For Juniors--

How has Janie grown, matured, or changed through what we have read so far?

Quote from Hurston

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place. ~ Zora Neale Hurston

Based on what you know about Janie so far, how does this quote apply to her personality?

Their Eyes Were Watching God, the movie

I stayed up late on a Sunday night to watch Their Eyes Were Watching God on ABC. Halle Berry played Janie and did an outstanding job. The movie did give away the ending early for me, but I don't regret watching it. Those of you that watched the movie, what did you think of it? Oprah has called this the best love story ever written. Do you agree?

PS...Don't just tell that you like it or not. Give good reasons and details. What were the best parts? Most poignant? Most realistic? How did Janie change? Etc, etc, etc.

Website for Lord of the Flies

This site has some interesting information to help you.

http://www.gerenser.com/lotf/

Lord of the Flies (for Seniors)

What about their subservience to authority, even on a deserted island? There are several references to authority in chapter four:

• The little ones listen to Ralph because "he was big enough to be a link with the adult world of authority..."
• Maurice kicked sand in Percival's eyes and immediately felt bad about it. "In his other life, Maurice had received chastisement for filling a younger eye with sand. Now, though there was no parent to let fall a heavy hand, Maurice still fel the unease of wrongdoing."
• Roger threw stones towards Henry, but deliberately didn't try to hit him. "Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger's arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins."

Why are the boys still obedient? Why are they looking for someone to listen to? Even though we often wish we could defy authority, if it wasn't there, would we continue to do things the ways that we know are right?

For Juniors--

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Questions? Comments?

Attention Seniors---

Lord of the Flies

Talk to me.

Why Your Posts Stink

Dear students,
I truly enjoy reading your unique thoughts. You often have some great things to say. However, you often choose to keep those thoughts hidden in your posts!

More often than not, you simply respond to whatever I say with a "that sounds great" or an "I'll have to pick that up". Show some thought and originality! I feel like the Pied Piper of Newberry--whatever I say you are going to go right along with it. So, from this day forward, your posts better be insightful, or you will find yourself without credit for them!

Be original. If I wanted you to regurgitate everything I tell you, then I wouldn't waste time challenging you!

Sincerely,
Ms. Hartness

New Book

I read Glamour monthly and they often recommend books to read. Last month, the recommended Smashed--The Story of a Drunken Girlhood. I ordered it online and started it last weekend, when I finished Hating Valentine's Day. Its awesome!

Its an autobiographical look at a drinker. She starts at the age of 14 and its seems as her entire adolescence is defined by drinking. She isn't an alcoholic, but is definitely out of control in several places in the book. Its worth picking up and checking out.

PS--If you respond to this post by saying that this book sounds good and you'll be sure to pick it up, then your post won't be counted towards your monthly quota. Come up with something original, folks!

FOR SENIORS--Socratic Seminar

Today, we participated in the Socratic Seminar. I'd like your reactions and/or questions to today's lessons. For your information, I am also posting the guidelines for Socratic Seminars.

Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar

1. Refer to the text when needed during the discussion. A seminar is not a test of memory. You are not "learning a subject"; your goal is to understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in the text.
2. It's OK to "pass" when asked to contribute.
3. Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a bull session.
4. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification.
5. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to.
6. Don't raise hands; take turns speaking.
7. Listen carefully.
8. Speak up so that all can hear you.
9. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher.
10. Discuss ideas rather than each other's opinions.
11. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don't know it or admit it.