A Shift in Tone...

Surely you've been able to discern a shift in the movie's tone today. Why do you feel that shift? What are some ways the producer created that shift?

Predictions: What is going to happen?

More questions to come later....(and I hope the movie is working!)

Monday...

So I hope you are enjoying Life is Beautiful. I know I really enjoy this movie. Don't forget, it might not be bad idea to be taking some notes as we'll be talking specifically about this movie in our Socratic seminar at the end of this week.

I won't be there tomorrow, so computer people, I hope you can bring your skills.

See you all on Wednesday!

Snazzy SSR projects, straight from your brains!

So here are the projects your class brainstormed. You may choose to do one of the projects from your period only. Remember, it is critical that your project contain an writing portion that addresses why your book is frequently contested, and you opinion on whether or not it ought to be. DUE APRIL 9th!


Period One
1. Puppet show, with script.
2. Make a Myspace page for your main character. (About me write about your character, and in the book part write why it was banned.)
3. A letter written to the American Library Association explaining why it should or should not be banned.
4. Create a product that applies to your character.
5. Find a song that describes or relates to why your book was banned.

Period Three
1. Make a movie with script.
2. Book cover with details inside that explain why it’s contested and include your opinion.
3. Travel pamphlet explaining why you should read the book and why it’s banned and what you think about it.
4. Short story in first person written by a secondary character.
5. Write a song, sing a song.

Period Four
1. Essay (your opinion on why it was contested and then your opinion on whether or not it ought to be contested..)
2. Scrap book including written requirements. Pictures with captions.
3. Make a board game about your book, and as play the game, the game reveals what the book is about. Make a list of rules for the game, and how each part relates to your book and why it was contested.
4. Write a letter to a local library from the point of view from an angry parent wanting to ban this book./ or a parent who wants the book to not be banned.
5. Design a shoe (or another product) that relates to the novel with an explanation.

Period SIX
1. Power point/slide show thing.
2. Art with explanation.
3. Myspace page.
4. Shadow puppets with script.
5. A normal essay, explaining why the book is contested, and then explain your opinion on whether or not it ought to be.


Thought provoking questions...(Oh no! We can't think!)
According the Wiesel, what would you say is the most important aspect of the museum?
Who is at fault for the holocaust?
What do the words engraved on the museum mean?
What is the challenge Bass puts forward to all people?
Is what he is asking too much?

Getting cavities filled today? Here's what you missed:
1. Brainstorming of SSR projects.
2. Correction of last chapters of Night.
3. Wiesel and Bass remarks...
HWK: Finish Bass remarks if you didn't in class. Look at the blog for questions regarding both readings. Be prepared to discuss tomorrow.

Why do I feel like it's Wednesday?

So I told 'someone' the questions were going to be on the blog.  I lied.  Actually, that's a lie, I didn't lie, I plain forgot to bring them home with me... Grrr!  My brain is STILL fried from being sick!  Anyhow, a bit of time tomorrow to complete those at the beginning of the period.  

So today, if you were ill, here's what you missed:

Corrected CH 6 Night questions.

Finished the novel.

Answered questions...

Be ready for lots of reading, discussion and deep thoughts for the next couple of days...   

Crazy how we 'get started' once the book is done, isn't it?  

Thursday... Yipee!

Were you as shocked as I was when Elie and his father could have been saved had they stayed in camp? I remember feeling so crushed when I first read that. But if I were in their shoes, I doubt I would have the ability to believe I was going to make it out of the hospital alive. Still though, doesn't it kind of break your heart to know their troubles would have ended?

Section five focuses around Elie's faith, and the faith of the other prisoners. How much longer do you think these men can survive on faith alone? What does the future have in store for Elie and his father?

If you were a mucus-face today, (and thank you for staying home!), here's what you missed:
Quick write about Elie's anger towards god, and faith.
Finished section five.
Section five quiz.
No homework..AGAIN! WOW! (I know, you guys like it when I'm sick!)

Some thoughts about chapter five....

Isn't it interesting the shift from Elie's faith at the beginning of the book to his faith now? Clearly he's very angry at his God, but he still believes. How do you know he still believes? What happens when a prisoner loses his faith? What is the connection there? What do you think Elie's faith will look like once he leaves the concentration camp?

If the flu got you too, here's what you missed:

Crazy correction day

-TPT

-Ch 2/3

-Ch 4

Began chapter five

Hef's birthday. He's one...the little handsome dude...

Flu-2, Ms.P-0

Ugh, I'm not there again!  I tried, really, but it was not pretty first period.  Okay, just in case you didn't get, or don't have, or lost, or your dog ate, or your brother shredded, or whatever reason you don't currently hold in your hands chapter 2/3 questions for Night, here they are.  

1.  To what did Wiesel compare the world?

2.  What did Madame Schachter see in her vision?

3.  How did the other people in the car react to Madame Schachter?

4.  Where did the train stop?  (final destination)

5.  What did the Jews in the train car discover when they looked out the window?

6.  When did Wiesel say the travelers left their illusions behind?

7.  Which notorious SS officer did they meet at Auschwitz?

8.  What was Elie's main thought as the men and women were being herded from the train?  

Okay, time for some more rest.  *HOPEFULLY* I'll see you tomorrow.  Oh, and let me know how the Lion's Club lunch went for those of you speaking there...  

By the way, the sub said you guys were fabulous...(not his words, but mine), and I wanted to thank you guys for being your usual fabulous selves!  

Being sick is really dumb.  Wash your hands and cover your mouths so you don't get this bug, okay?  It really stinks.   

Monday....Your Teacher is SICK!

Sharing is NOT caring, so please keep your germies to yourself!  Okay, I'm obviously not there today, so hopefully you finished your ch 2/3 questions and then read chapter 4 with a page of notes.  

No homework tonight...

Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow.

'Till then...

A Small Lapse...

So I neglected to put up yesterday's blog; I'm sorry. Truthfully I didn't remember until this morning and then at that point I figured I would just wait until today to post. On to Tuesday... We spent time today going over some aspects of the Holocaust. Did you learn anything that surprised you? What was the most shocking statistic that you learned today? Once again, that nasty instigator propaganda has reared its ugly head. Do you think that's that last time we'll see it?

Tomorrow we'll finish up our holocaust information, have a little quiz, and then we begin Night.

If you weren't in class yesterday or today because of the time change, here's what you missed.
Monday:
SSR book due.
SSR time

Tuesday:
Quickwrite on what you know about the Holocaust.
Mini lecture on the Holocaust.
HWK: Read your SSR book.

Friday, Lovely Friday!

Okay, a little TPF today, a little time in the biblioteca, and some time to read good books. Oh, let's not forget the pumping sounds of disco to start your class period off. Now that is a great Friday.

Remember your book must be off the frequently banned books list, and while you're reading these books, try to keep an idea why these books are frequently contested. Your book must also be "grade appropriate", and at least 150 pages in length. Here are two lists compiled by the American Library Association on the 100 most contested books. Interesting to note how many you've already read, eh?

http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/top100challenged.cfm

http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlists/TOP_100_in_2000_2007.pdf

Classroom Full of Surprises...

I don't know about you, but I have been continually impressed by your interests and unpublicized talents. What a well-rounded bunch of individuals!

You know how to do this... epina@tehamaed.org
ONE:
1. Why was the Nestle company sued over Hot Pockets?
2. What is the average number of cases of children with autism?
3. What are two ways you can take care of your voice?
4. What are some physical problems associated with high heels?
5. What i one benefit of running track?
6. Where does the power and speed from a softball pitch derive from?
7. Why would juggling bean-bags be easier than juggling ping-pong balls?

THREE:
1. What is Manga, and what is unusual about the way you read it?
2. What is the intent of the LHC?
3. What are are two differences between softball and baseball?

FOUR:
1. What are some symptoms of depression?

SIX:
1 List two ways to get a red card.
2. What is a way to gain admittance to college?
3. What species of fish are potentially threatened by the Red Bluff dam?
4. What is one pro and one con of lowing the drinking age?
5. What are the snazzy decorated trains called?
6. What happens if you substitute tub butter for stick butter?
7. When will computers become smarter than humans?

Wednesday. It's only Wednesday.

Okay, same drill as last night. epina@tehamaed.org PLEASE put HWK PER (fill in blank)(Your Name) in your subject. Thanks!

PERIOD ONE...DUE 10:00 AM

1. Name two ways to prevent skin cancer, and identify a specific type of skin cancer.
2. What is a piece of protective gear you can wear while practicing kung-fu fighting. (They are fast as lightning... Huh! da da da da da da da da dah!)
3. What two different types of music are used in Zumba?
4. Name two types of bikes used for competitions and their specific modifications.
5. What is a way to prevent an oil spill, and why are oil spills so deadly to marine birds?
6. The Golden Gate Bridge...man do I love that thing, but seriously, why is it painted red-orange? (Print by Jake Early who played on Ms. Piña's softball team. Cool, eh?)

THIRD...DUE 12:00
1. What are two breeds closely related to the Siberian Husky?
2. What are some different ways hemp can be used?
3. What was the proposition that made same-sex marriage illegal in California?
4. Where was Nikki Sixx born?
5. When would you use wet flies or dry flies?
6. What did Barry Bonds (who played against Ms. Piña's step-dad in high school) say he thought he was taking? Hint: It wasn't steroids.

FOURTH....DUE 12:45
1. Name one side effect of steroid use for both men and women. (One for each!)
2. What are the two different ways to throw a shot-put?
3. How many men can be killed by the venom of a Fierce Snake, and how long do you have to live after receiving the bite?
4. Why wouldn't you want to use metal on a cooking gadget covered in Teflon?
5. What does MADD stand for?
6. Why did "The Family Guy" return to air after being canceled?
SIXTH...DUE 3:30
1. What is one way you can prevent animal cruelty?
2. What was the original intent of mashed-up peanuts? (And not just five minutes: 5:31.2)
3. What are two advantages of being short?
4. Give one "proof"that the moon landing was pure Hollywood special effects.
5. Why should your horse wear a breastplate?
6. Which of these dogs are not considered 'pit bulls' : Dogue de Bourdox, Corso, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa.

FIRST: Ashiah, Anna Paige, J-Blanch.
THIRD: Brian, Ramon, Miseal, Courtney, Conner
FOURTH: Sarah
SIXTH: Mayra J, JAZMIN, Sara, AJ, Alex, Mayra M.

If you were painting your nails today, here's what you missed:
Speeches
Review of how to send an email.
HWK: Send me an email saying you were absent today.

Happy National Square Root Day!

Because it's 3/3/09! Not too shabby math skills for your English teacher, now is it? First I'd like to mention your mad researching skills. I posted eight questions as they pertained to the speeches given in their respective classes. Little did I expect you guys to go online to find the answers for the other classes' questions. You guys are so bright! Extra credit all around!

I hate to do this, but we're having a lot of people go over their time by many minutes. I will give you a five minute warning, but the speech is cut off at seven minutes, finished or not. (Sorry!)

Okay, but now to the real stuff: your homework.

Period One: Email me, epina@tehamaed.org . You have 24 hours, until 10:00AM, Wednesday, 3/4 to email me your answers. In your subject put HWK Period 1, and make sure you identify yourself too.
1. Name a country where goats originated from.
2. Someone tries to sell you some "extra-special" grade one chocolate. Is the guy trying to rip you off or is it a good buy? Explain your answer.
3. What was Greenday's most popular album to date? (In terms of record sales.)
4. What is the name of the basic marching step?
5. Although it seems like it would be cheating, what 'help' can you get from special soccer shoes that is perfectly legal?
6. Name a 'sign' in the movie...(Zakk's favorite movie)

Period Three: Email me, epina@tehamaed.org . You have 24 hours, until 12:30 PM, Wednesday, 3/4 to email your answers. In your subject put HWK Period 3, and make sure you identify yourself too.
1. What 'skill' is David Beckam known for?
2. Why are Easton bats popular bats?
3. How much will the Chivas' new stadium cost to build, and why do they want to move out of their current stadium?
4. What are some alternatives, according to Rocio, to watching television?
5. Why do some students get in trouble for the dress code, and others don't according to Nikki?
6. If Red Bluff were to have a mall, what would be two benefits of that mall?


Period Four: Email me, epina@tehamaed.org . You have 24 hours, until 12:45 PM, Wednesday, 3/4 to email your answers. In your subject put HWK Period 4, and make sure you identify yourself too.
1. Why do our modern-day ninjas wear black?
2. Name two locations you can find an icon.
3. Why do we embalm people?
4. Aside from the people attending college, who also benefits from people going to college?
5. What is the most common wood used in making bats?
6. What is the leader of a wolf pack called?

Period Six: Email me, epina@tehamaed.org . You have 24 hours, until 3:30 PM, Wednesday, 3/4 to email your answers. In your subject put HWK Period 6, and make sure you identify yourself too.
1. Name two easy things you can do to recycle or be more "green".
2. What health product has become 'famous' through the movie Napoleon Dynamite?
3. How do freestyle riders prepare and practice their stunts like a double back-flip?
4. What is one of the requirements to be able to go into a temple?
5. What are the two basic varieties of trees?
6. Why couldn't the people of the Roman era ride their horses?

ORDER for TOMORROW:
Period One: Erin, Devin, Priya, Josh, Justin, AJ, Charlie ON DECK: Arlene
Period Three: Heather, Eddie Michael, Katelyn, Tim, Vaugn, Roxy, Zach ON DECK: Brian
Period Four: Benny, Lacey, Zak, Greg, Felicia, Jessica, Victor ON DECK: Sarah
Period Six: Katy, Ian, Dustin, Courtney T, Mayra M, Michael, Kisara ON DECK: Mayra J and Jazmin


If you were washing your hair today, here's what you missed:
Speeches! (They were VERY interesting!)
HWK: See above!

Say Hey, it's Monday!

And ten points in my heart if you can tell me who the Say Hey Kid is. Today was a great first round of speeches. I see you've picked topics that you're interested in, and you have prepared well. Will anyone look at a Twinkie the same way? Can you visualize a place where everyone is nice? Or what about meeting a teacher and saying, "What's up Big Daddy?", or understanding what the First Amendment says. Good job, ladies and gentlemen. Good job.

I would like to remind the remaining students to include a signpost within your speech; without a signpost, I have difficulty ascertaining where your transitions are... Also, make sure your visual aids are part of your speech, and not an afterthought.

And remember, you need to go when you're scheduled to go. You may not give your speech the 'next day' because there are people scheduled to present. This assignment is worth 80 points, so please take it seriously.

Period One:
Phillip, Kayla, Sam, Katy, Zakk, Dani, Erin, Devin, ON DECK: Priya

Period Three:
Mario, Alex, Connor, David, Rosio, Courtney, Nikki, Siria ON DECK: Heather

Period Four:
Cheyene, Cy, Brook, Courtney, Richard, Kenny, Benny, Lacey ON DECK: Zak

Period Six:
Sara B, Cara, Rachel, Ashley, Juanita, Ethan, Alyssia. ON DECK: Ellie and Erik

EXTRA CREDIT email the answers... epina@tehamaed.org Don't forget to include your name/period!
1. Why is a soccer ball black and white?
2. What three basic colors do pigs come in?
3. What two countries have rendering plants for horses?
4. What are some fly-rods made out of?
5. What are two types of paint you can paint with?
6. Why are bows and arrows better than swords?
7. Name a breed of dog that went into the creation of the Australian Cattle Dog.
8. What is the most profitable fundraiser for local Boy Scouts?

Ditching class today? Here's what you missed:
Speeches.
HWK: ZERO (wow!)