Periods 6 & 7, Post 11: End-of-Year Reflections

Well, everyone, we've made it to the end of the 2010-2011 academic year. Awesome job!!

This week, I'd like for you to reflect on your performance in this class over course of the past year. What did you do well? Of what are you especially proud? In what areas do you believe that you need to improve? Why? What steps can you take in order to be more successful next year?

Your responses will count as the final homework assignment for the spring semester.

Congratulations. You've made it!! :-)

Periods 6 & 7, Post 10: The Meaning of the Title

This week, we have reached the conclusion of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. We have focused not only on the novel's resolution, but also on the significance of the book's title.

Therefore, as this week's topic, I want you to discuss the title's meaning. Be sure to link Atticus' statement that "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" with what we learned during the last few chapters of the book. Who are the "mockingbirds" to whom Harper Lee is referring? What are the "sins" committed against them?

Your responses will count as a homework assignment grade for the third marking period of the spring semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 9: What Difference Does It Make?

We've spent the past two weeks analyzing the testimonies of several key witnesses from the trial scene of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, arriving afterward at the unanimous conclusion that Tom Robinson is innocent of the crime of which he's been accused by the prosecution's star witnesses: Mayella Ewell and her father, Bob. And yet, we've also seen how this knowledge makes little difference in the minds of the jurors, who unanimously convict Tom in spite of this.

This week, I would like you to consider Atticus' actions. He worked so hard to give Tom Robinson the best defense possible, even subjecting his children to taunts and criticism from neighbors, friends, and even relatives. In your opinion, was it worth it? Did Atticus do the right thing in defending Tom to the best of his abilities? Do you think that his actions have made any difference whatsoever? Explain your answer using textual examples.

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the spring semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 8: The True Meaning of Courage

In recent weeks, we've talked a lot about how difficult it is for Scout to follow Atticus' instructions to stay away from fights, especially with all of the hateful talk surrounding the Finches as Tom Robinson's trial approaches. Until this point, we have only heard Scout's opinion--that she saw her father as old and physically weak, albeit mentally strong. However, this week, we've seen a different side of Atticus: as the best marksman in the county, we now recognize him to possess both physical strength and talent, while making a conscious decision to abstain from violence. What I want you to consider is, why Atticus refuses to use his shooting talents. How does this carry over into his opinions about fighting? What lessons can Scout and Jem take away from their newfound knowledge of him? Your comments will count as a homework assignment grade for the second marking period of the spring semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 7: The Setting of "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Hi everyone! The main focus of this week has been your projects about the Great Depression and its effect on various aspects of American life. Therefore, here is what I want you to consider this week: what did you learn while researching this topic, that you didn't know already? How has your research helped you to understand the lives of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird better? Your comments will count as a homework assignment grade for the second marking period of the spring semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 6: "A Man's World"?

Okay, so James Brown's song says that "it's a man's world," something Miss Maudie alludes to when talking to Scout about prejudice against women. Do you think that men still rule the world? How are women and men still equal educationally, financially, and socially? How are they still unequal in today's society? Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 5: Life in a Small Town

Hey, everyone!!

We've begun reading Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and one of the first things we have noticed is how prominently Maycomb County figures into the life of the Finch family. Think about this particular setting, in a small, Southern town; what might be some of the benefits of small-town life? What might be some of the drawbacks?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period of the spring semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 4: First Marking Period Reflections

We've made it through the first marking period of the spring semester. Only two more marking periods left in the entire academic year!! :-)

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past five weeks. What did you do well? Where do you still need to improve? Considering these things, what do you believe you deserve as your first marking period grade? Why?

Your comments will as a homework assignment for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 3: Black Leaders throughout American History

Hi, everyone. Because February is Black History Month, I would like for this week's blog post to concentrate on those African-American leaders who helped to shape this country into what it is today.

In your comment, choose an African-American man or woman who was influential in shaping the culture of this country in one of the following ways, from the American revolution until the present day: politics, science, art/music, literature, or sports. In five sentences, give this person's biographical information, including birth date, the place where he/she lived, date of death (if applicable) and any other interesting information about his/her background. Then, use at least five sentences to explain this individual's contribution to American society; explain what he/she did, and why it's significant to American history.

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for this marking period.

Have an enjoyable--and safe--winter break.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 2: The Pros and Cons of Technology

Hi, everyone!! What an exciting day!! We've witnessed the Eyptians' successful revolution to overthrow former President Mubarak, and technology played a huge role in the outcome. Technology played a significan role in the downfall of the Shah in Iran, as depicted by Marjane Satrapi in her memoir, Persepolis.

Think about the role of technology in your own lives. What are its benefits and drawbacks? What has technology made easier for you, or helped you to do better? What has become harder because of technology? Explain your answers.

Your comments will count as a homework assignment grade for the marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 1: What Makes a Hero?

Hello, everybody!! Welcome to a new semester of blogging.

So far during this marking period, in Persepolis, we've seen Marji battle her preconceived notions of the makings of a hero, with respect to both her family and her friends' families. Therefore, I want you to examine your own preconceptions about heroism, and how they've changed as you've grown older. When you were little, who were your childhood heroes? Who are your heroes today? Why? How have your ideas about heroism changed over the years?

Your comments on this blog post will count as a homework assignment for the spring semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 18: Final Marking Period Reflections

Good afternoon, all. Congratulations on completing the first semester of the school year--only one school day left to the marking period.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your performance in class, over the past six weeks and over the course of the semester. Consider both your academic performance and your behavior in class. What did you do well? What areas might need some improvement? Did your performance reflect your best efforts? And finally, what goal might you create for yourself, to accomplish during the spring semester?

Your comments will count as the final homework assignment for the semester.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HAND IN ANY AND ALL MISSING CLASSWORK AND HOMEWORK BY MONDAY, JANUARY 24TH, IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE REFLECTED IN YOUR REPORT CARD GRADE.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 17: "The Veil"

Hi, guys. I know that this has been an "off" week for many reasons, but don't let that distract you academically!!

In the first chapter of Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi depicts demonstrators protesting both for and against a law mandating that all women in Iran wear veils; those who support the law cheer, "The veil!" while those against it cheer, "Freedom!" Why do you think this is? Why might some Muslim women support wearing veils, while others do not? And finally, what is the "separation of church and state"?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 16: Memoir vs. Autobiography

Hi, guys. Great job on your mock-trials for The Bluest Eye!! It was great to see you all so involved. We've made it through our first week back from vacation--no small feat, in my opinion!! ;-)

This week, we've started reading Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. For this week's post, I would like you to tell me what the definition of a memoir is, and how it differs from that of an autobiography. Then, tell me what topic you have chosen for your unit projects, your personal memoirs.

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the semester.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 15: A True Resolution?

Well, we've accomplished two things this week, of which we should be proud: we have finished reading Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and we've made it to Christmas break!!

Several of you expressed dissatisfaction at the ending of The Bluest Eye, the conclusion of which leaves Pecola crazy and cast out of "civilized" society. My question to you is: why do you dislike the book's conclusion so strongly? What is the definition of a book's "resolution," in literary terms? What makes this novel's resolution so unsatisfactory? Is there anything that could have made the conclusion better?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period of the semester.

Enjoy your vacation from school, and have a safe and happy holiday season. Don't forget about your homework!! :-)

Periods 6 & 7: The Effect of Previous Experience on Current Behavior

This week in The Bluest Eye, we've read how Pauline's and Cholly's respective experiences, as children and young adults, have helped to shape their adult personalities; the hardships they've endured have disillusioned and disheartened them, so that Pecola and Sammy bear the brunt of their bitterness and resentment.

This week, I'd like you to consider how, and why, past experiences have such a profound influence on your current beliefs and behavior. Describe one childhood experience that has shaped how you feel, what you think, or how you act. Explain why the event has had such a significant impact on you. How has this experience changed you?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 13: Gender Inequality Regarding Civil Rights

Over the past couple of weeks, we've discussed how the molestation of Claudia's sister, Frieda, at the hands of Mr. Henry foreshadows Pecola's rape by her father in
The Bluest Eye.

For this post, I want to focus on Ms. Dunion's concern that Frieda might be "ruined," as a result of being molested. What does "being ruined" mean? What does this reaction foreshadow for Pecola in the future of the story? And lastly, should this be the primary concern after a young girl is molested? How is there a double standard today, when it comes to sex and people's power over their own bodies?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 12: Second Marking Period Reflections

Hi, guys. The second marking period is over; it's now the third marking period of the semester--the one that will be reflected on your transcripts.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 11: What You're Thankful For

Hey, guys. I hope everybody is enjoying their long weekend. I know I am!! :-)

That said, I'd like to take a break from text-related responses this week. With Thanksgiving upon us, I'd like for us all to remember what the holiday really is supposed to be: not a day for gorging oneself with food, but a reminder to remember the many blessings in our lives, for which we should be grateful.

Therefore, please take this opportunity to say what you're thankful for in your lives.

This will be the last blog post for the second marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 10: Symbols in "The Bluest Eye"

Despite the fact that Thanksgiving is fast approaching, we're still deep in the middle of the semester; don't stop working now!!

This week, we talked about how, in The Bluest Eye, Pecola sees herself in the dandelions, and transfers her negative feelings about herself onto the weeds. The Bluest Eye is rife with symbolism; the dandelions are only one example. Choose from one of the following symbols:

* marigold seeds
* baby dolls
* blue eyes
* Mary Jane candies
* Fun with Dick and Jane storybook

In your comment, explain where this symbol appears in the text (including page number and quotation), what this symbol represents, and why it's important to the story.

Your comment for this week's post will count as a homework assignment for the second marking period.