I've had some success this year. I spent the first few weeks having students workshop an explication paper, and I must say that, collectively, they were some of the strongest papers I've seen yet. Students chose one of five modern poems from the textbook The assignment sheet can be found here. (So, I'd like to thank Bruce and Frank for the Poetry Professor activity last year, as it has led to some pretty cool things.)
I've also implemented the annotation policy this year. On reading due dates (Mondays), students must bring in their texts annotated. I've liked it thus far, as kids seem to be able to easily reference important quotes and parts during discussion. I bought a Palm, so grading at the doorway is insanely easy. In order to help my students understand annotation we made a quick little iMovie in a day and a half.
Right now we're finishing up our first work, Frankenstein. We're studying the gothic/romantic angle in addition to the major theme (Prometheus and what not). We've read a couple of companion pieces, like Ozymandias and Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which have helped reinforce gothic characteristics. Right now we are reading "The Fall of the House of Usher" in class to further reinforce these ideas. Students will be using the next couple of days to read the story and turn it into a short comic.
Anyways, that's my report. I've got a LCD projector in my classroom now, courtesy of City Voices/City Visions, which allows me to use a great deal of tech stuff (Youtube, Google Docs, etc.).
I'd love to hear from anyone who wants to share materials, ideas, or experiences. I benefited greatly from the collaboration last year and would like to see communication continue.
Next Up: Tragedy - Oedipus Rex and Death of a Salesman
