Students,
Please respond to the following passage from The Giver. Does this passage offer any descriptive language that draws you in? Does it foreshadow something that will be revealed about Jonas and/or The Giver? What does it tell you about most members of the community? What is meant by the Depth that Jonas speaks of in the light eyes? I look forward to enjoying your insight.
Mirrors were rare in the community; they weren't forbidden, but there was no need of them, and Jonas had simply never bothered to look at himself very often even when he found himself in a location where a mirror existed. Now, seeing the newchild and its expression, he was reminded that the light eyes were not only a rarity but gave the one who had them a certain look -- what was it? Depth, he decided; as if one were looking into the clear water of the river, down to the bottom, where things might lurk which hadn't been discovered yet. He felt self-conscious, realizing that he, too, had that look.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 11, 2011
As children (and adults) we are charmed by the simplicity and splendor of Disneyland’s iconic ride “It’s A Small World.” With its infectious song, colorful animatronic characters, and message of interconnectivity of all peoples, this particular keystone attraction of the Magic Kingdom inspires visitors of all ages to appreciate and respect diversity.
As technology expands, our small world seems to contract, getting smaller with each new social network and internet connection. Walt Disney and his Imagineers could not have possibly foreseen just how small our world could become between 1964 and today. Now, with the push of a button, we can video conference with the other side of the globe; we can make online connections with anyone, anywhere. In some ways the endearing dreamers of Fantasyland who inspired us to reach a greater cross-cultural understanding have inspired us to reach from our little world to other faraway lands. Despite the modern addition of Nemo, Woody, Stitch, and others, “It’s A Small World” remains a promoter for world peace and appreciation of world cultures. Today, because of modern technology and transportation, those of us willing to step out of the Magic Kingdom’s pristine, packaged world can easily find that a wealth of experience and rich cultures await us beyond our national borders.
Some of our students are well-travelled, and others are still looking forward to seeing the world. Regardless of how many frequent flyer miles we’ve racked up, each one of us deserves to experience the plethora of cultural, historical, geographical, and spiritual riches of other continents and countries. The expanding net of technology makes each and every one of us more connected citizens of the global community.
Our lives’ roads will lead each of us in new directions, some to distant lands and some just up the way a bit… Wherever the highways and byways take us, let us travel with respect for others, an appreciation for world cultures, a greater understanding of world geography, and a strengthened appreciation for our dear ‘ol United States of America. Safe travels to you, members of the global community!
We teachers are global travelers, visiting and living in such places as Italy, Japan, El Salvador, Greece, France, Germany, the Philippines, Chile, and Ecuador. As educators, we embrace the cultural and historical lessons offered through our travels. We celebrate architecture, artifacts, and the people of the world. There is so much to learn outside the walls of classrooms and the borders of our own homes that we can’t help but cheer the benefits of world travel.
As technology expands, our small world seems to contract, getting smaller with each new social network and internet connection. Walt Disney and his Imagineers could not have possibly foreseen just how small our world could become between 1964 and today. Now, with the push of a button, we can video conference with the other side of the globe; we can make online connections with anyone, anywhere. In some ways the endearing dreamers of Fantasyland who inspired us to reach a greater cross-cultural understanding have inspired us to reach from our little world to other faraway lands. Despite the modern addition of Nemo, Woody, Stitch, and others, “It’s A Small World” remains a promoter for world peace and appreciation of world cultures. Today, because of modern technology and transportation, those of us willing to step out of the Magic Kingdom’s pristine, packaged world can easily find that a wealth of experience and rich cultures await us beyond our national borders.
Some of our students are well-travelled, and others are still looking forward to seeing the world. Regardless of how many frequent flyer miles we’ve racked up, each one of us deserves to experience the plethora of cultural, historical, geographical, and spiritual riches of other continents and countries. The expanding net of technology makes each and every one of us more connected citizens of the global community.
Our lives’ roads will lead each of us in new directions, some to distant lands and some just up the way a bit… Wherever the highways and byways take us, let us travel with respect for others, an appreciation for world cultures, a greater understanding of world geography, and a strengthened appreciation for our dear ‘ol United States of America. Safe travels to you, members of the global community!
We teachers are global travelers, visiting and living in such places as Italy, Japan, El Salvador, Greece, France, Germany, the Philippines, Chile, and Ecuador. As educators, we embrace the cultural and historical lessons offered through our travels. We celebrate architecture, artifacts, and the people of the world. There is so much to learn outside the walls of classrooms and the borders of our own homes that we can’t help but cheer the benefits of world travel.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Lizzie, Turner, and the Sea Breeze
In Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Gary Schmidt brings the sea breeze to life through personification. For example:
"But then it fell panting in the hallway, gasping for breath." (p. 23)
"The sea breeze remembered that autumn wasn't far away and began to blow colder." (p. 212)
"The sea breeze found him and twisted around him." (p. 213)
Find other examples of how the sea breeze is brought to life as a character through personification. Provide two examples in your response to this blog post.
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT:
Tell the story of Turner and the citizens of Phippsburg and Malaga Island from the viewpoint of the sea breeze, giving the sea breeze a definite characterization and motvation. Follow typing guidelines. Email Mr. B or submit a hard copy. Due Friday, February 11.
"But then it fell panting in the hallway, gasping for breath." (p. 23)
"The sea breeze remembered that autumn wasn't far away and began to blow colder." (p. 212)
"The sea breeze found him and twisted around him." (p. 213)
Find other examples of how the sea breeze is brought to life as a character through personification. Provide two examples in your response to this blog post.
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT:
Tell the story of Turner and the citizens of Phippsburg and Malaga Island from the viewpoint of the sea breeze, giving the sea breeze a definite characterization and motvation. Follow typing guidelines. Email Mr. B or submit a hard copy. Due Friday, February 11.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Paying It Forward in The Devil's Arithmetic
In Chapter 15 of The Devil's Arithmetic, Leye explains that Rivka organized a ring for the blokova, allowing Hannah to have a decent job in the kitchens. Rivka and Hannah have an exchange regarding Leye's explanation in which Rivka essentially tells Hannah to "pay it forward," an idea that prompts people to do good for others. Please provide your feelings on the following excerpt, drawing connections to your own life or other areas of study in the Sixth Grade.
When Hannah tried to thank Rivka, the girl only smiled and shrugged away the thanks. "My mother, may she rest in peace, always said 'a nemer iz nisht keyn geber,' a taker is not a giver. And a giver is not a taker either. Keep your thanks. And hand it on." She said it gently, as if embarrassed.
Hannah understood her embarrassment and didn't mention it again, but she did try to pass it on....
When Hannah tried to thank Rivka, the girl only smiled and shrugged away the thanks. "My mother, may she rest in peace, always said 'a nemer iz nisht keyn geber,' a taker is not a giver. And a giver is not a taker either. Keep your thanks. And hand it on." She said it gently, as if embarrassed.
Hannah understood her embarrassment and didn't mention it again, but she did try to pass it on....
Capt. Charles Moore on the seas of plastic | Video on TED.com
Capt. Charles Moore on the seas of plastic | Video on TED.com
An excellent TED Talk by Charles Moore, as shared by Jewelyn P. during her Plan of Action presentation. Thanks, Jewelyn!
An excellent TED Talk by Charles Moore, as shared by Jewelyn P. during her Plan of Action presentation. Thanks, Jewelyn!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Science Stars Step Into Finals
Science Students,
It's time for us to play a little 1st Trimester review game... Please provide one "Fun Fact" from our studies during the 1st Trimester of Earth Science. You may list one golden nugget from Chapters 1, 2, 6, or 13, but you may not provide the blog with a fun fact that a classmate has already posted (first come, first served). You must also number your post. If you are the second student to log in, your entry might begin like this:
2) Alfred Wegener developed the Theory of Continental Drift.
Email or see me if you have any questions... Let the game begin!
It's time for us to play a little 1st Trimester review game... Please provide one "Fun Fact" from our studies during the 1st Trimester of Earth Science. You may list one golden nugget from Chapters 1, 2, 6, or 13, but you may not provide the blog with a fun fact that a classmate has already posted (first come, first served). You must also number your post. If you are the second student to log in, your entry might begin like this:
2) Alfred Wegener developed the Theory of Continental Drift.
Email or see me if you have any questions... Let the game begin!
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