Soph Lab Day Part I, Friday Oct. 1---God's Providence (not a journal)

SOPHS SHOULD WORK ON THIS IN THE LAB ON FRIDAY AND COMPLETE BEFORE MONDAY MORNING. THIS IS NOT PART OF YOUR WRITING JOURNAL.

HOWEVER, YOUR ANSWER SHOULD STILL BE A MINIMUM OF 25 BLOG LINES OR 200 WORDS.

Listen carefully to this video (click link) of Mr. Jerry Falwell, a minister and founder of Liberty University; and Pat Robertson, a former minister and televangelist, speaking two days after the 9-11 catastrophe.

Both men had (Falwell is deceased now) strong, conservative, religious opinions: anti-abortion, anti-gay, and anti-feminists. Both men fought for allowing prayer to be said in public schools. The ACLU [American Civil Liberties Union, the group to which the men refer] fought to keep prayer out of public schools, so they were seen as enemies of God by Robertson and Falwell. This is just a brief summary to explain the political and historical context of the two men's words.


Here is a transcript of the video (with some additional words before the video begins):

JERRY FALWELL: And I agree totally with you that the Lord has protected us so wonderfully these 225 years. And since 1812, this is the first time that we've been attacked on our soil and by far the worst results. And I fear, as Donald Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense, said yesterday, that this is only the beginning. And with biological warfare available to these monsters - the Husseins, the Bin Ladens, the Arafats--what we saw on Tuesday, as terrible as it is, could be minuscule if, in fact--if, in fact--God continues to lift the curtain and allow the enemies of America to give us probably what we deserve.

PAT ROBERTSON: Jerry, that's my feeling. I think we've just seen the antechamber to terror. We haven't even begun to see what they can do to the major population.

JERRY FALWELL: The ACLU's got to take a lot of blame for this.

PAT ROBERTSON: Well, yes.

JERRY FALWELL: And, I know that I'll hear from them for this. But, throwing God out successfully with the help of the federal court system, throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools. The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked. And when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way--all of them who have tried to secularize America--I point the finger in their face and say "you helped this happen."

PAT ROBERTSON: Well, I totally concur, and the problem is we have adopted that agenda at the highest levels of our government. And so we're responsible as a free society for what the top people do. And, the top people, of course, is the court system.

Robertson and Falwell are firm believers in God's providence--God as the provider and God as the punisher, too. They are not unlike the early Puritans in this way.

Comment on what they say. State your own opinion. Your religion is your own belief.

Complete and post before Monday morning. 25 BLOG LINES OR 200 WORD MINIMUM. This will be covered on the unit test on Tuesday.

Soph Lab Day Part II- Friday Oct. 1 (not a journal)

SOPHS SHOULD WORK ON THIS IN THE LAB ON FRIDAY AND COMPLETE BEFORE MONDAY MORNING. THIS IS NOT PART OF YOUR WRITING JOURNAL.

Read over your classmates' conceits from any one of my three sophomore sections.

Briefly tell me which one(s) do you most enjoy? What two things are compared? Who is the author? Just a few sentences will do.

Degas or Vermeer? (red & purple respond here)

The ballerinas are Degas; the milkmaid is Vermeer. Click on the photos to enlarge.
Which painting do you prefer? Why? Just a few sentences will do.

Soph Green Class Vocab Unit 2

Before class on Friday ...

Post six (6) sentences using your vocabulary words correctly, giving clues to the meanings of the words within your sentence.

Again, you may work with a partner.

Save your sentences in a file in case you have problems posting.


e.g. Finding strength in numbers, we formed a coalition to demand better food service at our college's cafeteria.

Soph Yellow Class Vocab Unit 2

Before class on Friday ...

Post six (6) sentences using your vocabulary words correctly, giving clues to the meanings of the words within your sentence.

Again, you may work with a partner.

Save your sentences in a file in case you have problems posting.


e.g. Finding strength in numbers, we formed a coalition to demand better food service at our college's cafeteria.

Soph Blue Class Vocab Unit 2

Before class on Friday ...

Post six (6) sentences using your vocabulary words correctly, giving clues to the meanings of the words within your sentence.

Again, you may work with a partner.

Save your sentences in a file in case you have problems posting.


e.g. Finding strength in numbers, we formed a coalition to demand better food service at our college's cafeteria.

Red Lab Day 9-29 : Rage for Words (not a journal)

COMPLETE THIS WORK DURING CLASS THURSDAY IN THE TECH LAB (OR FINISH FOR HOMEWORK). YOU MAY WORK WITH A PARTNER. THIS IS NOT A JOURNAL RESPONSE, BUT AN IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENT. FINISH FOR HOMEWORK IF NECESSARY.

Your senior classmates have provided some sentences that show a mastery of the English language, maybe even a "rage for words." Take a close look at each sentence and tell me what rhetorical "trick" gives these words "life" beyond their mere literal meanings.

What do I mean by a rhetorical trick?

Words come to life when they're arranged in figures of speech (metaphors, similes, paradoxes, oxymorons, personification, etc), images, sound patterns (alliteration, assonance), or rhetorical questions. Writing certain sentence patterns (parallel structure) add emphasis. Using crisp action verbs can kick-start a sentence.

The Greeks called this creation of powerful language "rhetoric." It was once a studied, practiced, and revered skill of the Greek citizenry. These days, the use of artful language gets suspicious looks because rhetoric is usually associated with unctuous politicians or ambitious advertisers who are selling themselves or their products.

Written by your senior classmates in their personal essays, here are some good, solid sentences worthy of closer inspection and analysis.

With a classmate (or by yourself), analyze each sentence to discover the "rhetorical trick."

Post your "answers" on the blog, giving your initials and section color, of course (the first sentence is an example of what I'd like you to do). Some of these sentences will appear as questions on your first test.

"When we arrived in Chicago, we could breathe the music."
[music is being compared to air, a metaphor] jtf purple

Work with these sentences or groups of sentences:

Nancy is my pride and joy. She is my baby. She is my 2002 Neon.

I was shocked at his reaction; his precognition was that he would come after me with a pitchfork.

He's taken up the roles of comedian, worldly traveler, tutor, conversational companion, critical older brother, pretty cool guy, topic of conversation for my friends and me, critical older brother, self assured genius, outspoken mentor, best friend, and seriously critical older brother.

When I got back to my seat, I melted into my mom and wept with her.

I could navigate my way to orthopedics blindfolded if you asked me to.

It was if he had been possessed by Cupid or something.

Uncle Mark was like a lion in a zoo, only he was unwillingly caged in at Jefferson Hospital.

My grandfather had a lot of fight within him and dodged death three times when the doctors only gave him a couple of days to live.

I later compared my trip to my skin tone. The longer I stayed, the darker I became, the more Panamanian I became.

There was no clothing lying around, no computer to be seen, and the walls were as bare as an elephant's back.

As I stepped over the threshold, the last bit of courage slipped out of the tips of my toes and ran back to the spot on the floor where I had been sitting; my feet wanted to follow.

I thought of myself as just an average card in a poke hand, nothing too special, but at the same time, not completely useless.

By participating in these activities, I have realized that I am not just a one-note song.

While he was in to the winter of his years, he continues to insist that he could still provide for his entire family.

Hello. My name is xxxxxx, and I am a compulsive liar, when it comes to my parents.

I'm now proud of who I am, I embrace my flaws wholeheartedly and I have accepted myself for who I truly am.

We were tormented with chides of "smile" and "say cheese," my cheeks starting to cramp up.

I literally shot through the door, strutted up to the counter, and demanded,"Two tickets, please."

Endless supplies of grease-filled pizza, hamburgers, soda, and fast food restaurant on every corner; it can be easy to forget that not everyone lives in this Utopia we call the United States.

She runs around yelling and critiquing, ready to breathe fire at her next unexpected victim.

Her face, which was a white as the ice surrounding me, greatly contradicted her peaceful demeanor.

He drools more than I thought physically possible, sheds more than I could have imagined, barks at TV shows he doesn't like, and is the most perfect animal possible.

Purple Lab Day 9-29 : Rage for Words (not a journal)

COMPLETE THIS WORK DURING CLASS THURSDAY IN THE TECH LAB (OR FINISH FOR HOMEWORK). YOU MAY WORK WITH A PARTNER. THIS IS NOT A JOURNAL RESPONSE, BUT AN IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENT. FINISH FOR HOMEWORK IF NECESSARY.

Your senior classmates have provided some sentences that show a mastery of the English language, maybe even a "rage for words." Take a close look at each sentence and tell me what rhetorical "trick" gives these words "life" beyond their mere literal meanings.

What do I mean by a rhetorical trick?

Words come to life when they're arranged in figures of speech (metaphors, similes, paradoxes, oxymorons, personification, etc), images, sound patterns (alliteration, assonance), or rhetorical questions. Writing certain sentence patterns (parallel structure) add emphasis. Using crisp action verbs can kick-start a sentence.

The Greeks called this creation of powerful language "rhetoric." It was once a studied, practiced, and revered skill of the Greek citizenry. These days, the use of artful language gets suspicious looks because rhetoric is usually associated with unctuous politicians or ambitious advertisers who are selling themselves or their products.

Written by your senior classmates, here are some good, solid sentences worthy of closer inspection and analysis.

With a classmate (or by yourself), analyze each sentence to discover the "rhetorical trick."

Post your "answers" on the blog, giving your initials and section color, of course (the first sentence is an example of what I'd like you to do).

The best way to do this is to copy and paste the sentences into a word document and work within the document. When you're finished, copy and paste into your comment box. Don't be TOO verbose or your comment might be rejected for exceeding the comment limit.

Some of these sentences will appear as questions on your first test.

"When we arrived in Chicago, we could breathe the music."
[music is being compared to air, a metaphor] jtf purple

Work with these sentences:

Nancy is my pride and joy. She is my baby. She is my 2002 Neon.

I was shocked at his reaction; his precognition was that he would come after me with a pitchfork.

He's taken up the roles of comedian, worldly traveler, tutor, conversational companion, critical older brother, pretty cool guy, topic of conversation for my friends and me, critical older brother, self assured genius, outspoken mentor, best friend, and seriously, critical older brother.

When I got back to my seat, I melted into my mom and wept with her.

I could navigate my way to orthopedics blindfolded if you asked me to.

It was if he had been possessed by Cupid or something.

Uncle Mark was like a lion in a zoo, only he was unwillingly caged in at Jefferson Hospital.

My grandfather had a lot of fight within him and dodged death three times when the doctors only gave him a couple of days to live.

I later compared my trip to my skin tone. The longer I stayed, the darker I became, the more Panamanian I became.

There was no clothing lying around, no computer to be seen, and the walls were as bare as an elephant's back.

As I stepped over the threshold, the last bit of courage slipped out of the tips of my toes and ran back to the spot on the floor where I had been sitting; my feet wanted to follow.

I thought of myself as just an average card in a poke hand, nothing too special, but at the same time, not completely useless.

By participating in these activities, I have realized that I am not just a one-note song.

While he was in to the winter of his years, he continues to insist that he could still provide for his entire family.

Hello. My name is xxxxxx, and I am a compulsive liar, when it comes to my parents.

I'm now proud of who I am, I embrace my flaws wholeheartedly and I have accepted myself for who I truly am.

We were tormented with chides of "smile" and "say cheese," my cheeks starting to cramp up.

I literally shot through the door, strutted up to the counter, and demanded,"Two tickets, please."

Endless supplies of grease-filled pizza, hamburgers, soda, and fast food restaurant on every corner; it can be easy to forget that not everyone lives in this Utopia we call the United States.

She runs around yelling and critiquing, ready to breathe fire at her next unexpected victim.

Her face, which was a white as the ice surrounding me, greatly contradicted her peaceful demeanor.

He drools more than I thought physically possible, sheds more than I could have imagined, barks at TV shows he doesn't like, and is the most perfect animal possible.

Life as a Pencil (for sophs conceit)

This is one of the many simple "forwards" that people have sent around the Internet. I'm sure you didn't get this one, but people my age get ones like this all of the time.

It's an example of a conceit.

The "pencil maker" is probably a good parent or mentor.

The "pencil" is a child or someone who follows the advice of his wise mentor.

It's pretty easy to understand.



A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX

1. EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK.

2. YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.

3. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.

4. IN LIFE, YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS,
WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER.

5. TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF
TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.

We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are is what's inside of you.

Seniors #3 Journal---Old Fashioned Stories

POST BEFORE TUESDAY SEPT. 28

You should have anticipated the "girl finally discovers that she loves boy" happy ending of An Old Fashioned Story. A story's title, after all, serves an important purpose, often to foreshadow plot.

Even though Elizabeth secretly harbors a hatred of Nelson throughout the story, she really can't find any faults in him; she has to invent crimes that he "might" have committed, like eating the mashed potatoes he cooked up for himself with his bare hands!

Years pass and yada, yada, yada, ... so finally realizing the error of her ways, Elizabeth falls for the dashing Nelson who is also living a secret life, presumably, more exciting than Scrabble games and trips to the state prison to counsel the inmates. Nelson does the "most un Nelson-like" thing and kisses her, and they agree to keep their secret new life and love "secret."

From your reactions to the story, I suspect that you have differing opinions on what constitutes a good story. For instance, some of you might have enjoyed the happy, somewhat-of-a-surprise ending in An Old Fashioned Story. Others may have resented it, or found it corny or too predictable.

I'd like to know where you stand, at the moment, on the matter of happy endings vs. sad ones. Choose to respond from one of these prompts:

1. Many adolescent literature these days are depressing. Follow the link to read the article Why Teachers Love Depressing Books. You may either respond to the article, or write about the books you loved when you were an adolescent, or both.

2. "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story." Good storytellers never do, as the writers of the popular movie Rudy apparently did when they made a film about the bench-warming Notre Dame football player who finally gets to play in a game. Follow this link to read what Joe Montana, NFL Hall of Fame and former Notre Dame quarterback, reveals about the "real" Rudy story. Comment on Montana's words and how they affect your view of the movie, Notre Dame football, Hollywood, etc. Maybe write about whether Montana should have kept his mouth shut and let the Rudy legend live on.

3. Write about a story, book, or movie that you (for the most part) enjoyed, except for the happy ending. Explain thoroughly how this happy ending was either unexpected, unrealistic, or unfufilling for you. Or all of the above.

WARNING: Enjoy the "light" reading for now. We're heading down a pretty scary mineshaft that plunges into the depths of human existence real soon. [TRANSLATION: we going to read some pretty sad stories].

Sophs #3 Journal--Writing a Conceit

POST BEFORE WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 29

I'm driving 65 mph on I-495, cars whizzing by me like I'm standing still. Two guys darting in and out of traffic like it's some video game chase--I can only imagine how fast they're going. I'm on the gas just to keep up with the flow, the left foot covering the pedal, just in case . . . momentarily reverting to what Mr. Shaw instructed back in my tenth grade driver's ed class.

Then comes the inevitable question from the backseat driver, who actually occupies the other seat in the front.

"Are you using cruise control?"

"No," I answer curtly.

"Why not? Doesn't your foot get tired?" the passenger harps.

I then begin my rant on the dangers of cruise control.

Clicking on the cruise control does prevent tired, cramping feet. However, it has its problems, too. For one, it lulls you into a false sense of security, and the feet usually get further and further away for both the gas AND the brake pedals. At that point, how much control do I really have?

Like my car, my life isn't often in cruise control. I hope I'm the one in charge as much as I can be (and without being a "control freak"). I realize I'm driving on a path that's been traveled on before, but as long as I'm the one making the decisions, I'll take that route, common as it might be.

How are you navigating through life?

Do you gas up, and then check the oil, wipers, air pressure, and radiator water level before a big trip?

Do you have the "pedal to the metal" or "both hands on the wheel at 10 before 2?"

Do you prefer I-95 or would you rather take the more scenic route?

Are you easily distracted by the billboards and other advertising signs outside of commercial business, or can you get from point A to point B without making a single stop?

Do you use your cell phone while driving, chatting and texting away instead of paying attention to the road?

Obviously, all of these driving situations can be applied metaphorically to situations in our lives.

For instance, the guy who gases up and checks out his car before a trip is the man who begins all his endeavors in life with preparation and a plan.

The "pedal to the metal" driver travels recklessly through life, hellbent on getting things done in a hurry without concern for safety for himself or anyone else.

Hopefully, you have the idea of what makes a CONCEIT, an elaborate (sometimes far-fetched) extended metaphor. Two things that are essentially unalike, like driving a car and living one's life, are compared. The "extended" part of the metaphor means that different parts of each item are compared, like the examples that I gave above comparing driving a car and living one's life.

So now it's your turn.

Think of an area in which you have some knowledge and expertise. Maybe it's a hobby (reading) or activity (sport, dance, fishing, etc.).

Think of a metaphor, and then extend it by breaking it down into parts.

For instance, reading a book is like developing a strong friendship.

How might choosing a book to read be like finding a friend? Examine its cover, its foreword, the reviews on the cover. How might this be similar to entering into a friendship? You can go on from here, and talk about opening the book the first time, feeling the stiffness of the book's bindings, maybe reading a few uneventful pages and then putting it down. How might this be like the beginning of a friendship, too?

Choose between these two assignments:

1. Tell me, in some elaborate, extended metaphor (conceit), what your LIFE is like. Let's avoid "roller coaster" or "box of chocolates."

2. Make any far-fetched, comparison (conceit) like the ones I read in class: going to a family reunion is like channel surfing cable television (this is posted for you on Studywiz); love is like white water rafting; my father is a toaster.

For some other examples, check the September 2009 archives and read the comments for "The Dangers of Cruise Control." Some are pretty original and thoughtful.

Purple Senior Lab Day--Vocab, Notes, and Journal #3

1. Choose any ten (10) vocabulary words from the list below and write sentences using them correctly in context and giving clues to their meanings.

Post your sentences here at Schoolsville before the end of class today, Sept. 23.

You MAY work with a partner, in which case you should identify yourselves with both your initials in your post.



I hope to make up your vocabulary test (on Tuesday, Sept. 28) from your class's sentences.

Here's the list:

Antebellum—before the war
Antithesis--opposition; contrast: the antithesis of right and wrong.
Autocratic—rule by a single person, dictatorship
Benefactor--a person who confers a benefit; kindly helper.
Asynchronous--not occurring at the same time.
Circumlocution—talking in circles; roundabout speaking
Convene--to come together or assemble, usually for some public purpose.
Counteract—to act in opposition to
Credo—any creed or formula of belief
Verdict—the outcome of a trial, the “true words”
Dissuade--to deter by advice or persuasion
Equidistant---same in distance
Extract –to get, pull, or draw out, esp. with effort or skill
Fluctuate—to change continually; to flow back and forth
Hyperbolic—in an exaggerated manner
Innocuous—not harmful
Intermittent stopping or ceasing for a time; alternately ceasing and beginning again
Malady--illness
Neophyte--beginner
Omnivorous—something that eats all types of food
Multifaceted having many aspects or phases
Permeate—to spread throughout
Sanctimonious—holier than thou
Retrospect—(n) contemplation of the past; (v) to look back in thought
Divert—to change the direction of; turn aside from a path or course

WHEN YOU FINISH POSTING YOUR VOCABULARY WORDS ...

2. Go to Studywiz to check out the notes that I've given you for An Old Fashioned Story. They summarize the storytelling techniques used by the author Laurie Colwin.

3. Read over and begin to complete the next blog/journal assignment #3. This should be posted before Tuesday, September 28.

Red Senior Lab Day--Vocab and Journal #3

1. Choose any ten (10) vocabulary words from the list below and write sentences using them correctly in context and giving clues to their meanings.

Post your sentences here at Schoolsville before the end of class today, Sept. 23.

You MAY work with a partner, in which case you should identify yourselves with both your initials in your post.


I hope to make up your vocabulary test (on Tuesday Sept. 28) from your class's sentences.

Here's the list:

Antebellum—before the war
Antithesis--opposition; contrast: the antithesis of right and wrong.
Autocratic—rule by a single person, dictatorship
Benefactor--a person who confers a benefit; kindly helper.
Asynchronous--not occurring at the same time.
Circumlocution—talking in circles; roundabout speaking
Convene--to come together or assemble, usually for some public purpose.
Counteract—to act in opposition to
Credo—any creed or formula of belief
Verdict—the outcome of a trial, the “true words”
Dissuade--to deter by advice or persuasion
Equidistant---same in distance
Extract –to get, pull, or draw out, esp. with effort or skill
Fluctuate—to change continually; to flow back and forth
Hyperbolic—in an exaggerated manner
Innocuous—not harmful
Intermittent stopping or ceasing for a time; alternately ceasing and beginning again
Malady--illness
Neophyte--beginner
Omnivorous—something that eats all types of food
Multifaceted having many aspects or phases
Permeate—to spread throughout
Sanctimonious—holier than thou
Retrospect—(n) contemplation of the past; (v) to look back in thought
Divert—to change the direction of; turn aside from a path or course

WHEN YOU FINISH POSTING YOUR VOCABULARY WORDS ...

2. Look over the notes on An Old Fashioned Story that I've left for you on Studywiz
3. Read over and begin to complete the next blog/journal assignment #3.

It should be posted before Tuesday, September 28.

Studywiz Up and Running

Studywiz appears to be working again.

SENIORS might want to check to see if in fact, there are some files and assignments posted there.

SOPHOMORES might want to try to see if you access two items I've posted for you as of today:

1. a pdf. document with some sample "favorite work of art" essays written by some former sophomores

2. a reading and assignment sheet for your first unit in the red literature book

Soph Yellow Class-Vocab Unit 1

Post (before class on Tuesday) five sentences using five different vocabulary words correctly, giving a clue to the meaning of the word within your sentence.

Of course, identify yourself according to your initials.

e.g. Finding strength in numbers, we formed a coalition to demand better food service at our college's cafeteria.

Soph Green Class--Vocab Unit 1

Post (before class on Tuesday) five sentences using five different vocabulary words correctly, giving a clue to the meaning of the word within your sentence.

Of course, identify yourself according to your initials.

e.g. Finding strength in numbers, we formed a coalition to demand better food service at our college's cafeteria.

Soph Blue Class Vocab Unit 1

Post (before class on Tuesday) five sentences using five different vocabulary words correctly, giving a clue to the meaning of the word within your sentence.

Of course, identify yourself according to your initials.

e.g. Finding strength in numbers, we formed a coalition to demand better food service at our college's cafeteria.

September 9 Senior Computer Lab Day

Today in class you should work on these three items:


1. Check the comments made by last year's seniors for the personal essay warmup blog (see the archives for September 2009) to get some ideas to write your own paper or blog response.

2. Complete and post #2 journal, Personal Essay Warmup, before tomorrow's class

3. Read files and/or messages posted on Studywiz that will help you to write your own personal essay

IF you've finished 1-3, then visit Studywiz where you'll find a file containing a short written piece by James Baldwin that you should read and analyze for "catchy" language for homework over the weekend. You can find more specific directions at Studywiz.

Remember that we'll have a short summer reading quiz on either Siddhartha or A Gracious Plenty tomorrow.

Please bring your copies of Fish Cheeks to class tomorrow. Be sure to be able to identify at least ten "catchy" words or phrases, also.

Seniors #2 Journal--Personal Essay Warmup

Young writers who feel as if they have nothing to say to the world actually do.

You do, too.

In your short 17 or so years on Planet Earth you have already experienced people and events that have molded your image, touched you to the core, or have changed your life.

If you try to deny this, then answer this question--are you anything remotely like the helpless, crawling, bawling, slobbering infant that lay in the crib? Someone encouraged you to walk, talk, and close your mouth when you ate your food. Someone, and some key events in your life, that undoubtedly involved other people, helped you to become the miracle merging of body and soul that is you.

Bet you never thought about it that way.

So here's the journal assignment: briefly (25 blog lines or 200 words) tell us here at Schoolsville about a person or event that deeply affected your life. I think we all can learn something from your story.

Save the ENTIRE story (if you wish) for your personal essay based on basically the same prompt (3-4 pages typed) that's due September 16. Consider this journal posting a flexing and stretching of your writing muscles for that final paper.

In sharing your experience, you'll be participating in bettering the human race. That's right. You'll be educating the entire world community here at Schoolsville, a world that could stand to learn that no two people, let alone races, religions, or nations, are exactly alike. The world can learn from your story, or at least begin to develop some much needed emotions of empathy or sympathy. Wouldn't you be interested in reading about how some Afghan teen, his country ravaged by foreign and civil wars, responds to the same writing prompt that you've just been given? Would his paper help you to understand his hopelessness, his fear, his distrust of foreigners?

OK, I'm only pretending that the existence of Schoolsville, or the completion of your personal essay paper, is vital to the future of the human race. But the point of my exaggeration is this: reading what others have to say is important, whether they live on the other side of the globe or in the neighboring cul-de-sac. Understanding them might help us to decide if we want to invade their country or invite them to our Labor Day barbecue.

Communication with others is the first "baby step" in learning how to get along. If we can't "walk in someone's shoes," then at least we should be willing to slip on someone's sandals and wiggle our toes for a spell. We just might learn that everyone in the world is not wearing the same 9 1/2 B's.

Respond here before Friday, Sept. 10. The essay is due Sept. 16.

To get some ideas, you may review the comments given by last year's seniors by visiting the archived post for September 1, 2009.

Sophs #2 Journal--Your Favorite Work of Art

Tell us what you consider to be your favorite work of art. Please don't limit your definition of art to the "fine" arts, like painting. Please feel free to include the "pop" arts, like music, film, cartoons, or television.

You might want to use this post as a "warm up" or prewriting to the final essay that is due Thursday, September 16. However, you may choose to write about something else for the final essay, too.

Complete this blog/journal response before Friday, September 10.

Remember, I recommend that you write your response in a Word document, save it, and then copy and paste it as a response. Eventually, I will collect all of your "blog/journal" responses at the end of each marking period as a graded assignment.

Be more succinct here than you will be in your essay--write a minimum of 25 blog comment lines or 200 words (your essay should be 3-4 typed pages).


At Schoolsville, you probably want to respond to these prompts:

1. What IS your favorite work of art?

2. Tell me about it. Give a brief description or overview.

3. Why is it your favorite work? Does it make you "think" (appeal to your intellect) or "feel" (appeal to your emotions)? A little of both, perhaps? Briefly explain.

To get an idea of how to respond properly to this blog, you may check out the archives for September 2009 and read some of the 56 responses made by last year's sophomores to this blog entry.

The image that you're viewing is of Van Gogh's Starry Night, one of my personal favorite "works of art."

Sophomores Library Lab Day Work

During today's shortened period you should do the following:

1. Read the "For Sophs and Seniors--Schoolsville 2010" post. Within that post, follow the link to the poem, Schoolsville, and read it. Make notes on Billy Collins, the role of a poet laureate, and the poem. If you don't have your notebook with you today (but you SHOULD HAVE), then complete over the weekend.

2. Read the post "How to Post Comments at Schoolsville." Leave me a BRIEF comment (at "How to Post Comments at Schoolsville") following the provided directions to show that you know how to post comments correctly.

Finish 1 and 2 for HOMEWORK.

Of course, if you have time, read your first journal assignment on the summer reading.

Have a good Labor Day weekend. Bring your notebook to class on Tuesday.