In case you missed it...

Here is the Obama inauguration video...

How it feels to be American me...

Today we had the counselors visit to enroll students for next year. It was a little confusing to have students moving in and out, but we got by. We read the story "How It Feels to be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston. If you missed class, you will want to read that story in your Literature text. 

We all have labels that seem to attach themselves to us. Some are good and some are bad. Some of my labels include teacher, father, husband, ex-husband, ADHD, 40 year old, singer and Catholic. I'm sure there are others that I wouldn't want to own, but I'm proud of these. They make me who I am. If I wrote about myself, I might title it "How it Feels to be ADHD me." I could tell you some things!

Remember: Next time, we are going to share our poems. If you didn't turn yours in today, make sure you have it next time. Also, your "How it Feels to be __________ Me" essays are due next Wednesday (1/28).

Below are the instructions for the essay:

Reflective writing usually describes how your thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences relate to material taught in class. Who are you?  Using “How It Feels to Be Coloured Me” as a guide, describe what adjective you would use to describe yourself and compose a 2-3 page essay in MLA format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

 

Helpful Tips:

• DO incorporate your personal feelings into the essay. The purpose of the essay is to find out how your own thoughts and feelings shaped the message you took away from the course material.
• DO use first person. A reflective essay is different than writing a formal or informative essay. Using “I felt”, “I discovered”, “I realized” are all appropriate in a reflective writing.
• DO make the connection between “How It Feels to Be Coloured Me” and your own experience.
• DO structure your essay clearly. There should be a defined introduction with a thesis statement, main body, and conclusion.
• DON’T worry about being wrong. While your reflective essay will be graded, there is no right or wrong answer. The focus will be on the honesty and thought you put into your paper.

Sentence Starters:

I used to be _____________, but now I am __________________ .

I belong _______________; I don’t belong _________________.

I am _______________ (a stereotype or adjective), but _____________.

Grading:

Your essay will be graded on the following categories:

 

* Content - Depth of reflection and original thoughts

* Language use – figurative language and the use of metaphors should be evident

* Organization

* Sentence fluency and word choice

* Mechanics

On a final note, I hope everyone takes a chance to reflect on the inauguration today. If you didn't have a chance to see it, look for it online. We all have a responsibility as citizens to participate in our democracy and in our communities. How will you serve?

Singin' the Blues

Good job today, overall.  Thanks to all of you who read, and a special thanks to Junior for being willing to sing the blues. Langston would have been proud. Now you all can go home and practice your harmonica noises! 

Some of you needed to be poked awake a few times. I'm not sure we could have done much more to entertain you all. If you put your head down in class today, you need to work on being attentive. You missed some amazing blues harp.

Remember that you need to complete your "I Write America" poems for next time! I can't wait to see them all together!

Here are some things to take away from today's class:

1. Langston Hughes is one of America's greatest poets.
2. Hughes wrote during the Harlem Renaissance.
3. Hughes celebrated and explored the subject of being black in America.
4. His statement, "I, too, sing America" is an allusion to Walt Whitman, and the Def Jam poem "Write America" grows out of that same tradition.
5. Mr. Wilhelmus makes funny noises.
6. Mrs. Trice can sing the bluuuuuuues!

Some Entertaining Education

Here are a couple of videos related to the Harlem Renaissance.

Hey Gang!

I wasn't here yesterday, so I thought I would check in. Hopefully, second period got a good start on their "I Write America" poems. 

I was away learning new ways to use technology in the classroom. I'm excited to get all of that going. I managed to get my iWeb page up and running. Unfortunately, I am going to need a little time to get all of the two-minute decades re-loaded because there was a problem. I did manage to get second period's posted, so you can check those out. Just go to my podcast website.

There are lots of things to look at there, so feel free to explore. This is where I will post our "I Write America" poems, too.

I also (finally) got a cable for my projector, so the Grammar Lessons should be easier to read.

I hope you didn't miss me too much :)

Wilhelmus

A Fish out of Water

Mr. W and I were very impressed with your class insights on "A Wagner Matinee". Who else but Mr. W could compare classic literature with Paris Hilton's "A Simple Life"?

Haven't we all felt that classic struggle of two seperate worlds at one point in our life? Although I traded my "Flock of Seagulls" haircut for children and cooking, there are times I still feel the pull of a techno dance beat calling me to bust a move.

Here's a shout out to our new students, Michael and Mark. By the way, Jenny, Michael, Jordan, Mark, and AJ did a great job in discussion today. Way to go!

7th Period - The Phoenix Rises?

What happened? We kill ourselves to deliver an entertaining lesson and you're snoozing on us? Remember...the phoenix always rises from the ashes, and you can too. We have faith in you.

Don't forget: both hero journey worksheets are due on Friday at the beginning of class. We can't wait to read about your journey and the weird and wonderful creatures and challenges you have encountered.

Wasn't that a great story? The performer did a particularly good job of narrating the story. Plus, we got to listen to some cool travelin' music! " I go walkin' after midnight..."

Top Five Lessons from Today:

1. Nominative equals subject, objective equals object
2. There are many stories that are hero journeys.
3. The heroes journey has many stages and common characters, including helpers and tricksters.
4. The hero journey follows a predictable path.
5. Always look for many examples of symbolism throughout the journey. Can you name three examples of symbolism from "A Worn Path"?

Welcome to Our Blog

Hello! Please enter our blog with an open mind. Take your shoes off or you'll mess up the carpet. Here you will find pertinent class information as well as fun polls. We'll use this blog as an extention of our classroom. We can talk about ideas we raised in class, preview new information, and use it as a communication tool for important dates and announcements.

Hopefully over the next few weeks this blog will become a favorite spot to spend some digital time.

Now seriously, take your feet off the furniture.