What's the hardest thing you've done that was also worthwhile? And when I say "hard" I mean that it might have been physically, mentally or emotionally exhausting... or even boring. Describe a time when the outcome outweighed the process involved with the task.
I've spent this week working on power standards for the school district and the process is arduous and it sometime feels like my brain has been cauterized, BUT I have the sense that in the end, it will improve student learning and that is a noble and good goal. But, I have to say that coming back to CAHS and seeing your smiling faces awakened me in a way that discussions about students never can. So, I'm glad to be back.
Your next task: Select a new student to our school. Design 12 interview questions that are open-ended and interesting. You may include a series of close-ended questions in addition to the more involved ones. Then, interview that student. If you need to get a pass to do so, please ask for one so we can be above board on this. Then, share your interview findings in an interesting narrative. Please also take a photo with your subject.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
3rd Hour Notes for Wednesday
An interesting thing happened today that made me think and I'd like to use the idea of it for your prompt today. Do you think that it is more painful to experience tragedy or discomfort OR more painful to watch someone you love going through that pain and tragedy and feeling helpless to do anything? I don't think there's a clear cut answer, but I do think that in loving someone fully, you might begin to internalize and feel their pain. Perhaps the further away we are from a situation or person, the more we can emotionally distance ourselves.
I haven't seen anyone's song projects, but I hope to soon. There are some people who are very consistent about blogging and others who are not. Because of the nature of this course, I don't feel angry or panicked. I will happily award credit to those who enthusiastically and regularly wrote and engaged:)
For your next task I would like you to go to rottentomatoes.com and locate their list of the worst 100 movies of the last decade. I'd like you to read through the list and count the number of movies on the list that you have seen:) Then, I'd like you to select two of the films on the list and defend them as GOOD movies as opposed to lousy ones. I'll be very interested to see what movies you have seen that other critics despised:)
I haven't seen anyone's song projects, but I hope to soon. There are some people who are very consistent about blogging and others who are not. Because of the nature of this course, I don't feel angry or panicked. I will happily award credit to those who enthusiastically and regularly wrote and engaged:)
For your next task I would like you to go to rottentomatoes.com and locate their list of the worst 100 movies of the last decade. I'd like you to read through the list and count the number of movies on the list that you have seen:) Then, I'd like you to select two of the films on the list and defend them as GOOD movies as opposed to lousy ones. I'll be very interested to see what movies you have seen that other critics despised:)
Monday, September 28, 2009
3rd Hour Fellas and Gals
Hello Ladies and Gents,
As you know, I am away. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Thanks too for blogging while I was away. I hope that you are finding that daily blogging gives you a space and place for venting and opening yourself up. I find that writing is therapeutic. The cool thing about blogs is that I don't publish all of them. A lot of times, I start things and then save them and wait for the time when I want to return to them. You might also want to try that:) Today, I'd like you to think about a special space or place for you. And then, I want you to describe that place in detail. For me, that kind of spot is anywhere where Quinn is or has been. Our home, for instance, is speckled with Quinn-things. Everywhere there are signs of his presence. Even a clean house shows signs of him. Right now, as I type from my bed, there's a box of Quinn's diapers in the bed, his pajamas from this morning are strewn on the floor, story books are piled on every surface, and even those things that are not specifically his, have been touched by him. The water bottle, for instance, that is missing a cap because Quinn insisted on taking it off so that he could use another water bottle and pour it into the first one. He really likes pouring things lately. In my closet, is Buzz Lightyear, lying face down because Quinn thought it was a nice spot for Buzz to sleep....
In physical things, there are memories and connections. For today's blog, please do you best to draw compelling connections between surroundings and emotions/feelings. Have a great day!
As you know, I am away. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Thanks too for blogging while I was away. I hope that you are finding that daily blogging gives you a space and place for venting and opening yourself up. I find that writing is therapeutic. The cool thing about blogs is that I don't publish all of them. A lot of times, I start things and then save them and wait for the time when I want to return to them. You might also want to try that:) Today, I'd like you to think about a special space or place for you. And then, I want you to describe that place in detail. For me, that kind of spot is anywhere where Quinn is or has been. Our home, for instance, is speckled with Quinn-things. Everywhere there are signs of his presence. Even a clean house shows signs of him. Right now, as I type from my bed, there's a box of Quinn's diapers in the bed, his pajamas from this morning are strewn on the floor, story books are piled on every surface, and even those things that are not specifically his, have been touched by him. The water bottle, for instance, that is missing a cap because Quinn insisted on taking it off so that he could use another water bottle and pour it into the first one. He really likes pouring things lately. In my closet, is Buzz Lightyear, lying face down because Quinn thought it was a nice spot for Buzz to sleep....
In physical things, there are memories and connections. For today's blog, please do you best to draw compelling connections between surroundings and emotions/feelings. Have a great day!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Foundations of Literature Blog to Read/Video to View
http://humaneconnectionblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/teens-teach-about-rape-culture.html
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Good morning 3rd hour awesome folks
Hello, hello!
Today, I would like you to merge together the lyrics from 3 or more songs to make a new song that you like and has a unique message:) Please let me know the artists, the titles of the songs and why you selected what you did. Be sure that your new song is accompanied by an explanation for what you hoped to achieve by merging the songs lyrics together.
Your next learning task is to select a series of songs that speak to who you are as a person. Please locate at least 6 songs, post the music to your blog and provide a 200 word reflection in a blog about why these songs speak to you and represent your person.
Today, I would like you to merge together the lyrics from 3 or more songs to make a new song that you like and has a unique message:) Please let me know the artists, the titles of the songs and why you selected what you did. Be sure that your new song is accompanied by an explanation for what you hoped to achieve by merging the songs lyrics together.
Your next learning task is to select a series of songs that speak to who you are as a person. Please locate at least 6 songs, post the music to your blog and provide a 200 word reflection in a blog about why these songs speak to you and represent your person.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
For Foundations of Literature Students
Hello dear Foundations Folk,
Today I would like you to write about a significant day in your life that took place at school- where the main action of the trauma or event took place with the walls of a hallowed educational site. For example, when I was in 7th grade, I had a big crush on a boy named Chad in my math class. I was also boy crazy, which adds to my general insanity. So, there I am in math class and I write a note to my friend expressing my total love for the boy. Now, kids can be funny. We think we can talk in a certain adult way and we don't always know what that means. On the note, I wrote that I would do something sexual with the boy- something so far out of my actual reality that it was laughable, but still, I wrote it for effect and thought it would seal the deal on how much I liked the boy. Needless to say, my math teacher intercepted the note and read it. Not good. Then, he referred me to the counselor at school who asked me if I was sexually promiscuous, which I was not. What a mortifying experience! Now, tell me an epic moment from your school life.:) When you finish, you may return you the classroom.
Today I would like you to write about a significant day in your life that took place at school- where the main action of the trauma or event took place with the walls of a hallowed educational site. For example, when I was in 7th grade, I had a big crush on a boy named Chad in my math class. I was also boy crazy, which adds to my general insanity. So, there I am in math class and I write a note to my friend expressing my total love for the boy. Now, kids can be funny. We think we can talk in a certain adult way and we don't always know what that means. On the note, I wrote that I would do something sexual with the boy- something so far out of my actual reality that it was laughable, but still, I wrote it for effect and thought it would seal the deal on how much I liked the boy. Needless to say, my math teacher intercepted the note and read it. Not good. Then, he referred me to the counselor at school who asked me if I was sexually promiscuous, which I was not. What a mortifying experience! Now, tell me an epic moment from your school life.:) When you finish, you may return you the classroom.
Happy Tuesday
Today I have some statistics on my mind. Last night as I was driving home from some light grocery shopping, I heard a man on the radio being interviewed on MPR. This man is the author of a new book called "How to Keep Your Kids off Drugs" or something like that. Anywho, Gary Eichten, the host of the show, was asking him if he thought we should legalize marijuana and tax it for revenue for the state. The author replied that we currently tax alcohol and cigarettes and that for every dollar that we make, the state spends $9 to cover the health costs or consequences of people who abuse those substances. So, if we were to tax marijuana, the money we "made" would pale in comparison to the money we would spend on the other end. Currently, we have more teens in rehab for marijuana than all other drugs put together, he said. AND, the marijuana of today is highly addictive, unlike the weed that parents and grandparents used to smoke. Compelling stuff. So, my question for today, dear readers, I wonder what you think about this topic. Do you see the damaging affects of marijuana in your life? What do you think about the legalization of it? I will be very interested to read your thoughts!
Have a terrific day! When you finish your Flickr project, come and find me and we will find a novel for you to read and daily blog about. Excellent!
Have a terrific day! When you finish your Flickr project, come and find me and we will find a novel for you to read and daily blog about. Excellent!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Good morning 3rd hour learners
Hello dear learners,
I apologize for my absence on Friday and hope that you were able to proceed with your Flickr project. Some of you have found that Photobucket might work best for you and if you would like to use that tool than that is fine. I believe that an appropriate due date for the Tourism Project would be this Thursday. I believe that this takes into account my absence and any mis-starts you may have experienced due to computer issues. Please know that I would like you to blog each day. If you would like a topic in particular I can begin to provide one for each day. So, your topic for today is manners. At the recent Obama speech, the congressman from South Carolina shouted, "You lie!". Since then, he has raised more than 2 million dollars for his next campaign, even though such conduct is strictly forbidden. At last week's VMA's, Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. He has been widely criticized for that mood. What do you think about such behavior? Do you more often than not see people acting in polite respectful ways or do you find that people are rude and unkind? Where do you think this comes from and why?
So, again, I know this forum isn't ideal in that I have another class I am tending to. I appreciate and honor the challenges that come with working independently. At the same time, I know and believe that you are capable of good work without my constant supervision. Please know that in order for me to issue a credit for this term, you will need to have achieved a certain amount of English related work. Thanks for your understanding and attention to your learning.
Questions? Post a comment to my blog:)
I apologize for my absence on Friday and hope that you were able to proceed with your Flickr project. Some of you have found that Photobucket might work best for you and if you would like to use that tool than that is fine. I believe that an appropriate due date for the Tourism Project would be this Thursday. I believe that this takes into account my absence and any mis-starts you may have experienced due to computer issues. Please know that I would like you to blog each day. If you would like a topic in particular I can begin to provide one for each day. So, your topic for today is manners. At the recent Obama speech, the congressman from South Carolina shouted, "You lie!". Since then, he has raised more than 2 million dollars for his next campaign, even though such conduct is strictly forbidden. At last week's VMA's, Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. He has been widely criticized for that mood. What do you think about such behavior? Do you more often than not see people acting in polite respectful ways or do you find that people are rude and unkind? Where do you think this comes from and why?
So, again, I know this forum isn't ideal in that I have another class I am tending to. I appreciate and honor the challenges that come with working independently. At the same time, I know and believe that you are capable of good work without my constant supervision. Please know that in order for me to issue a credit for this term, you will need to have achieved a certain amount of English related work. Thanks for your understanding and attention to your learning.
Questions? Post a comment to my blog:)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A Thursday Blog
Good morning dear learners,
What a morning I have had! My son contentedly lay in a pool of his urine until the moment I uncovered him from the bedsheets to dress him for school. This was after he was spoon fed his morning cereal:) Gracious. How ironic that last night he peed in his potty for the first time. So, on one hand, he's thrilled to go on the big boy potty, but also perfectly comfortable chilling in his pee when he's comfy and watching cartoons. Ah, my unique son.
This morning we were a picture of running late. It was one of those morning where I wish everything could begin when Quinn and I are good and ready. He wasn't psyched to go to school and wanted to jump on the bed, play with his balloon and walk around the back yard. I would have been fine lounging in bed too, but we both had places to be. What would it be like if time was on a continuum where it adjusted to the people, as opposed to time always remaining fixed and we are either early, late or right on time? Wild.
So, my Foundations of Literature students are joining the online blogging world and my third hour techies continue to explore 21st century tech virtues. I hope that you all enjoy your foray into blogging and experiment with all types of writing and expression in this forum. I will be gone from school tomorrow. Be well, be good for the sub and have a terrific weekend!
What a morning I have had! My son contentedly lay in a pool of his urine until the moment I uncovered him from the bedsheets to dress him for school. This was after he was spoon fed his morning cereal:) Gracious. How ironic that last night he peed in his potty for the first time. So, on one hand, he's thrilled to go on the big boy potty, but also perfectly comfortable chilling in his pee when he's comfy and watching cartoons. Ah, my unique son.
This morning we were a picture of running late. It was one of those morning where I wish everything could begin when Quinn and I are good and ready. He wasn't psyched to go to school and wanted to jump on the bed, play with his balloon and walk around the back yard. I would have been fine lounging in bed too, but we both had places to be. What would it be like if time was on a continuum where it adjusted to the people, as opposed to time always remaining fixed and we are either early, late or right on time? Wild.
So, my Foundations of Literature students are joining the online blogging world and my third hour techies continue to explore 21st century tech virtues. I hope that you all enjoy your foray into blogging and experiment with all types of writing and expression in this forum. I will be gone from school tomorrow. Be well, be good for the sub and have a terrific weekend!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Hello again
Hi there 3rd hour learners,
Well, I think I have nearly everyone's blog address now and I've commented on your writing. Please monitor your blog for remarks or set it up so that you approve remarks before they are posted. Normally, blogger send your email a message to tell you you have a remark. Some people are missing blogs so please use my blog from yesterday to align the course expectations with what you have. I hope that yesterday allowed you the opportunity to begin your Flickr project and determine the location for your trip. Once your work is completed for this meaty project, please send me the address of your Flickr account so I can assess your written work and organization of the trip.
Thanks! Have a terrific Thursday!
Well, I think I have nearly everyone's blog address now and I've commented on your writing. Please monitor your blog for remarks or set it up so that you approve remarks before they are posted. Normally, blogger send your email a message to tell you you have a remark. Some people are missing blogs so please use my blog from yesterday to align the course expectations with what you have. I hope that yesterday allowed you the opportunity to begin your Flickr project and determine the location for your trip. Once your work is completed for this meaty project, please send me the address of your Flickr account so I can assess your written work and organization of the trip.
Thanks! Have a terrific Thursday!
Good morning patient students
Hello dear 3rd hour students,
Thank you for your patience and understanding with the school and your third hour learning. I realize that our situation is not ideal, but I thank you for making the best of the situation. I appreciate your willingness to forage into the world of technology and literacy. I want to review for you what you have achieved thus far and been assigned. I also want to introduce your next project and lay an outline for tasks to come.
Step 1: Establish a blog and compose an introduction post so that I may know you a bit better. Be sure that I have your blog address so I may begin reading it regularly. I will comment on your posts when I read them.
Step 2: Create a video on Animoto.com that introduces you to me in a stylish, tech-friendly way.
Step 3: Head to vark-learn.com to take the questionaire. Once you have completed the learning assessment, please post a blog that responds and reacts to your results. Were you surprised by how you were described as a learner? What reinforced your own self-awareness?
Step 4: Establish an account at Flickr.com and begin to plan a dream trip that spans at least 5 days in length. Include pictures on Flickr of your trip, making sure to highlight tourist spots, places you'd eat or stay and the many sights you will enjoy in that city/country. Be sure to include concise and detailed descriptions with each photo so I feel like I am reading a visual journal of your trip. Your dream trip should be comprised of at least 20 photos and narrations.
Step (Objective) 5: Jazz up your blog. I'd like you to add links and websites, songs and details to your blog that personalize it and make it user friendly.
Objective 6: Head to postsecret.com and read the various images there. Then, on your blog, respond to what you see and explore on a personal level why people maintain secrets and why we reveal them. What are the benefits to honesty and candor? What are the drawbacks? What reward is there to revealing a secret if it is done so anonymously?
Please blog daily about this and that. I hope this lays a more substantive template than our sporadic conversations allow for. I hope that this gives you something concrete to return to for direction. Have a terrific day!
Thank you for your patience and understanding with the school and your third hour learning. I realize that our situation is not ideal, but I thank you for making the best of the situation. I appreciate your willingness to forage into the world of technology and literacy. I want to review for you what you have achieved thus far and been assigned. I also want to introduce your next project and lay an outline for tasks to come.
Step 1: Establish a blog and compose an introduction post so that I may know you a bit better. Be sure that I have your blog address so I may begin reading it regularly. I will comment on your posts when I read them.
Step 2: Create a video on Animoto.com that introduces you to me in a stylish, tech-friendly way.
Step 3: Head to vark-learn.com to take the questionaire. Once you have completed the learning assessment, please post a blog that responds and reacts to your results. Were you surprised by how you were described as a learner? What reinforced your own self-awareness?
Step 4: Establish an account at Flickr.com and begin to plan a dream trip that spans at least 5 days in length. Include pictures on Flickr of your trip, making sure to highlight tourist spots, places you'd eat or stay and the many sights you will enjoy in that city/country. Be sure to include concise and detailed descriptions with each photo so I feel like I am reading a visual journal of your trip. Your dream trip should be comprised of at least 20 photos and narrations.
Step (Objective) 5: Jazz up your blog. I'd like you to add links and websites, songs and details to your blog that personalize it and make it user friendly.
Objective 6: Head to postsecret.com and read the various images there. Then, on your blog, respond to what you see and explore on a personal level why people maintain secrets and why we reveal them. What are the benefits to honesty and candor? What are the drawbacks? What reward is there to revealing a secret if it is done so anonymously?
Please blog daily about this and that. I hope this lays a more substantive template than our sporadic conversations allow for. I hope that this gives you something concrete to return to for direction. Have a terrific day!
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