Before I say anything or get started on business I wanted to give a shout out to everyone in my class and tell them them to pat themselves on the back because this blog is the last blog for the 1st semester! Whoo Hoo!! Which is a huge relieve and accomplishment for us all so give each other kudos for making it this far and keeping up the excellent work. I also wanted to thank everyone who helped me along the way and gave me guidance either on here on the blog or in class. You all have been such a great help to me and I appreciate each and everyone one of you for giving your time to help me and give me advise. I feel humbled to have such great help and such kind and loyal friends. I hope everything turns out the way you want on exams (it will so don't even worry!) and that all of your holidays are safe and filled with joy and family.
So far this year I am surprised on how many books I have read, some were more fun than others, but all were good books and I'm glad I took time to read them. Out of all the books I have read this year, to order them in easiest to hardest is more difficult than I though, but here it is.
At the bottom for the easiest I would have to place the over eleven short stories we read (including free reads). I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of these short stories. I think they all shaped me as the reader I have become so far, by enhansing my attention to detail, critiquing, and ability to decipher hidden themes or hints. Next up I would have to put "Nation." To be honest, I didn't really enjoy reading Nation (especially over the summer,) but I think it prepared me for the year to come and gave me a taste of the criteria in English 1. Then I would have to put my summer free read "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" I absolutely loved this book! Needless to say the only reason I read it was because I was running out of time and my mom made me, but I'm so glad I did. I though it was going to be really "girly" and stupid. but I was wrong. It was filled with dozens of high intensity moments, with some war scenes and fights, but mostly heart pounding suspense. This was one of those books that makes your heart beat fast so that you never want to put it down. Next I would have to put LOFT (even though were not finished.) Then I am going to put my three and a half free read books that I've managed to finish throughout the first semester. I say three and a half because the fourth one is still in progress of being completed. These seres of books mean a lot to me because in a way I can connect to them throughout everyday life and my interest in history. They aren't the easiest to read, nor are they the shortest books out there, but I love them and think they are the books that have truly shaped me as a reader from the beginning. Finally, at the tippy top of the list, in the most difficult spot is no other than..... The "beloved" "In Defense of Food!" (which I know was everyones favorite book this year.) Needless to say, in shocking disbelief, "In Defense of Food" was not only the toughest book to read, but it was my least favorite of the bunch. Part of me, as a reader, needs to have some sort of connection to each book I read in order to feel a connection and grasp the overall picture and theme. Sadly, I did not feel this connection to IDOF in any way, shape, or form. I really don't like telling people (especially my english teacher) that I just flat out didn't like a book, but I just flat out, didn't like this book.
Now to respond to this:
This year I think I've learned a lot about my self. I think I have found out a lot of my strengths and weaknesses. One thing that I have learned is that I'm actually not awful at English. I think this year was kind of my savior year, considering that it saved me as an english student from falling down the beaten path of people who just flat out don't like english. But I am not proud to say that I have a new perspective on English and I think I will no longer be another student who hangs their head and sighs "Ugh... i have english next.." Even though I have these days for every class, it will not be just another reoccurring, day to day thing like it was in the past. I am also proud to say that I have found very little weaknesses in the criteria we have learned so far this year. I think that I don't understand a lot of big projects like the Literary Analysis or Literacy Narrative until, about half way, or three quarters way into the project when suddenly everything clicks for me. So since I got all of that out of the way, I think its time to set some goals.
Now my new number one goal for the rest of this semester and all of next is to improve my scores on Worldy Wise. I know this sounds like a small goal to some but to me this is a very important one. I will admit that I need a LOT of work on my Wordly Wise. The reason being is that I think that I push it off too much and that is what hurts me. I am always so busy with other things that I'm not studying my words as much as I should and my grade on the quizzes and now the class shows it. As a matter of fact I need to start studying for that right now since I have ONCE AGAIN pushed them off until the night before, which brings me to my next goal, which is (how ironic) Time Management. Time management is a very weak suit of mine which definitely is a first priority goal in ALL of my classes this year. It is something that I believe has restrained me this year and has not allowed me to live up to my full potential this year, therefore in turn effecting many of my grades. Finally, to end the last, LONGEST blog of the year 2012 two small goals which are number one: Finish my free read book, and number 2: find a nice room somewhere filled with food, water, a comfy bed, and a 75' flatscreen LCD Tv with an Xbox, so I can lock my self in and sleep for hours to make up for all sleep lost during the long, yet very quick first semester.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Reading Focus
My reading focus for "Lord of The Flies" is Physical Setting. Now I was happy with this selection due to the amounts of different environments and habitats on the island, but so far the different elements have become very repetitive. At the beginning of the book there is an established theme of the color green. Except it was not only used to describe the typical grass and leaves but it was used in many other different, sometimes strange ways: "Ralph hauled himself onto this platform, noted the coolness and shade, shut one eye, and decided that the shadows on his body were really green." and also another usage on that same page where Piggy stared at Ralph's green and white body. Which drew questions into my mind, many of them commonly followed the theme of "why?" This is just the first of many little hints of color importance and repetition that are in the story. Also before this there was mentioning of somethings green feathers a hundred feet into the air, which I also found strange. Everything seems very strange to me as to why this exact color, and I am still trying to find connections in the story that might revel the reasoning for this. The next "Big Thing" that I have been focusing on the the mountain of pink granite. At numerous points in the text the color pink has been stressed as important color and significant factor in the setting. The first hints of pink come with talk about the conch and the mountain: "Some act of god-a typhoon perhaps, or the storm that accompanied his own arrival-had banked sand inside the lagoon so that there was a long, deep pool in the beach with a high ledge of pink granite at the further end." The common reoccurrence of pink once again leaves questions of why? And the purpose of each, but we can detour one of the meanings when it is described as the conch fading and becoming white. Later relating it to some symbolistic themes. Finally, Ive still been looking for that big important factor of setting to come around, but I still have been focusing on new occurring colors like blue and white, as well as the differences between the two camp sites; focusing on the conditions, security, and overall environment of the two.
Finally, a quick reading response and analysis for LOTF. To be quite frank with everyone I am thoroughly surprised that these children have survived as long as they have with out dying, starving to death, killing each other, or falling off the mountain. I am actually VERY surprised and commend them on their luck! As you all know (if your still awake after reading that LONG passage above) my reading focus is Physical Setting. So far (as you all know) I've found some pretty cool connections from the text. Now I thought I would debunk some of them that also relate to different aspects of literary elements. The first one I though was cool was the fading of the conch. As we all know the BIG colors are green, pink, and recently now some new ones are white and blue. Also the conch contains a few of these colors. Which is a cool coincidence, but what I found really cool was just as the beginnings of destruction and seperation in the tribe happened the conch faded and lost all of its color. Which, what I think, is the author giving us little fun things to find and connect everything to, keeping our minds sharp and locked onto the text. As you all know (once again... I should really stop starting a sentence with that) Simon was murdered and is now dead at the hands of... well.. a lot of people. Therefore leaving our "pathway" to communication with the devil/Lord of The Flies gone. Supposedly we are in for more surprises and excitement ahead, so get ready because the end of the book is coming very fast and when it gets here I think something BIG is join to happen. (Thats not a hint to whats going to happen at the end of the book, I have no clue I swear so don't think that the ending is really controversial because I have read the book before or something. I honestly don't know.)
Reading Times:
10/3-45 min 10/4-45 min 10/6-30min
Finally, a quick reading response and analysis for LOTF. To be quite frank with everyone I am thoroughly surprised that these children have survived as long as they have with out dying, starving to death, killing each other, or falling off the mountain. I am actually VERY surprised and commend them on their luck! As you all know (if your still awake after reading that LONG passage above) my reading focus is Physical Setting. So far (as you all know) I've found some pretty cool connections from the text. Now I thought I would debunk some of them that also relate to different aspects of literary elements. The first one I though was cool was the fading of the conch. As we all know the BIG colors are green, pink, and recently now some new ones are white and blue. Also the conch contains a few of these colors. Which is a cool coincidence, but what I found really cool was just as the beginnings of destruction and seperation in the tribe happened the conch faded and lost all of its color. Which, what I think, is the author giving us little fun things to find and connect everything to, keeping our minds sharp and locked onto the text. As you all know (once again... I should really stop starting a sentence with that) Simon was murdered and is now dead at the hands of... well.. a lot of people. Therefore leaving our "pathway" to communication with the devil/Lord of The Flies gone. Supposedly we are in for more surprises and excitement ahead, so get ready because the end of the book is coming very fast and when it gets here I think something BIG is join to happen. (Thats not a hint to whats going to happen at the end of the book, I have no clue I swear so don't think that the ending is really controversial because I have read the book before or something. I honestly don't know.)
Reading Times:
10/3-45 min 10/4-45 min 10/6-30min
Monday, December 3, 2012
Reading Times + Literary Analysis
11/27-15 min 11/28- 50 min 11/29 11/30-45 min 11/31- 45 minutes and 5 pages of my Literary Analysis.
Monday, November 26, 2012
"Lord of The Nightmares"
The past week I spread out my reading between LOTF and my free read "Grey Wolfs." I read around 100 minutes of LOTF throughout the week everyday, and set time aside to read 50 to 55 minutes of "Grey Wolfs" on Wednesday.
Now on to LOTF and my title explanation. First, before I embark on the past readings I had to ask about mapping out our reading like Dr.D was talking about in her post. I'm a little confused on that, but I think I'm doing the right thing. I don'd know any insight to let me know if I'm doing to right thing would be greatly appreciated. So back to the story. In LOTF I continue to notice a pattern of dysfunction, a fight for dominance, and ALOT of disagreements. To be honest I have begun to become very frustrated with the decision making and points of main focus within the "tribe."The fact that they put survival issues aside to discuss nightmares about beast then change their original thoughts and change the beast into a squid that comes out of the water, the change it yet another time to a ghost. All in that same time banning the usage of fire and putting aside shelter and food. Now they did discuss these things, but in real time no more that five minutes because before you knew it they were back talking about their childish nightmares. Which is why I named the title "Lord of The Nightmares"
If any one else agrees with me (and I hope some do so I don't sound ludicrous) let me know so we can discuss this whole situation.
Now on to LOTF and my title explanation. First, before I embark on the past readings I had to ask about mapping out our reading like Dr.D was talking about in her post. I'm a little confused on that, but I think I'm doing the right thing. I don'd know any insight to let me know if I'm doing to right thing would be greatly appreciated. So back to the story. In LOTF I continue to notice a pattern of dysfunction, a fight for dominance, and ALOT of disagreements. To be honest I have begun to become very frustrated with the decision making and points of main focus within the "tribe."The fact that they put survival issues aside to discuss nightmares about beast then change their original thoughts and change the beast into a squid that comes out of the water, the change it yet another time to a ghost. All in that same time banning the usage of fire and putting aside shelter and food. Now they did discuss these things, but in real time no more that five minutes because before you knew it they were back talking about their childish nightmares. Which is why I named the title "Lord of The Nightmares"
If any one else agrees with me (and I hope some do so I don't sound ludicrous) let me know so we can discuss this whole situation.
So Far...
This was a very good question to ask us, since I was most likely going to go to Dr.D anyway to clear up a few questions. So far this year I have felt very in-tune with everything from literary elements to short stories. Basically, I feel I'm at a point where I have a fairly strong grasp on all of the concepts this year. But I am a little in the dark, or shaken up about our fast approaching Literary Analysis.
As we continue to discuss it in class I begin to get a better understanding of whats going on, but there is still some uncertainty I have about it. I know exactly how I'm going to set it up, but I just want to assure that I know what to do after I collect all of my evidence.
Any help from any one to either correct me or tell me I'm on the right track would be greatly appreciated. Just to get it out and correct me if I'm wrong, but in this essay are we basically suppose to breakdown the reading and talk about whats going on/happening, or what else should we do. I know that what we do we must use quotes to support it and then analyze the quote to a deeper extent. So any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Again!
As we continue to discuss it in class I begin to get a better understanding of whats going on, but there is still some uncertainty I have about it. I know exactly how I'm going to set it up, but I just want to assure that I know what to do after I collect all of my evidence.
Any help from any one to either correct me or tell me I'm on the right track would be greatly appreciated. Just to get it out and correct me if I'm wrong, but in this essay are we basically suppose to breakdown the reading and talk about whats going on/happening, or what else should we do. I know that what we do we must use quotes to support it and then analyze the quote to a deeper extent. So any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Again!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Surviving the Jungle of English
Well, regretfully I was sick the past week and sadly missed out on the class activity. So to compensate, I have crafted up this nifty title as a replacement to my blog. Enjoy!
No just joking a snazzy title will not account for my entire blog. Based on what Ive heard about my classes performance, and my knowledge from past experiences. I assume the whole process went well.... Also to add this will happily be my only blog for me tonight considering I chose to do the home work sheet instead. Now back to the story. Based on my past knowledge in these such group activities there was probably a lot of yelling, screaming, fighting, chanting "kill this person last eat this one first" and so on. See, I am a very outdoorsey type person. I go camping a lot and start fires with out matches ( that is if I don't get to infuriated and just go to the car and get a lighter,) you know intermediate stuff. So the first thing on my mind would be food, shelter, water. But that was not the basis of this activity so we probably would have chosen a leader. Then, we would assign jobs for each member to do, for example finding water, a place to sleep, food, wood for fire, etc. But like most group activities something would have gone wrong. An argument most likely, and I personally don't like arguments because I have to step up and tell everyone what to do and I don't ilk to do that at all. Because once you do that everyone turns against you, and then theres those people who take it too seriously and take it out of he class room. Then there are the people who take it so seriously that they post mean things on your FB wall. THEN there the people who take it SOOO seriously that they hold it with them for the rest of their lives and end up working at an Arby's, when one day I decide to go to Arby's and when the see me they throw my Texas Steak house Burger in my face and scream random chants until the police arrive and cart them off in a straight jacket. So you see why I don't like being bossy. Now sometimes I have to to get the order flowing or Ill just help lead everyone. Otherwise Im sorry I missed it and can't wait to continue on in this story.
No just joking a snazzy title will not account for my entire blog. Based on what Ive heard about my classes performance, and my knowledge from past experiences. I assume the whole process went well.... Also to add this will happily be my only blog for me tonight considering I chose to do the home work sheet instead. Now back to the story. Based on my past knowledge in these such group activities there was probably a lot of yelling, screaming, fighting, chanting "kill this person last eat this one first" and so on. See, I am a very outdoorsey type person. I go camping a lot and start fires with out matches ( that is if I don't get to infuriated and just go to the car and get a lighter,) you know intermediate stuff. So the first thing on my mind would be food, shelter, water. But that was not the basis of this activity so we probably would have chosen a leader. Then, we would assign jobs for each member to do, for example finding water, a place to sleep, food, wood for fire, etc. But like most group activities something would have gone wrong. An argument most likely, and I personally don't like arguments because I have to step up and tell everyone what to do and I don't ilk to do that at all. Because once you do that everyone turns against you, and then theres those people who take it too seriously and take it out of he class room. Then there are the people who take it so seriously that they post mean things on your FB wall. THEN there the people who take it SOOO seriously that they hold it with them for the rest of their lives and end up working at an Arby's, when one day I decide to go to Arby's and when the see me they throw my Texas Steak house Burger in my face and scream random chants until the police arrive and cart them off in a straight jacket. So you see why I don't like being bossy. Now sometimes I have to to get the order flowing or Ill just help lead everyone. Otherwise Im sorry I missed it and can't wait to continue on in this story.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Free Post
Well, well, well, what do we have here? A free post I assume.. A free post in which I know not to talk about, well basically I have no idea of what to put right now. Might as well start of with current issues "On todays 8:45 news the presidential election is coming soon and I will not embark on that topic any more for I could make some children cry based on my knowledge of current politics. Next up, School: Are kids really still forced to go there?!? Really?! Well thats just a shame then.. On the lighter side of the news the 3rd annual Baton Rouge-Aslan music festival is this Wednesday, for those of you who are unaware the Baton Rouge-Aslan music festival is where the fawns and half horse people.. venture from their home land of Aslan, through the Narnia portal to our great town of Baton Rouge to embellish us in their musical ways. Thats all for tonight, and from all of us at channel 34156931863 I'm child who has stayed up past his bed time and good night."
Reading Response
Hey what can I say nothing to complain about in my current free read book. So far so good nothings really changed since my last post all things are good in my book. I must say though that I am expecting rather a really high point or a very low point in the book coming up. Needless to say I think I need another high point to embellish on with you all (my 3-4 blog readers/followers) (lol.) I do in a way feel that this will not happen though due to that fact my book has been at a neutral point of not bad but just overall good and that its due for a rock off that teeter totter that is the Freytag's pyramid. I hope I spelled that right, but back to the story. Like I said alls well that ends well I guess. Nothing really more to say, now I just need to think up something to talk about in my free post. Wish me luck and see you ned blog!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Short Stories
The three short stories I have read for free choice reading are, "The Return" By: Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, "The Catbird Seat" By: James Thurber, and "The Sniper" By: Liam O'Flaherty. Now out of all these stories, none of them really "spoke to me"or even registered in my brain except "The Sniper."
The reason Ive chosen The Sniper as "the one" is because of its extreme attention to detail. Now, Im a stickler for detail, and no matter how many times I revise a paper, I always try to add more and more detail each time. The extreme detail in this story really painted a picture in my head, which is also a vital thing I must be able to grasp from a story in order to connect. The author used sentences like "the pitter patter of the machine gun bullets across the ground scattered it various directions, just barely missing me..." and my most favorite "as I duck to cover, I mercilessly turn over the body to reveal it's identity. As I glance to see my victims face, I find myself staring into the eyes of my brother....."
If you just read those previous paraphrases you now see what I mean about the vivid detail. The great detail also helps the story build plot structure and density making it a very import factor to include in all stories. So that was my story I plan to use in my analysis coming soon. I will continue to write and edit my future analysis during our time in reading "Lord of the Flies."
The reason Ive chosen The Sniper as "the one" is because of its extreme attention to detail. Now, Im a stickler for detail, and no matter how many times I revise a paper, I always try to add more and more detail each time. The extreme detail in this story really painted a picture in my head, which is also a vital thing I must be able to grasp from a story in order to connect. The author used sentences like "the pitter patter of the machine gun bullets across the ground scattered it various directions, just barely missing me..." and my most favorite "as I duck to cover, I mercilessly turn over the body to reveal it's identity. As I glance to see my victims face, I find myself staring into the eyes of my brother....."
If you just read those previous paraphrases you now see what I mean about the vivid detail. The great detail also helps the story build plot structure and density making it a very import factor to include in all stories. So that was my story I plan to use in my analysis coming soon. I will continue to write and edit my future analysis during our time in reading "Lord of the Flies."
Monday, October 22, 2012
Reading Response
10/18-read 30 min 10/19- read 125 min
Ok so Im back again with a late Monday night blog. Like Ive said before, yes I know its Monday and this blog was for last week, but again I'm so busy that I never find the time so I guess Monday will be the official blog day.
As you can see my reading times are not very spread out ( again, never find the time,) and I know some of you will again say, " Look at that! He's so faking no one reads THAT much in one day!" Well someone does read that much in a day, and that someone is me.
If you read my past blog you will see my very radical claims and wording, but you will also see my very... one would say... hyper, energetic, enthusiastic response to my reading. I did read the short story of my choice, But no one wants to hear about that. What the want to hear about ( or at least what I am going to tell them ) is how my book is doing after that rapid climax. Well it has been good, but its starting to decline from that very high intensity moment back to the boring " side chat " ( other useless talk bout eating and characters in which you already know.) So, I will be continuing ti read more and try to spread it out but chances are when I pick it up Ill never be able to put it down. Cant wait till the next blog!
Ok so Im back again with a late Monday night blog. Like Ive said before, yes I know its Monday and this blog was for last week, but again I'm so busy that I never find the time so I guess Monday will be the official blog day.
As you can see my reading times are not very spread out ( again, never find the time,) and I know some of you will again say, " Look at that! He's so faking no one reads THAT much in one day!" Well someone does read that much in a day, and that someone is me.
If you read my past blog you will see my very radical claims and wording, but you will also see my very... one would say... hyper, energetic, enthusiastic response to my reading. I did read the short story of my choice, But no one wants to hear about that. What the want to hear about ( or at least what I am going to tell them ) is how my book is doing after that rapid climax. Well it has been good, but its starting to decline from that very high intensity moment back to the boring " side chat " ( other useless talk bout eating and characters in which you already know.) So, I will be continuing ti read more and try to spread it out but chances are when I pick it up Ill never be able to put it down. Cant wait till the next blog!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Reading Response
10/8 read 30 min 10/9 read 30 min 10/10 read 90 min
Last weeks reading was composed by more demented short stories and an intense reading session.
Not all of the blogs last week were extremely weird some were WAY better than previous ones, but all in all they were very good and enjoyable. During this time we were learning about all of the different literary elements in writing, so we all used this to our advantage and annotated for each individual element. This I think was a very good way for us to get to know each one better, and understand how each of them work.
OK OK OK big NEWS EVERYONE. My reading the last week was PHENOMENAL! All of those dull, mopey blogs before whining about " how I'm so lost in the story" and " oh woe is me I hope it gets better soon" days are OVER the plot just thicken to where it has exploded every where and formed words on paper. The book was so realistic, the pictures were so clear that at one point during a high intensity moment I was literarily holding my breath, and breathing heavy, my heart pumping faster than pistons on a motor of a formula 1 car. It was truly spectacular. As you can see I read 90 minutes on the tenth. Now I know what most of you are thinking " Oh he jus ran out of days to evenly spread out his time so thats why he just crammed it all into one day" or "That looks mighty fishy," but its not I was so hooked into the story I literarily could not put the book down. Well since I've poured my reading experience out to you all it has come time for me to end my blog and continue on to studies and homework. Wish me luck!
Literary Elements
So far this year you will come to learn that I love to start paragraphs with the phrase " So Far..."
No Im just kidding, even though that is a true fact what I meant to say was...
So far this year we have learned about the literary elements P.O.V, setting, theme, and many others!
For some reason that sounded like a cheap infomercial towards the end, lol. Im not sure why Im so RADICAL in this blog. Its probably because I just drank a coke to stay awake in preparation for my long night of blogs, homework, and studying. All of them a glorious result of my absolutely,utterly, pitiful time management.
I have to make this short because I have a TON of homework to do and I can't miss the "Jerry Springer" reruns at 10:30. Oh my gosh why am I bouncing off the walls. I apologize to whomever is reading this utter shipwreck that is this my blog, which should be aimed toward literary elements. So without further of due my blog.....
Since Ive already mentioned some of the literary elements in my cheap infomercial above let me tell you about the story I thing most exercised the literary element of P.O.V.
"To Build A Fire" I believe executed P.O.V very well. I personally love the constant change of perspective, forcefully pulling you to a different perspective. This technique gave a slow story a very fast, upbeat plot. It really forced you to pay attention to all of the transitions because on sentence is "The man is a new comer, a chippewe" Then all of a sudden you are at "The dog slowly approached the man..." P.O.V changes like that really make a read slow down, reflect, and digest what you just read, because like the great Edmund Burke said, " To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting."
No Im just kidding, even though that is a true fact what I meant to say was...
So far this year we have learned about the literary elements P.O.V, setting, theme, and many others!
For some reason that sounded like a cheap infomercial towards the end, lol. Im not sure why Im so RADICAL in this blog. Its probably because I just drank a coke to stay awake in preparation for my long night of blogs, homework, and studying. All of them a glorious result of my absolutely,utterly, pitiful time management.
I have to make this short because I have a TON of homework to do and I can't miss the "Jerry Springer" reruns at 10:30. Oh my gosh why am I bouncing off the walls. I apologize to whomever is reading this utter shipwreck that is this my blog, which should be aimed toward literary elements. So without further of due my blog.....
Since Ive already mentioned some of the literary elements in my cheap infomercial above let me tell you about the story I thing most exercised the literary element of P.O.V.
"To Build A Fire" I believe executed P.O.V very well. I personally love the constant change of perspective, forcefully pulling you to a different perspective. This technique gave a slow story a very fast, upbeat plot. It really forced you to pay attention to all of the transitions because on sentence is "The man is a new comer, a chippewe" Then all of a sudden you are at "The dog slowly approached the man..." P.O.V changes like that really make a read slow down, reflect, and digest what you just read, because like the great Edmund Burke said, " To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting."
Class Evaluation
General Procedures: Overall I do believe that I am a OK student when it comes to class. I mean nobody is perfect right? Im not saying that I'm a bad student, just not the "shining star." Like Ive mentioned time and time and time again, English is not my best subject. So far Ive been very surprised with my success in the class and am surprised at how well Ive been doing. I always have the materials needed for class, and even if its half way rushed and messy, the homework. I always try to voice my opinion in class (if my opinion is appropriate and not irrelevant.) I am not so good with the whole "not packing up early" rule, but I'm sure I will improve in that aspect.
Lecture, Announcements, Whole Class Discussion: I thing the method of note portrayal and lecture is working very well. I fully understand every thing that is being taught to me and the methods that they are being taught are very helpful. Like I previously said, I always try to state my opinion when it is my turn and as long as I can classify it as (somewhat) relevant to the conversation. I never use my computer in my class unless we are assigned some work that can be completed using the computer, so no illegal usage there. I always try to keep my personal talking down to a bear minimum. Now, we all have those days where there is something on your mind that you just have to get off and sometimes that means discussing it with your partner. When ever I do talk with my partner it is usually kept to a short, crisp few sentence exchangements, that are based on a topic discussed or being discussed in class.
Individual and Group Work: Anytime there is individual work assigned I always try to stay on course and not stray too far from not being concentrated. When theres group work on the other hand, then it gets more dicey. Some factors include; Who is in your group. What topic are you discussing. How much time you have. And most importantly. What time of day it is. All of these things effect how well you and your group perform. Some times you need that one person to step in and get the group back on track but other than that it usually goes smoothly.
Growth: Like I've said before I think Ive grown a lot his year in English, but there are still things I very much need to improve on. On of the things is time management. As you can see it is around 9:06 at night and Im just now finishing this blog to go on and do two more blogs, followed by test corrections in World History, and studying for the Worldy Wise quiz that we have bright and early tomorrow. So wish me luck on to the next blog.
Lecture, Announcements, Whole Class Discussion: I thing the method of note portrayal and lecture is working very well. I fully understand every thing that is being taught to me and the methods that they are being taught are very helpful. Like I previously said, I always try to state my opinion when it is my turn and as long as I can classify it as (somewhat) relevant to the conversation. I never use my computer in my class unless we are assigned some work that can be completed using the computer, so no illegal usage there. I always try to keep my personal talking down to a bear minimum. Now, we all have those days where there is something on your mind that you just have to get off and sometimes that means discussing it with your partner. When ever I do talk with my partner it is usually kept to a short, crisp few sentence exchangements, that are based on a topic discussed or being discussed in class.
Individual and Group Work: Anytime there is individual work assigned I always try to stay on course and not stray too far from not being concentrated. When theres group work on the other hand, then it gets more dicey. Some factors include; Who is in your group. What topic are you discussing. How much time you have. And most importantly. What time of day it is. All of these things effect how well you and your group perform. Some times you need that one person to step in and get the group back on track but other than that it usually goes smoothly.
Growth: Like I've said before I think Ive grown a lot his year in English, but there are still things I very much need to improve on. On of the things is time management. As you can see it is around 9:06 at night and Im just now finishing this blog to go on and do two more blogs, followed by test corrections in World History, and studying for the Worldy Wise quiz that we have bright and early tomorrow. So wish me luck on to the next blog.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Reading Log
10/4-read 25 10/1-read 30 10/2-read 30 10/5- read 65
The past week I read around three short stories I believe. I absolutely love short stories. As you who read my literacy narrative know, short stories are what saved my career in english. I love stewing goals to try to digest and understand every event that happened in the story on the first time I read it. Most of the time this is not the case, but my favorite part is reading all of these weird stories and trying to figure out what on earth compiled these authors to write about these things. Most of the ones were not too strange in context, but the story about the man in the super market gave me that perception of, what on earth compelled this man to do this? I mean really? Who wakes up one day and says "Today, I think I'm going to write a start story about a man who works at grocery store, staring at chicks all day, gossiping to himself about others, and quitting every other day, then put it up to be published." I mean, is is me or does something about that? What ever the case this man must have weird ideas and dreams be cause this is a very extraneous story.
As for my personal reading book. I feel like I've drifted away from this story like a man sailing away on a boat. Its not that I don't enjoy this story, its just that i find a storage of time to read. Trying to balance, vocab in all subjects, test, quizzes, homework, essays, sports, studying, food, and sleep while trying to find some down time to read and relax is any thing but difficult. I always try to turn things in early, because thats just how I was brought up, but lately I've felt backed against the wall with blogs. As you can see its 20 till 9'oclock and I'm just now posting a blog we've been given a whole week to do. Like i said I can be hard some times and reading before bed as been next to impossible for me. For example, its nine o'clock and after this blog I have more home work to complete and I also have to study for the 6 test I have this week. And for those of you who think I'm exaggerating heres my test schedule for this week.
Mon-No test Tues-No test Wed-Spanish chap test, Math chap test Thurs-Social studies chap test, Health chap test Fri-Science chap test, English test.
What a week I know. Well thats all for this blog, on to more homework and studying.
The past week I read around three short stories I believe. I absolutely love short stories. As you who read my literacy narrative know, short stories are what saved my career in english. I love stewing goals to try to digest and understand every event that happened in the story on the first time I read it. Most of the time this is not the case, but my favorite part is reading all of these weird stories and trying to figure out what on earth compiled these authors to write about these things. Most of the ones were not too strange in context, but the story about the man in the super market gave me that perception of, what on earth compelled this man to do this? I mean really? Who wakes up one day and says "Today, I think I'm going to write a start story about a man who works at grocery store, staring at chicks all day, gossiping to himself about others, and quitting every other day, then put it up to be published." I mean, is is me or does something about that? What ever the case this man must have weird ideas and dreams be cause this is a very extraneous story.
As for my personal reading book. I feel like I've drifted away from this story like a man sailing away on a boat. Its not that I don't enjoy this story, its just that i find a storage of time to read. Trying to balance, vocab in all subjects, test, quizzes, homework, essays, sports, studying, food, and sleep while trying to find some down time to read and relax is any thing but difficult. I always try to turn things in early, because thats just how I was brought up, but lately I've felt backed against the wall with blogs. As you can see its 20 till 9'oclock and I'm just now posting a blog we've been given a whole week to do. Like i said I can be hard some times and reading before bed as been next to impossible for me. For example, its nine o'clock and after this blog I have more home work to complete and I also have to study for the 6 test I have this week. And for those of you who think I'm exaggerating heres my test schedule for this week.
Mon-No test Tues-No test Wed-Spanish chap test, Math chap test Thurs-Social studies chap test, Health chap test Fri-Science chap test, English test.
What a week I know. Well thats all for this blog, on to more homework and studying.
Monday, October 1, 2012
"I am a writer who..."
If I were to classify myself as any type of writer, I would be a writer who thinks very critically and breaks things down. When I write an essay its typically going to be some thing that uses a lot of descriptive detail. Detail that especially implies to the plot, characters, and most importantly setting.
When I read essays I especially look for details that really paint a picture, and give me a frame of mind as to where the character is in a story. Where they are, what the weathers like, what time of day it is, things that really paint a picture in your head as a reader. By having this mindset I can make sure that my story really paints that vivid picture and really puts the reader into the action. So, all in all when I say thinks critically I mean the way I break down the voice and detail in the story. Thats the kind of writer I am and have been shaped to be.
Reading Response
Last week was a very jumbled week. Balancing reading, writing, other homework and test was very difficult and stressful. But I'm still alive so apparently I survived and will continue on another week. I was very happy to turn in my literacy narrative, completed and edited to turnitin. Although I was not to happy about my reading.
Like I mentioned in the past, the author has begun to stray away from center and cause me to lose interest. It may be that I just have a bad headache right now (which I do) and can't really remember what happened, but I'm fairly sure I was lost for the most part. As I've said before this author, in my mind, is one of the best I've ever seen, and hardly ever strays far from the main topic. But lately it has been happening a lot and it has begun to worry me. I try to remind myself that its just a rough patch and it will be over soon, but I think its something more than that. I think something big is about to happen, that he's just holding back until something monumental happens. Like I've said again and again, I'm just going to have to wait and see what the future holds.
9/25 read 60 mins 9/27 read 35 9/25 lit narrative 55 mins
Monday, September 24, 2012
Free Post!
Well looks as if we have been assigned a free post containing what ever it is that we want. I'm not sure if any of you recall this, but I believe that in a previous post I said if we were given the chance, I would release the first paragraph of my essay. So, with out further adieu the first paragraph of my literacy narrative.
I remember the day all too well.
It was a Tuesday morning and another typical day in the life of a fourth grader.
It had rained earlier in morning and the dew was already collecting over the
fog stricken grass. Condensation covered my hand as I turned the doorknob, cold
air rushed past my body as I entered Mrs. Bullock’s fourth grade English class.
“Take your seats, put your tubs
under your desk, and take out your poems we had started yesterday,” said Mrs.
Bullock in her high ear piercing, nail scratching voice. The day was already
shaping out to be a long one. All until my “girlfriend” walked through the door
the wind blowing past her soft, blond hair. As she passes a note expertly falls
into my lap. We had mastered the art of note passing. We developed many
foolproof ways to get our love notes to and from each other and had never
ceased to be caught. Or so we thought.
So? What do you think of my first paragraph? Does its closing make you want to read more or put it down? Are their any improvements I could make? I do have some minor changes to make, but other the that this is my full final (so far) first paragraph. Please leave a comment so I can have something to respond to or know what are some changes that me other peers that I did not meet with have to say. Thanks again! Can't wait for the next blog!
Reading Response
This week I read 150 minutes and 85 pages. I also spent some where close to 35 or 40 minutes working on my literacy narrative. This week I started the next book in the series due to my completion of the last one in the past week. So far it has started out amazing, the author diving me right in to the action of bing behind lines canoeing up to german occupied beaches and surveying the land in the pitch black darkness.
One thing that already made me have more anticipation to read the next one is because of the cover. For the most part the author ties the cover in with the plot of the book, but this time it was more intricate and harder to digest. At the same time of making me anticipate it also made me nervous. " Well if the cover is hard to digest then how will the book and the text be?"
So far it has been fine. Like I mentioned before the author puts you straight into the action right away which is a plus for me. But, I'm only a couple of chapters into it so I have a lot of time to decide whether its amazing or not. All in all I am super stoked to start this book and can't wait till my next blog!
One thing that already made me have more anticipation to read the next one is because of the cover. For the most part the author ties the cover in with the plot of the book, but this time it was more intricate and harder to digest. At the same time of making me anticipate it also made me nervous. " Well if the cover is hard to digest then how will the book and the text be?"
So far it has been fine. Like I mentioned before the author puts you straight into the action right away which is a plus for me. But, I'm only a couple of chapters into it so I have a lot of time to decide whether its amazing or not. All in all I am super stoked to start this book and can't wait till my next blog!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Literacy Narrative
Well its that time of year in English class again. Every upper classman warns you about the day. When you see "Literacy Narrative" up on the board. Me personally writing isn't a bad thing, but like Akbar said "Im still not the happiest clam" forgive me if thats wrong, but you get my point. As long as I have a near decent topic that I like I can try to go off of that and make something of the essay. But if I can't connect to the topic... then forget it I will be a stick in the mud if I can't remotely connect some way to a topic. You can even ask my mom this for she knows all to well when I get a bad grade on an essay she knows why.
I am a very strong writer and when I truly connect with the topic I can write for days. To be honest this is the first time that after reading someones writing or essay I will actually use something I learned from theirs. For example look forward to seeing the usage of the short 2 to 3 word closing sentence. Now I will not "beat a dead horse" when I use this technique and over do it but I will experiment with it. I don't want to reveal to much about my writing strategies for my narrative. For they are still under construction, but if we do another blog concerning our narrative I might give a sneak peak of the first paragraph so people can get an idea of whats to come.
I am a very strong writer and when I truly connect with the topic I can write for days. To be honest this is the first time that after reading someones writing or essay I will actually use something I learned from theirs. For example look forward to seeing the usage of the short 2 to 3 word closing sentence. Now I will not "beat a dead horse" when I use this technique and over do it but I will experiment with it. I don't want to reveal to much about my writing strategies for my narrative. For they are still under construction, but if we do another blog concerning our narrative I might give a sneak peak of the first paragraph so people can get an idea of whats to come.
Reading Log
So for this week I took the advise of my excellent friend Akbar and reserved time before bed to read on Monday night. Turns out I read for 150 minutes, 84 pages, AND I finished the book! Great advise it really worked out as you can clearly see, although I did check a few text and respond to a Facebook friend request, but I will get better as time progresses.
As Akbar also said with great encouragement; that my book would soon get out of its "funk" and turn around. It did. Im not sure what it is with Akbar I think I should get his opinions on stocks because every thing he says seems to work and come true! Aside from that I REALLY enjoyed the ending it answered about 1000 questions left hanging from the pervious series (based in the future). I greatly anticipate the next book and all the action I'm sure is packed into every fine print page. Well on to my next blog, thanks again Akbar.
As Akbar also said with great encouragement; that my book would soon get out of its "funk" and turn around. It did. Im not sure what it is with Akbar I think I should get his opinions on stocks because every thing he says seems to work and come true! Aside from that I REALLY enjoyed the ending it answered about 1000 questions left hanging from the pervious series (based in the future). I greatly anticipate the next book and all the action I'm sure is packed into every fine print page. Well on to my next blog, thanks again Akbar.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Weekly Reading
Last week in my weekly reading I read 150 minutes and only 85 pages. During the reading I found trouble grasping the situation happening in the story due to other outside distractions. Last week was a stressful week and when I got the chance to read I was most likely doing something else at the time. Therefore causing me to slow down.
Personally I did not enjoy my reading for the week. This is very unusual because so far I've loved this book and all of its previous ones in the series. It could have been because I had to go back and reread some sections and I absolutely hate to go back and dread things. But mainly I haven't really been "feeling" the setting and current plot. One of the reasons I like this series is because the author stays on track and doesn't stray from the center plot, but recently in my book he has and its very surprising. Hopefully it will return back to it original "grove" but I have confidence that it will.
Personally I did not enjoy my reading for the week. This is very unusual because so far I've loved this book and all of its previous ones in the series. It could have been because I had to go back and reread some sections and I absolutely hate to go back and dread things. But mainly I haven't really been "feeling" the setting and current plot. One of the reasons I like this series is because the author stays on track and doesn't stray from the center plot, but recently in my book he has and its very surprising. Hopefully it will return back to it original "grove" but I have confidence that it will.
Comment Response
Thanks to everybody who took their time to comment on my blog! I greatly appreciate it and please keep them coming!
"Yeah Will, you are a pretty fast reader. That, or those pages are small. Aside from that, your book seems interesting. Did Henderson actually have the affair? Or is she just making that up?"
Gavin
Yes I am indeed a fairly fast reader. Last summer my father made me take an english class at LSU and I hated it, but during that painful time we learned the art of speed reading therefore my large reading quantity. While Henderson was undercover in France after he had joined forces with the children there was a lady he met who helped them escape and stay alive who he did have an affair with. Although his wife did not know that in the story she was recently carted off to jail and a mental institute for stabbing Henderson while they were at the parachute training program.
"I did almost the same thing, but never do it in the front yard. Neighbors may yell at you from across the street..."
Akbar
Well yes I did take this into thought as I recently learned some kids tried to canoe in the park when someone called the cops. Although I would not have done it in the front yard because the conditions of the grass to water ratio were not optimal for the high skill intense skim boarding I do. Basically the grass couldn't handle me. But the back yard was perfect and the water wasn't too deep nor too high so I spent around thirty minutes "tearing" it up until my mother wanted me back inside.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Weekly Reading
For this weeks reading i started a new book and on 8/20 I read forty pages for forty minutes in the book Secret Army by: Robert Muchamore. I am a fast reader but win it comes to personal books I tend to take my time and read fairly slow and some times it will take me longer than a minute to finish a page because of distractions, a part I did not understand, or wanted to read again. On 8/22 I read forty five pages for fifty minutes. Finally on 8/23 I read sixty-two for sixty minutes, for a grand total of 147 pages and 150 minutes.
So far in the book Henderson's undercover espionage unit is located at an old school house and they had e equipped it with firing ranges, dojos, class rooms (already pre-existing), and dorms. Henderson's wife Joan Henderson is appearing to show signs (at least to the students and trainers) of hallucinations and mental insanity. She is ruthlessly complaining and screaming at Henderson for having affairs in France while he was operating under cover with children as help in german occupied France. In the mist of all this happening HEnderson is battling to keep his unit from being shut down and to also gain access for them to get parachute training in order to safely drop their agents into german occupied areas. I am looking forward to finding out what ends up happening in the second part of the book and can't wait to blog about it.
So far in the book Henderson's undercover espionage unit is located at an old school house and they had e equipped it with firing ranges, dojos, class rooms (already pre-existing), and dorms. Henderson's wife Joan Henderson is appearing to show signs (at least to the students and trainers) of hallucinations and mental insanity. She is ruthlessly complaining and screaming at Henderson for having affairs in France while he was operating under cover with children as help in german occupied France. In the mist of all this happening HEnderson is battling to keep his unit from being shut down and to also gain access for them to get parachute training in order to safely drop their agents into german occupied areas. I am looking forward to finding out what ends up happening in the second part of the book and can't wait to blog about it.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Hurricane Isaac
For the most part of my Isaac experience, I spent my time on the sofa dealing with power flickers; however, at one point I decided to go outside to my back yard and look around. When I struggled to open the gate due to conflicting wind, I finally saw my back yard filled ankle deep with water. Instantly, I ran inside to try and find my skim board. Once I discovered it, I ran outside again and started taking advantage of the flood. My mom came outside to see what all of the comotion was about, only to find me soaking wet in the rain on a skim board. Amused by my actions, she began to film me to show her Facebook friends. After about thirty minutes, I decided to go inside and take a shower because my mom said, "Come inside before the storm worsens". That is what I did during Isaac.
Free Response 8/30/12
This week in my summer reading book Henderson's Espionage unit is under evaluation by the superior commander. The undercover unit passes the examination and gets their recommendation for parachute training. Although they are passed on Air Vice Marshal is not to happy about the entire idea of parachuting children into German occupied France and sends very "literate" letters and phone calls to Henderson and his commanding assistant Mcafferty.
Friday, August 24, 2012
If I were to argue one thing I would argue the freedom that my parents give me. My parents keep me on a tight leash and I don't like it. They don't allow me to go out to the movies with friends, spend my own money, and take care of my own problems. My argument states that I should be trusted to go out on my own as long as I have my phone. If I have my phone i could call them and tell them that I'm ok at any time they want and be safe. They are also worried about crime, but I'm a very, very aware and vigilant person and i know when theres a bad situation and when to remove my self. My mom doesn't trust me with money, but I've proved my argument to her and now that has changed I will still argue my point of freedom until she gets it.
free read
My current free read book is "Secret Army" by Robert Muchamore. These books are a sister series to the main seres that this follows called Cherub. Basically highly trained M15 operatives recruit kids with out families and typically orphans to come to their secret facility and take part in ruthless training, intense classes, other training aspects to go on their basic training mission where they must survive on their own and block out pain in order to become and agent and go on top secret highly dangerous missions like take down drug cartels, infiltrate high security gangs and clubs. Their main reasoning behind using young teenagers and children is explained in this example. "Say its the middle of the night and its raining a grown man goes to a house and knocks on the door planing to rob it the old woman inside will see the man and more than likely not open the door. Now flip the situation, its the middle of the night and its raining, a young boy no older that eight knocks on the old lades door while the bad guy waits behind the house, the old lady sees the bod and imminently opens the door to help him as the bad guy works together and charges into the front door." The reason the use kids is because no one expects them to be highly trained martial arts and combat trained black belts. These books have been the best books I've read in a long time and I can never get enough.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Summer Reading
During the summer I read "The Five People you Meet in Heaven" and really enjoyed it. When I first got it I did not think that I would like it but it surprised me. It was a really great book it had a good climax, action scenes, war scenes, and events that surprised you. It also had a great meaning and good message behind it. All in all I really liked it and its one of my favorite books.
Free post
Hi my name is Will and I'm looking forward to being a freshman in high school but I'm still a little bit nervous about the work load. Other than than I've seemed to figure out this blog thing so I'm going to make my next one and see how that goes
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