Mr. Kay's American Literature

Day 20

2010-05-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today I would like you to briefly discuss the concepts that were presented in your proposals. Tell me everything that you know about your chosen individual. Based on your research, how are they social activists? Why are they influential? What is the information that you have learned about them, which you will be using in your speech? Also, tell me which form of visual aid you plan on using, and what types of things you may include.

For those of you that did not turn in your proposals today, be sure to have them Tuesday! Also, I would like you to think about the layout of your speech. Put together a brief outline of the key components of your speech that you plan on including. Remember, you must have an intro, body(with specific details), and conclusion. Mr. Kay will be looking these over when you return from the weekend to be sure that you are on the right track.

Finally, I just wanted to say thanks for being such a wonderful class, and such wonderful individuals. I have learned something new from each and every one of you every day. Waking up and hanging out with you guys everyday is by far the best job in the entire world, and I am truly going to miss you all! Take care of yourselves, keep up the good work, and have a great summer! :)

Always,

Ms. Agne

Day 19

2010-05-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Remember to study for your quiz tomorrow! Also, proposals are due.

Current event day. The current event must come from within the last week. As always, no entertainment and no sports. Try and not do one that someone else has done. If you do, then you must somehow comment about theirs (if theirs was done first) in your blog. NO CITE, NO POINTS

Day 18

2010-05-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight I want you to tell me who it is that you chose for your speech topic. Why did you choose this influential person? Why do you think that they are an influential person? What types of issues have they become involved in that would insinuate that they are an activist? Remember, your speeches will be based on how this individual has been influential through social activism, not so much on their histories and life experiences.

Day 17

2010-05-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight I want you to start thinking about which social activist you might choose for your upcoming speech, and why. For the blog this evening, you may free blog. Enjoy!

Day 16

2010-05-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to email me your website projects by 6pm this evening @ agneb@huronvalley.k12.mi.us

As for tonight goes, since Friday's blog did not post, I will repeat what was intended for that day. Tell me how you feel about public speaking. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are your biggest fears? What do you feel comfortable with? How do you think your peers performed with their impromptu speeches today?

2010-05-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

Day 15

2010-05-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Day 14

2010-05-20T11:03:00.001-07:00

Current event day. The current event must come from within the last week. As always, no entertainment and no sports. Try and not do one that someone else has done. If you do, then you must somehow comment about theirs (if theirs was done first) in your blog. NO CITE, NO POINTS

Day 13

2010-05-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Woops! Sorry so late! I totally forgot about you guys :( Tonight's blog will be a free blog. Enjoy!

Day 12

2010-05-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

For tonight's blog, I want you to go to Weebly.com (if you haven't already), and get signed up for your website. Just follow the simple steps, it should only take a few minutes. Once you've signed up, I want you to browse around the site and check out the layouts, design, settings, etc. Think about what you could use, and brainstorm any ideas you might want to use for your own site.

Once you've done this, I want you to tell me what you like and dislike about this site? What are its benefits? Drawbacks? How might you use this application in other classes? How might you use it in your own life? How effective do you think this type of project is for students? What other types of projects similar to this do you think would be interesting or enjoyable?

Have a great day! Hope my toe will be better tomorrow! :)

Day 11

2010-05-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Keep working on your project. Remember, research info due at end of hour tomorrow.

For this evening, choose from one of the following and relate it to what you think it means, your life and the world around you:

1. “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

2. "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve

3. "People's dreams are made out of what they do all day. The same way a dog that runs after rabbits will dream of rabbits. It's what you do that makes your soul, not the other way around.”

Day 10

2010-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hope you are doing good work on your website research! Remember the research is key before the site is completed, and it will be due by the end of the hour Tuesday next week.

Please respond to the following:

"It doesn't take a majority to make a rebellion; it takes only a few determined leaders and a sound cause." -H L Mencken

What do you think this quote means? How does this quote relate to being social activists? How can this relate to something in American history that you have learned this year?

Have a great weekend!

Day 9

2010-05-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, Vocab/Grammar quiz 26 tomorrow. Make sure that you know your comma rules, and also the differences between each of clauses that we have learned thus far.

Excellent job on the graded circle discussion!! I hope you enjoyed your one night off from blogging this week :) Today I want you to tell me about your Social Activism Website topic. Why did you choose this topic? What does it mean to you? How will the community be affected by its awareness?

Day 7

2010-05-11T10:35:00.001-07:00

Make sure that you come ready and prepared to perform in your graded circle discussion. Your entire study guide packet should be completed, as we will be using that as a guide for our discussions. Remember, the top five students that make the biggest contributions to the discussion will recieve 5 extra credit pts!

For this evenings blog, I want you to pick one of the themes discussed in the Animal Farm. If you are not sure what they are then do some research and I am sure you will find them. Then, I want you to find a song that you think fits that theme and explain how the song and the theme work together. Make sure you mention the song and the sing or song writer when discussing this. If you want to post a video or youtube url feel free.

Day 6

2010-05-10T05:01:00.001-07:00

Today we shall free blog. The point of the free blog is to write on any topic you wish but have it be meaningful and an insight into you. If I sense that you are not being meaningful and just rushing, I reserve the right to not give you credit.

Day 5

2010-05-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

Mollie chooses to live a life of comfortable slavery rather than make the sacrifices necessary in a communal society. Is this a wise choice? What is the significance of her leaving, both in the world of the novel, and considering that the novel is a political allegory based on actual events? Do you agree or disagree with her choices? Why?

Day 4

2010-05-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

Dont' forget to study for Vocab & Grammar Quiz 25! Read chp. 7 & 8 for tomorrow.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

- Abraham Lincoln16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

Today we discussed the nature of power and its connection to our local and national communities. Reflect on this quote. What do you think it means? How does this connect to your own life, school, community?

Day 3

2010-05-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will discuss chp. 5 & 6. Please be sure to bring your chp. 5 study guide. Please read chp. 7 & 8 for Friday.

Today we played a discussion game about chps 3 & 4. How effective do you think this review was? Did you learn something new from your classmates that you didn't realize from your reading? Also, give me three examples as to how the concept of totalitarianism is progressing on Animal Farm. Be specific, and make a prediction about how you envision this playing out towards the end of the story.

Day 2

2010-05-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

Make a list of all the changes that have occurred on the farm. Describe how these changes create vivid evidence of the pigs' increasing power. How is this allegory that you are reading comparable to world events of the past or present? Why is a totalitarianism government successful or unsuccessful?

Cardmarking #6, Day 1

2010-05-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

What are Napoleon's ideas about education? How are his ideas important to the ideals of creating a society? How is Squealer able to convince the other animals to accept whatever Napoleon decides? How does this process resemble the ideals of government? Talk about a time when someone, either in your own life or in the world, has convinced you or others to follow someone. How were they able to do so? Was this a good decision on your part?

Day 29

2010-04-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Remember, snapshot notebooks are due Monday! Have a great weekend!

Today I want you to think about what it would be like to live during the Russian Revolution. How would you feel if your almighty government was in complete control of your lives? How would you cope with this reality? What would you do to rise above it? In connection to Animal Farm, due you think it was right for the Animals to revolt? Explain.

Day 28

2010-04-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to study for vocab and grammar # 24! And Snapshots are due Monday!

Of each of the comandments within "Animal Farm", which three do you think are most significant for the success of amimals. Explain with specific details why you believe these three comandments would be most effective. Now choose three that you feel would be best applied to your own life. Explain with specific details why you beilieve these three comandments would be so beneficial to your personal experiences and success.

Day 27

2010-04-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

On page 5 of Animal Farm, there is a discussion on the order of nature. Explain what you think Old Major is saying about the order of nature. Explain how you view the order of nature in your life and how it influences you day to day.

Day 25

2010-04-26T15:11:00.001-07:00

From what you know so far about the pigs and the other animals on the farm, speculate about what the future will be like for the animals. You are a reporter and have been assigned to interview one of the animals. Pick 5 questions you would want to ask and write them as part of the blog. Then, as the animal, answer the questions.

Day 24

2010-04-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Good luck on your Novel Study Projects!

As I said today, we will be FINALLY starting "Animal Farm" on Monday. For todays blog, I would like you to google a Rally Song/Hymn. After reading this song/hymn I want you to tell me what this song is about, and how you think it might have portrayed the feelings of society during that time and place. Print a copy of your song so that we can take a look at it in class. Have a great weekend!

Day 23

2010-04-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Remember to study for Vocab & Grammar # 23 for your quiz tomorrow!

Today I want you to discuss what the differences are between an allegory, a fable, and a fairy tale? What are the specifics about these three types of stories that make them different? Similar? In your opinion, which type do you feel is the best style, and why?

Day 22

2010-04-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Remember to bring any materials that you might need to work on your Novel Study Project in class tomorrow.

Today we shall free blog. The point of the free blog is to write on any topic you wish but have it be meaningful and an insight into you. If I sense that you are not being meaningful and just rushing, I reserve the right to not give you credit.

Day 21

2010-04-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Final Draft due tomorrow! Don't forget to turn in the rough draft and Conference notes along with it!

Today I want you to think about President Obama. How do you feel about his progress in the White House? Do you think that he is doing a good job? Explain why or why not. Can you think of any improvements that he can make in order to satisfy all Americans? Can you think of any other presidents that we have had in the past that you particularly liked or disliked for their accomplisments in the White House? Explain.

Day 20

2010-04-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Please remember to bring your rough draft to class tomorrow along with your peer critique sheet from today. You will be finishing up your conferences tomorrow.

Today we talked about the concept of Power and how it was abused by characters in "Of Mice and Men". For Example:

1. Men and their employment

2. Candy and his dog

3. Crooks and his room

4. Curley and Curley's wife

5. George kills Lennie

Of these main instances of the abuse of power, which TWO do you think are the most significant within the story? Explain your reasoning with specific supportive examples from the text.

Day 19

2010-04-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to bring your second rough draft of your essay to class on Monday for a peer review!

After finishing the film, tell me what you think of it. Do you feel that any differences between the novella and film were necessary?Explain. Do you think these differences enhanced or hindered the overall storyline? Explain. What might you have changed about the film or kept the same. Explain

Day 18

2010-04-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Make sure you keep thinking about the paper and how you can make it the best it can be. Go over the additional requirements and begin thinking about the peer critique, quotes, and specific examples that you might want to use. Also, study for vocab and grammar # 22. Tomorrow we will be taking some time to work on your Novel Study Projects. Be sure to bring to class your selected novel and some ideas for in-class work. I will have the laptop carts for you to use.

For this evening, we will go with a current event. Remember no sports or entertainment unless you can connect it to a larger current event. NO CITE, NO POINTS.

Day 17

2010-04-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Today we began watching the film "Of Mice and Men". Tell what your first impressions of the film were. How do you feel about the chosen actors for the characters? Are they what you expected? Why/Why not? Do you feel like the film version may hinder your original ideas and visualizations of the characters and actions within the story? Explain.

Day 16

2010-04-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

You are having a dinner party and can invite any 5 people to attend. Who would you invite and why? What is the significance of choosing these people.

Day 15

2010-04-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Please ponder the following quote:

"Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong"

-Theodore Roosevelt

How does this quote connect to you and then how does it connect to Of Mice and Men?

Woops!!

2010-04-08T09:41:00.001-07:00

Well.... I just now realized that I forgot to post a final blog on Thursday!!Sorry..I'm sure you are all totally crushed!;) I guess I was getting into the spring break spirit!:) I will only grade you for 2 out of 3 for that week. Hope you are all having a great break!

Day 13

2010-03-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

George is put on trial for the murder of Lennie. You are George's attorney and have to give the jury your final argument as to why he should not go to jail. What do you say? Make sure that you make references to the story and to the life they led together and what brought them to this point of having to make the decision to kill Lennie. You may need to do more than 7 sentences. hint, hint :)

Day 12

2010-03-30T11:12:00.001-07:00

Today we discussed the existing symbols and motifs within "Of Mice and Men". In your opinion, which one symbol and one motif are the the most significant in this novella? Explain each of them thoroughly and provide specific examples and quotes within the text that support your claim. We will briefly discuss this in class tomorrow, so come to class prepared with your opinions and explainantions. See you tomorrow!

Day 11

2010-03-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

There are many hypothesis on why Steinbeck kills Lennie. Below are 5 of them. Choose one and explain why this may be the best reason. Make sure that you make at least 2 specific references to the story with page numbers. This may take a few more than 7 sentences.

1. Lennie desires a “safe place,” and in death he will finally find his dream.

2. Lennie is animalistic. He cannot control his desires. He lacks the mental capacity to be conscious enough to know his own strength or to protect himself from others. But must all people who cannot control their desire to be killed?

3. Lennie is useless: Candy’s dog is killed because it is no longer useful. The same case may be applied to Lennie. But Lennie is useful to the rancher and to George.

4. Lennie is a disturbance of public order.

5. Society is responsible for the accident in which Lennie kills Curley’s wife.

Day 10

2010-03-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself in the story. Think how any character’s experiences or attitudes are like or unlike yours. Describe the differences or similarities. Which character do you most understand and why?

Start reading chp. 5 and 6 over the weekend, but there will not be a quiz until later in the week. We will go over chapter 4 when we return on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Day 9

2010-03-25T16:29:00.001-07:00

Sorry so late! I almost forgot about you guys! I'm sure you all would have been so disappointed :)
Hope everything went well today, and you had a chance to get your chapter 4 reading done!

Wednesday we were talking about different themes from "Of Mice and Men" within our groups, and discussing the instances that they have presented themselves thus far. I want you to tell me which theme you feel is most predominant so far, and why? Give me specific examples that support your claim that this theme is stronger and more obvious than the others. Why do you think the author chose this theme or message? Do you think this theme is easy for readers to relate to? Explain.

Don't forget about your quizzes tomorrow!

Day 8

2010-03-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

I am interested in learning more about you today. Give me something about yourself, your life, your family, hopes, dreams, etc. that gives a greater insight into who you are as a person.

Just a reminder, I will not be in class tomorrow due to my Teacher Job Fair. Be sure to bring your texts so that you may read in class. We will have a chp. 4 reading quiz Friday, as well as vocab quiz #21. Please remember to sign up for your chosen novel, and be extra kind to your substitute teacher.:) Wish me luck!

Day 7

2010-03-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

Loneliness is a definite concept seen while reading Of Mice and Men. Explain why you think the migrant experience could be a lonely existence. Then, choose a character that you think displays loneliness and explain why this character is, in fact, lonely. Give an example from the book that proves your point and cite the example internally in your blog. Then, discuss how or when loneliness has been a part of your life and how you handled it.

Remember to choose your book for your novel study by tomorrow on the sign-up sheet, and be prepared to discuss the remainder of Chapter 3 tomorrow.

Day 6

2010-03-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

"Compassion literally means to feel with, to suffer with. Everyone is capable of compassion, and yet everyone tends to avoid it because it's uncomfortable. And the avoidance produces psychic numbing -- resistance to experiencing our pain for the world and other beings."
Joanna Macy

What does this quote mean to you? How do you feel about compassion? How might you feel compassionate towards Lennie? George? Or any other characters in the story?

Day 5

2010-03-19T09:56:00.001-07:00

Loneliness is a common emotion that everyone feels once in a while--some more often
than others. The ranch hands in Of Mice and Men were drifters; they had no families close by and didn't stay in one place long enough to make lasting friends. Theirs was a lonely lifestyle. Two fellows, George and Lennie, found friendship early in their lives and traveled together. From them we can see what it means to be a friend and what it means to have a friend. Friendship has great rewards, but being a friend isn't always easy.

Your assignment is write out some kind of advertisement or commercial in regards to how someone will not be lonely or how to advertise for a migrant worker. Your
advertisement should carry all the usual information in a "want ad": what you want, a job description, the requirements and the rewards.

Be as creative as you like, but remember your ad must contain the information requested above and remember that you are striving for an effective advertisement.

Make sure you look at the others so as they your show your own individuality in this piece of work.

Day 4

2010-03-18T12:25:00.001-07:00

Today we discussed the basic things about chapter 2. For this blog, I want you to think a little bit deeper. One of the motifs of the story is following orders. Explain why this may be important when living on the ranch and being a migrant worker. Also, talk about if this style of living can take from one's individuality. Then give an example from your life when taking orders actually helped you in a situation and when it made you question your own sense of self.

Day 3

2010-03-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Today we began our discussion on chapter 2 and will continue tomorrow.

For this evening:

What is a bunkhouse? What was the bunkhouse like in the book? Describe what you think an evening in a bunkhouse full of people (men or women) would be like? How would feel about living in this type of environment for an extended period of time? Why?

Day 2

2010-03-16T10:10:00.001-07:00

For this evening, please do a current event. This may not be sports or entertainment unless you can attach it to something that is current in society or impacts society. Remember that this is not just a summary of an event but you must discuss why you chose it and how it impacts you, your community, or your society. NO CITE, NO POINTS AND THE CITE MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL BLOG.

Cardmarking 5, Day 1

2010-03-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here we are a new cardmarking. Tell me how you feel you did in the first cardmarking of the second semester. Where you pleased with your performance? Were you able to truly have pride in the work you were doing? Why or why not? What are your true goals for the 2nd cardmarking of this semester and how will you attain them? You do not have to focus only on this class but as an overall student as well.

Day 25

2010-03-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we shall free blog. Let me know what is going on with you in life. What are your interests? Remember do not just write about your weekend or plans.

Day 24

2010-03-11T11:53:00.001-08:00

Today we began reading Of Mice and Men. Remember to re-read what we started and then read through page 16. Complete the questions including question 20 on the worksheet.

For this evening, I want you to think about what we have read in the first chapter. Based on the reading, what do you think of the two main characters Lennie and George? Obviously, they are very different. Why do you think they are traveling together? Do you think that Lennie being slow takes away from George's life experiences? How? What is the perception of mentally challenged people in our society? Do you think we perceive them fairly?

Day 23

2010-03-10T16:19:00.001-08:00

Sorry blog is so late it has been a crazy afternoon.

Today, we went over compound sentences, simple sentences, complex sentences and compound complex sentences. We are going to try this exercise again especially since most of you did not choose to do this last week. I want you to write me a very short story (of at least 12 sentences but more if need be) using at least 2 simple sentences, 2 compound sentences, 4 complex sentences and 2 compound complex sentences. Label each sentence for the type so that I can see that you are using them correctly.

The topic is up to you so have some fun if you want. Obviously, those from last week need to write something new.

Cut and paste it into a document and bring it to class tomorrow as well. Before we begin Of Mice and Men we will look at your examples. We will be having a short quiz on these sentence types on Friday to make it worth your while to learn.

Day 22

2010-03-08T12:04:00.001-08:00

Please address the following quote:

“We must not allow other people's limited perceptions to define us.”
Virginia Satir

Day 22

2010-03-05T11:07:00.001-08:00

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind."
William James

What do you think of this? How does it relate to you? Any examples?

Day 21

2010-03-04T10:01:00.001-08:00

You should have all been doing research that touches on the depression era. What are you perceptions of the people living in this time period? Knowing yourself, how would you navigate your way to success during this time if you had just lost everything? Then, navigate yourself through this time if you were just some migrant worker?

Day 20

2010-03-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

We have been going over compound sentences, complex, simple sentences and complex sentences. For this evening, I want you to write me a very short story (of at least 12 sentences but more if need be) using at least 2 simple sentences, 4 compound sentences, 2 compound-complex, and 4 complex sentences. Label each sentence for the type so that I can see that you are using them correctly.

The topic is up to you so have some fun if you want. If you were absent on Tuesday, this is one of the problems with missing school. I guess, if you want the points for today, you can research these sentence types so you have an understanding and thus write your story.

Day 19

2010-03-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hope you understand the ideas of the types of sentences. Make sure you get the worksheet done.

For tonight, we shall current the event. Make sure you summarize and give effect and as always, NO CITE, NO POINTS.

Day 18

2010-03-01T11:28:00.001-08:00

Please respond the the following:

"When we blindly adopt a religion, a political system, a literary dogma, we become automatons. We cease to grow."
Anais Nin

This may take somethinking or talking with parents, friends, etc. If you do not know what dogma means, look it up.

Day 17

2010-02-25T10:45:00.001-08:00

We finished the movie which dealt with the ideas of perceptions and social injustices. This idea will continue to unfold as we begin talking about Of Mice and Men in regards to how people view the different characters.

For this evening:

Pick a movie or tv show which depicts a character who may be perceived one way in the beginning but is not really how they seem. Give specific examples of how the perception is wrong and how we, as the viewer, come to understand the character better. Then, give an example of a time when someone may have misperceived you or an action by you.

Day 16

2010-02-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

I hope you are now clearer on dependent and independent clauses and the new information about simple, compound and complex sentences. Please review the notes so that you can do well on the test this Friday. There is no reason that people are not doing better on these quizzes as it shows a lack of paying attention during grammar instruction.

For this evening, we shall do a current event. Remember that the connection to you, the community and the world is more important than the brief summary. NO CITE, NO POINTS.

Day 15

2010-02-23T10:58:00.001-08:00

Today you did your EDP's. First off, I thank you for being so conscientious in listening to Mrs. Alfano and Mrs. Friedman.

We have been talking about perceptions and will continue to do so. In the idea of your future, how do you want people to perceive you from a working standpoint down the road? Is it different than you want them to perceive you now? What perceptions did you have of yourself based on getting back your PLAN results? Are you working to your full capabilities and really showing who you truly are and can be? Why or why not?

Day 14

2010-02-19T08:37:00.001-08:00

As we conclude watching this movie it is evident that under the appropriate circumstances one can change initial perceptions while others still only see what they want to see. Interesting that upon learning the truth about the accident with Mr. McLean that even Charles may initially rethink his position on his "friend."

Why do you think Charles is able to change his perceptions in regards to McLeod while others did not? What did he see that others refused to see? How does the actions of the town make McLeod have to rethink his own perceptions of the town he is living in? Finally, how does this movie make you think about how you create perceptions or deal with social injustice in your own life?

Day 13

2010-02-18T11:20:00.001-08:00

We continue to watch "A Man Without A Face." We see the unravelling of how people can misunderstand what makes people tick, think and behave. We try and understand that when we misperceive people we tend to make mistakes about who they are or what they stand for.

Another issue that comes into play for this movie is social injustice. If you are not sure what this concept means then Google it! Give your own definition of social injustice with an example. Then, give 3 examples of social injustices that are seen in the movie. Then, talk about how we, as people, need to defend social injustice in order to make a better society.

If you are behind on the movie due to absences, then go to hulu.com or another site to view.

Day 12

2010-02-17T09:54:00.001-08:00

We began watching "A Man Without a Face." We saw early on how perceptions are created. What is Charles'(main kid) reaction to seeing the Mel Gibson character? What are others' reaction? Why are they reacting this way to him? What is the perception created of Charles by you based on what we have seen so far? How do we, as people create perceptions and why is it important that we do?

If you were not here, I would go to Hulu and find this movie. We watched the first 40 minutes.

Day 11

2010-02-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Much of Dickinson's poetry is about nature, beaty and then sometimes it is more grim and focused on war. Dickinson said, "If I read a bok and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can warm me I know that is poetry. She believed in and felt poetry to her very soul.

For this evening, using nature, success, loss, pain, death or hope as your theme write a poem that is at least 10 lines. Do not forget to title the poem.

Good luck

Day 10

2010-02-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Today we shall do a current event. You know the rules so do not forget to summarize and give your reaction/response and do not forget to cite.

Day 9

2010-02-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Today you shall free blog. When you free blog you must pick a topic that shares something that we do not know about you that would be interesting to know.

Day 8

2010-02-11T12:20:00.001-08:00

hope you enjoyed todays pick of stories. I think they both clearly created a message about tolerance and understanding. Also, as someone said, the notion of perceptions. If you were not here, you need to call someone from the class to ask which stories we read.

For this evening, discuss the idea of tolerance. How do you define tolerance? Give me 2 examples from each story how there was this idea of tolerance. Then, tell me how the idea of perceptions was discussed in each story. I am going to guess that this will probably take more than 7 sentences.

Do not forget to study for the vocab and grammar quiz tomorrow

Day 7

2010-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

For this evening, we shall be doing some current eventing (yes a new verb). For those who are new to the blogging world, you will need to write a short summary of the article and then write how the event has an effect on your life within in the world or the community. VERY IMPORTANT! NO CITE, NO POINTS

Day 6

2010-02-08T10:51:00.001-08:00

We continue reading these stories that indicate levels of tolerance and perception. As discussed today, think about Heale tolerance of others in light of how others (whites) may have treated her. Also, think about her perception of herself and how strong she respected who she was when she could have jsut shrank away due to the hardships of growing up black.

For this evening, respond to the following quote:

Cisneros comments, "I managed to do a lot of things in my life I didn't think I was capable of." What can you gain by attempting to do the seemingly impossible? Explain your answer. Give an example if you have one.

Day 5

2010-02-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

Good first week of the new semester. I am enjoying getting to know those of you who are new to the class and look forward to working with you over the next several months.

Today we talked about the Harlem Renaissance and Langston Hughes. We read his essay "When the Negro was in Vogue" pages 932-937.

In this essay, Hughes mentions some of the African American cultural achievements and celebrities of the Harlem Renaissance. What specific cultural achievements or important celebrities might you include in an essay about African Americans today? Why are these people significant? Are there similarities to the Harlem Renaissance today? If yes how and why and if no why not. What is your take on the idea of having something in vogue? What would you say is the most vogue style of today for your generation and how does it define your generation?

Day 4

2010-02-04T10:21:00.001-08:00

In relationship to our discussion on perceptions, how would you like people to perceive you? Based on your answer, what are things you do to create this perceptions? Are there things that you could do in your life that would create your wanted perception even better? Lastly, if someone got up at your funeral (many years from now) and started off their eulogy with the statement: the perception of ____ was truly created because______________ what would come next.

Day 3

2010-02-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Today we continued our discussion of perceptions and cultures. Hopefully by the time we finished reading you truly understood the point of the Nacirema.

For this evening, I want you to find a current event and first discuss what the event is about and how you think it effects you. Then, I want you to discuss the current event if you were reading it but did not understand the country. You will probably need more than 7 sentences for this one.

Day 2

2010-02-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Today, we discussed why we read, to gain an understanding of man (and woman), how we create our perceptions and how those perceptions cause us to view others.

For tonight, pick a book, a movie or an historical event where perceptions caused conflict. Explain how this conflict could have been better handled if these perceptions were not created. Finally, discuss something that you have perceived one way only to find out that it was another.

Semester 2, Term 4, Day 1

2010-02-01T10:21:00.001-08:00

Welcome back to those who have been here before and welcome to all the new faces. I promise you an exciting semester that will challenge you and push you to become more independent and self-assured as students.

For this evening, please discuss your goals for this semester and especially this cardmarking. It could be specifically for this class or it could be for all your classes. How will you attain those goals? How will you reward yourself if your goals are obtained and what kind of consequences if they are not obtained? Do not write what you think I want to hear but what you are truly thinking.

Day 28

2010-01-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are the last blog of first semester. For some it will be the last blog of the year if you are not in my class again. I want to say I have enjoyed the semester and getting to know each of you as students and as people. If you are not in my class next semester but ever need help or just a place to call home my room is always open to you.

For tonight, please evaluate your semester in this class. What were your strengths and weaknesses and how do you use them to create goals for next semester? If you want to give any positive or constructive feedback for me please feel free as well. Believe it or not, I am not perfect and look to always work better with students.

Day 27

2010-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

I hope you find something of interest in "The Crucible." I think that it is somewhat fascinating that this event occurred in America and that we can still relate to it today.

For this evening, I want you to find something or someone that you found interesting in the play. Talk about how that event or person caught your attention and how it made you think more deeply about the play and about history. What is the message that you take from this story in regards to it application to us as Americans currently? To get the points for today, you must refer to 3 incidents and those impacts on the event or the person you have chosen.

Day 26

2010-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

Today we shall do our last current event blog for the semester. The key to this one is that there can be no more than 2 blogs on the same story (this way I do not need to hear about Haiti from every person as I know what a tragedy it has been). NO CITE, NO POINTS.

Day 25

2010-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Give your overall opinion of The Crucible. How is this story an accurate piece of fiction even 300+ years after the events took place?

Day 24

2010-01-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

One of the factors that drive stories is when characters have both internal and external conflicts. For this evening's blog, please choose a character and discuss their external conflict, who it is with and how it drives the story and then tell of their internal conflict. Make sure you do not just repeat what others say or choose a different character than others so they are not to similar.

Have a great long weekend.

Day 23

2010-01-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

The most interesting feature of The Crucible is that it is so impressively a play about evil forces, despite the fact that it seems to be a play discrediting belief in such forces. How would you describe evil forces that Miller presents in this play?

Day 22

2010-01-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

Mary Warren is subjected to intense peer pressure from Abigail and the other girls. How would you compare the intensity of the peer pressure she faces with that exerted on many people your age today? Do you think peer pressure plays a role in defining who you are as a person? Why or why not?

Day 21

2010-01-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

During our reading of Into the Wild, we discussed the idea of non-conformity. Explain how the citizens of Salem would fall into the definition of non-conformity. Choose a character and relate how their non-conformity is seen as positive or negative. Make sure you use a couple of specific examples from the story to prove your point.

Day 20

2010-01-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

The author's use of dialogue is done to create the ability to move story forward. In the case of The Crucible, much of the dialogue is used for that purpose. Going back to Act 2, you need to do the following for this evenings blog:

Find a portion of dialogue between any two characters and summarize what it is that they were talking about. Then, tell how this dialogue moves the story further and how through the dialogue, we get a better view of the characters. Lastly, through this dialogue, give your opinion of what is going to happen in Act 3.

Day 19

2010-01-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

Puritan society pressured individuals to adhere to strict standards of conduct and belief. To what extent to you think society expects you to conform today? Also, what do you think works better at creating a positive society, the Puritan's way or the current way? Why?

Day 18

2010-01-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

For this evening discuss the following:

Discuss how honesty (yours or someone else's) played a role in a conflict in your life. This could be honesty fixing or hurting the conflict. Do not use names just give the example and how honesty played a role.

Day 17

2010-01-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

At the end of Act 1, Tituba, Abigail, and others accuse some of their neighbors of afflicting them. Give 2 examples of individuals or groups today who accuse others of causing thier problems. How can you evaluate accusations to determine whether or not they are true.

Day 16

2010-01-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

So much goes on in the world each day. Some good and some bad. As it is the new year, I would like to focus on the good for today's blog. You must find a current event that shows something positive in our society. As always, give a brief summary and then tell me how this event impacts you and your community. Lastly, how does this positive event show that we do not always have to dwell on the negatives that happen around us. REMEMBER, NO CITE NO POINTS.

Day 15

2010-01-04T10:49:00.001-08:00

For this evening:

Discuss the relationship between Abigail and John Proctor. What did we learn about them today? (Just a one or two line summary not a long summary)How could this effect the role Abigail is playing with the other girls who were in the woods? Would people have the same reaction today about Abigail's behavior? Why or why not? Lastly, what is your view of the characters so far and why?

Day 14

2009-12-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

For this evening, look at "The Crucible" anticipation/reaction guide that we did today in class the other day. Pick any 2 of the 10 statements and explain how they are present in the story thus far. Also, how do the statements you picked effect the way that the Puritan's lived their life?

Day 13

2009-12-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today we began reading The Crucible. Hopefully, you understood what was going on and how Reverend Parris was concerned for his well being and how Mr. Putnam used the beginning of the hysteria to begin making personal gains as well. Keep an eye on the characters and how they use this witch hunt for gain.

Think of a time when false rumors damaged a person’s reputation. How easy was it for people to believe the rumors? How did the accused person react? What were the results of the false rumors?

Day 12

2009-12-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

Imagine living in the time of the Puritans in the late 1600's. Find and explain 3 advantages to this time period and three disadvantages to living in this time period. Then give an overall reason why you would or would not want to live at that time.

Day 11

2009-12-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

For this evening, look at "The Crucible" anticipation/reaction guide that we did today in class. Pick any 2 of the 10 statements and explain why you answered the way that you did. Also, how do the statements you picked effect the way that people act within society?

Day 10

2009-12-14T08:56:00.001-08:00

I truly hope you gained a greater understanding of McCarthyism based on this movie and how scary it was that in a country that is supposed to be open to differences that we focused in on a group like that. Yet, it was a scary time because of the invention of atomic and nuclear weapons and the fear that they would be used to overthrow our democracy. It is ironic that some of the greatest critics of Hitler in America where proponents of the McCarthy hearings. This rings true to the same feelings after 9/11 with Muslim Americans who saw their lives changed because of something that people they did not know or were not related to caused. It is scary what we will do when we are frightened by the unknown.

For this evening please respond to the following:

“An era of chemical McCarthyism is at hand, and "guilty until proven innocent" is the new slogan.”

What does this quote mean to you? Based on the movie, how is this quote potentially true? Make sure you use two examples from the movie to prove this point and explain each example.

Day 9

2009-12-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

There is the idea of what do we get out of being nice to others. This often rings true during this holiday season. Listen to the following song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i9G60wvH7Y then tell me:

1. Would you do what this man did? Why or why not?
2. Are people more likely to react this way during this time of year than other times? Why or why not?
3. If you answered yes to #2, why do you think this is true about people and society?
4. If you answered no to #2, what causes people to do nice things for others even if we do not know them?
5. Lastly, do you see yourself as a generous giving person? Why or why not? Give an example if you say yes.

Day 8

2009-12-10T11:18:00.001-08:00

From the discussion questions:

Although fear can have beneficial effects on an individual, what are some likely destructive effects? Where does fear come from? Past experiences? Other people? Ignorance? Use examples from your personal life or from society.

Day 7

2009-12-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

For this evening based on the handouts I gave today:

1. Read the letter to HUAC from Lillian Hellman and explain what her goal was. In other words, what or who was she trying to protect?
2. Read the testimony of Eric Allen Johnston. Who was he? Who did he work for? What was the message he was sending to the committee?
3. Last, read the speech by Joe McCarthy at Wheeling, West Virginia. Explain the message that he was trying to give to those in attendence.

Last, what is your opinion on this event in history? Are you surprised that in America this happened? Why or why not?

Truly, you will need more than 7 sentences to answer this blog so do not rush to get it done but think and do it well.

Day 6

2009-12-08T06:47:00.001-08:00

Today you can choose between free blog and current event. If you choose free blog, do not just list things you did last weekend but make it about something that tells who you are as a person or something we do not know about you. If you choose current event, then make sure you cite your source and nothing about Tiger Woods as I am bored of this story.

Day 5

2009-12-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

Today in class, we began discussing the idea of the Red Scare of Communism. If America is supposed to be so open minded to the ideas of others, why during the
1950's did we freak out so much about Communism? What events of the 30's and 40's led to this fear of Communism in America? Could this happen today or is it happening today? Explain your answer.

If you were absent, you wil lneed to look up this on the internet and answer the question based on your research.

Day 4

2009-12-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Remember for Monday:

1. Edit paper yourself using the questions I put on board.
2. Have someone edit your paper using the questions I put on board.

For this evening:

Deepak Chopra:
Giving connects two people, the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to a new sense of belonging.

Day 3

2009-12-03T11:04:00.001-08:00

Here we are at the end of the second cardmarking. Hard to believe that it is happening this fast. I am, overall, pleased with most of the way the class has gone although I would really love to see people put in more of an effort and show what you are truly capable of.

For today, I would like you to discuss your strengths and weaknesses thus far in this class. Also, what are your goals for the next cardmarking both in my class and as a student in general. Give a letter grade goal with ways you plan to make this happen. Lastly, give any constructive feedback as to how the class could be better or my teaching style could help you more. This does not include the comment no more blogging as that will not be happening.