"What if" questions are thought-provoking prompts that can be used as discussion starters, exit slips, journal questions, or even as assessments to make sure your students are reading the material.

They can be silly, to kind of break the ice in a discussion. For example, one of the Hunger Games questions is "What if the symbol of the rebellion was an Angry Bird® instead of a mockingjay?" Very silly question, but it can lead into deeper discussions about why the mockingjay is an important symbol.

The icebreaker question for Catching Fire is "What if President Snow really was a snake?" That question stems from the simile on page 18 in the novel when Katniss compares finding President Snow in her kitchen to “taking the lid off a pot and finding a fanged viper instead of stew.” This prompt can actually lead into a discussion about the character traits of President Snow and what makes him like a "fanged viper"? And if he is like a viper, what does that make Katniss? His prey? Or is she bait for bigger and better prey? Or has she just entered into territory she should have stayed out of and needs to be taught a lesson? I think it's important for students to know that even questions they might think are "dumb" can actually raise additional thought-provoking questions.

After giving some examples, have your students try to come up with their own.

You can download the questions to Part One {HERE} and purchase all the questions {HERE}. The packet for all three parts has 47 total questions in list and task card formats. For the cards, you can laminate them and store them in a baggie to have students draw (great for review!). Or punch a hole in the corner and attach a ring so they can be flipped through easily.

The prompts are so versatile and stimulate both creative and critical thinking!

Thanks for stopping by Hunger Games Lessons! If you find my posts helpful or have any suggestions, please leave a comment below!

-Tracee