Monday, November 29, 2004

Thought for the day...

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.


What matters to you? What do your peers do that you know is wrong that you tend to ignore? Sexist jokes? Racist comments? Its common, unfortunately. But when we let these things that we know are wrong happen in our presence, its the same as making the comment ourselves. How can we live by this advice? What stands in your way?

ENGLISH IV--Portfolios

Here are some links that will help with several different sections, including building your weapon replica. This information will definitely help you with your research paper as well.

http://www.conisbroughcastle.org.uk/education_links.htm

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/medieval.htm

http://www21.brinkster.com/annascrafts/weapons.htm

http://www.reliks.com/aindex.ihtml

http://nicholasacademy.com/mar.html

Feel free to post any question that you may have. I'll try to get a response to you as soon as I can!

Friday, November 26, 2004

Recommended Reading

On the last recommended reading post, there were some great titles thrown out. Be sure you read through people's posts as you get ready to make your own. The best person to recommend a good book is someone who has something in common with you. Here are some of the titles that stuck out to me. Feel free to add you own.

Blood and Chocolate--I haven't read this one, but I've never met anyone who didn't like it.

Bleachers--I love this Grisham book. I thought it was amazing! If you enjoy sports at all, check this one out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Harry Potter--I've read all the Harry Potter books, although I only actually own one. My goal is to slowly buy all of them, b/e they are awesome books. If reading isn't your thing, check this one out.

Drama Queen--Haven't read this one, but if it takes someone who hates reading and entertains them then it can't be all that bad. Check the Young Adult Book Award Nominees section in the library. You would be surprised at how contemporary these books can be.

It Happened to Nancy--I haven't read this one yet. I've been meaning to, just haven't gotten around to it. I hear great things about it so I'll recommend it. But its very serious and emotional. I mean, imagine being 14 and being diagnosed with AIDS. The thing about this story is, though, its true.

Shattering Glass--Gail Giles is probably my favorite young adult authors these days. You can find this book and Dead Girls Don't Write Letters in our library. They are very popular though. If you like R.L. Stine, you'll get into these two books. But Stine's books can often follow a formula...they all start to sound alike. These books are out there and will keep you reading for hours.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Awesome Site

You can visit www.polarexpressmovie.com and play with this really awesome site. My favorite part is on Ice Lake...You can make snowflakes!

The Polar Express

This was one of my favorite books growing up! My mom read it to us every Christmas and I always thought the story was absolutely magical. I wasn't disappointed with the movie. I've read the reviews that talked about the animation and how dead the characters were...I saw some of that, but for me, the story is so wonderful and touching, I'm able to get past that. I tend to get lost in movies, and this was no exception. They writers had to add alot to the original book material, but it was still just so good. I highly recommend it!

(And you can tell it left me in the Christmas mood! I'm listening to Etta James wail 'Merry Christmas, Baby!' right now!)

English 4--Coat of Arms

Here are two sites to help you with your coat of arms work:

www8.informatik.uni-erlangen.de/html/arms.html

http://digiserve.com/heraldry/symbols.html

Friday, November 12, 2004

English III Essay Assignment

After viewing the movie, "Glory," complete a 1 1/2 ro 2-page paper on one of the following topics. You may need to use some of your background knowledge from discussions we have had in class in order to fully answer the question.

  1. Analyze the use of African American spirituals by the members of the 54th Massachusetts.
  2. Analyze the treatment of the members of the 54th Massachusetts by other members of the Union army.
  3. Choose one of the following four characters and analyze the gravity of being assigned to the 54th Massachusetts:
  • A white man from a small farm village in Michigan who has volunteered.
  • A white officer from Boston.
  • A free African American from New York City.
  • A former slave who has recently escaped from a plantation in South Carolina.

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

ATTENTION ENGLISH III STUDENTS!

I hope you actually watched the movie today in class. You will have to write a detailed movie analysis on a topic given to you. There are only so many copies of this movie to rent, so you may want to look into doing that quickly if you slept while I was home sick!
Censors are afraid of the truth. The best writing is fearless.
~ Judy Blume, one of the most-banned writers in America

Today's Thought

"We must overcome the notion that we must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary." ~ Uta Hagen

ATTENTION ENGLISH IV STUDENTS!

It is now November. Some of you slacked off while I have been home battling tonsilitis this week. Well, I am back and in rare form! You need to have started your project! Tell me--what have you done? What are you waiting for? And don't give me that "I have another month" line. What are you going to be saying in 4 weeks? Please give me an extension? Not going to happen! Tell me what you have done so far. Ask me questions. Let's go!