Day 10

We continue looking at The Iliad and all it brings to the table. One of the ideas to think about is that of victory. We live in a society that is geared toward winning at all costs. We saw some of that with Achilles and the way he treated Hector even in death. With the idea of what is victory respond to the follwing:

Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.
Mahatma Gandhi

How could this apply to our world, you and Achilles?

Day 9

Good job reading out loud today. We have not done much of this but will be doing some more as the time goes on. One of the concepts we mentioned was that of honor. Who in this story seems more honorable? Why? Is there any irony to which character may seem to have more honor? What role does honor play in your life? Give an example of a time you did something honorable?

Day 8

One of the concepts of The Iliad is honor. How would you define the concept of honor? Is this an important value for you in your life? Why or why not? Give an example of an honorable person and how they embody this concept.

Day 7

As always, we shall be looking at current events this evening. Please pick wisely and do not choose entertainment or sports unless you can related back to a strong current event. Remember, the summary should be brief while the connection should be longer. DO NOT FORGET TO CITE!

Day 6

Today we began talking about Greek literature and the idea of the epic poem and the epic hero. We will continue this during the course of the week as we read "The Iliad." Part of the idea of the epic hero is that they often have some flaw that affects their ability to lead. In the begining of the reading from today it talks about the idea of the achilles heal and that everyone seems to have one. During Mr. Pouliot's class you touched on epic heroes from the movies. For tonight:

Pick an epic hero from a book, movie or tv program. Discuss what makes him and epic hero based on our definition of epic hero today. Mention what their achilles heal (no nothing to do with tendons)may be. Then discuss what your achilles heal may be. We all have one so you might have to actually think about some of your weaknesses and how they affect you. THIS MAY TAKE MORE THAN 7 SENTENCES IF YOU DO IT WELL!

Day 5

Technically, we have finished our reading and discussion of Lord of the Flies. I truly hope that you got from the book that people can do evil things based on what is happening to them. People can also choose to work together to avoid these evil inclinations if they think rationally and objectively at situations. The idea of order and chaos is so important to the running of our society as if we do not learn to be more orderly we will continue to be in a downward spiral.

For this evening:

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
Douglas Adams

How does this quote go with the reading of Lord of the Flies? What experiences could have the boys learned from thus not creating such chaos on the island? How is this true for society in general? Give an example where society has proven this quote correct. Finally, is this quote an accurate or inaccurate reflection on your life so far? Why?

Day 4

Hopefully, you got where Mr. Pouliot and I were coming from today. As he said, we could easily do our job without caring, hand out some sheets and collect them, give some information and then test but then we would not be true to ourselves. We want each of you to be successful not only in this class but in your life. We feel privledged that we have the opportunity to help guide you to the next level in your life but need to be met with partnership and respect to truly do what we want for each and everyone of you.

With that in mind, and a new cardmarking with us, tell me about your goals for your education over the next six weeks. Not just in my class but all your classes. Talk about how you can meet those goals and the positive or negative consequences you could create for yourself if you do not meet your goals.

Day 3

Honestly, I am beginning to really question the overriding apathy that I get from a majority of the class. It is sad that many of you take your education for granted and take the learning that you can receive as if it just does not matter. So many missing assignments or lack of note taking just shows how much mediocrity is acceptable. Just think what this country would have been like if your ancestors and leaders cared about their education and their world as little as many of you do. The idea that it is acceptable to just talk when you want while someone is doing their job is not only rude but offensive as well. Sadly, if these behaviors do not change it will be reflected in the future colleges you attend and the jobs that you receive. Those students both in this school and in the schools outside of this city will leap above you due to the utter lack of interest in your own education. How selfish many of you are that you are more concerned with the person next to you than about what you could be attaining in the moment. As stated early on, I do not come in respecting or disrespecting any of my students as the year begins but many of you do nothing to earn that respect based on the way you treat the class and me. Furthermore, you disrespect those students around you who wish to learn and make something of their lives by not caring enough to be respectful at the right times.

For this evening, I would like you to choose one of the themes that were mentioned in class today and one of the characters and find 3 examples of how that character interacted with that theme. In order to get the points you must give the page numbers of where the example is given. Then, tell how this theme has or may connect to your life within the last or next 3 years.

Yes, this will take more than 7 sentences.

Day 2

Tomorrow, we will be meeting for 2nd hour in the LGI.

As today was grammar and vocab day we all know what that means: Current Event blog day! Yeah.

Remember to cite your source and no entertainment or sports unless there is a clear reason why you are talking about them.

Cardmarking 2, Day 1

Welcome to the second cardmarking. Now that you have lived through the first cardmarking I hope that you have gotten a grasp on my expectations and how to succeed in the classroom. You will continue to work hard but each and everyone of you is capable of achieving success if you want to work for it. I continue to be willing to do my part to help you if you ask for it.

Please respond to the following quote:

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
- Charles Caleb Colton

When responding, feel free to talk about your friendships both positive and negative and how they impact you.

Day 27

The movie, "Planet of the Apes," closely follows similar themes of "Lord of the Flies." In regards to this idea, choose either discrimination or survival as your topic for this blog. Then, give examples of how this theme is evident in both the movie and the novel and connect them to a character from each as well. Finally, why do authors of movies and novels use these same themes so often?

Day 26

What is the symbolism of the conch? Why does it seem to have so much power? What characteristics does it have in common with what it appears to symbolize? In the first part of Planet of the Apes, is there any symbol that is like the conch or a symbol that might represent power? Give an example in your life of some type of power symbol. This could be in your family or society and explain why that symbol has power.

Day 25

For this evening:

Jack encourages his followers to dance and chant, “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” In your opinion, what is the purpose of the dancing and chanting? To overcome fear? Secure Jack’s position as chief? Something else? If you were on the island who would have you supported Ralph or Jack and why?

Day 24

As today was grammar and vocab day we all know what that means: Current Event blog day! Yeah. Also, need to read chatpers 10-12. Tomorrow we will discuss 9-12 and the themes that go with them.

Remember to cite your source and no entertainment or sports unless there is a clear reason why you are talking about them.

Day 23

Well it seems that we already did the blog I posted earlier so here is another for this evening:

"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough."
Frank Crane

Relate this quote both to you and your life as well as to one character in the book. Make sure you give a specific example from the story that relates to the quote and the character.

Day 22

Many people believe that good and evil are a part of life throughout the world, with plenty of evidence of each to some degree. What shapes each of us is how we experience these oposing elements, and how that experience affects our choices and us. Think about the three individuals who survive Arrow One's crash landing. Identify the good and bad qualities in each of them as well as the good and bad choices they make. What causes them to behave in the way they do? What kind of previous life experiences might have shaped their personalities? Based on your personal experiences what do you think your response would be to the situations they were under? What do you think would be your possibility of success under these situations? Why?

Day 21

In Ancient Greece, Aristotle argued that a citizen did not just belong to himself or herself, but to the state. Using this idea as a background, do you think that all citizens (male and female) in the United States should be required to serve two years in the armed forces after graduating High School? Why or why not? For which ever side you choose, please explain the pros and cons to your decision. Explain how this would make you personally feel or how the community would benefit or feel a deficit of your decision.

Day 20

Over 20 people did not blog last night so if that was you make sure you get it done the rest of the week.

Since it is Tuesday, we shall be doing a current event. You know the drill so make sure you have the brief summary and the connection. Also remember, NO CITE, NO POINTS.

See you tomorrow!

Day 19

So, 2nd hour got to read and received the next chapter guides and 3rd hour will receive theirs tomorrow. Please note that chapters 7-9 should be read for Wednesday. We will finish our groups from chapters 1-3 on Wednesday.

For this evening:

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
John Wooden

What does this quote mean to you and how does it relate to what you have read in Lord of the Flies thus far?

Day 18

Pick any character except the one you are doing for your project. Pretend that they are rescued at this point of the book. You have been assigned to interview them for a news report. Come up with 7 questions and answers. They should be complete sentences and through them I should be able to realize that you have actually been reading.

Day 17

Hope you enjoyed day one of the Olympics. Remember to study for vocab and grammar quiz. If you are unsure about the dangling modifiers please google it and use some of the practice information.

For this evening, FREE BLOG. Make sure it is a different topic than the last one because I will.