Mr. B's Off to Ecuador!

Mr. Bache will be heading to Ecuador for two weeks this July! He was named a Fellow by the Earthwatch Institute and will be part of a team studying climate change and caterpillars at the Yanayacu Biological Research Station and Center for Creative Studies, situated at the equator on the eastern slope of the Andes, 3-4 hours from Quito.

Stay tuned for blog posts at the end of July and beginning of August, 2013...

Here is a link to the Valley Sun's brief article about Mr. Bache and his upcoming expedition:

http://www.lacanadaonline.com/news/tsn-vsl-0508-teacher-will-study-in-ecuador,0,6850611.story

Before Sameness. Before Climate Control.

Suddenly he perceived the word for it: sunshine. He perceived that it came from the sky.

In the novel The Giver by Lois Lowery, we find that the Community sustains itself through Sameness; jobs are assigned, temperature is controlled, Stirrings are held in check, families are designated by committee, and life is scheduled like clockwork. In the space below, describe both the pros and cons of living in the Community, citing examples from the novel. Why would this world be considered "perfect"? Would life be perfect if there was no war or fear or pain? Would life be perfect without choices? Use the space below to justify your opinion.

DUE Tuesday, May 28, by 4:00 p.m.

Aeneas and the Angry Sea

 

Students, please take a few minutes to analyze and comment on the following excerpt from the chapter entitled “Aeneas at Carthage.” Note the author’s use of personification and descriptive language. Post your comments below.

Aboard the Trojan ships, there was no time for panic. Sails were ripped from their masts; the decks were a riot of rigging, timber, torn wineskins belching their contents, all mingled with sea-water and blood. There was a tearing and slapping of wet fabric, and the scream and crack of wood bent beyond the limit of its length. The low, desperate babble of human confusion was broken now and then by the shriek of some poor creature crushed by a mast, or the shrill neighing of a horse swept overboard into the boiling sea.

Human wits and muscle could do nothing. Aeneas, his legs gripping a rocking ladder, raised his hands to the sky. “Why didn’t we die in Troy?” he cried, but the words of his prayer were lost in the gale; the whole ship seemed to be wailing the same lament.

Due April 23, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

The Devil's Imagery

Students,
Jane Yolen does a masterful job of infusing her writing with vivid, descriptive language that adds to the imagery of The Devil's Arithmetic. Find an example of this writing style and share with your readers why you were drawn to the line or passage.

For example:

"The forrest was now boiling with people, for the Viosk villagers had come behind the klezmer to greet Shmuel and his friends." (p. 57)

This description of the forrest boiling with people conjures up an image of a wooded area teaming with life and energy. When a pot of water boils, it comes alive, no longer placid and cool but bubbling and full of energy. The wedding party gathered and picked up energy.

Your response is due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8.

Heqet-isms 2012

6th Grade Students,

You have now had some practice with finding meaning and completing Heqet sayings. Now, please create your own Heqet-ism, a phrase that Ranofer's friend Heqet might say. Post your Heqet-ism below. Due Friday, November 30, by 5:00 p.m. Don't wait. Time flies, as the clock said to the eagle.

Through the Prison Bars

Students, You have now had a chance to meet and get acquainted with Turner Ernest Buckminster III. As he struggles with his new surroundings and the weight that rests on his shoulders, he is coming to better know himself... but does he like what he sees?

On p. 42 of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Turner says he hates himself for playing the minister's son as he begins to realize that his life is not his own. Does he have a choice in the matter? Could he have handled the situation any differently? Could he have avoided embarassing himself and/or his father?

Answer and defend your stance with examples from the novel.

DUE October 12, 2012, by 4:30 p.m.

What's So Utopian 'Bout That?

Students,
We live in a world full of memories, good and bad, and one in which human experiences are marked by joys, pains, discomfort, pleasure, etc. Imagine a world such as Jonas's, a utopian world that is devoid of differences, pains, and... choices.

Consider this passage:
"But why can't everyone have the memories? I think it would seem a little easier if the memories were shared. You and I wouldn't have to bear so much by ourselves, if everybody took a part."

The Giver sighed. "You're right," he said. "But then everyone would be burdened and pained. They don't want that."

Would you want to live in a world in which decisions, memories, and feelings were removed? Argue your stance and provide evidence for your decision. What would the pros and cons be if you decided to live in a utopian society?

DUE Friday, April 27.