Happy Halloween, everyone. Be safe out there. Dr. Preston will be back Monday.
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Halloween traditions began as a way of "using humor and ridicule to confront the power of death." Why do we make fun of things we fear? How does this help us cope? When is using humor to deal with serious issues a positive strategy, and when does it backfire?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Read and take notes to p.130 of Fahrenheit 451. If you finish the notes in class you may turn them in at the end of the period. You may also post to your blog over the weekend, or bring them to class on Monday.
HW:
1. Finish reading and taking notes to p.130 of Fahrenheit 451.
.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
member blogs
The only good thing about being home today is that I have the chance to look through your blogs earlier than usual. Overall: GREAT JOB! Most of you are making excellent progress in posting, adding features, and showing what you're learning/thinking in ways that interest readers/viewers (assignments, literature analyses, thoughts about the course and life, original writing, even music!). If you're not yet using your blog, take a few minutes to scroll through the Member Blogs roster for ideas and inspiration.
october 30
This week I was asked to join other SMJUHSD administrators, faculty,
counselors, and Santa Maria community leaders at an event promoting
Cultural Proficiency at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. The
event was extremely well-done and I learned a lot-- I'll be posting more
on it later. We met Monday and Tuesday, and I hoped to be back in
class Wednesday.
Then I got sick. You all know me as a positive person, and I am keenly aware of my responsibilities as a role model, so I'll choose my words carefully: Sick Sucks. We have a lot going on, it's the end of the grading period, and I want to be in class with you.
However, after being called a hypocrite once already this year (for not getting enough sleep while telling students to get more sleep), I don't want to risk getting worse and missing more school, or--worse-- get any of you sick. So, after an achy, fever-y, throat burning night, I decided to give this another day and I hope to be back tomorrow.
Since you have short-answer questions and two essays due today, please take time during the period (if you need it) to proofread and turn your work in to the substitute teacher. (If you already posted to your blog and or completed the work on paper to your satisfaction, CONGRATULATIONS! :)) Then please arrange yourselves in groups of 2-3 and ask one member to capture your recital of whatever you know of "Dover Beach" on his/her phone. Hopefully at least one of you will know how to get the video from your phone to your blog so you can post it by tomorrow. If not, please collaborate with other groups or talk about this as a class so that everyone leaves with a solution-- even if that requires asking someone else to post it (did you know you can invite others to author to your blog?).
Some of you have asked for more time to work on your literature analyses. After you finish your journal and your poem recital, take the opportunity. I'll make a game-time decision tomorrow morning, hopefully I'll see you in 24 hours!
Have a great day,
Dr. Preston
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Now that you've mastered "Dover Beach" explain what you think the poem means. If you're not sure, try to guess why Bradbury had Montag recite this (out of the millions of poems he could have chosen).
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Finish/turn in questions/essays
3. Poems/videos
Then I got sick. You all know me as a positive person, and I am keenly aware of my responsibilities as a role model, so I'll choose my words carefully: Sick Sucks. We have a lot going on, it's the end of the grading period, and I want to be in class with you.
However, after being called a hypocrite once already this year (for not getting enough sleep while telling students to get more sleep), I don't want to risk getting worse and missing more school, or--worse-- get any of you sick. So, after an achy, fever-y, throat burning night, I decided to give this another day and I hope to be back tomorrow.
Since you have short-answer questions and two essays due today, please take time during the period (if you need it) to proofread and turn your work in to the substitute teacher. (If you already posted to your blog and or completed the work on paper to your satisfaction, CONGRATULATIONS! :)) Then please arrange yourselves in groups of 2-3 and ask one member to capture your recital of whatever you know of "Dover Beach" on his/her phone. Hopefully at least one of you will know how to get the video from your phone to your blog so you can post it by tomorrow. If not, please collaborate with other groups or talk about this as a class so that everyone leaves with a solution-- even if that requires asking someone else to post it (did you know you can invite others to author to your blog?).
Some of you have asked for more time to work on your literature analyses. After you finish your journal and your poem recital, take the opportunity. I'll make a game-time decision tomorrow morning, hopefully I'll see you in 24 hours!
Have a great day,
Dr. Preston
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Now that you've mastered "Dover Beach" explain what you think the poem means. If you're not sure, try to guess why Bradbury had Montag recite this (out of the millions of poems he could have chosen).
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Finish/turn in questions/essays
3. Poems/videos
Monday, October 27, 2014
october 27-29
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week you will work independently. Each day's journal topic is up to you-- you may write about whatever you want, as long as you write at least half a page. (In case you need help, there are some suggested topics below, but the choice is yours.) Please complete the following three assignments; all work should be posted to your course blog or turned in by Thursday, October 30.
Suggested Journal Topics:
1. In what ways are you like Guy Montag? In what ways are you different?
2. In your experience, who's happier-- people who read or people who don't? Why?
3. Next week there is an election. Why don't more people care to research the issues/candidates and vote? Is this a sign that we're becoming more like Mildred and her friends?
ASSIGNMENT ONE
Please answer the Fahrenheit 451 short answer questions with 2-4 sentences each. (TITLE: FAHRENHEIT 451 Q&A)
ASSIGNMENT TWO
Please answer the following essay question. (TITLE: FAHRENHEIT 451 ESSAY 1)
Suggested Journal Topics:
1. In what ways are you like Guy Montag? In what ways are you different?
2. In your experience, who's happier-- people who read or people who don't? Why?
3. Next week there is an election. Why don't more people care to research the issues/candidates and vote? Is this a sign that we're becoming more like Mildred and her friends?
ASSIGNMENT ONE
Please answer the Fahrenheit 451 short answer questions with 2-4 sentences each. (TITLE: FAHRENHEIT 451 Q&A)
ASSIGNMENT TWO
Please answer the following essay question. (TITLE: FAHRENHEIT 451 ESSAY 1)
Ray
Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451 as a
dystopian novel, a work featuring a negative view of society in the
future. The lives of the characters are
filled with entertainment but little true happiness. Describe three features in the world of the novel that lead
to such a state? One example of a
feature is the rampant use of “seashell” radios by the characters. How could this device contribute to the
unhappiness even as it seems to provide information and entertainment? Other features may go beyond the realm of
devices to that of activities, events, values, and expectations. Pay attention to specific examples of such
features as you read the novel and consider how each one plays a role in the
dystopian world created by Bradbury.
ASSIGNMENT THREE
Please answer the following essay question. (TITLE: WHAT I'VE LEARNED IN THIS COURSE SO FAR.)
What have you learned so far in this course? (Note: You can include anything from literature, writing, technology, or your personal ideas about thinking, working, being creative, etc.)
fahrenheit 451 questions
Fahrenheit 451
Study Questions
(CC-BY with thanks to www.camillasenglishpage.org © 2002 C. Brantley Collins, Jr.)
Note: The page numbers given in some questions may differ from other editions of the book.
Part 1
1. Describe the society (a fictional America) that Montag lives in. In what ways is it similar to, but more extreme than, our society? What signs are there that it is a “dystopia” (the opposite of a utopia, an ideal society)?
2. What makes Clarisse so special — so different from most people in her society? What qualities does Montag have that make him receptive to her influence?
3. Why do you think the mechanical hound has been programmed to react to Montag?
4. Why do you think the woman chooses to burn herself along with her books? Why does this have suc h a powerful effect on Montag — what does it mean to him?
5. What is the point of Bradbury’s description of the kind of television show that Mildred likes to watch (p. 44 - 46)? [“ sound and fury, signifying nothing”
6. What is shocking and disturbing about the way Montag finds out what happened to Clarisse? What does this tell us about Mildred and about their society?
7. Why does Montag get “sick” and try to avoid going to work?
8. What does the revelation that Montag has so many books hidden in his home tell us about him? Why do Montag’s hands seem to have a mind of their own — what does this actually mean?
9. What is Beatty’s explanation for the current state of their society?
10. What do you think of Mildred’s claim that she is happy, and why? How do you define happiness? Is being happy always the most important goal of life?
11. What events trigger Montag’s transformation from aloof, unthinking fireman to passionate, philosophical rebel?
12. Find three examples of foreshadowing in Part 1.
13. Like Hemingway, Bradbury sometimes writes in an elliptical style, giving us bits of information from which we must infer what is happening, what the characters are thinking and feeling. Find one example of this in Part 1.
14. Choose one paragraph or passage from Part 1 that is an example of Bradbury’s unusual writing style (e.g. p. 17/18, p. 24) and interpret its meaning.
15. What predictions might you make about later events in the story?
Part 2
1. What does Mildred say about why the television is better than books? What does she mean? Do you agree with her? Why or why not? What is the essential difference between books and television? 2. Why do you think Faber gave Montag his name and phone number?
3. How do you think Montag would respond to Mildred’s question about which is more important — her, or Montag’s books?
4. What do you think is the meaning of the title of Part Two (“The Sieve and the Sand”)?
5. Why does Montag visit Faber?
6. What does Montag mean when he tells Faber that his wife is dying?
7. What three things does Faber say are missing from their society? Explain the importance of these things.
8. What has Faber invented, and why is it important?
9. What disturbing things do the women in Montag’s parlor say to each other?
10. Why does Montag start reading poetry to the women? How do they react, and why?
11. What does Beatty say to Montag after he shows up at the firehouse? What is he trying to do? What does he know about Montag that gives him an advantage?
(CC-BY with thanks to www.camillasenglishpage.org © 2002 C. Brantley Collins, Jr.)
Note: The page numbers given in some questions may differ from other editions of the book.
Part 1
1. Describe the society (a fictional America) that Montag lives in. In what ways is it similar to, but more extreme than, our society? What signs are there that it is a “dystopia” (the opposite of a utopia, an ideal society)?
2. What makes Clarisse so special — so different from most people in her society? What qualities does Montag have that make him receptive to her influence?
3. Why do you think the mechanical hound has been programmed to react to Montag?
4. Why do you think the woman chooses to burn herself along with her books? Why does this have suc h a powerful effect on Montag — what does it mean to him?
5. What is the point of Bradbury’s description of the kind of television show that Mildred likes to watch (p. 44 - 46)? [“ sound and fury, signifying nothing”
6. What is shocking and disturbing about the way Montag finds out what happened to Clarisse? What does this tell us about Mildred and about their society?
7. Why does Montag get “sick” and try to avoid going to work?
8. What does the revelation that Montag has so many books hidden in his home tell us about him? Why do Montag’s hands seem to have a mind of their own — what does this actually mean?
9. What is Beatty’s explanation for the current state of their society?
10. What do you think of Mildred’s claim that she is happy, and why? How do you define happiness? Is being happy always the most important goal of life?
11. What events trigger Montag’s transformation from aloof, unthinking fireman to passionate, philosophical rebel?
12. Find three examples of foreshadowing in Part 1.
13. Like Hemingway, Bradbury sometimes writes in an elliptical style, giving us bits of information from which we must infer what is happening, what the characters are thinking and feeling. Find one example of this in Part 1.
14. Choose one paragraph or passage from Part 1 that is an example of Bradbury’s unusual writing style (e.g. p. 17/18, p. 24) and interpret its meaning.
15. What predictions might you make about later events in the story?
Part 2
1. What does Mildred say about why the television is better than books? What does she mean? Do you agree with her? Why or why not? What is the essential difference between books and television? 2. Why do you think Faber gave Montag his name and phone number?
3. How do you think Montag would respond to Mildred’s question about which is more important — her, or Montag’s books?
4. What do you think is the meaning of the title of Part Two (“The Sieve and the Sand”)?
5. Why does Montag visit Faber?
6. What does Montag mean when he tells Faber that his wife is dying?
7. What three things does Faber say are missing from their society? Explain the importance of these things.
8. What has Faber invented, and why is it important?
9. What disturbing things do the women in Montag’s parlor say to each other?
10. Why does Montag start reading poetry to the women? How do they react, and why?
11. What does Beatty say to Montag after he shows up at the firehouse? What is he trying to do? What does he know about Montag that gives him an advantage?
Friday, October 24, 2014
october 24
JOURNAL TOPIC:
1. Why does Beatty quote all those authors to Montag? Do you think he could have used the same exact quotes for a different purpose? How?
2. How will you use today's time in the computer lab?
3. ***REMEMBER TO TURN IN YOUR JOURNAL BEFORE WE GO.***
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Assignments for next Monday and Tuesday
HW:
1. Literature Analysis inventory: how many have you done? Are you prepared to get three done by the end of the semester? If you haven't started, start with Fahrenheit 451. If you have a book in progress, spend some time reading and/or answering questions. If you are "in between" books, pick something to read or ask Dr. Preston for suggestions.
2. Go back through your notes and select five quotes from Fahrenheit 451 that you think are especially important to the book, powerful ideas by themselves, and/or especially well-written. Post them to your blog-- you'll need them for next week's assignments.
1. Why does Beatty quote all those authors to Montag? Do you think he could have used the same exact quotes for a different purpose? How?
2. How will you use today's time in the computer lab?
3. ***REMEMBER TO TURN IN YOUR JOURNAL BEFORE WE GO.***
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Assignments for next Monday and Tuesday
HW:
1. Literature Analysis inventory: how many have you done? Are you prepared to get three done by the end of the semester? If you haven't started, start with Fahrenheit 451. If you have a book in progress, spend some time reading and/or answering questions. If you are "in between" books, pick something to read or ask Dr. Preston for suggestions.
2. Go back through your notes and select five quotes from Fahrenheit 451 that you think are especially important to the book, powerful ideas by themselves, and/or especially well-written. Post them to your blog-- you'll need them for next week's assignments.
meet pete
This is Pete. Pete is a student of Laura Ritchie's, one of the professors I've been collaborating with since I got back from England. Pete is studying the language of music. Please check out his video, have a look at the video he mentions re: Eminem (which includes a great introduction to rhyming schemes, below), and comment to this post if you're interested in Skyping and collaborating with Pete! Mahalo.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
october 23
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Why do people cheat?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab quiz
3. Reading & discussion: pp. 100-110
4. Preview of coming attractions (Fahrenheit 451 projects & 2nd reporting period grades)
5. "Dover Beach"
HW:
1. Post/write notes for pp. 100-110
2. Collect materials for posting to blog tomorrow in computer lab
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab quiz
3. Reading & discussion: pp. 100-110
4. Preview of coming attractions (Fahrenheit 451 projects & 2nd reporting period grades)
5. "Dover Beach"
HW:
1. Post/write notes for pp. 100-110
2. Collect materials for posting to blog tomorrow in computer lab
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
october 22
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Why does Faber blame himself for being a coward? Is he a coward, or is he smart to get things done without starting an obvious fight? What happens when Montag confronts Mildred's friends? Is this smart? Will it make things easier or more difficult for Montag and Faber? Why?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab Q & A
3. "Dover Beach"
4. Quiz on pp. 90-100
HW:
1. "Dover Beach"
2. "Dover Beach"
3. "Dover Beach"
4. Make sure you understand the words in the book for tomorrow's vocab test
Why does Faber blame himself for being a coward? Is he a coward, or is he smart to get things done without starting an obvious fight? What happens when Montag confronts Mildred's friends? Is this smart? Will it make things easier or more difficult for Montag and Faber? Why?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab Q & A
3. "Dover Beach"
4. Quiz on pp. 90-100
HW:
1. "Dover Beach"
2. "Dover Beach"
3. "Dover Beach"
4. Make sure you understand the words in the book for tomorrow's vocab test
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
october 21
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Faber tells Montag that it's not books themselves that are important, but the ideas that books contain and symbolize. Specifically, beginning on p.83, Faber says that "three things are missing" from the society they live in. What are these three things? Do we have them, or are we missing them too?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. "Dover Beach" performance/progress report
3. pp. 90-100
HW:
1. Continue working on "Dover Beach"
2. Prepare for reading quiz on pp. 80-100
3. A special vocabulary deal: if you commented to yesterday's post (or did the assignment on paper), you clarified which words you needed to learn about-- so do it. All you have to do this week is post definitions/sentences for the words you selected to your course blog (or write them on paper and post to your blog in the lab on Friday). If you didn't comment to yesterday's post (and you didn't do the assignment on paper), I take it to mean that all of the words in the book are familiar to you, so you should be prepared to recognize/define/use every single word we've read on Thursday's quiz.
Faber tells Montag that it's not books themselves that are important, but the ideas that books contain and symbolize. Specifically, beginning on p.83, Faber says that "three things are missing" from the society they live in. What are these three things? Do we have them, or are we missing them too?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. "Dover Beach" performance/progress report
3. pp. 90-100
HW:
1. Continue working on "Dover Beach"
2. Prepare for reading quiz on pp. 80-100
3. A special vocabulary deal: if you commented to yesterday's post (or did the assignment on paper), you clarified which words you needed to learn about-- so do it. All you have to do this week is post definitions/sentences for the words you selected to your course blog (or write them on paper and post to your blog in the lab on Friday). If you didn't comment to yesterday's post (and you didn't do the assignment on paper), I take it to mean that all of the words in the book are familiar to you, so you should be prepared to recognize/define/use every single word we've read on Thursday's quiz.
Monday, October 20, 2014
october 20
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What's the deal with "Denham's Dentrifice" on pp. 78-80 of Fahrenheit 451? Describe something in your life/environment that distracts you from focusing on doing your best thinking.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Review: pp.70-80
3. "Dover Beach" volunteers & victims
4. Preview pp. 80-90
HW:
1. Read and take notes on pp. 80-90 (post to your course blog or bring to class--blue/black ink only, please)
2. Please comment to this post with vocabulary candidates from pp. 80-90
What's the deal with "Denham's Dentrifice" on pp. 78-80 of Fahrenheit 451? Describe something in your life/environment that distracts you from focusing on doing your best thinking.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Review: pp.70-80
3. "Dover Beach" volunteers & victims
4. Preview pp. 80-90
HW:
1. Read and take notes on pp. 80-90 (post to your course blog or bring to class--blue/black ink only, please)
2. Please comment to this post with vocabulary candidates from pp. 80-90
Thursday, October 16, 2014
october 17
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What are your goals for your blog today? What assignments, ideas, and design elements will you add to it?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Computer lab
HW:
Catch up on blog work, Fahrenheit 451 reading, and post Literature Analysis #2 if you haven't yet
What are your goals for your blog today? What assignments, ideas, and design elements will you add to it?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Computer lab
HW:
Catch up on blog work, Fahrenheit 451 reading, and post Literature Analysis #2 if you haven't yet
october 16
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
2. Exam: Vocabulary + Fahrenheit 451 (pp.1-80)
HW:
1. Gather your materials and your thoughts to bring to the computer lab tomorrow-- your blogs are beginning to rock!
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
2. Exam: Vocabulary + Fahrenheit 451 (pp.1-80)
HW:
1. Gather your materials and your thoughts to bring to the computer lab tomorrow-- your blogs are beginning to rock!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
october 15
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Grantland Rice was a sportswriter who wrote so amazingly well that his columns are one of the reasons the 1920s have become known as "The Golden Age of Sports." In "How to be a Champion" Rice wrote:
You wonder how they do it,
You look to see the knack,
You watch the foot in action,
Or the shoulder or the back.
But when you spot the answer
Where the glamours lurk,
You’ll find in moving higher
Up the laurel-covered spire,
That most of it is practice,
And the rest of it is work.
I first heard this poem from John Wooden, who told me that it was all I needed to remember in order to be successful. What do you think he meant? What message does this poem carry that can help you succeed in this course and in your life?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocabulary quiz and review
3. pp. 70-80 discussion and/or quiz
4. (if time) work on "Dover Beach"
HW:
1. Study for vocab quiz tomorrow
2. Work on "Dover Beach"
Grantland Rice was a sportswriter who wrote so amazingly well that his columns are one of the reasons the 1920s have become known as "The Golden Age of Sports." In "How to be a Champion" Rice wrote:
You wonder how they do it,
You look to see the knack,
You watch the foot in action,
Or the shoulder or the back.
But when you spot the answer
Where the glamours lurk,
You’ll find in moving higher
Up the laurel-covered spire,
That most of it is practice,
And the rest of it is work.
I first heard this poem from John Wooden, who told me that it was all I needed to remember in order to be successful. What do you think he meant? What message does this poem carry that can help you succeed in this course and in your life?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocabulary quiz and review
3. pp. 70-80 discussion and/or quiz
4. (if time) work on "Dover Beach"
HW:
1. Study for vocab quiz tomorrow
2. Work on "Dover Beach"
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
vocabulary: fall list 7
1. pratfall
2. bewilderedly
3. titillation
4. theremin
5. tabloids
6. centrifuge
7. haltingly
8. probing
9. stagnant
10. cacophony
october 14
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What does this video suggest about motivation and talent? Would you rather hire a lazy, articulate complainer with a 4.5 G.P.A. or this young man?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2.Vocab decisions/create this week's list
3. pp.70-80
HW:
1. Post vocab definitions/sentences to your blog
2. Work on memorizing "Dover Beach"
What does this video suggest about motivation and talent? Would you rather hire a lazy, articulate complainer with a 4.5 G.P.A. or this young man?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2.Vocab decisions/create this week's list
3. pp.70-80
HW:
1. Post vocab definitions/sentences to your blog
2. Work on memorizing "Dover Beach"
Monday, October 13, 2014
october 13
JOURNAL TOPIC:
A while back one of my students sent this to me. What is your answer to the question?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Reading quiz (to p.70)
3. This week's vocab
HW:
1. Select 10 words from the book (to p.70) for this week's vocab list. Please post to your blog (title: VOCABULARY CANDIDATES) or bring in tomorrow on paper.
2. Read to p.80.
3. Begin memorizing "Dover Beach" (DUE 10.20)
A while back one of my students sent this to me. What is your answer to the question?
1. Journal
2. Reading quiz (to p.70)
3. This week's vocab
HW:
1. Select 10 words from the book (to p.70) for this week's vocab list. Please post to your blog (title: VOCABULARY CANDIDATES) or bring in tomorrow on paper.
2. Read to p.80.
3. Begin memorizing "Dover Beach" (DUE 10.20)
october 10 (retro)
[NEW FRIDAY TRADITION]
Now that we are spending Fridays in the computer lab, here is our ritual:
1. Start at Room 608 to see who's here and write in our journals
2. JOURNAL TOPIC: what we intend to accomplish on our blogs and in the course over the next hour.
3. Preston's Challenge: each Friday I'll suggest a goal. Today it was 3 blog posts and 1 design element.
4. Then we migrate to the lab, roll up our sleeves, log in and get to work.
Now that we are spending Fridays in the computer lab, here is our ritual:
1. Start at Room 608 to see who's here and write in our journals
2. JOURNAL TOPIC: what we intend to accomplish on our blogs and in the course over the next hour.
3. Preston's Challenge: each Friday I'll suggest a goal. Today it was 3 blog posts and 1 design element.
4. Then we migrate to the lab, roll up our sleeves, log in and get to work.
Friday, October 10, 2014
reminder: you have access to the best-informed thinkers of our time
Yesterday after we watched Kirby Ferguson's "Everything is a Remix" video I Tweeted about it and included Kirby's handle. Kirby replied:
So now I remix the Tweet into a micro-lesson-via-blog-post to remind us all that the end-user network known as the Public Internet gives us direct access to the experts. If you want to know something about creativity/originality as it relates to the art of the remix, don't be shy: Ask Kirby! (And please remember to use the hashtags #phonar #dplitcomp #opnsl)
Thursday, October 9, 2014
october 9
JOURNAL TOPIC:
So far we've discussed Fahrenheit 451 in terms of what's important to the author, literary critics and academics, and me. What about this book (if anything, so far) is important to YOU? If you can't think of something, what makes reading or stories important to you in general? What do you hope to find in this book or in others we read?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Discuss journal
3. Notes or quiz
4. Preview of coming attractions
5. Continue reading
HW:
1. Read/take notes to p. 70
So far we've discussed Fahrenheit 451 in terms of what's important to the author, literary critics and academics, and me. What about this book (if anything, so far) is important to YOU? If you can't think of something, what makes reading or stories important to you in general? What do you hope to find in this book or in others we read?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Discuss journal
3. Notes or quiz
4. Preview of coming attractions
5. Continue reading
HW:
1. Read/take notes to p. 70
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
october 8
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Why are some topics hard for people to talk about, even if they're close friends or spouses?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Conversations
3. Reading quiz and continue
HW:
1. Read and take notes through p. 60
Why are some topics hard for people to talk about, even if they're close friends or spouses?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Conversations
3. Reading quiz and continue
HW:
1. Read and take notes through p. 60
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
october 7
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do people talk about on campus? Why? Are others' conversations different than yours? Are your on-campus conversations different than the ones you have at home, at work, or online? How?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab
3. Reading recap: notes & significant passages
4. Preview "The Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online"
5. Continue reading to p. 50
HW:
1. Review "The Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online"
2. Post vocab definitions and sentences
3. Post a brief paragraph to your blog (title: WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?) in which you comment on conversations. Observe what people actually talk about, and think out loud about how we can all get more meaning and/or value out of our daily interactions with each other.
What do people talk about on campus? Why? Are others' conversations different than yours? Are your on-campus conversations different than the ones you have at home, at work, or online? How?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab
3. Reading recap: notes & significant passages
4. Preview "The Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online"
5. Continue reading to p. 50
HW:
1. Review "The Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online"
2. Post vocab definitions and sentences
3. Post a brief paragraph to your blog (title: WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?) in which you comment on conversations. Observe what people actually talk about, and think out loud about how we can all get more meaning and/or value out of our daily interactions with each other.
the art of hosting good conversations online
(original online here)
The Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online
By Howard Rheingold
WHAT AN ONLINE HOST WANTS TO ACHIEVE:Monday, October 6, 2014
vocabulary: fall list 6
tatters
merely
vast
parlor
abrupt(ly)
refracted
immense
imperceptibly
ventilator
olfactory
merely
vast
parlor
abrupt(ly)
refracted
immense
imperceptibly
ventilator
olfactory
october 6
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Sometimes the best way to move forward is to consider what's brought us to this point. In last week's journals some of you talked about making things with care instead of just buying the latest gadget and tossing it when something newer comes along. This is important thinking, and we can apply it to all elements of our culture, our identity, and the stories we tell. Yesterday I attended the Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow and was reminded of how easy it is to forget--and to remember--the values that make us who we are. How does your sense of cultural heritage influence you?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Vocab
3. Reading quiz: pp. 20-40
4. Review & notes: pp. 30-40
5. Continue reading
HW:
1. Study vocabulary for quiz Thursday
2. Read pp. 40-50
Sometimes the best way to move forward is to consider what's brought us to this point. In last week's journals some of you talked about making things with care instead of just buying the latest gadget and tossing it when something newer comes along. This is important thinking, and we can apply it to all elements of our culture, our identity, and the stories we tell. Yesterday I attended the Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow and was reminded of how easy it is to forget--and to remember--the values that make us who we are. How does your sense of cultural heritage influence you?
1. Journal
2. Vocab
3. Reading quiz: pp. 20-40
4. Review & notes: pp. 30-40
5. Continue reading
HW:
1. Study vocabulary for quiz Thursday
2. Read pp. 40-50
Friday, October 3, 2014
october 3
JOURNAL TOPIC:
It seems like so many of the predictions in Fahrenheit 451-- flat screens, ear buds, sports teams' lack of loyalty to players and cities, impersonal medical care-- have come true. Have we improved as a culture or gotten worse? What can/will make a positive difference as we move forward?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. COMPUTER LAB
HW:
1. For Monday, please be prepared to answer questions and discuss the text up to p.40
It seems like so many of the predictions in Fahrenheit 451-- flat screens, ear buds, sports teams' lack of loyalty to players and cities, impersonal medical care-- have come true. Have we improved as a culture or gotten worse? What can/will make a positive difference as we move forward?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. COMPUTER LAB
HW:
1. For Monday, please be prepared to answer questions and discuss the text up to p.40
Thursday, October 2, 2014
october 2
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Why do you think Montag is happier when he's not thinking? Why does he get irritated when Clarisse begins drawing his attention to things he doesn't normally think about?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Reading Quiz
3. Continue reading/notes: Fahrenheit 451
HW:
1. Review reading to p. 30
Why do you think Montag is happier when he's not thinking? Why does he get irritated when Clarisse begins drawing his attention to things he doesn't normally think about?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Reading Quiz
3. Continue reading/notes: Fahrenheit 451
HW:
1. Review reading to p. 30
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
active reading notes
We are beginning to explore a text that many of you have already skimmed. In order to deepen our understanding we will be taking notes and frequently interrupting our reading to discuss the ideas between the lines.
As you take notes, I suggest that you focus on three general categories of text: 1)passages that significantly contribute to your understanding; 2)passages that illustrate a particular literary technique or characteristic of the text; and 3)passages that elicit a personal response from you. As you can see from the example below, when I read the first chapter of Like Water for Chocolate I underlined passages and made notes about (1) symbolism, foreshadowing, and other hints that helped me "get" what the author was trying to say; (2) examples of magical realism, characterization and plot development; and (3) actions or dialogue that made me sit up and take notice (you may find yourself asking questions, or vehemently agreeing/disagreeing, but any time you have an intense reaction is an important moment in the text).
Because many of you will be taking notes on a book you don't own, use your own paper to write the notes-- and keep track of the page numbers! That way when we discuss them you'll be able to refer to the context.
active reading notes lwcf jan -
As you take notes, I suggest that you focus on three general categories of text: 1)passages that significantly contribute to your understanding; 2)passages that illustrate a particular literary technique or characteristic of the text; and 3)passages that elicit a personal response from you. As you can see from the example below, when I read the first chapter of Like Water for Chocolate I underlined passages and made notes about (1) symbolism, foreshadowing, and other hints that helped me "get" what the author was trying to say; (2) examples of magical realism, characterization and plot development; and (3) actions or dialogue that made me sit up and take notice (you may find yourself asking questions, or vehemently agreeing/disagreeing, but any time you have an intense reaction is an important moment in the text).
Because many of you will be taking notes on a book you don't own, use your own paper to write the notes-- and keep track of the page numbers! That way when we discuss them you'll be able to refer to the context.
active reading notes lwcf jan -
october 1
JOURNAL TOPIC: (today's tunes: "Songs for a Future Generation" by the B-52s; "Future Shock" by Curtis Mayfield)
Do you have a positive or negative view of the future? Why?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Poetic stragglers & recovery credit
3. "Dover Beach"
4. Continue reading together in Fahrenheit 451 with active reading notes on: diction, syntax, plot, tone, theme
HW:
1. Read the Wikipedia entry for Fahrenheit 451 and post five things you learned that you think will be important to understanding the novel (title: FAHRENHEIT 451)
Do you have a positive or negative view of the future? Why?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Poetic stragglers & recovery credit
3. "Dover Beach"
4. Continue reading together in Fahrenheit 451 with active reading notes on: diction, syntax, plot, tone, theme
HW:
1. Read the Wikipedia entry for Fahrenheit 451 and post five things you learned that you think will be important to understanding the novel (title: FAHRENHEIT 451)
fridays in the computer lab
Thanks to those of you who have provided feedback on Internet access and strategies for updating your blogs. As we've discussed in class, there is no penalty for turning in your work on paper (as long as it's on time, and as long as you use pen and not pencil). And, as we've also discussed, curating your work online has multiple benefits. You're learning how to use digital tools and social media, you're creating value around your online brand, and you're preparing portfolios that you can use for scholarship and college applications. In order to help everyone with Internet access and to give us all some time to collaborate on blogs and peer reviews, I have arranged for us to be in the computer lab (Room 622) on Fridays. Vocab quizzes will now be on Thursdays. If you turn in hard copy work during the week I will get it back to you at the beginning of the period on Friday so that you can post to your blog. Please comment with questions or bring them to class. Mahalo.
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