september 30

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane; "Highway 61" by Bob Dylan]

What is it about the Road that makes for a good story?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Time to face the awful truth: there will be a midterm
3. Groups, riddles, teams, individuals, alliances, plans, guilds, samurai, and cocktail napkins
4. We already have a montage.  What we need is a title.

HW:
1. All roads lead-- for now-- to the etherpad
2. Reminder: Literature Analysis #2 due this Friday (October 4)

september 27

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Meaning of Life" by Monty Python; "Sunshine On My Shoulders" by John Denver]

Describe a time you figured something out.  Did you do anything you can repeat the next time you're confronted with a mystery/challenge?  Why does figuring something out make you happy?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab test/correct
3. Name your group and title your micro-saga "The [    ]'s Tale"
3. Characterization: week in p/review

HW:
1.  Write and familiarize yourself with our collaborative platform: welcome to the etherpad
2. (ongoing) Literature Analysis

study calls elite school saddest spot in manhattan

According to researchers at the New England Complex Systems Institute, the highly rated Hunter School, "whose coveted spots are filled with many of the city's top performing students," is the saddest place in Manhattan.

collaborative working group: random absence mentoring

What a great idea!  Lisa Malins is starting a group designed to support anyone who misses class (mentally or physically) by posting assignments, meeting each week, and providing general P2P support.  If you're interested please contact Lisa directly, or comment to this post, or show up to Room 608 for the group's design/build meeting on Monday (9.30) at lunch.

science-supported happiness

We like Happy, and our culture skews toward believing things that are supported by science, so here are

10 Simple Things You Can Do Today That Will Make You Happier, Backed By Science

And, since meditation may be less familiar than exercising or going outside, here is some more on the topic from Fast Company magazine. (And yes, there's an app for that.) 

nanowrimo meeting today at lunch

This just in from Connor: today at lunch there will be a meeting for National Novel Writing Month authors.  See you in Room 608.

September 26

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel; "Just the Way You Are" performed by Diana Krall]

The French novelist Jean Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote (in French), "The more things change the more they stay the same." Evaluate this idea in terms of a character you've recently read or written. To what extent does the character's transformation involve new traits/information, and to what extent does the process magnify qualities that were there all along? Apply this thinking to a person you know in real life; how has this person changed as a result of his/her learning? Do you think the change is a product of qualities that were there all along or do you see something new?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Recap of characterization (talking mostly to you, period 3)
3. Characterization & literary elements
4. Where you and your characters have been and where you're going

HW:
1. vocab vocab vocab
2. In a blog post entitled CHARACTER STUDY (III), invite your three East/West characters on the journey-- and get started by describing the meet-up and departure. 

By popular demand, I'm including the 2nd East/West Bowl roster in case you need more characters:

kudos n stuff: september

Introducing KUDOS N STUFF-- a monthly summary of good news and general updates.  Please report your news/updates in class or email to dpreston.learning@gmail.com

Kudos

• Kudos to Mia Levy, winner of Santa Maria Elks Club Scholarship
• Kudos to Javier Solis, guaranteed early admission to UC Riverside
• Kudos to Lisa Malins, PSAT/NMSQT semifinalist

Stuff

• Here is the FB page for last year's RHS Seniors, which I'm including because I forgot the information about the one some of you organized-- would someone kindly comment with the info?

If I missed anyone or if you've done something amazing since I posted this, please let me/us know. 

book club with ucla students?

I just received the following email from Abby Kuhlman (RHS '13). After a brief exchange we agreed that talking with respected peers was crucial to understanding this book and making the overall experience so valuable. She is willing to recruit her fellow Bruins to host a similar experience (via online conferences) for students in my classes. I am willing to give literary analysis credit (but only over and above the required three, as this is not AP exam material). If you're interested in reading Pedro & Me and discussing it-- and life-- with UCLA students, please sign up in a comment to this post. I will share a link to this post with Abby.

Louis C.K. on cell phones

Video & transcript (after the jump) courtesy of
http://teamcoco.com/video/louis-ck-springsteen-cell-phone)

lausd students hack ipads

What are your thoughts on this?

September 25

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "I've Just Seen a Face" by The Beatles; "Face Up" by Rush; "Face to Face" by Wayman Tisdale]


Last week we discussed using indirect characterization to establish a character.  Today, describe a face that tells the story of a life.  (Picture each feature as a brief, compelling chapter in a biography: Has that mark always been there?  What caused that scar?)

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Time out
3. Fun with Dick and Jane (or whatever you named your characters)-- (1) meet up with your group characters and decide where you're going and why; (2) choose three characters from the video below, describe their characters & reputations, and devise a reason for them to join your characters on your journey.
4. Virtual community and peer reviews

HW:
1. In a blog post entitled CHARACTER STUDY (II), use today's work to write your character into the emerging story you and your colleagues are creating.
2. Peer review: literature analysis (please visit < 5 of your colleagues' blogs and comment/ask questions re: their literature analysis #1; also think about how best to organize everyone's work so you can find it easily.  Last year's cohort put them on a mindmap-- can you think of something better/easier to use?)
3. (Due Friday 9.27) In a blog post entitled CHARACTER STUDY (III), invite your three East/West characters on the journey-- and get started by describing the meet-up and departure. 

September 24

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett; "Strength, Courage & Wisdom" by India Arie]

Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden observed, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."  Briefly describe your character and your reputation.  What similarities & differences do you see between the two?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Evolution & adaptation
3. A moment in Time (Investment Portfolios)
4. Efficiency vs. effectiveness
5. Discuss Prologue to Canterbury Tales
6. You are such a character!

HW:
1. Create Netvibes dashboard, set as browser launch page, and describe in a post to your blog
2. In a post to your blog entitled CHARACTER STUDY (I), use in/direct characterization to write yourself as a fictional character preparing to embark upon a journey.
3. In a post to your blog entitled CANTERBURY TALES (I), list any observations about the Prologue.  These may include questions, vocabulary, predictions, literary techniques, and quotes/elements that you found especially effective or memorable.  *Which character's story do you most want to read?
3. Vocab (as always)
4. Lit analysis reading (as always)

11 terrifying childcare inventions from early 20th century

As this Popular Science post suggests, gadgets don't always mean genius.  Makes me wonder what the 3013 article on "11 dumb learning tools from the early 21st century" will look like.

September 23

JOURNAL TOPIC:

What does it mean to do your best?  How do you know when you've done your best?  Have you done your best in this course so far this year?  How do you know?


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Evaluative introspection
3. Vocab: 4 + 5 = 6

HW:
1. Post definitions & sentences for VOCAB #6
2. Read your Literature Analysis

vocabulary #6

obsequious
beatitude
bete noire
bode
dank
ecumenical
fervid
fetid
gargantuan
heyday
incubus
infrastructure
inveigle
kudos
lagniappe
prolix
protege
prototype
sycophant
tautology
truckle
accolade
acerbity
attrition
bromide
chauvinist
chronic
expound
factionalism
immaculate
imprecation
ineluctable
mercurial
palliate
protocol
resplendent
stigmatize
sub rosa
vainglory
vestige
volition 

this just in from mrs dirkes re hancock and college boot camp

the ivies are coming-- more on naviance

According to Mrs. Dirkes, Princeton isn't the only Ivy League school sending representatives to RHS.  But she's cagey.  When I asked her which school, she said, "It's on Naviance-- tell your students to log on and see." 

First person to find out wins. 

September 20

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Why do people doodle?  (Use as many vocabulary words as you can, and underline each for credit.)


AGENDA:
1. Journal/collect application packets
2. OSL chat: Amanda Lyons

HW:
1. Read Lit Analysis #2 book

open source learning chat: amanda lyons

Tomorrow we're in for a treat.  Visual learning expert Amanda Lyons will join us to discuss how drawing, doodling and thinking visually can accelerate our understanding, cognitive development, and chances for world peace (*I added that last part-- but to hear her talk and watch her work, you start to think that it may just be possible).  You can see Amanda's website here and her notes from a previous conversations here.  She does this all the time.  In fact, just yesterday after we Skyped Amanda sent me this:

Bring your markers...

letters of recommendation

Here are some tips for requesting letters of recommendation:

• Identify people in your life who can vouch for your talents, accomplishments, and quality of character.  Don't ask friends or relatives; good candidates include employers/supervisors, teachers, coaches, and clergy.
• Ask those people for letters of recommendation politely, respectfully, and at least a week in advance.
• Before you ask, consider whether they prefer a request in writing or in conversation, and be mindful of what you're asking-- do you want a general letter you can use for everything (useful if you don't want to bug them again), or do you want a letter that is addressed to an individual/organization for a specific purpose?
• Follow up on your initial request by thanking them in advance, clarifying when you will plan to pick up the letter, and sending a copy of your resume so they don't have to invent the whole thing from scratch.
• If you want/need multiple originals, ask.
• Also ask if you can list the person (and his/her contact information) as a reference.
• Send a handwritten note in an envelope to say Thank You.  No matter what the outcome of your application, send an additional Thank You to let them know.

If you don't yet have at least two letters you can turn in for review tomorrow, please provide a status report that describes:

• Who you've asked and why;
• How you asked;
• What the response was;
• When you expect to receive letters;
• Your next steps.

Good luck!  This isn't a comprehensive list and there are many other strategies that people employ with success-- feel free to comment with your experiences and suggestions.

21 ways supermarkets control your mind

There are two kinds of learners.  Those who think this course is ruining every experience including grocery shopping, and those who think the first group is spending too much money on junk food.

September 19

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson; "Moon Dreams" by Miles Davis; "La Traviata-Prelude" by Verdi]

Describe your favorite music--to a deaf person.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. [surprise!]

HW:
1. Vocab quiz tomorrow
2. REMINDER: application packet (resume + personal statement/s + >2 letters of recommendation) due tomorrow (Friday 9.20)
3. Begin Literature Analysis #2

categories of time allocation

Here are some excerpts from Time for Success that will help with your TIP:

SELLING TIME
When you go to work or school, you agree to allocate a specific amount of time to activities determined by your involvement with an organization.  In return, the organization to which you allocate your time agrees to compensate you with a specific amount of money.

collaborative working group: california country diy

This just in from Rachel and Sarah:

"Our collaborative working group's purpose is to help young adults transition into an independent lifestyle and bring out their creativity. We will be posting daily about DIY projects, hair and makeup how-to's, easy food recipes, and more. Most of the projects we post have been CC Girl Tested."

Check out their blog here.

September 18

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["You Learn" by Alanis Morissette; "Education" by Pearl Jam; "Think" by James Brown]

President Roosevelt visited nonagenarian Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in the hospital and was surprised to discover Justice Holmes reading a book on Greek grammar. "Why are you reading Greek grammar?" the president asked. "To improve my mind," the justice replied. Many students rightly want to get out of school, but mistakenly believe that their learning ends when they drop out or graduate. What is the difference between learning and schooling?  What is the value of learning in your life? How long do you plan to keep it up?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Beowulf essays
3. Thesis statements

HW:
1. In a post to your course blog (entitled WHAT A CHARACTER), please describe a fictional character that made an impression on you.  What was it about this character that made him/her memorable?  Can you distinguish/identify literary techniques that contributed to the overall effect?

literature analysis #2 sign-up

Please comment to this post with the book and author you chose.  Mahalo.

collaborative working group: they walk among us

You see them in the halls, blinking blearily, sensitive to the direct sunlight.  They suck your stories, transforming your wardrobe into symbols and your conversations into dialogue.  I'm not talking about zombies.  I'm talking about novelists.

Some of us are taking on the boldest creative challenge of all: writing a novel in a single month.  The first collaborative working group is forming for National Novel Writing Month, and you're invited.  Declare your interest in a comment to this post or contact ringleader Connor directly.

September 17

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Hello, I Love You," "Love Her Madly" & "Love Me Two Times" by The Doors]

Thinking back on Bukowski's "Laughing Heart" and how it communicates abstract, complicated ideas (inspiration, risk, independence, fulfillment, the meaning of life) in just a few lines.  How is it possible for something this short to convey as much meaning as a 700-page novel?  Describe the techniques Bukowski uses as you remember them.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab
3. Applied TIP
4. Applied mindfulness tools: dashboards and lists

HW:
1. Read/review Bede (pp.74-82) & read Prologue to Canterbury Tales (pp.90-115) in textbook-- please take active reading notes on paper and bring to class Wednesday 9.18
2. NOTE: application packet (resume, personal statement,  >2 letters of rec) due Friday 9.20
3. Find/begin book for Literature Analysis #2

screen shot solutions

How are you taking your screen shots, saving them, and emailing them as attachments?  (I use Skitch.)  Describe the tools/commands you're using in a comment below.

open source learning chats: jerry michalski

Over the course of the year we'll be chatting with experts and thought leaders in a variety of fields. As we get better at tech and presentation formats, we will polish our presentation and share the "Open Source Learning Chats" channel on YouTube. In the meantime, here is the chat we had on Friday with Jerry Michalski:

vocabulary #5

obsequious
beatitude
bete noire
bode
dank
ecumenical
fervid
fetid
gargantuan
heyday
incubus
infrastructure
inveigle
kudos
lagniappe
prolix
protege
prototype
sycophant
tautology
truckle

September 16

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "The Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun" by Julie Brown; "Delicious" by Jim Backus & Friend]

Texts in all media are often read differently by different readers. What is funny to one person can be offensive to another. One reader "gets the message" while another wonders, "What's the point?" How does the author of your literature analysis book use techniques such as figurative language, parody, satire, and allusion to encourage the reader to interpret the text?  Think of an example from anything you've read and describe how it can be interpreted in more than one way.  Is this more or less effective than coming right out and telling the reader everything s/he needs to know?  Explain your answer.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Status: personal statement & letters of recommendation
3. Big Questions, SMART goals, and Collaborative Working Groups
4. Applied mindfulness tools: dashboards and lists

HW:
1. Post definitions and sentences/narrative for VOCABULARY #5
2. Update TIP (if you haven't already) for tomorrow (Tuesday)
3. Write your DECLARATION OF LEARNING INDEPENDENCE and post to your course blog 
4. Lit analysis #2 due Friday, October 4

personal statement resource

From Mrs. Dirkes:

writingACollegeAdmissionEssay

jerry's ted talk: what if we trusted you?

Here is the talk Jerry mentioned:

september 13

JOURNAL: [today's tunes: "People In Your Neighborhood" by Sesame Street; "Why Can't We Be Friends" by War]

If you could ask any living person any question/s that would help you develop your talent or seize the opportunity of your dreams, who would you talk to and what would you say?


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Jerry Michalski (periods 3, 4, 5)
3. Vocab quiz 

HW:
1. Choose a novel for Literature Analysis #2 and begin reading (*if you're between two titles, choose the one that places more emphasis on characters)
2. If you haven't already, ask 5-7 people to write you a letter of recommendation

introducing jerry michalski

On Fridays we will host online conversations with a variety of thought leaders to discuss topics ranging from literature to Internet culture to science to [?].  In the past we've been fortunate to spend time with folks like Cory Doctorow, Bryan Alexander, and Howard Rheingold, and this year we have a great slate as well.  As our network expands and you meet people who can add value to our learning experience, please introduce us.  One of our best chats last year was with J.P. Bouvet, who we met through Ricky Luna.

Today we'll be joined by Jerry Michalski, the leader of REX (the Relationship Economy eXpedition).  Jerry is a connector, curator, and catalyst who has an amazing network and a unique ability to put people and ideas together in ways that create meaning and action.   Every time I talk with Jerry I come away with new things to read and think about.

I will begin the conversation by asking Jerry about his perspective on Internet culture, the relationship economy, and his own career path/expertise.  I know he has a couple collaborative projects that may present opportunities for students, so I'll ask him about that too.  Then the floor is yours.  Please have a look at his bio and feel free to ask him anything you like: college, career, Silicon Valley, what kind of tree would he be...

(NOTE: We will attempt to rotate the presentations so everyone can participate live, but we are at the mercy of our speakers' schedules.  We're going to experiment with Google On Air and we'll record each chat, which will be posted/linked after the fact.)

see mrs. dirkes re common app

Hey y'all, Mrs. Dirkes has asked that anyone using the Common App please see her.  Do it.  Mahalo.

tumblr question

Can any of our Tumblr mavens help me out?  I'm going through Beowulf essays again to read comments and make some of my own, and I'm not clear on how to comment to a specific post on Tumblr.  It looks like there's a general message section, but I can't tell how to link this to the original post and/or make this most helpful to the blog's author.  Thoughts?

September 12

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Yesterday you were asked to envision your ideal Time Investment Portfolio.  Today your work is up to you.  What aspects of self-direction do you find appealing, and what do you find difficult or intimidating?  How does it feel to be the author of your own life/learning story? 

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Independent/collaborative work: vocabulary, literature analysis, TIP, [?]

HW:
1. Reminder: vocab quiz Friday
2. Reminder: literature analysis #1 due by Friday

September 11

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "We Ride (I See the Future)" by Mary J. Blige; "Future Shock" by Curtis Mayfield; "Better Things" by The Kinks]

What is your view of the future? What do you think the world and/or your life will be like in 5 years? 20? 50?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Cottle's circles test: past, present & future
3. Einstein's theory of relativity & magic wands
4. Beowulf meets Thesis in a showdown for the ages

HW:
1. Continue TIP
2. Correct your multiple choice answers on the 1987 AP Exam (the key is on p. 24).  In a post entitled ALL OF THE ABOVE, analyze your performance.  Did you meet your own expectations?  Did you surprise yourself in any way?  Are there certain kinds of questions that you got right/wrong?
3. Reminder: vocab
4. Reminder: Literature Analysis

nomination forms: elks and chamber scholarships

These just in from Mrs. Dirkes:


nomination sm chamber


Nomination Form ELKS

n3

Naviance Ninjas Needed.  As you know, the school is doing away with the 6-year plan folders and going online.  If you are interested in testing the system early (and getting a head start on your college/scholarship search in the process), please see Dr. Preston.

September 10

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Time" by Pink Floyd; "Time" by The Alan Parsons Project]

What do you think of when you think of time?

AGENDA:

1. Journal

2. What's the big idea?
3. How to have the time of your life

HW:

1. Start your Time Investment Portfolio

2. Read five Beowulf essays and comment on the author's thesis
3. Reminder: vocab

4. Reminder: Literature Analysis

September 9

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Chidori No Kyoku" by Satomi Saeki & Alcvin Takegawa Ramos]

Most of the time your attention is focused outward: on classes, sports, jobs, other people, and the 101 things you have to do in order to get through the day. For a moment, see if you can forget all that. Let your mind grow quiet. Listen to yourself breathe and consider this definition of mindfulness: "focusing one's complete attention on the present moment." Today, rather than responding to a specific topic, simply write down the information that occurs to you right now. This may include thoughts, feelings, sounds/sights, memories-- or even just sensations of how your fingers feel on the pen or how your toes feel in your shoes.  Please be sure to record your stress level when you begin writing and when you finish (on a scale from 1-10, 1 being least stressed and 10 being most stressed).

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Status: return work, college/scholarship portfolio notes, Beowulf essays, preview of coming attractions
3. Vocabulary #4

HW:
1. Post definitions & sentences/narratives for VOCAB #4
2. Reminder: Literature Analysis #1 due Friday (9.13)

vocabulary #4

accolade
acerbity
attrition
bromide
chauvinist
chronic
expound
factionalism
immaculate
imprecation
ineluctable
mercurial
palliate
protocol
resplendent
stigmatize
sub rosa
vainglory
vestige
volition

social media and college search

According to this "comprehensive national study on the use of social media among college-bound high school students in the fall of 2008,"

Growth in the Use of Social Media in the College Search Process has Increased Substantially in the Last Four Years, But It Is Far From Universal

fostering entrepreneurial thinking in today's classrooms

Time to start building brand YOU.

privacy and life online

If you're interested in a preview of our coming discussion about the privacy and security on the Internet, have a look at Doc Searls' thoughts here.

how not to teach

Every once in a while a story like this leaves me at a loss for words. 

beowulf essay topic

Thanks once again for all the ideas in yesterday's discussions!  With all of your observations in mind, here is the Franken-topic:

Compare Beowulf with a modern hero, both as characters and as symbols of the times in which both were created.  Support your thesis with at least three (3) literary techniques and three (3) textual examples that strengthen and illustrate your ideas for your readers.

September 6

JOURNAL TOPIC:

 Write an outlandish fake absence excuse using as many of this week's vocabulary words as you can.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab quiz/correct
3. Discuss & work on Literature Analysis #1
4. Discuss & plan Beowulf essay

HW:
1. Beowulf essay (post to course blog-- title BEOWULF ESSAY-- by Monday 9.9)
2. Work on Literature Analysis #1 (due Friday, 9.13)

beowulf essay topics

During today's on-the-ground classes, students suggested essay topics for Beowulf. Here are some of the topics that were mentioned:
• Explain how the use of allusions (to the Bible and other works) helps illuminate the theme of Beowulf
• Analyze the differences in the three fights and explain how they trace the development of Beowulf as a hero
• Was Beowulf’s confidence/cockiness an asset or a tragic flaw?
• Compare the idea of an honorable hero in Beowulf’s time to modern representations
• How do elements of language influence elements of literature? How does the language in Beowulf influence the reader’s understanding?
• Compare Beowulf to modern heroes; how they’re different, better/worse, characteristics (societies/differences in culture and how they affected individual perspectives and decisions)
• How does Beowulf represent everything the Norse stood for (morals, values etc.)?
• Compare myth & reality: which elements of Beowulf appear to reflect the reality of the time, and which elements serve storytelling purposes?
• How did the evolution of the English language favor some ideas and omit others?

·      In your opinion is Beowulf a prideful hero or just a reflection of the time period?  Do you think the character was intentionally designed for effect or merely a product of the times?

·      Compare Beowulf with a modern hero (Iron Man, e.g.).  How are the two personalities similar/different, and how do they suit their respective storylines?

·      Define the symbolism in Beowulf and explain how it developed the story.

·      Describe how Beowulf portrayed the morals, values and culture of the Danish people.

·      Compare Beowulf with a tragic hero from Ancient Greece.

Do you have any additional thoughts on what would make a good essay topic (i.e., what sort of prompt would invite you to share your knowledge about the poem)? Comment to this post with your suggestions. The essay topic will be posted by COB Friday, 9.6. The essay will be due on Monday, 9.9 (please bring handwritten or typed hard copy to class).

literature analysis #1 questions

The questions for Literature Analysis #1 have been posted on the Literature Analysis page.

ian m hassett foundation art scholarships & fundraiser

Today I received an email from Mrs. Stephanie Hassett, whose son Ian attended RHS and passed away from cancer in 2012 at the age of 19.  Mrs. Hassett wrote:

Our son, Ian, was a gifted musician and artist.  Our world was forever changed when he died from cancer in 2012 at the age of 19.  Before he died, we talked to Ian about setting up an art scholarship in his memory at his high school (Righetti) and he loved the idea.  Music was his solace but art was his passion and he wanted to share his passion with other students.  Today, the simple idea of beginning an art scholarship has grown and blossomed into more than we could have imagined and we aren’t done dreaming yet!

We formed the Ian M Hassett Foundation to encourage emerging artists to continue to pursue their passion for art.  Through the Foundation we award $2,000 a year to talented, local artists with plans to support and encourage more artists through Foundation supported gallery shows and an Artist Exchange allowing students to obtain otherwise costly supplies.  Our upcoming fundraiser, Form Over Function, to be held on October 5, 2013, will help enable us to continue on this mission.

For more information please click on the logo.

September 5

***I'm out today but available via the usual e-channels. Please treat the sub as an honored guest. ***

JOURNAL TOPIC:

When you say something is "valuable" what exactly do you mean? Do you define value in terms of money, emotion, scarcity, what the marketplace thinks, or do you have a different standard? What is the value of your work in school? What is the value of this moment, or the thinking/writing you're doing right now?

AGENDA:
1. Journal (if you're feeling particularly collaborative you can hum something in concert-- but don't get distracted from the topic or your half-page. Bonus if anyone captures the moment on video & posts)
2. Vocabulary
3. Literary Analysis #1 (discussion/reading/writing)
4. Discuss the Beowulf essay topics

HW:
1. Vocab vocab vocab
2. Lit Analysis #1

"sing it!"

Collaboration in practice-- nice job, period 5! :)

September 4

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "History Lesson" by Dave Grusin; "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones; "History Lesson-Part II" (slightly abridged) by the Minutemen]

As George Santayana and Edmund Burke (among others) have observed, those who do not know history are condemned to repeat it. However, our culture focuses on the modern, the "new and improved." In this day and age, is there a point to looking backward? Why bother studying the etymology of words and the history of language? How can understanding the past help us prepare for (or even shape) the future?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Old English & Beowulf wrap-up; essay prompt brainstorm
3. Vocab
4. Literature analysis #1 status
5. Decisions, decisions

HW:
1. Vocab vocab vocab
2. Find a scholarship worth applying for and report on the scholarship (or the temporary futility of your search) in a blog post entitled WILL STUDY FOR FOOD.  In the post, explain what you need scholarship $ for and how much you hope/intend to earn.  If you haven't yet, this is a good time to start analyzing costs of school and living in order to determine where to set your fundraising bar. 

condolences

Sorry to hear that Kenny Alvarez, a 2009 graduate of Delta HS, was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan.  Kenny was 23.  Today he comes home to Santa Maria.  You can read more here.

September 3

***I'm out today but available via the usual e-channels.  Please treat the sub as an honored guest. ***

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Does language merely describe reality or does it create a sense of reality? Do speakers of different languages just use different words to describe the same things, or do they actually think and see the world differently because of the language they use? Explain your answer.

AGENDA:
1. Journal (if you're feeling particularly collaborative you can hum something in concert-- but don't get distracted from the topic or your half-page.  Bonus if anyone captures the moment on video & posts)
2. Break into groups and discuss the topic you find most valuable: the art of hosting good conversations online; books v. e-readers; the elements of heroism, storytelling, and language in Beowulf; or vocabulary #3 (definitions/sentences).
3. Please do a quickie audit by period and make sure everyone's commented to the literature analysis posts (I think we're close; if we're still missing a few, please help 'em so we can go over questions together in class on Wed.)

HW:
1. Post definitions and sentences/narrative for vocab #3
2. Continue reading your literature analysis book

vocabulary #3

apostate
effusive
impasse
euphoria
lugubrious
bravado
consensus
dichotomy
constrict
gothic
punctilio
metamorphosis
raconteur
sine qua non
quixotic
vendetta
non sequitur
mystique
quagmire
parlous