Today, we are studying the history of the Anglo-Saxon Dark Ages to prepare for reading Beowulf.

Instead of giving you the textbook to read from, I gave you pictures that I drew. I explained what each picture meant, sometimes jumping on tables and acting things out. This is what I mean when I talk about The Riley Show – sure, you can still laugh at my pictures if you missed today, but you missed the SHOW. And sometimes, The Riley Show is what helps you remember things. I think a few people took videos, but I can’t promise that they didn’t delete them: I honestly don’t think they needed the video since they LEARNED the material – gasp!

After I taught my pictures, I had YOU explain what each picture meant. You could do it from memory, with a buddy, or even use the textbook if you’d like – that IS where I got the information from.

I think when we take the quiz over this next week, I’ll let you use my pictures to hopefully help jog your memory. 😉

Remember when we did the #’s activity the first week of school? You know, the one where we had a minute to circle a bunch of numbers? Yeah. THAT one! I want you to think about that for the assignment today.

We are taking a 55 question MC AP Literature test today. Don’t worry, it’s not a major grade. Think of it as a diagnostic tool. I’m not taking a major grade over it: I haven’t taught you any literary analysis yet, so it wouldn’t be fair if I graded over it!

I want you to do your best to give me an accurate and honest assessment of your ability with this test. Don’t get help. Don’t look up vocabulary. And if you DO, grade yourself on your original or “gut instinct” answer rather than the modified or correct one.

This should be low-stress at this point. This activity will not mess up your GPA.

I simply want to see where you guys are so I can help you.