Sharks are awesome. But I didn't know they've been awesome for 400 million years until I read
What's the lesson here? Adapt and win. Ignore your surroundings, stay the same, and die.
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Friday, November 29, 2019
about the vocabulary final
First: GAH! For some tech/glitch reason, the posts I
thought I published since Monday got stuck in Drafts.
So, here is a preview of the vocabulary final. I will DEFINITELY test you on every lit term and tech term. Since I feel (a little) guilty about no posts this week, I'm providing review definitions for the lit terms as follows. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have about the tech terms in class next week.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! :)
So, here is a preview of the vocabulary final. I will DEFINITELY test you on every lit term and tech term. Since I feel (a little) guilty about no posts this week, I'm providing review definitions for the lit terms as follows. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have about the tech terms in class next week.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! :)
LIT TERMS
Alliteration: Style device in which several words begin with the same consonant sound and stress (example: a better butter)
Allusion: A reference to something the author thinks the reader should know
Anthropomorphism: Attribution of human qualities to an inanimate object
Characterization: Representation of a character in literature through direct characterization (literal description) and/or indirect characterization (dialogue, action, or responses of other characters) (NOTE: you will need to be able to tell the difference between direct and indirect characterization)
Characterization: Representation of a character in literature through direct characterization (literal description) and/or indirect characterization (dialogue, action, or responses of other characters) (NOTE: you will need to be able to tell the difference between direct and indirect characterization)
Connotation: Suggested or implied meaning (example: We understand the word cool to mean acceptable or desirable.)
Denotation: Explicit or direct meaning (example: We understand the word cool to mean not quite cold, but not warm either)
Diction: The words an author chooses (may be described as formal, colloquial, etc.)
Mood: The way a text makes the reader feel
Denotation: Explicit or direct meaning (example: We understand the word cool to mean not quite cold, but not warm either)
Diction: The words an author chooses (may be described as formal, colloquial, etc.)
Mood: The way a text makes the reader feel
Myth: A traditional story designed to explain a worldview and/or something we don't understand
Personification: The embodiment of an idea
(example:
He was the personification of stubbornness. NOTE: this is often
confused with anthropomorphism, so beware; I will ask you to
know/explain the difference on the test.)
Symbolism: The practice of intentionally representing ideas with objects
Symbolism: The practice of intentionally representing ideas with objects
Syntax: The way an author arranges words for grammatical correctness and/or to convey meaning
Theme: Central message of a text
Tone: The author's attitude toward the subject, the character/s, or the audience
TECHNOLOGY/ CULTURE
FOMO
hack
HTML
HTML
internet
LAN
network
packet switching
URL
Monday, November 25, 2019
happy monday of thanksgiving week!
Hi Everyone,
Since we didn't have school today, I hope you slept in, or exercised, or read a great book, or worked, or stared at a wall (in meditation?). or did something else this morning that made you happy.
That's it. For now. Tomorrow I'll put up a post that will help you prepare for the vocabulary final.
Best,
Dr. Preston
Since we didn't have school today, I hope you slept in, or exercised, or read a great book, or worked, or stared at a wall (in meditation?). or did something else this morning that made you happy.
That's it. For now. Tomorrow I'll put up a post that will help you prepare for the vocabulary final.
Best,
Dr. Preston
Friday, November 22, 2019
november 22
JOURNAL TOPIC: [extra credit for first person each period to correctly name today's tune]
Every once in a while, often during moments of extreme stress, ordinary people do extraordinary things. What makes this possible? Sometimes, like when a young woman lifts a car off of a loved one, it's adrenaline or something known as "hysterical strength." Sometimes it's just a sense of competitive greatness or determination that this time will really be different. Can you apply this possibility over the next few weeks to achieve your academic goals for the semester? How?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Interview/s & audience participation (REMINDER: The audience participation responsibilities outlined in class 11.19. If you weren't there, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Schedule has been finalized, please check your period's post to verify the date of your interview
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: -
Per 3: Adolfo, Diana, & Efrain
Per 4: Lyna
Per 6: -
4. Interview prep
OVER THE BREAK:
1. Make sure your application portfolio is the best it can be
2. Make sure that your five blog posts and journal entries are the best they can be
3. Make sure that your blog is up to date and awesome
4. Read a book and do a literature analysis to spark your thinking, change your life, and pad your grade
5. Think about your Big Question
6. Check the course blog once in a while for final exam tips/previews
7. (Best for Last) Enjoy your friends, family, food, and everything in life worth being thankful for
Every once in a while, often during moments of extreme stress, ordinary people do extraordinary things. What makes this possible? Sometimes, like when a young woman lifts a car off of a loved one, it's adrenaline or something known as "hysterical strength." Sometimes it's just a sense of competitive greatness or determination that this time will really be different. Can you apply this possibility over the next few weeks to achieve your academic goals for the semester? How?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Interview/s & audience participation (REMINDER: The audience participation responsibilities outlined in class 11.19. If you weren't there, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Schedule has been finalized, please check your period's post to verify the date of your interview
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: -
Per 3: Adolfo, Diana, & Efrain
Per 4: Lyna
Per 6: -
4. Interview prep
OVER THE BREAK:
1. Make sure your application portfolio is the best it can be
2. Make sure that your five blog posts and journal entries are the best they can be
3. Make sure that your blog is up to date and awesome
4. Read a book and do a literature analysis to spark your thinking, change your life, and pad your grade
5. Think about your Big Question
6. Check the course blog once in a while for final exam tips/previews
7. (Best for Last) Enjoy your friends, family, food, and everything in life worth being thankful for
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
november 21
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Have a Little Faith In Me" by John Hiatt]
Some words have related meanings, but they feel different. Consider trust, faith, and belief, for example. What does it mean to trust people? Have faith in them? Believe in them? Are these the same, or are they different? Explain with an example or two.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Interview/s & audience participation (REMINDER: The audience participation responsibilities outlined in class 11.19. If you weren't there, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Schedule has been finalized, please check your period's post to verify the date of your interview
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: Arian
Per 3: -
Per 4: -
Per 6: -
4. Interview prep
Some words have related meanings, but they feel different. Consider trust, faith, and belief, for example. What does it mean to trust people? Have faith in them? Believe in them? Are these the same, or are they different? Explain with an example or two.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Interview/s & audience participation (REMINDER: The audience participation responsibilities outlined in class 11.19. If you weren't there, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Schedule has been finalized, please check your period's post to verify the date of your interview
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: Arian
Per 3: -
Per 4: -
Per 6: -
4. Interview prep
november 20
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Some holidays are worth celebrating every day. Feeling grateful makes us happier, healthier, and more productive, so why not celebrate Thanksgiving today? Think of something/someone for whom you are truly grateful, and use today's journal time to give thanks.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Interview/s & audience participation (REMINDER: The audience participation responsibilities outlined in class 11.19. If you weren't there, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Schedule has been finalized, please check your period's post to verify the date of your interview
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: -
Per 3: -
Per 4: -
Per 6: Jesse
4. Interview prep
Some holidays are worth celebrating every day. Feeling grateful makes us happier, healthier, and more productive, so why not celebrate Thanksgiving today? Think of something/someone for whom you are truly grateful, and use today's journal time to give thanks.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Interview/s & audience participation (REMINDER: The audience participation responsibilities outlined in class 11.19. If you weren't there, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Schedule has been finalized, please check your period's post to verify the date of your interview
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: -
Per 3: -
Per 4: -
Per 6: Jesse
4. Interview prep
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
november 19
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Some of the "words of wisdom" I remember from when I was a kid aren't really wisdom, they just stuck because they're funny, or weird, or just catchy. A couple examples: You can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish. You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose.) Describe something -- an idea, a saying, a habit, an event -- from when you were a kid that you still remember to this day. Why do you think this stuck in your memory?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. First interview/s & audience participation (PLEASE NOTE: The audience participation responsibilities will be outlined in class. If you are not here today, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Scheduling/ we need to finalize our calendar & update (Winter Fair is now 12/6)
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: Bryan
Per 3: -
Per 4: -
Per 6: Michael, Jasmine
4. Interview prep
Some of the "words of wisdom" I remember from when I was a kid aren't really wisdom, they just stuck because they're funny, or weird, or just catchy. A couple examples: You can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish. You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose.) Describe something -- an idea, a saying, a habit, an event -- from when you were a kid that you still remember to this day. Why do you think this stuck in your memory?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. First interview/s & audience participation (PLEASE NOTE: The audience participation responsibilities will be outlined in class. If you are not here today, please ask a friend. Whether or not you are interviewing today, and whether or not your period even has an interview scheduled, you have a job to do. Do it.)
3. Scheduling/ we need to finalize our calendar & update (Winter Fair is now 12/6)
TODAY'S INTERVIEWS:
(Note: Interviews will begin promptly at 15 minutes after the bell begins the period. This should give you ample time to settle in, write in your journal, and prepare your résumé, references, and cover letter.)
Per 2: Bryan
Per 3: -
Per 4: -
Per 6: Michael, Jasmine
4. Interview prep
Monday, November 18, 2019
interview calendar
Hey, check the interview schedule for your period in last week's posts. If you haven't signed up, please do so immediately-- if I don't get your request by tomorrow (Tuesday, November 19), I will plug you in whenever there is room.
That also means you should have your résumé, references, and cover letter prepared. Your cover letter must include a list of your five best blog posts (by URL or title), and your five favorite journal entries (by date).
If you haven't signed up by tomorrow, please be prepared to interview as soon as Wednesday, November 20.
That also means you should have your résumé, references, and cover letter prepared. Your cover letter must include a list of your five best blog posts (by URL or title), and your five favorite journal entries (by date).
If you haven't signed up by tomorrow, please be prepared to interview as soon as Wednesday, November 20.
november 18
JOURNAL TOPIC:
As the old saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Why do you think first impressions are so important? What do you think are the keys to making a good first impression?
AGENDA:
1. Journal/ return cover letters
2. Discuss journal
3. The interview: pro tips
4. Role plays & practice with partners
As the old saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Why do you think first impressions are so important? What do you think are the keys to making a good first impression?
AGENDA:
1. Journal/ return cover letters
2. Discuss journal
3. The interview: pro tips
4. Role plays & practice with partners
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Friday, November 15, 2019
words to the wise about presenting your portfolio
Thanks to everyone who has given such great feedback today! Based on your questions and insights, here are some reminders and pro tips for preparing and presenting your portfolio:
1. Make sure that your résumé is tailored for the purpose.
1. Make sure that your résumé is tailored for the purpose.
- Your objective should be something like*, "To earn a grade of [letter grade here] in American Literature for the Fall Semester 2019 based on my class participation, my blog, and the quality of my journal writing." (*feel free to use these ideas or similar ones, and put them in your own words)
- Since this version of your résumé should support this objective, make sure to highlight your related education, experience, and skills
- It should be addressed to me at SMHS
- Here is a sample script* (*again, feel free to use these ideas, and again, please put them in your own words-- I want you to practice writing a cover letter, not just practice copying someone else's :)
- Paragraph 1: "I am excited about applying for my grade for Fall Semester 2019 in American Literature. Based on my experience and performance, I believe my qualifications will earn a [letter grade here].
- Paragraph 2: "Beginning in August, I have worked hard to [...]. I have diligently written every day in my journal* (*only if this is true), and I have created a blog that not only documents my coursework but also shows online readers how I design in media that share my thinking. You can see my best journal entries on these dates: [list]. You can see my best blog entries here: [list by title or URL]."
- Paragraph 3: "This semester has been [...] and I look forward to discussing this personally with you. I understand you are busy, so if I do not hear from you by December 17 I will contact you to follow up. Thank you for your consideration."
- Make sure to be in class on Monday, November 18 for "Interview Boot Camp." I will give a crash course on everything you need to be successful in any interview you ever give.
- Select your interview date
- On that date, you should be at least as punctual as you are whenever the bell rings to begin class and you're in your seat, ready to learn
- Dress for success
- Take your time in answering questions
- Once I post the questions and we practice a little on Monday, practice on your own (you can do this by yourself or with a friend/family member)
- Make sure to think of at least one question of your own, so that when I end the interview by saying, "Before we close, do you have any for me?"* (*and I will :), you have something to say
- Check the course blog this weekend, because I will post a list of questions that I'll use to select yours
period 6 portfolio presentations
Here is our calendar for the rest of the semester. Please comment to
this post with your preference. If you haven't commented by Monday
morning, you will be assigned an opening based on what's left.
November 19
Michael
Jasmine
November 20
November 21
November 22
Jesse
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Jesse
December 3
Isaac
December 4
Mayra
December 5
Joseph
Joaquin
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Edid
Nancy
Sam
Diana
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Alejandro
Jose
Celmon
Daniel
Jayleen
December 10
Alex
Chris
Danny
Fredy
Anacareli
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Wendy
Pablo
Gabriel
Diego
Maria
December 13
Pablo
Cam
Jasmin
Tristan
Valerie
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
***
PLEASE
NOTE: THIS POST IS FOR PERIOD 6 ONLY. IF YOU ARE IN PERIOD 2, 3, or 4,
PLEASE CLOSE THIS POST, OPEN THE POST FOR YOUR PERIOD, AND COMMENT
THERE.
-Mahalo.
***
November 19
Michael
Jasmine
November 20
November 21
November 22
Jesse
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Jesse
December 3
Isaac
December 4
Mayra
December 5
Joseph
Joaquin
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Edid
Nancy
Sam
Diana
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Alejandro
Jose
Celmon
Daniel
Jayleen
December 10
Alex
Chris
Danny
Fredy
Anacareli
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Wendy
Pablo
Gabriel
Diego
Maria
December 13
Pablo
Cam
Jasmin
Tristan
Valerie
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
period 4 portfolio presentations
Here is our calendar for the rest of the semester. Please comment to
this post with your preference. If you haven't commented by Monday
morning, you will be assigned an opening based on what's left.
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
Lyna
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
December 3
Christian
Sal
Ramon
Ray
December 4
Jeronimo
Armando
Daniel
December 5
Alex
Elizabeth
Leo
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Angel
Jenny
Ricardo
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Nicanor
Juan
Victor
Nicole
Gael
December 10
Bernardita
Miguel
Noemi
Soledad
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Lesli
Lizbeth
Rene
Itzel
Araceli
December 13
Carson
Robert
Pedro
Gabriel
Juan
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
***
PLEASE
NOTE: THIS POST IS FOR PERIOD 4 ONLY. IF YOU ARE IN PERIOD 2, 3, or 6,
PLEASE CLOSE THIS POST, OPEN THE POST FOR YOUR PERIOD, AND COMMENT
THERE.
-Mahalo.
***
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
Lyna
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
December 3
Christian
Sal
Ramon
Ray
December 4
Jeronimo
Armando
Daniel
December 5
Alex
Elizabeth
Leo
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Angel
Jenny
Ricardo
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Nicanor
Juan
Victor
Nicole
Gael
December 10
Bernardita
Miguel
Noemi
Soledad
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Lesli
Lizbeth
Rene
Itzel
Araceli
December 13
Carson
Robert
Pedro
Gabriel
Juan
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
period 3 portfolio presentations
Here is our calendar for the rest of the semester. Please comment to
this post with your preference. If you haven't commented by Monday
morning, you will be assigned an opening based on what's left.
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
Adolfo
Diana
Efrain
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
December 3
Ivan
Michelle
Mallory
Andrea
December 4
Dayana
Guadalupe
Gaby
December 5
Jose
Marlene
Chris
Juan
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Ulices
Judid
Joannes
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Erasmo
Luis
December 10
Marcos
Jovanny
Flavio
Kevin
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Stacey
Gerardo
Erande
Lucero
Soledad
December 13
Yarely
Deanna
Ximena
Gladys
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
***
PLEASE
NOTE: THIS POST IS FOR PERIOD 3 ONLY. IF YOU ARE IN PERIOD 2, 4, or 6,
PLEASE CLOSE THIS POST, OPEN THE POST FOR YOUR PERIOD, AND COMMENT
THERE.
-Mahalo.
***
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
Adolfo
Diana
Efrain
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
December 3
Ivan
Michelle
Mallory
Andrea
December 4
Dayana
Guadalupe
Gaby
December 5
Jose
Marlene
Chris
Juan
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Ulices
Judid
Joannes
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Erasmo
Luis
December 10
Marcos
Jovanny
Flavio
Kevin
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Stacey
Gerardo
Erande
Lucero
Soledad
December 13
Yarely
Deanna
Ximena
Gladys
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
period 2 portfolio presentations
Here is our calendar for the rest of the semester. Please comment to this post with your preference. If you haven't commented by Monday morning, you will be assigned an opening based on what's left.
November 19
Bryan Ramirez
November 20
November 21
Arian
November 22
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Liyah
Eneas
December 3
Fabian
Martin
December 4
Marisol
Pablo
Jerry
December 5
Ana
Hector
Flor
Jennifer
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Brian
Jorge
Francisco
Chris
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Michael
Jonathan
December 10
Denisse
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Karina
Maira
Angela
Lizbeth
December 13
Willie
Marisol
Alexes
Michael
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
***
PLEASE NOTE: THIS POST IS FOR PERIOD 2 ONLY. IF YOU ARE IN PERIOD 3, 4, or 6, PLEASE CLOSE THIS POST, OPEN THE POST FOR YOUR PERIOD, AND COMMENT THERE.
-Mahalo.
***
November 19
Bryan Ramirez
November 20
November 21
Arian
November 22
December 2* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Liyah
Eneas
December 3
Fabian
Martin
December 4
Marisol
Pablo
Jerry
December 5
Ana
Hector
Flor
Jennifer
December 6* (Winter Fair/schedule TBD)
Brian
Jorge
Francisco
Chris
December 9* (collaboration schedule/40 min period)
Michael
Jonathan
December 10
Denisse
[December 11] (no presentations/Vocabulary Final)
December 12
Karina
Maira
Angela
Lizbeth
December 13
Willie
Marisol
Alexes
Michael
December 16 (no presentations/ plan Final event)
December 17 (no presentations/ Final Essay)
november 15
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Time Is On My Side" by The Rolling Stones]
How do you envision the rest of your semester? Which classes put a smile on your face because you feel confident and you know you're going to succeed? Which classes make you nervous because you're not doing as well as you'd hoped? What's your plan to end the semester in a way you'll feel proud about when it's over?
AGENDA:
1. Journal (please remember to turn in today)
2. Please comment to "Another One" or "Open Source..." (or both)
3. How to present your Fall Semester Portfolio
4. Our calendar
5. Makeup work (if we have time)
HW:
Put the finishing touches on any work you've started -- blog posts, videos/poetry, literature analyses -- and come to school on Monday rested, prepared, and ready. This is the Beginning of the End.
How do you envision the rest of your semester? Which classes put a smile on your face because you feel confident and you know you're going to succeed? Which classes make you nervous because you're not doing as well as you'd hoped? What's your plan to end the semester in a way you'll feel proud about when it's over?
AGENDA:
1. Journal (please remember to turn in today)
2. Please comment to "Another One" or "Open Source..." (or both)
3. How to present your Fall Semester Portfolio
4. Our calendar
5. Makeup work (if we have time)
HW:
Put the finishing touches on any work you've started -- blog posts, videos/poetry, literature analyses -- and come to school on Monday rested, prepared, and ready. This is the Beginning of the End.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
open source and the end of the world
This is a really interesting article about preserving data-- and even more importantly for us, it also gives some really solid background information and definitions about open source software and culture. Enjoy the full article HERE.
another one
We're swimming in uncharted waters. On one hand, I don't want you to have to focus on news that is negative or stressful when you have so many important things to think about. I want to contribute to your well-being and I'm troubled about sharing this.On the other hand: a) It's not like most of you haven't already heard; b) I can't see any point to burying our heads in the sand and acting like we don't have a massive crisis on our hands; and c) It is up to us to make ourselves safer and more secure.
About that last point. I want to continue living (I could stop the sentence right there) in a community of caring people who recognize signs of distress and/or danger. We can't depend on politicians or Second Amendment nutjobs (yes, I wrote it) to protect us. Protests are important, and I am proud of the student activists I know -- but protests by themselves are not enough. After Parkland, Saugus High School students walked out too.
If you ever find yourself or someone else dealing with issues you can't control, or if you have any cause for concern about your safety or ours, let's have the conversation. Life's too short already.
News coverage about today's events here.
november 14
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "One" by Three Dog Night; "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock]
According to the Wikipedia entry on numerology, the word refers to a "belief in the divine or mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events." Pythagoras (the right triangle guy) believed in connections between numbers, the letters in our names, the movements of the planets, and music. Some people just point out connections and say, "Whoa!" Do you think numbers have any special significance outside of measurement? Do you have a favorite number? Why or why not? (Full disclosure: My favorite number is 3. It was my grandmother's favorite number-- I don't know why-- so I adopted it. After I adopted it, of course, I found all sorts of cool things about it in geometry, sayings like "good things and sneezes come in threes," and other stuff.)
AGENDA:
1. Journal/ Collect cover letters
2. Thursday of Threes
Please make sure your journal is up to date and ready to turn in tomorrow (Friday)
According to the Wikipedia entry on numerology, the word refers to a "belief in the divine or mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events." Pythagoras (the right triangle guy) believed in connections between numbers, the letters in our names, the movements of the planets, and music. Some people just point out connections and say, "Whoa!" Do you think numbers have any special significance outside of measurement? Do you have a favorite number? Why or why not? (Full disclosure: My favorite number is 3. It was my grandmother's favorite number-- I don't know why-- so I adopted it. After I adopted it, of course, I found all sorts of cool things about it in geometry, sayings like "good things and sneezes come in threes," and other stuff.)
AGENDA:
1. Journal/ Collect cover letters
2. Thursday of Threes
- Publish three posts to your blog (*these can be makeup posts, or, if you are that superstar who has posted everything for this semester, you can get creative)
- This, plus your essay and your letter, give me three artifacts of yours to grade before I get your journals tomorrow
Please make sure your journal is up to date and ready to turn in tomorrow (Friday)
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
cover letter template
Please have a look at the Cover Letter Template page to help you with your cover letter.
november 13
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "The Letter" by Joe Cocker]
Have you ever sent someone a letter? Like, on paper, in an envelope, with a stamp? Have you ever received one? How is this experience different from communicating via text, email, or phone call? (If you haven't had this experience, imagine it now.)
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. How to write a letter
3. Write your cover letter
HW: Proofread, revise, type, and print your cover letter. Due at beginning of class tomorrow (Thursday, November 14)
Have you ever sent someone a letter? Like, on paper, in an envelope, with a stamp? Have you ever received one? How is this experience different from communicating via text, email, or phone call? (If you haven't had this experience, imagine it now.)
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. How to write a letter
3. Write your cover letter
HW: Proofread, revise, type, and print your cover letter. Due at beginning of class tomorrow (Thursday, November 14)
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
are you wealthy enough?
This weekend I had a conversation with my brother-in-law about wealth. My brother-in-law is in sales -- because, as he put it, "I got good grades and I know how to talk to people, but I never had a strong sense of what I wanted to do for a living." He does pretty well and he knows it, but he also knows he doesn't need most of what he wants. In his words: "It's funny how people's wants turn into needs. I don't really need a souped up truck, but I built it and I enjoy it. And now, if the transmission goes out, I feel like I NEED to buy a new transmission."
The conversation led us both to wonder how much people really need, and how much people have around the world. We found an online world wealth calculator, where I learned that the average person in the world makes $1,700 -- A YEAR.
It turns out that we Americans -- including you and your family -- are all rich, by global standards.
I hear a lot from students who say they don't have time to read or do research or think deeply about anything because they're too busy working for a paycheck. Is this true? Does your quality of life depend on a few hundred bucks, and is that what's really in the way of thinking yourself to a better future? You may want to have a look at the site and learn about the issue for yourself. You can see where you and your family stand by using the calculator on the site.
Feel free to comment to this post.
The conversation led us both to wonder how much people really need, and how much people have around the world. We found an online world wealth calculator, where I learned that the average person in the world makes $1,700 -- A YEAR.
It turns out that we Americans -- including you and your family -- are all rich, by global standards.
I hear a lot from students who say they don't have time to read or do research or think deeply about anything because they're too busy working for a paycheck. Is this true? Does your quality of life depend on a few hundred bucks, and is that what's really in the way of thinking yourself to a better future? You may want to have a look at the site and learn about the issue for yourself. You can see where you and your family stand by using the calculator on the site.
Feel free to comment to this post.
november 12
JOURNAL TOPIC: [do this AFTER you write your essay]
How did you do? What affected your writing most-- your original understanding of the essay, the notes you published to your blog, the notes you brought with you today, your pre-write, an idea you suddenly got, your proofreading, or something else?
AGENDA:
1. Decide on seating
2. Essay
ESSAY PROTOCOL:
How did you do? What affected your writing most-- your original understanding of the essay, the notes you published to your blog, the notes you brought with you today, your pre-write, an idea you suddenly got, your proofreading, or something else?
AGENDA:
1. Decide on seating
2. Essay
ESSAY PROTOCOL:
- The only things on your desk: blue or black pen/s, 2-3 sheets of blank lined paper, your one-page notes (if you have them).
- Please remember to write your name and period in the upper right-hand corner of EACH page.
- Please write on one side of each page only.
- Read the prompt carefully.
- Do a pre-write.
- You will have the entire period to write. If you finish before the bell, please raise your hand; once you turn in your essay you may write in your journal. Please consider your colleagues by staying quiet so they can concentrate, and remember that electronic devices are not permitted today.
- Give yourself a few minutes at the end to reflect and proofread.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
tuesday's essay prompt
As of now (Sunday around 1:30 P.M.) 16 comments have been published on the essay prompt post. On one hand, this isn't enough to get me to write and publish the prompt ahead of time. On the other, 16 people have commented, and I really do want to support your success, so here's my offer. I am going to start a rough draft of the prompt below. If you have an idea about what (else) the prompt should include, or how it should be presented to give you the best chance to show what you know, please comment to this post. The more prepared you are, the more organized you can make your notes, and the better you will do on Tuesday.
Here's what I'm thinking so far:
Frederick Douglass was a leader of the abolitionist movement and a contemporary of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Like Emerson, Douglass believed in the power and the will of the individual, as you can see in the following quote:
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
[Here's where you come in. How does this quote align with Emerson's philosophy? What do you think I should ask that will give you the opportunity to show what you've learned from reading "On Self-Reliance"?]
Here's what I'm thinking so far:
Frederick Douglass was a leader of the abolitionist movement and a contemporary of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Like Emerson, Douglass believed in the power and the will of the individual, as you can see in the following quote:
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
[Here's where you come in. How does this quote align with Emerson's philosophy? What do you think I should ask that will give you the opportunity to show what you've learned from reading "On Self-Reliance"?]
Friday, November 8, 2019
how to be self-reliant for tuesday
On Tuesday, November 12, we will have an in-class essay. You will use cutting edge, ancient Egyptian technology (blue or black ink on paper) to write a multi-paragraph response to a prompt.
The prompt itself, as I'm thinking about it today, will likely have something to do with this quote from
In the words of Frederick Douglass (a leader of the abolitionist movement and a contemporary of Emerson):
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
In a well-crafted essay of no fewer than three paragraphs, please explain how this statement reflects the ideas that Emerson wrote about in "On Self-Reliance." How can any of these ideas help you as you navigate life in 2019?
Please remember that you are writing to create value through understanding, so write as if you are teaching your reader something that you consider meaningful. Please structure your essay accordingly, and proofread for mechanics (spelling, grammar, etc.).
You will need at least three ideas and/or quotes from "On Self-Reliance" to help you answer the prompt. During the essay, you will not have access to your electronic devices or your journal. However, if you bring one page of outlined notes, you may keep that page on your desk as a reference while you write.
More on this over the weekend. If at least 30 people comment to this post with their perspectives on what is important about "On Self-Reliance," I will post the prompt on Monday. If 40 people comment, I will post the prompt on Sunday. If 50 people comment, I will post the comment tomorrow (Saturday). If 100 people comment today, I will start writing immediately.
The prompt itself, as I'm thinking about it today, will likely have something to do with this quote from
In the words of Frederick Douglass (a leader of the abolitionist movement and a contemporary of Emerson):
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
In a well-crafted essay of no fewer than three paragraphs, please explain how this statement reflects the ideas that Emerson wrote about in "On Self-Reliance." How can any of these ideas help you as you navigate life in 2019?
Please remember that you are writing to create value through understanding, so write as if you are teaching your reader something that you consider meaningful. Please structure your essay accordingly, and proofread for mechanics (spelling, grammar, etc.).
You will need at least three ideas and/or quotes from "On Self-Reliance" to help you answer the prompt. During the essay, you will not have access to your electronic devices or your journal. However, if you bring one page of outlined notes, you may keep that page on your desk as a reference while you write.
More on this over the weekend. If at least 30 people comment to this post with their perspectives on what is important about "On Self-Reliance," I will post the prompt on Monday. If 40 people comment, I will post the prompt on Sunday. If 50 people comment, I will post the comment tomorrow (Saturday). If 100 people comment today, I will start writing immediately.
november 8
*today the classroom WiFi is fussy, so I’m doing this on my phone — it’s a little less convenient than using a computer, but doable...
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Make your last selection of the week (see November 6).
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Today we flip the script
* At your table, read as far as you can in "On Self-Reliance" (you can even skip sections and go to the concluding paragraphs)
* ID at least three ideas you think are important enough to remember and share with others (like your blog readers)
IN-CLASS POST:
After you identify ideas, and hear what others at your table and around the room think is important, write your notes for the day (title: ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 5)
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Make your last selection of the week (see November 6).
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Today we flip the script
* At your table, read as far as you can in "On Self-Reliance" (you can even skip sections and go to the concluding paragraphs)
* ID at least three ideas you think are important enough to remember and share with others (like your blog readers)
IN-CLASS POST:
After you identify ideas, and hear what others at your table and around the room think is important, write your notes for the day (title: ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 5)
Thursday, November 7, 2019
#150
When I posted the agenda this morning I realized that it was the 149th post on the course blog so far this semester.
So I thought: Why not just make it an even 150?
How many posts do you have on your blog? How many page views? Followers? Check on your dashboard (Stats) and see how your blog is doing. Imagine how you'd like it to look by the end of the semester. Does it need some fresh design? Content? Do you want to share it with friends in the class or family at home? What would it take for you to be really proud of your accomplishment as the holiday break gets closer?
So I thought: Why not just make it an even 150?
How many posts do you have on your blog? How many page views? Followers? Check on your dashboard (Stats) and see how your blog is doing. Imagine how you'd like it to look by the end of the semester. Does it need some fresh design? Content? Do you want to share it with friends in the class or family at home? What would it take for you to be really proud of your accomplishment as the holiday break gets closer?
november 7
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "My Way" by Frank Sinatra]
(Do the journal your way. Choose from the options presented yesterday, November 6)
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Continue reading and posting notes for "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST:
Please post your notes as we continue to read and discuss Emerson's essay. Be sure to write down his main points as you understand them, and include your perspectives and opinions along the way. (title: "ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 4")
ONE MORE THING:
The real benefit of reading Emerson is the impact thinking like this can have on our daily lives. It's a dense read with lots of vocabulary and references, but the ideas are powerful, so the question is this: Does anything Emerson says inspire you to think and/or act differently? Please explain this in today's notes post. If you haven't found any of Emerson's ideas valuable in this way, explain where you think he falls short-- what is he missing and what would you argue instead?
(Do the journal your way. Choose from the options presented yesterday, November 6)
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Continue reading and posting notes for "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST:
Please post your notes as we continue to read and discuss Emerson's essay. Be sure to write down his main points as you understand them, and include your perspectives and opinions along the way. (title: "ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 4")
ONE MORE THING:
The real benefit of reading Emerson is the impact thinking like this can have on our daily lives. It's a dense read with lots of vocabulary and references, but the ideas are powerful, so the question is this: Does anything Emerson says inspire you to think and/or act differently? Please explain this in today's notes post. If you haven't found any of Emerson's ideas valuable in this way, explain where you think he falls short-- what is he missing and what would you argue instead?
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
november 6
JOURNAL TOPICS:
(Emerson would want you to exercise your genius and pick any three of these to work on between now and Friday. Emerson was a smart guy, so I'm in. Please choose any three of the following prompts to write about between now and Friday. Please copy the title (in parentheses above the prompt) to the top of your journal entry -- that way you don't have to copy the question in order for me to know what you're talking about. ;)
(In Reflection)
Describe one important idea you've gotten so far from Emerson's "On Self-Reliance." How is it relevant or helpful to think about this idea in 2019?
(In Quotation Marks)
"Do not think the youth has no force..." Find this quote in Emerson's essay and explain why you think he says this. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
(In the Moment of Truth)
You thought you wanted to do this, but now you're not sure. The small plane doesn't feel like anything you've ever experienced. There is just a thin sheet of metal between your feet... and nothing. Just thousands of feet of empty space to the Earth below. You stand up as the experienced skydiver next to you yells, "You're next!" Every bump makes your knees weak. Your stomach feels like it wants to live in your throat. You're numb, but you move toward the open door. Suddenly the wind whips at your hand and this is all suddenly too real.
What do you do next? Will you sit back down or will you take the leap? Describe your actions in detail.
(In the Conversation)
When is it best to speak up and be honest even though you know it's going to piss someone off? When is it best to "go along to get along"? Do you think Emerson would ever recommend following the herd to fit in, even when it goes against your best self or your truest instincts? Why/why not? Explain your answer.
AGENDA:
1. Journal plan
2. Continue reading and posting notes for "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST:
Please post your notes as we continue to read and discuss Emerson's essay. Be sure to write down his main points as you understand them, and include your perspectives and opinions along the way. (title: "ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 3")
(Emerson would want you to exercise your genius and pick any three of these to work on between now and Friday. Emerson was a smart guy, so I'm in. Please choose any three of the following prompts to write about between now and Friday. Please copy the title (in parentheses above the prompt) to the top of your journal entry -- that way you don't have to copy the question in order for me to know what you're talking about. ;)
(In Reflection)
Describe one important idea you've gotten so far from Emerson's "On Self-Reliance." How is it relevant or helpful to think about this idea in 2019?
(In Quotation Marks)
"Do not think the youth has no force..." Find this quote in Emerson's essay and explain why you think he says this. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
(In the Moment of Truth)
You thought you wanted to do this, but now you're not sure. The small plane doesn't feel like anything you've ever experienced. There is just a thin sheet of metal between your feet... and nothing. Just thousands of feet of empty space to the Earth below. You stand up as the experienced skydiver next to you yells, "You're next!" Every bump makes your knees weak. Your stomach feels like it wants to live in your throat. You're numb, but you move toward the open door. Suddenly the wind whips at your hand and this is all suddenly too real.
What do you do next? Will you sit back down or will you take the leap? Describe your actions in detail.
(In the Conversation)
When is it best to speak up and be honest even though you know it's going to piss someone off? When is it best to "go along to get along"? Do you think Emerson would ever recommend following the herd to fit in, even when it goes against your best self or your truest instincts? Why/why not? Explain your answer.
AGENDA:
1. Journal plan
2. Continue reading and posting notes for "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST:
Please post your notes as we continue to read and discuss Emerson's essay. Be sure to write down his main points as you understand them, and include your perspectives and opinions along the way. (title: "ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 3")
emerson updated
Hey everyone, Jose Rodas and I just decided to update Emerson's essay. Emerson wrote "On Self-Reliance" in 1841, and, just like any 178 year-old, it's showing its age. For example, Emerson uses "men" a lot but doesn't include women. He says "thyself" when we'd say "yourself." And some of his sentences ramble on and need some explanation so that today's readers can understand his ideas-- which are just as powerful for us in today's world as they were 20 years before the Civil War.
When Jose and I finish we are going to publish the updated work on medium.com. Since I will list myself as a co-author, this project will not suck (at least not any more than my motivation and writing skills will allow). It will also be finished and published by the time we leave for Thanksgiving break. That way, anyone who collaborates with us and is listed as a co-author can show their families and brag before they pass out from eating too much.
Which brings me to this invitation: if you would like to work on this project with Jose and I, please comment to this post, see me in class, or send me an email so I can share the document with you.
Onward.
When Jose and I finish we are going to publish the updated work on medium.com. Since I will list myself as a co-author, this project will not suck (at least not any more than my motivation and writing skills will allow). It will also be finished and published by the time we leave for Thanksgiving break. That way, anyone who collaborates with us and is listed as a co-author can show their families and brag before they pass out from eating too much.
Which brings me to this invitation: if you would like to work on this project with Jose and I, please comment to this post, see me in class, or send me an email so I can share the document with you.
Onward.
november 5
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Don't Sweat the Technique" by Eric B. & Rakim]
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Treat men great and they will prove themselves great." Was he right? Explain why you agree or disagree.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Continue "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST: Please post your notes as we continue to read and discuss Emerson's essay. Be sure to write down his main points as you understand them, and include your perspectives and opinions along the way. (title: "ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 2")
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Treat men great and they will prove themselves great." Was he right? Explain why you agree or disagree.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Continue "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST: Please post your notes as we continue to read and discuss Emerson's essay. Be sure to write down his main points as you understand them, and include your perspectives and opinions along the way. (title: "ON SELF-RELIANCE PART 2")
Monday, November 4, 2019
november 4
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” What does this mean to you? How can you do this in a world that seems to pressure you in so many ways to be something else?
AGENDA:
1. Journal/ turn in the vocabulary words you brought with you (!)
2. Big Picture: our calendar/priorities for the rest of the semester
3. Begin reading "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST: First impression of "On Self-Reliance"(title: FIRST IMPRESSION: ON SELF-RELIANCE)
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” What does this mean to you? How can you do this in a world that seems to pressure you in so many ways to be something else?
AGENDA:
1. Journal/ turn in the vocabulary words you brought with you (!)
2. Big Picture: our calendar/priorities for the rest of the semester
3. Begin reading "On Self-Reliance"
IN-CLASS POST: First impression of "On Self-Reliance"(title: FIRST IMPRESSION: ON SELF-RELIANCE)
Friday, November 1, 2019
november 1
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What was it about yesterday's in-class story that got your attention?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Wrap up progress reporting period
HW:
1. Start organizing your portfolio by putting your résumé and references in a folder. Next Wednesday we will talk about cover letters and letters of recommendation.
2. Choose 10 vocabulary terms that you think should be on the semester final exam. Write your list on paper and bring it to class on Monday.
What was it about yesterday's in-class story that got your attention?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Wrap up progress reporting period
HW:
1. Start organizing your portfolio by putting your résumé and references in a folder. Next Wednesday we will talk about cover letters and letters of recommendation.
2. Choose 10 vocabulary terms that you think should be on the semester final exam. Write your list on paper and bring it to class on Monday.
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