Happy Everything

I'll miss you all but enjoy break. See you in 2015!

Xoxo

ROOF

Hope you enjoyed today's College Panel - thanks to those of you who asked questions!!

ROOF tomorrow!!!

xoxo

Sorry About the Test Today...

...but it had to happen.

Be ready for your class' debate tomorrow.  Have quality research from quality sources and be ready to defend your position.

Thursday we will have a College Panel so think of any and all questions you have for current college students.

Friday = R.O.O.F.

xoxo

Debate Topics and MWF

Gosh I loved seeing all of you little MWF's wander about and make people's days.  Yay!!!

Debate topics were chosen:
2nd & 3rd - teen drinking and fines for parents
4th - medical consent for minors
6th - CIA and toture
7th - legalization of prostitution (and apologies to y'all...I was sassy and irritated beyond my own recognition.  Sorry.  I do believe in each of you.)

I'll see y'all tomorrow for Day 2 of MWF.  Yeow!!!

xoxo

Read the Weekend Work Post!

Thursday Tantrum

Kinda got mad at you in my own way about the lack of effort some of you are displaying.  Remember that connections matter and those who pay attention get noticed for all the right reasons.

Tomorrow have your thematically appropriate SAS  - Winter Traditions Around the World.  I look forward to hearing what you find.

MWF starts Monday so get your creative and thoughtful ideas prepared.

xoxo

Weekend Work

To do or not to do?  That is the question...

Before Monday, please read the Classification and Division essay Going to the Movies by Susan Allen Toth.  Pay attention to the characteristics that make it that particular rhetorical mode.

Also read the brilliant Alice Walker's essay Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self.  Don't worry about the last page in the PDF - it's another teacher's homework assignment.  Pay attention here to how this is the rhetorical mode of Definition.  Characteristics, qualities, etc.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

p.s. - MWF starts Monday so get your gift-giving self ready!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday Warriors

Anna Quindlen's essay Between the Sexes, A Great Divide is what we used today as an example of the rhetorical mode of compare and contrast.  Make sure you are creating and taking notes on all of the modes.  Use the Readings for Writers book.  It's quite handy.

I'm in the holiday mood, so I will likely be posting more thoughtful gift ideas just for fun.  And I think Friday's SAS should be thematically linked to "Traditions Around the World".  Use that as your guide.

I'll see y'all on the flipside.

xoxo

p.s. - shoutout to YOU, YOU know who YOU are, right???

p.p.s. - I want everyone to comment.  I'm checking....

Tuesday Topics

Today's TED Talk centered on my favorite topic:  FOOD.  Rewatch and pay attention.

Tomorrow, bring your Norton Reader to class.  We'll be reading an essay from it.  (You'll need it in class on Thursday as well.)

Mysterious Winter Figure Guidelines:

• Your assigned person is Top Secret so don't get loose lips,
• Starting Monday 12/15, leave a thoughtful little something for your person,
• Try not to spend money - it's a gift, remember,
• Gifts left Monday 12/15-Friday 12/19,
• On that Friday (the 19th), SIGN your name on your gift or deliver it in person.

How to deliver the gifts:

• Use me or Posternack to help - he can give me stuff when I arrive period 1 and I can distribute it throughtout the day,
• Have a classmate in the class help you especially if the are in the same class period as you,
• Deliver it yourself but early to the class they have...

Too fun!!

xoxo

Monday Musings

The past weekend was great...Hope you feel the same.

Tons of information below.  I'll be posting some ideas for MWF if you need ideas for thoughtful gifts - i.e., items that don't cost money but do take time.  And since we read Joan Didion's piece in class today, "On Going Home" make sure you have all the discussion points answered and have created a flow chart.

If you were absent, the points were:

• When is the Description mode used?
• How do you write a Description?
• What is the theme of the text?
• Create a flow chart of the experiences that Didion describes.  Have experience A flow to B to C, etc.  
• Do you think parents today can give their children "home"?  What is "home" to you?

MWF Thoughtful Ideas

• handwritten or typed note that compliments your recipient
• a jar of compliments
• an inspirational quote a day with a piece of candy or gum attached
• a handmade hide and seek puzzle that has inspirational words in it
• a single flower
• a homemade treat (check allergies!!)
• a cup of cocoa delivered to them or a cup and a packet to make themselves
• a candy cane with a sweet thought attached
• a lollipop with a good deed you completed in their honor
• a list of really awesome funny videos that you've linked so all they do is click for a laugh
• their initials made from whole crayons that you glue to the paper
• a hand planted succulent in a little container
• a cup of tea

I'll post more as I think of them.  My personal favorite...a compliment a day that ends with a jar full of compliments that they can keep forever and read when they need it.

xoxo

Friday Love and Requests

Morning -

I'm posting during period 1 so I have no idea how the Shark Tank SAS is going to go.  But I'm a person who believes in all things - like love and light and gifts from the unlikeliest of places - so I'm going to go out on a limb and say, "Good job."

On Monday please bring The Norton Reader  to class.  We're going to be reading an essay in class.  Thank you!!

xoxo (for GC)

Characteristics of the Modes

Compare your characteristics created in class today to the ones listed from The Riverside Reader.  And if you are so inclined and are motivated to do what an AP Lang student should do, you can use Readings for Writers and read the sections on each of the modes.  Some would argue that I should read and organize all the information and present it to you in let's say, Power Point form, but this is an AP class, college bound babies.

For Shark Tank SAS tomorrow, keep in mind that you are presenting an idea or a concept or an invention that has value and worth to society.  Please write down your ideas/thoughts on an index card that will be turned in tomorrow.  I will select presenters based on an arbitrary inkling.  You may also include a dollar amount if you feel you can put a price tag on your work.

And don't forget that your 2 page One Word assignment is due tomorrow as well.

xoxo

P.S. - Cool contest for $2500...check it out.

Song for the Special

Follow this link to Marina Keegan's essay "Song for the Special" in case you were absent from class today.  Tomorrow all of you need to have Keegan's work with you - ANNOTATED and also have a precis written.  We'll be using them at the beginning of class.

Also, please bring your blue Readings for Writers book for the first time EVER to class.  We're going to be reading a couple pages from it to save me the horror of going to the copy room.

Enjoy the beautiful rain!
xoxo

p.s - fill out the MWF form online (a post from Monday) otherwise your assigned MWF won't know your likes or preferences.  Please INCLUDE YOUR NAME!!

The Power of Introverts

The TED Talk today was about the power of introverts.  Made this introvert's heart sing.  Make sure on Friday that you have your Shark Tank like idea ready for presentation.

Your two page One Word assignment is also due Friday.  Sorry Cole!  xoxo

Also, please make sure that you fill out your Likes and Preferences for Mysterious Winter Figure.  Include your name!!!!!

Some Things

Welcome back!!  14 more days until winter break.  I am so excited!!!!

The One Word assignment was explained today - see me or a classmate for the details.  Due Friday, final draft, blue or black ink please.

Also, those of you who want to participate in MWF can fill out the form below. I don't know if it will work, so let me know if it doesn't.

Fill out the form here.  Make sure you sign your name.  It will only be sent to me so no one else will know!!!

xoxo

The Princeton Prize

Here's a link to the Princeton Prize I mentioned in class.  If you're interested, check it out.  And remember, capitalize on the APATHY of your peers.

Tomorrow be ready to present Stuff About Stuff, and just to see who's reading the blog, make sure your presentation falls under the theme of gratitude/gratefulness.  Also, please have your info written on an index card or small sheet of paper for collection.

As you present, I will look through your flashcards on the prowl for those of you who do the age old trick of leaving some blank.

xoxo

180 Hits

Every day that I post, I should see at least 180 hits.  I'm seeing on average 80.  No bueno.  Get on it.  And as a result, I will now be posting more and more specific things here that will be necessary for class discussions and assignments.  I'll make sure to post by advisory so you can use lunchtime in the library if you don't have access to internet at home.

So to begin, HERE is a doozy of a list that will be a mindnumbing assignment.  You guessed it...flashcards.  Due Friday in class for a check.  And the flashcards don't have to be fancy as in on index cards - the homemade variety of cut up notebook paper will do.  I'll be making my own as well so no hypocrisy here.

Have the excerpt of Blink read by tomorrow for a class chat and assignment.  And on Friday we are going to have a little game time in addition to SAS.

Oh, and if you haven't been reading the blog, I guess you'll have to go back and find the post about Blink that has the hyperlink to the text 'cause I'm not linking it again.

In Class Work - Wednesday:

Just a fun read HERE.  After reading it, submit a 3-4 paragraph response (written please) that simply addresses the following:  Your thoughts? You can turn your work in tomorrow if you don't have time in class.

And YAY!  So excited for the tweets.  Due Friday, January 9, 2015, in class.

xoxo

Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek's How Great Leaders Inspire Action hopefully inspires you to be one who leads instead of a leader.  I'll see you tomorrow for some multiple choice work.  No stress.

Be sure to have the intro of Blink  read by Thursday. And just so you know, you are NOT REQUIRED to purchase any of the books for the class reading.  All are available either in our library or at the public library.  Some are even available online.  Just saying in case you were confused.

xoxo

Books Were Chosen

Below you'll find the different books you are expected to read over the next 5 months.  And can I please stress that you have 5 months to read 6 books.  You can definitely do this.  See me with questions please.

Period 2:
Blink - Dec. 12th
To Kill a Mockingbird - Jan. 5th
Hunger of Memory - Jan. 26th
East of Eden - Feb. 17th
The Picture of Dorian Gray - March 17th
Lone Survivor - April 17th

Period 3:
Blink - Dec. 1st
To Kill a Mockingbird - Jan. 2nd
Hunger of Memory - Jan. 23rd
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Feb. 20th
Bossypants - March 13th
East of Eden - April 17th

Period 4:
Blink - Dec. 12th
East of Eden - Jan.11th
Hunger of Memory - Jan. 30th 
To Kill a Mockingbird - Feb. 27th
The Picture of Dorian Gray - March 20th
Devil in the White City - April 17th

Period 6:
Blink - Dec. 5th
East of Eden - Jan. 5th
To Kill A Mockingbird - Jan. 26th
Hunger of Memory - Feb. 16th
The Picture of Dorian Gray - March 9th
A Short History of Nearly Everything - April 17th

Period 7:
To Kill A Mockingbird  - Dec. 15th
East of Eden - Jan. 5th
Bossypants - Jan. 28th
Hunger of Memory - Feb. 25th
The Picture of Dorian Gray - March 23rd
Blink - April 17th



I'll post more later.  xoxo

Multiple Choice with Stems

Thanks for your effort today with the practice multiple choice.  I'm wondering if the stems helped?  Did you find it useful?  Comment below and let me know.  I'll publish comments tonight.

SAS tomorrow will be on a "I Call On You" basis so be ready.

See you then.

xoxo

p.s. - ZR if you read this still, sending you mad, mad love.

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

So, by next Thursday (the 20th) please read the excerpt from Blink.  Read to the sentence that says, "Blink is a book about those first two seconds."

You will need to read the whole book so get yourself a copy - used bookstore, Barnes & Noble, library.  It's a great book.

TED Talk was Amanda Palmer.  Check it out!!!

Tomorrow we are working with Multiple Choice.  Friday is SAS by the numbers.  That means I will assign each of you a number and randomly choose presenters.

xoxo

It's Getting Personal

Here's the link to the work we did today in class - just trying to find a voice, ya know?  If you were absent, just access the link and answer all the questions.  Trust me.  Doing it now will help you later...
Enjoy the day off tomorrow and thank you to all those who serve or who have served and the families whose sacrifices allow me to be free.

xoxo

Stuff About Stuff is Tomorrow

Show up tomorrow. Like really.  Show.  Up.  Have something of value to share with people who are willing to receive it.  You're a part of an awesome class that is having an awesome experience, so don't squander it.  And for any of you interested in something simply delicious, read this.  We'll be using it sometime soon.

xoxo

John Barry Model Essays

***Updates made.  Please read.***

Please access the link below to READ the packet of model essays.   We will be working with them in class. Print only if you want to.

John Barry Barry Bo Berry Banana Bama Bo Berry

xoxo

Reminder:  Tomorrow at lunch in Room 300, Mrs. Kwayana will be hosting a meeting to discuss the recent events toward her.  Join in if interested.

And also, I just read this online from a favorite blog of mine.  It's an excerpt from a letter a mom gives to her son the night before 3rd grade, but I think it's a letter that every parent should give their kid.  It also says some of things I would want to say to you if you were my children too.  Read and ruminate.

"We do not care if you are the smartest or fastest or coolest or funniest. There will be lots of contests at school, and we don’t care if you win a single one of them. We don’t care if you get straight As. We don’t care if the girls think you’re cute or whether you’re picked first or last for kickball at recess. We don’t care if you are your teacher’s favorite or not. We don’t care if you have the best clothes or most Pokemon cards or coolest gadgets. We just don’t care.

We don’t send you to school to become the best at anything at all. We already love you as much as we possibly could. You do not have to earn our love or pride and you can’t lose it. That’s done.

We send you to school to practice being brave and kind.

Kind people are brave people. Brave is not a feeling that you should wait for. It is a decision. It is a decision that compassion is more important than fear, than fitting in, than following the crowd.

Trust me, baby, it is. It is more important.

Don’t try to be the best this year, honey.

Just be grateful and kind and brave. That’s all you ever need to be.

Take care of those classmates of yours, and your teacher, too. You Belong to Each Other. You are one lucky boy . . . with all of these new gifts to unwrap this year.

I love you so much that my heart might explode.

Enjoy and cherish your gifts.

And thank you for being my favorite gift of all time.

Love,
Mama"

TED Talk Tuesday

Sarah Kay's stellar TED Talk can be found here.  Enjoy again and again and again.  It's lovely.

Thanks to you all for listening today and for considering what I shared.  It's a true shame that we live in a world where important issues are sometimes ignored.  We are all connected and thus only as strong as our weakest link.

I'll see you tomorrow for some work on the Barry prompt.  If you were absent, check out Monday's blog.

xoxo

p.s. - I just read this:  "Unkind and bitter words will do little to affect change in our culture, but our love- our love will make all the difference."  Thought it was just about perfect.  

Monday Work

Sorry I was out.

Life.

If any of you need it, or were absent, HERE is the link to the prompt.  Q2 - John Barry question.  If you weren't here, follow the 7 steps and have your work tomorrow.  NO need to write the essay.

Our 7 Rules

1. Draw a blank rhetorical triangle.
2. Read and annotate the prompt.  Circle the "to" and the verb that follows.
3. Draw the arch.
4. Read the text with the arch question in mind.
5. Annotate!  Chunking.
6. Fill in the rhetorical triangle.
7. Draw your roadmap.

xoxo

Due Monday

Monday, please have your prompt and Steps 1-7 done.  Also include and staple your Introduction and first body paragraph.  Thank you!  And Happy Halloween!!!

xoxo

Shout Out

CC.

Thanks.

Florence Kelley

Practice Timed Writing today.  Access it HERE. (Question 2)

Tomorrow have your chunking done, your rhetorical triangle filled out and the arch question answered.  Friday = SAS and the Halloween Name Quiz.

Our 7 Rules

1. Draw a blank rhetorical triangle.
2. Read and annotate the prompt.  Circle the "to" and the verb that follows.
3. Draw the arch.
4. Read the text with the arch question in mind.
5. Annotate!  Chunking.
6. Fill in the rhetorical triangle.
7. Draw your roadmap.

xoxo

Work work work and Love love love

Please make sure you review all the previous TED Talks and write notes for them.  The one from today can be found HERE.  And any of you interested in Achor's 30 day challenge, the slide is at minute 11:25 in the video.

Really consider your definition of hard work, success, and whether or not you are happy.  It's not a coincidence that so many people say you only live once.

We're going to be reading together tomorrow so come with your brain and more importantly, a good outlook.  Thursday we will be writing.  There.  I said it.  Friday, SAS.

And a little love to period 2...you've got something inside.  I know.  My little class of diamonds waiting to be mined...

AND REMEMBER THAT THE NAMES QUIZ IS ON FRIDAY.  First names only.

xoxo

Your New BFF

I'd like to introduce you to your new best friend.  Actually, two new best friends.

THIS website is lovely for those of you willing to grow into a better writer. Please ignore if you are interested in staying the same.

And THIS here is the first step toward transforming your life.  Again, if you are are not interested in learning, please ignore.

TED Talk tomorrow.
Writing, writing, writing, Wednesday and Thursday.
Friday - SAS.

xoxo

A Moment of Silence tomorrow

Hope your weekend is going well. If you haven't heard, there was a school shooting in Washington on Friday. Morgan, my period 4 TA, sent me the following in an email:

"Cole is going to speak about Marysville Pilchuck High School and offer a moment of silence and I was wondering if you could write a blog post to your classes, specifically 4th period. Can you please ask your students to wear red, white and gold tomorrow in honor of MPHS and then come at lunch to be involved in a big group photo to send to the school? Also can you tell 4th period that I would like to video the class during the announcements to send along with the picture to show Marysville that we care too? It would mean a lot to them."

Let's honor her request. Red, white and gold.

Xoxo

Working With Your Writing

Monday we will be using your Timed Writes.  Be ready to learn.  Have a great and safe weekend.

And period 4, remember your Federal Survey Cards!

xoxo

Stuff About Stuff

Tomorrow we will be sharing SAS so please have quality info to present.  I would love to be fed delicious little bits of stuff I don't already know.

Thanks for your effort today on our first Timed Write.  I will read them and return with scores on Monday.  We will use them as our lesson in fact.

I have an after school meeting today.  Think of me...

xoxo

I Sent Out a Group Message...

Z girl I love you.

Students, be ready to write tomorrow.  A train is a comin'...

TED Talk Tuesday

Drew Dudley.  Leading with Lollipops.  Seriously.  Don't be typical and widen your lens.  That's what leadership is.  Period 7, you make the end of my school day very happy.  Thank you.

For tomorrow, make sure you read yesterday's blog post.  Lots of writing and work to be done this week.

See you later.

xoxo

A Little Bit of Work

In addition to making sure you have quality notes (based on what we did in class today), please READ THIS.  Then, analyze the syntax.  Bring that analyzation and a copy of the excerpt to class on Wednesday.  We're going to use it as the foundation for our lesson.  So I certainly hope you are reading the blog and doing your work and making sure you live into your possibility as a learner in this class.

Here's a cool article.  And ooh, Obama's moist feet.  I love you!!

TED Talk tomorrow.

xoxo

Friday Writing

In case you want a head start...

Kendra Eash's "This is a Generic Brand Video", published in February 2014 for McSweeney's Internet Tendency, is a video worth watching.  Please analyze this text within the framework of the rhetorical triangle, paying close attention to the effects of the devices used.  

xoxo

Summary vs. Analysis

Hopefully you took notes today in class.  If you were absent, please see a classmate to copy.

***Your A letters are due tomorrow!!!!*** "Dear Ms. Beltran, I got my "A" in my class because..."

Today we watched THIS.  It's a gem.  Thanks to LP for sharing on Friday for SAS.  Please make sure you have both a summary and a list of the questions you asked yourself about the text.  Bring those to class on Friday.

Tomorrow is our SAS for the week.  Please feed our brains.  I, for one, am hungry.

xoxo

Sir KR

Forgot to post!  Yikes!!!

TED Talk = Sir Kenneth Robinson's "How Schools Kill Creativity". My all time favorite. It's just about perfect.

Xoxo

Letters Due Thursday

A change in schedule for the week:  Thursday you will be presenting Stuff About Stuff.  Be aware.

Your letters, the ones post dated to June 2015, are due no later than Thursday's class.  Please consider taking your time and writing something that is both thoughtful and useful to your growth junior year.  I'm excited to read them before I file them away.  Maybe you should consider keeping a copy that you can access as well - for those days when the "voice" gets too loud.

Thanks for showing up to class today.  And happy 2nd six weeks.

xoxo

Open House Happened...

...no wonder you guys are awesome.  You come from good people.  Did you hear that I gave some of your families homework?  Yep.  To watch the same TED Talk we will be watching next Tuesday.  Most of you have seen it already, but it's like a great song.  You definitely "listen" to it all the time.

Hope y'all have a great weekend full of fun and rest and, I have to, READING.  Need a recommendation?  See me!!

Adore.

xoxo

Open House is Tomorrow

Just a friendly reminder that Open House is happening tomorrow.  I hope to see your families there!

In other news, tomorrow, be ready with a creative presentation on your rhetoric project.  All of you will share in small groups, then I will randomly select class presenters.

Friday is SAS Round V.

Ooh, and HERE is a video that is definitely worth your time.  Aside from the emotional aspect, consider the ethical and moral debate surrounding quality of life and a person's right to choose.  

xoxo

More Thoughts on Ubuntu

Boyd Varty.
"What I Learned from Nelson Mandela"
I mean, really!
Rewatch.
Again and again.

If you're interested in learning more about Ubuntu, click HERE.

Don't forget your quality rhetoric tomorrow.
xoxo

Wednesday L.O.

On Wednesday, please bring to class a quality example of rhetoric.  It can be a written example, a visual example, or even something auditory that we can listen/view.  Don't do anything with it, just bring it and remember NOT to go with the first or second or even third idea.  Be original.  We will use your example in class Wednesday.

- a video clip
- an excerpt from a book
- a painting
- a photograph
- a symbol
- a speech

xoxo

Friday Fun Day

So SAS Round IV...I'm writing at 8:07am so I'll predict my happiness at what you've shared.  So thanks...Hope y'all have a great weekend.  Watch What's Your Squakers McCaw (google it on youtube).  Watch "A Few Good Men" (great movie), read for pleasure since it'll be so hot and you'll go to the beach and chill.  Feed your brain!!!!

Happy Weekend,
xoxo

*** As per the awesome period 3 student who shared her dad's life lessons:
1.  What other people think of you is none of your business.
2.  Time is money.  Be your own boss.
3.  Things happen and things will change.  Every life will have a perfect storm.  It will pass.
4.  Make How Much You Spend  (be smart with your money)
5.  Be an informed citizen.
6.  Everything's negotiable.  Ask.
7.  No mistakes.  Only opportunities to learn.

Writing Assignment

***PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SURVEY.  You'd be helping me out and the school.  Just click HERE.  Thank you!!!***

Have a final draft (written neatly, in blue or black pen) of your rhetorical precis for David Brooks' NYT article Fly the Partisan Skies.  (The link to the article is on Monday's blog post.)

Make sure you also research David Brooks so you know who he is - just google him and feed your brain.

Tomorrow in class you will be sharing your precis aloud in a small group for evaluation so come to class prepared.  We will share out the best ones and you'll also read mine as an example.  Just practice, so no stress unless you like stress in which case, stress away!

Friday is SAS Round 4 so bring items you are excited about, authentically interested in.

xoxo

So Much to Say...

First off, today's TED Talk.  Could you please?  Rewatch it, take notes, and LEARN from her.  My goodness.  She is what beauty is.

Secondly, interested in attending a TEDx Talk at SDSU on Saturday 10/11, 8;30am-6:00pm with a $10 charge for lunch???  Make sure to sign up in my classroom.  The sign up sheet is pasted on the back of the classroom door.  I need to get an interest list to Mrs. Hedges ASAP.

Make sure you check yesterday's blog post for access to the NYT article by David Brooks.  You'll need it in class tomorrow.  And, yes, I could have relinked it here.  But you're capable, right?

And, as a final plug for the credibility of the precis, check out the image below.

Received this yesterday in the middle of period 6.  I'm not making this stuff up.  See y'all tomorrow.  xoxo

Rhetorical Precis Notes

Below is the format for the precis:

1.  Name of author, [optional: a phrase describing author], genre and title of work (date in parentheses) (additional publishing information in parentheses or note); a rhetorically accurate verb (such as "assert," "argue," "suggest," 'imply," 'claim," etc.); and a THAT clause containing the major assertion (thesis statement) of the work.

2.  An explanation of HOW the author develops and/or supports the thesis, usually in chronological order.

3.  A statement of the author's apparent purpose followed by an "in order to" phrase.

4.  A description of the intended audience and/or the relationship the author establishes with the audience.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dave Barry example:

In "The Ugly Truth About Beauty" (1998), Dave Barry argues that "...women generally do not think of their looks in the same way that men do" (4).  Barry illuminates this discrepancy by juxtaposing men's perceptions of their looks with women's, by contrasting female role models with male role models, and by comparing men's interests with women's.  He exaggerates and stereotypes these differences in order to prevent women from so eagerly accepting society's expectations of them; in fact, Barry claims that men who want women to "look like Cindy Crawford" are "idiots" (10).  Barry ostensibly addresses men in this essay because he opens and closes the essay directly addressing men and offering to give them advice in a mockingly conspiratorial fashion; however, by using humor to poke fun at both men and women's perceptions of themselves, Barry makes his essay palatable to both genders and hopes to convince women to stop obsessively "thinking they need to look like Barbie" (8).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your own example is due on Wednesday in class.  Show up with your work or not at all!!!!!
AND, make sure you read (and print if you can) THIS article.  You'll need it for Wednesday's class.

xoxo

Rhetorical Precis

So this weekend, have a look at the notes we were going to go over on Thursday in class.  Be ready to use and discuss in class on Monday.  :)

Have a great weekend and thanks for your cooperation with the sub(s).  xoxo

My Boyfriend Gave a TED Talk

Good ol' Benjamin Zander!  This is seriously one of my all time favorites.  Check it out again before Thursday and make sure you take notes galore.  This one is full of quotable quotes and good takeaways.

Tomorrow, your mind will be BLOWN away by the quality of writing we're going to read.  After school, dare I say, you will want to run to the bookstore and buy a copy of this author's work.

Thursday we're NOT having multiple choice, but we're reading to feed our brains.  I'll explain that better tomorrow in class.  And Friday it's Round III SAS.

xoxo

p.s. - thanks to the fabulous MD who introduced me to Tiny Buddha.  That's a great site so check it out if you're so inclined.

p.p.s. - Z, if you still read this, stretchmarks.

TED Talk Tomorrow

The TED Talk we're watching tomorrow is probably my all-time favorite.  We'll see how you take it.
Also, I altered the weekly schedule.  Wednesday you'll be working with rhetorical devices in a stellar piece of writing.  It's going to blow your mind.  I cannot wait.  So Thursday we'll play with multiple choice or maybe I'll make you write.  Dunno.

See y'all tomorrow.

xoxo

Rhetorical Devices

Tools.

Toolbox.

Use the tools.

Don't be a tool.

Book recommendations:  On Writing (Stephen King), Unbroken, Seabiscuit  (Laura Hillenbrand).

READ.

R
  E
    A
      D.

Daer.
DAER.

Dare to read.

xoxo

Shades of Meaning

Connotation and denotation are fundamental in writing and in this class.  Make sure you "get" the concepts.  Monday 9/22 you will have to present your own Shade of Meaning project.  Remember to pick a neutral word and go from there.  Delivery matters.

See me with questions.

Tomorrow we will attack rhetorical devices and start building a bridge.  And Friday is Stuff about Stuff Round II.  Bring it.

xoxo

TED Talk Tuesday - Our Standard

So, just like Multiple Choice scoring day is a thing, so is TED Talk Tuesday.  The expectations are below.

Make sure you rewatch Brene Brown's The Power of Vulnerability.

1.  View TED Talk as a class.
2.  No notes, just watching.
3.  Small group or class discussion.  We'll chat about impressions, thoughts, questions, hmms...
4.  Writing debrief/reflection based on a prompt I'll give you in class.  We'll usually write for 10-15 minutes, and the work will be turned in.
5.  L.O.* - You SHOULD rewatch the TED Talk at least once before class on Thursday.  (As in two days after I first show it to you!).  This is when you take your notes, find juicy quotes, write a summary.  All of this should go into your Stuff about Stuff journals.

xoxo

* Possible timed write on any TED Talk viewed in class given at any time the Thursday after the original viewing.

"Vulnerability is the core of joy, creativity, belonging, and love." ~ Brene Brown

I'd say 85%...

...of you brought it. Good. Very good. Rest up, stay cool and I'll see y'all Monday.
Xoxo

Multiple Choice Mania - Round 1

You're currently getting your feet wet with the practice multiple choice.  I wonder how you're doing and if you're mind is at work.  Tomorrow we will experience our first Stuff About Stuff for the year.  So be ready...I might let you volunteer or just call on people...

Thought I'd leave you with this.

"You must truly believe in yourself.  You must end the 'I'll give this a try' mindset and switch to an 'I'm going to succeed' belief." ~ Craig Ballantyne

xoxo

Aristotle is My Man

So, the 5 canons.  We did that.  Isn't it glorious???  I mean, really?  Aristotle.  The 5 canons - the foundation for all things rhetoric.  Memorize them or else I'll be sad.

Tomorrow, your first toe dip into AP Lang multiple choice.  Just a snippet...not for a grade, but consider it a warm-up (with a race coming soon).

Friday, first Stuff About Stuff.  Be.  Ready.

xoxo

Need Coffee

I have a dream in my heart. Thought I'd share. Good job today. Just consider the possibilities. I'll see y'all tomorrow.

Ps - I love Post It notes.

Monday Monday

I didn't sleep well at all last night.  My poor little kinder kid had nosebleeds due to the dry heat (Heat that I kinda am not loving).  So alas, if I am a bit "off", it's probably because 1.) I'm tired, 2.) my class AC is broken, and/or 3.) I'm worried about my kiddo.  But life must go on...In fact, as Vonnegut would say," So it goes."

Period 3:  (actually all of you), Stuff about Stuff Journals need to be acquired.  Presentations Friday.  And Period 3, please have your letters to me if they weren't already handed in.

Everyone:  The 9 Rhetors presentation/L.O. needs to be ready tomorrow.  Use the examples I showed in class as a baseline but create your own original ones.  We'll present on a volunteer basis as usual.

The weekly calendar looks like this:
Monday - rhetorical triangle
Tuesday - 9 Rhetors Presentations
Wed - the 5 canons and the appeals (sounds like an indy band)
Th- Practice (I stress practice) Multiple Choice to give you a feel for what you're in for
Fri - Stuff about Stuff presentations, Round 1

And check out/read if you are so inclined, Cynthia's blog.  And devour The Tao of Pooh.

xoxo

It's Official

A love affair.
Just read your letters. Oh.  My.

Although it seems cryptic, best coffee shops for those on the hunt?  In my estimation, Dark Horse on Adams, Lestat's on Adams and Filter on University in Hillcrest. Ooh and Rebecca's in South Park for the iced Vietnamese. They only take cash though.

It's 7:12. My dishes are done.  I'm pretty done too.

Xoxo

Stuff About Stuff

Find your end all be all Stuff about Stuff journal for the year.  It's imperative.

Enjoy your weekend and be ready to roll on Monday!

xoxo

p.s. - Period 3, I'll explain Monday so don't worry about journals, okay??

Musings

I love being able to see you...like really see you.  So thanks for presenting today.  Mad shout outs to period 4 Hunger Games style race to present.  Every single one of you rocked it.

Some tidbits:
-Read (or reread) the Feb. 26, 2014 post in my archives for a flavor of what I expect.
-Book recommendations:  Middlesex, The Opposite of Loneliness, The Bell Jar, The Sirens of Titan, The Things They Carried, and Blink.  Such great books - food for your brains.
- Period 3, meet me in the Big Gym tomorrow for the grade level assembly.

And remember, as you get settled into our class and our routines:  "Comparison is the thief of joy."

xoxo

To Zac

I love you too.

And new APES (AP English Students), I am beyond grateful already.

See y'all tomorrow.

Xoxo

Official Writing

So I'm posting this early so as not to forget...The first L.O. is due tomorrow so here goes...

1.  Hand write a minimum 1 page (not crumpled) piece that responds to the title "What I ABSOLUTELY Know For Sure".

2.  Synthesize that piece into a 6 word memoir that encapsulates your philosophy/belief.

Be prepared to present the 6 word memoir in class tomorrow and Friday.

Announcements:
- I just ate a homemade pumpkin muffin.  Life is good.
- Textbook check out is tomorrow at the beginning of class.  So come to class, check in, then be ready to head to the library for all your books.  Make sure you have your id cards and schedules.
- Friday is the PLHS grade level assembly.  PERIOD 3, you will meet me in the Big Gym.  Check in so I won't mark you absent.
- I am already so grateful to be your teacher.

xoxo

Welcome

Ready for your first L.O. (homework/assignment in the traditional sense)?  Leave a comment (I moderate them so don't freak if you don't see it posted) and prove that you have visited your new best friend - also known as this blog.  Historically, I use this as a virtual meeting place - L.O.s, announcements, extra opportunities.  So be a frequent visitor.  See y'all tomorrow.

xoxo

Hello???

Anybody out there??

In case someone's still reading, go out.  Right now.  And but Marina Keegan's book The Opposite of Loneliness.  At Target for 14 bucks if you can spare it.

Happy Summer!
xoxo

p.s. - thanks for the pass rate...

Textbook Return Tomorrow

Let's get going with TED Talks and then get those books turned in.  Woot woot.

Scholarship Help

Just as a caveat - a friendly one - this entire College Project is designed to help you.  So if you haven't figured that out yet or if you haven't thanked Mr. Martinez, Zac or any of the other seniors who are being benevolent, please do so.

Your second deadline is tomorrow so make sure you have at least 3 scholarships, a list of potential recommenders and your college chart.  If you're still looking for scholarships, check out the list below.

AND, periods 2, 3, 4 will meet in the PAC tomorrow for the film festival.  Periods 6 and 7 we will watch the dvd in class.

Scholarship Search Links

www.scholarships.com

www.cappex.com

www.zinch.com

https://public.dollarsforscholars.org

www.fastweb.com

www.collegescholarships.com

www.findtutition.com

www.scholarships101.com

www.scholarshippoints.com

www.fafsa.ed.gov

www.calgrants.org

www.scholarshiphelp.org

www.gibill.va.gov

Good Luck on Bio

Those of you testing, good luck!  You're almost done. :)

College Deadline 1 extended for AP Bio kids thanks to Cooper. Just have your stuff ready to go by next week.

And for those of you who will be in class, we will be reviewing College Binders.

Xoxo

COLLEGE PROJECT

I'll be out tomorrow but you've got plenty to do...

1) Reflective Journals
2) FAFSA pin creation
3) Personal Statements
4) College Chart
5) Brag Sheet
6) Scholarships
7) Letters of Recommendation List

xoxo

p.s. - Deadline 1 is Friday...

Mr. Martinez is the Man!

I am so bummed for those of you who missed out on Mr. Martinez's awesome info session on college/senior year.  Wow.  Loads of info that is invaluable.

We will begin work on the college project Monday as well as discuss TED Talks and their expectations.  I hope to see you then.

xoxo

p.s. - shout out to period 3 who was only missing 1 classmate

No School

In case you hadn't heard: no school Thursday 5/15.
Stay safe and see you Friday.

Xoxo

Good Luck

Have fun on APUSH tomorrow!  Hope y'all do the best you can - sending you good vibes as usual.  Those of you who aren't testing, have something delicious to read.  We will begin work on the College Project Thursday...

Thanks also for the insightful comments from yesterday's reflections.  I will be incorporating your suggestions for next year's class of APES.

See y'all soon - stay hydrated!
xoxo

URGENT!!!!

If you are issued a highlighter DO NOT use it.
Highlighters are not allowed on ANY AP exam.

I REPEAT:  NO NO NO NO HIGHLIGHTERS.

XOxo

Best of Luck

All good energy your way.

Have fun.  Enjoy and read like a thinker.  Write like a thinker.

It's going to be all good.

xoxo

Marathon Runners...

...have trained for a smidglet of time.  Right?

I'm about to box up my proverbial running shoes, but before you pack up yours, look down.

What kind of shape are your shoes in?

xoxo

Dealing With Stress

That voice in your head that keeps whispering to you - last year my Moleskin Mamas and I called it a "chizzler".  Well, don't listen to it.  Wrangle your sanity back in and tell that puppy to "sit".  When the chizzler comes back just tell it to sit again.  Rinse and repeat.

Test is in 3 days.

Whatever.

Go sit (and read).

xoxo

An Open Letter

Dear Child Who Folded A Page in My Brand New Book,

I just recently finished reading Cheryl Strayed's book Tiny Beautiful Things and there's a chapter in it titled, "Ten Angry Boys".  It made me think of you.  Because as I watched you in class, "reading" and asking the time and distracting peers who were reading I found myself getting angry and upset.  Who do you think you are?

Class ended and as I was straightening up the books I'd generously displayed on the front desk, I noticed how one was oddly askew - just sort of sticking open to the last page you'd "read".  And there it was - a folded over triangle in the upper right corner of the previously pristine copy of my book - my book that I bought with my money after working at my job teaching young people like you.  And it all became so very, very clear.

Why, of course.  Folding over pages = marking territory.  Marking territory = announcing to others that this belongs to you.  This belongs to you = the privilege you likely feel toward things.  But the rub is that the book does not belong to you.  It belongs to me (whatever ownership of tangible items means but that's another blog post) and yet you folded over that page in a symbolic gesture - a mindless gesture - that speaks to me loud and clear.

I was here.

This is mine.

I matter.

And my anger evaporated into pity - the kind of pity no one likes - when someone looks at you knowingly and sees you and your hurt and your scars all covered up with unexcused absences, blame on everyone else but you, losses, arrogance, red Solo cups and a path that leads to a world that will eat you up and spit you back out if you don't soften the edges and put into focus the three tenets of a life well-lived:  what is true, what is good, what is beautiful.

So, to the child who folded a page in my brand new book,  I hope your heart starts to melt a little, sort of  like the edges of an ice cream cone when you're not fast enough with your licks on a hot summer day.  I only have to live with you for a few more weeks.  You've got to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

xoxo

***THIS IS ALL TOTALLY FICTIONAL...JUST PRACTICING MY WRITING, YA KNOW?***

Hyperbole and a Half

This is one of the funniest blogs/books.  I was reading some today and laughing out loud.  (Z and T, you get it...)  In case you don't have access to the book itself, check out Allie Brosh's blog HERE.  It's worth your time.  As for Friday's test, you're either ready or you're not so you might as well read.

Special thanks to A.S. for the awesome gift was back in December.  Adore.

xoxo

More on My Mind

Period 2, you are creating cheat sheets but my eye is not drawn to those of you nose deep in notes or frantically flipping pages.  My eye is drawn to the kid sitting quite casually, pencil in hand - yawning, doodling, scratching his hair.  And my mind floats to a future that is both unwritten and unseen.  How will this kid ever make it?  How will this kid change the world and make it better than he found it?  And it scares me if I let it - thinking about the big, bad world that all of us live in and how your generation has only known speed, technology, and peeking into other people's lives one tweet or post at a time.  Who are you and who will you become?

Something interesting happened to me last week that I think perfectly highlights why my fears are credible.  I was at home doing the mama thing when my phone dinged.  I checked the text and there was a question about something grammatical.  I didn't know the answer off the top of my head so I opened up Safari and googled it.  I found the answer, closed the tab, and texted back the person with the query.  Easy peasey.

I went about my life.

Something you should know about me - empath me - is that oftentimes I wake up from a dead sleep with an answer or a vision or a certain clarity that I didn't have before.  It's really weird but it's how I find missing items or answer conundrums of both the heart and mind.  This night I woke up in a dark house with fear on my heart and a little bit of anger too.  Why the hell could this person not have done what I did to find the answer to their grammar question?  I didn't know the answer.  I looked it up.  I figured it out.  What I had done earlier in the day was the work - the heavy lifting - for a person of a generation that knows only easiness and privilege.  And it made me so scared.

I went to check on my girls - blissed out in sleep and unaware of the perils of the world.  And I remembered that just because you have a tool doesn't mean you need to become one.

Long live pen and paper.  Long live digging deep and making mistakes.  Long live killing your tv and iPhone and iPad.  Long live playing outside and falling down and being able to pick yourself up.

xoxo

You're Testing...

...I'm reading, but I can't read in here with you because this new book (the post Tiny Beautiful Things book) is just as much of a dagger.  And the fact that someone else's words can evoke such emotion in me (and millions of others) is mind blowing.  Someone somewhere decided to think something, write that something down, and put it out into the world.  If that isn't beautiful, what is?  So then my brain scuffles over to those of you - yes, you - reading this blog who don't read IRL.  More importantly, what about those of you who don't even read this blog let alone books.  How can you possibly expect to be whole and real and true and good?

A recent study (it was published in Time so insert credibility here) found that the brain does not make much of a distinction between reading about an experience and encountering it in real life.  The same neurological regions are stimulated.  WHAT?  The study goes further and states, "Individuals who frequently read fiction seem better able to understand other people, empathize with them and see the world from their perspective." So basically...reading great literature enlarges and improves us as HUMAN BEINGS.

Shut the front door.

And some of you don't read.

That desperately makes my heart ache - like in a visceral way.  Have you never found yourself so immersed in a book that the entire world falls away?  Have you never found yourself on the pages of someone else's writing and look around to see who's been watching you because how else would that author have known...known how you feel and what you think?  Have you never been cracked open with a sentence that so deeply resonates with what you believe that you get in your car, drive to the nearest bookseller and buy out their inventory so you can hand out the book like candy on Halloween night? (Not that I've done that...wink wink.)

My God.  READ.

You eat, don't you?

You pee, don't you?

You breathe, don't you?

As teachers we make you read such crap, right?  Why do you think you're told to just read in this class?  And how bone rattling to know some of you don't even do that?

If you take nothing else from this class as you move forward into your senior year and adulthood and beyond (besides don't be an a-hole), well...read.  So you won't be an a-hole.

Take me to the bookstore.  I'll show you the way...it's the first step in a journey that will change you for good.

DFTBA.

xoxo

My Third Daughter...

...is babysitting my other two. So I had the chance to finish the book. The One. THE BOOK. I can't breathe. You. Must.

http://aumroom.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/reading-yogi-supta-baddha-konasana/

Xoxo

So Sorry I Was Off Today

Apologies galore for not being my best self today - that back thing was awfully painful.  Thank you to you know who's for you know what's.  Very much appreciated.  :)

Hopefully you all completed your pre-AP packets today in the library - if you didn't the counselors should be in the library tomorrow during periods 2-4.

Remember that this week we have block schedule:
WED:  periods 1, 3, 7
THURS:  periods 2, 4, 6

Each class will be a glorious 2 hours long.  Woot woot!

AP Lang exam is next Friday so please do what you need to in order to get yourself ready.  Review terms, practice tests, essay review, watching The Colbert Report or The Daily Show.  We will go over specific tips next week.

And for the 1000th time, GO GET A COPY OF Tiny Beautiful Things.  You.  Simply.  Must.

xoxo

p.s. - Great quote from Tiny Beautiful Things: 
"There are so many things to be tortured about, sweet pea.  So many torturous things in this life.  Don't let a man who doesn't love you be one of them."  

Somebody Made Me Smile Today

Here's the TED Talk in case you wanted the link.

Quizzes will be graded ASAP so you can receive results.

Lotsa lotsa notes manana.

MC Thursday and Friday so don't be "sick".  Cough cough.

xoxo

Quiz Tomorrow

Be ready.

xoxo

Gender Judo

An interesting read compliments of "Elsa".  Enjoy.

Happy Weekend!
xoxo

Must Read Articles

**********Print out THIS blog post and bring it to class...*******************

I'm not kidding - the first article is MANDATORY reading.  I'm giving you a quiz on it next week.  That will likely determine your six weeks grade.  So read it.  Annotate it.  Learn it.  Live it.  HERE it is.

And there's a second article that is also interesting on resegregation.  Read that one HERE.

xoxo

Smarter Balance Butter Test

Testing tomorrow. So here's the scoop:

Period 2 - Show up at the library at 7:30.  Do NOT attend period 1.

Period 3 - Show up at the library at the beginning of period 3.  You will NOT be attending period 4.

Period 4 - Show up at the library at the beginning of period 3.  You will NOT attend your regular period 3.

Period 6 - Show up in the library after lunch.  You will NOT attend period 7.

Period 7 - Show up at the beginning of period 6.  You will NOT attend your regular period 6.

Whew.

xoxo

Teeming With Terms

Here are some more terms to add to your stash.
1.  allusion
2.  euphemism
3.  genre
4.  irony (and different types)
5.  oxymoron
6.  parody
7.  sarcasm
8.  subordinate clause
9.  satire
10.  premise

Happy Weekend.
xoxo

Stuff About Stuff Tomorrow

Have some good stuff for tomorrow.  Test prep will continue on Monday - work through your review book and have your HISTORICAL CHART in class tomorrow.

See y'all then.

xoxo

***Alexandra's Life Lessons***
1.  It never hurts to ask.
2.  Self-advocate.  Be your own hero.
3.  Keep in touch with former employers.  (i.e., don't burn your bridges)
4.  Keep all important documents.  (pay stubs, letters, contact information, etc.)
5.  Talk to everybody.
6.  Be kind.

Presentations, Spring Break, and More

Our TED Talk this week spoke of the paradox of choice and how "the secret to happiness is low expectations".  I certainly wasn't very "happy" per say with a majority of your presentations that did not seem professional and in control.  Some of you might not understand why presentation skills are important in this day and age of technology, increased social media, and less face-to-face contact, but the ability to "speak with authority" as Taylor Mali says is an earmark of a successful person.  Obviously success means different things to different people, but I know of no one who aspires to be tuned out, laughed at, or secretly mocked.  I'm not saying I did those things - well, not all of them at least - but the point is:  be a good presenter or no one will listen to a word you're saying.  Most of you were just as bored as I was, right?  And most of us could tell the people who pulled their work together at the last minute, and we could tell the ones who can "own" a room.

A high quality presentation/presenter has some common characteristics:
- interesting
- energetic
- knowledgeable about their subject
- appropriately dressed (I'll come back to this one)
- dynamic
- funny
- engaging
- interesting

How did your presentation stack up?  How did you?

As for the "appropriately dressed" one, period 2 mostly rocked that.  Thank you.  And several of you in other classes came close, but one stood out and what I found interesting was that this particular presenter was asked why he was so dressed up.  I muttered under my breath in the back of the room, "Because he freakin' knows how to do a presentation."  

I wore workout pants, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes (sneakers to some of you) on purpose.  I wasn't presenting.  I wanted to relax and be comfortable in case I fell asleep or had to run away at a high speed.  You always, always dress the part.  Period.

I've blabbered on for enough time - feel familiar?  Suffice it to say, I will teach you how to do better.  And once you know better, you will do better.  TED Talks are in 10 weeks.

Read a few things, feed your brain, and I'll see you in a week.

Happy Spring Break.
xoxo

Synthesis Tomorrow

Review the all the consumer/materialism/debt documents I've posted on the blog this week - INCLUDING THE NYT article on the 704 square foot home in Oregon.  You could print them out, reread them, and annotate them as well.  Just sayin'...

Bring your brain and a pen and some notebook paper to class.

xoxo

p.s. - And definitely check out "Fitting in Cardboard" by Ze Frank on youtube.  Definitely worth your time.  Thanks, Z Girl...

Stuff About Stuff is Tomorrow

Did you read the blog title?
Well then.
Today's random commentary:  Cadillacs are for rich people who are hardworking and successful.  If you don't drive a Cadillac, what is wrong with you?  Ha.

See y'all tomorrow.

xoxo

Feed Your Brain

TED Talks are below.  Period 2, you only watched the first one.  Make sure you have both viewed by tomorrow.  Also, here's The Atlantic's article on cheating that is worth a read.  Check out Nicholas Carr's The Shallows if you're up for a good read.  And check out this interesting visual about debt in the U.S.

Ingenious Homes In Unexpected Places

Malcolm Gladwell's talk

xoxo

p.s. - reminder:  Stuff about Stuff on Thursday this week!

A Reading Post - Read On!

Lots to say/share/write so here goes:

Links below are for delicious things you should rewatch and read.  First off, the fabulously adorable "I Like Being 98" shared by DM.  Share with someone you love.

Read this delicious piece from The Atlantic - uh, hello, PLHS and the world!

And what else?  This bit on consumerism.

And this one on Tupperware.

Read on, read on, read on.

TED tomorrow.

xoxo

Stuff About Stuff

Be ready.

Or Bless Your Heart.

xoxo

Multiple Choice Mania

Any of you so inclined can form small groups of 4 for tomorrow's multiple choice practice.  Think utter vulnerability.  Wear comfortable clothes just in case, too...

xoxo

You Tested...

...I read, and boy did I find some good stuff.  I'll keep most to share on Friday, but below is a cool link to an article I cannot stop thinking about.

704

"Own less.  Live more."  These people built a home for themselves that is all of 704 square feet.  In a society obsessed with size (the average home these days is at least 2500 square feet), it seems that we are constantly being bombarded with the idea that more is better.

I didn't grow up in a big house - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath.  Our kitchen was so small that you could sit at the round table and open the refrigerator without getting up.  I'm not sure how many square feet it was - my mom's since moved to a bigger house that has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a study and a dining room (she lives alone).  But what I do recall from that house is the feeling of literal and spiritual closeness with my mom and sister.  It was a home that housed our triumphs and struggles and fears and successes.

So this article really made me think.  Why is it that I believe (like so many of us do) that bigger is better?  Who says a big house equals success?  I know plenty of people (and I bet you do, too) who have lots of nice things - cars, clothes, gadgets - and big houses to boot - whose life is but a sham of shiny, sparkly things that glitter but aren't gold.

Hmm...Just read the article and think on it.

For class, come with your 2013 Synthesis packet so we can work on writing an essay together.  See y'all then.

xoxo

p.s. - period 2, I found a new washer.  And my eyeball is doing fine.  Besos.  

Manana

EAP tomorrow - sounds like a disease - but really it's just to test your college readiness when it comes to writing.  (Insert stress if you've learned nothing from The Circle Thingy).  For those who are interested, check THIS and THIS out.

In other news, I am still sleepy.  And my eyeball hurts.  Will I wear my glasses tomorrow?  Hmm...

Laundry calls.  Dishes call.  Little One's bath time calls.  But "Revenge" is on my DVR.  #conundrum

GO LADY POINTERS!

I cannot think of a better way to commemorate International Women's Day than with a group of highly talented, dedicated females winning their school a CIF Championship.  Way to go!  Congratulations to Coach Aros and all the ladies - special shouts to Mi'Lexus, Ilish, Angelica, Desiree, M. Aros and Jessica.  We were watching in period 6 - the live stream - and it was exciting, tense, and anxiety filled.  So happy for you!!!!!!

In other news, classes were super small as a result of the awesome game, so if you were out and DID NOT email me your topic of choice, GET ON THAT RIGHT NOW.  ybeltran@sandi.net

Have a safe and happy weekend,
xoxo

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Good luck tomorrow women's basketball.  So, so proud of you!!!  Game at 11:07am at USD's Jenny Craig Pavillion.  Tickets are $10 with your student id.

Stuff About Stuff tomorrow - ideally something to celebrate International Woman's Day which is Saturday.  Also, your topic of interest is also due - jot it down on an index card or something simple.

See y'all then!
xoxo

For Tomorrow...

You will need THIS. You will need the whole thing eventually but for tomorrow make sure you have the first set of multiple choice questions (#1-17).

No cheating.  :)

xoxo

Why Not Rewatch?

Just in case you want to nourish your minds again, rewatch the two delicious videos we viewed in class.  They are below.  Consider your position on both speakers' ideas and main claims.  (ooh, that sounds fancy - basically just think.).

Video One:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPCkfARH2eE
Video Two:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJgiYBdD2VA

Think about your topic of choice as well.

xoxo

ALSO, print out the Synthesis Question from 2013 from College Board and bring to class.  Thanks.
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2001.html#name13 (website)
 http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/apcentral/ap13_frq_english_language.pdf (pdf)

Monday Monday

I meant to give a shout out in class to Oso but I forgot.  Your writing is just about awesome - thank you for always filling my mind with good food to digest.  Thank you!!!!!

So, that speech.  It slayed me.  Your responses were super thoughtful too.  Big shout out to Sydney B. and Hannah O. who wrote some pretty amazing and lyrical things.  Wow.

Consider what interests you and be prepared to share your answer on Friday.

TED Talk Tuesday tomorrow.

xoxo

Shout Outs

Period 3, YOU DID IT!!!!  Yay!!!!!  I am so proud of you and mad props to Lotti whose presentation on Germany was eye-opening and inspirational.

Period 4, you blew my mind.  Time.  Space.  Contact lenses.  Lazy geniuses.  Ahhhhhhh!

Period 7, newly addicted to geography and woot woot K!  It made you sad not to know so you went and learned.

To JJ in period 6, very informative.  Need a new pillow?  And to period 2, great as always.  Really loved the inspirational video from FS.  And SO happy you made it to class, CL.

Library Book Sale tomorrow at 9:30 at the San Carlos Library.  Great books.  Cheap prices.

Off to pack my bags for Germany!!!

xoxo

Stuff About Stuff

***UPDATE***
I spaced linking the video.  Find "The Runners" on youtube.  Worth your time.  And Anne Lamott is just as awesome in person as she is in her books.  :)

Shout out to period 3 for speaking up and out and more.  I look forward to more tomorrow.  And thanks to all the classes for doing a great job recasting.  I've never tasted a "vulgar" apple before.  HA!!!

Off to see Anne Lamott!
xoxo

We See What We Want to See

I cannot contain myself.  Before I go, I have to share some lines I just read.

"It is a tricky process to make a class full of high schoolers understand that in order to write, you must know.  In order to know, you must read.  In order to read you must have the desire to be here."

On the other hand, here's this:

"I find it disturbing that we're not asked to do more.  I don't know what there is to 'get', but I am getting frustrated.  I doubt they would have a class on writing if it wasn't teachable."

Can I please write in all caps NOW?

Two totally different viewpoints and both valid obviously.  All of this is a tricky process because I care enough to ask and get annoyed by your answers.  First off, AP Language is not a writing class.  It is a class on critical thinking.  Period.  The fact that you are asked to synthesize aforementioned thoughts into written form is a byproduct of the critical thinking.  Secondly, the whole point of this course is to create and inspire learners who don't need to be asked to do anything.  You should want to do more because you are curious, interested, intrigued.  Because you want to better yourself.  Workers are asked to do things.  Thinkers do them.  Mindless robots are asked to do things.  What is there to get?  Exactly my point.  Everything is available to each of you.  You just have to go get it instead of lazily expecting things to come to you.

Clear cut instructions follow:
1.  Stand up.
2.  Walk to a mirror.
3.  Look at your face.
4.  Ask yourself who is in charge of your life, your learning, your future?
5.  Rinse and repeat daily until you get it.

Recasting

We will work with recasting tomorrow in class.  Come prepared to work with your groups.  For period 7, your questions are below since it was requested that they be posted online. See y'all tomorrow.  xoxo

1.  The apple tasted gross.
2.  Great Britain is a lovely place.
3.  She didn't know any better.
4.  Cars are fast.
5.  I woke up this morning.

30 Days

Optional brain exercise - every single day for the next 30 days, wake up and write for an hour.  See what happens.  (Don't check out Kirk's blog for more information and inspiration.)  Also, we'll be writing for 15 minutes everyday for our brains so be prepared for that - mentally and emotionally.

Awesome Mr. Hensler wrote on that aforementioned don't-check-it-out blog the following:

"Pride is like a shield.  It is thick and nearly impenetrable.  Our pride protects us.  Most people will find it satisfactory enough to call themselves proud, accepting it as part of who they are.  Other people will question their pride and try to understand where it came from.  Why did they grow this armor?"

"But there comes a point when we are no longer benefiting ourselves by sitting on the sidelines and criticizing everything that is wrong with the world.  As if it is some manifestation of a state of superior intelligence to point out the obvious shortcomings of our existence.  It's a dead end road.  We are in the world, this is our world."

"So what is it that really holds us back from putting our work (ourselves) out there?...It's fear that holds them back...". 

"As human beings, we are survivors.  We will do whatever it takes to stay alive.  But there seems to be a sense of complacency that has plagued our culture.  Our basic needs are met so we spend the rest of our time suffering.  We're not sure what the hell we're supposed to be doing with all of our free time that we would have normally spent chasing down wild buffalo, picking berries, or scrubbing our loin clothes against rocks in the river."

"Speak up people; the world needs to hear what you have to say."

KIRK HENSLER

I agree with everything except the last part - the world does need to hear what you have to say as long as it's something worth saying.

xoxo

#WriteYourselfAlive

p.s. - Those of you who signed up for the PLNU symposium, it is THIS THURSDAY!
p.p.s. - Check out Andrea Gibson on 3/25 in North Pork.  See her blog for details.  DYING!!!!!!  I wrote North Pork!  I meant North PARK.

It Is An Honor & A Privilege...

...to teach, that is.  But to those of you not showing up to class in the truest sense of the word, come on.  Decide who you want to be and go be it.  Period.

For this weekend, feed your brain.  Reading is really the only way to become a better writer.  No shortcuts. Just hard work.  So, bring in an example (1 paragraph typed, copied, or printed) of a really solid, nice, good, quality piece of writing.  It can be from a book you've read, an article you enjoyed, etc.  No wrong answer, just "Bless Your Heart" passes.

We will use them in class on Monday along with your recasted introductions.  I will pour through them this glorious weekend.

Be brave today.

xoxo

Practice Your Intros

Here's the prompt for tomorrow.  So read it.  Analyze it.  Write an introduction that we'll play with tomorrow.

In the following excerpt from Antigone, by the classic Greek playwright Sophocles, the wise Teiresias observes
              Think: all men make mistakes,
               But a good man yields when he
              Knows his course is wrong,
               And repairs the evil:  The only
               Crime is pride.
Take some time to think about the implications of the quotation.  Then write a carefully reasoned essay that explores the validity of the assertion, using examples from your reading, observation, or experience to develop a position.

xoxo

Happy Love Day

Hope y'all have a great weekend!  I'll be reading and eating chocolate. Thanks, Valentines.

Xoxo

Dark Chocolate

Essays due typed, size 12 font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, stapled.  We will highlight and write reflections in class tomorrow.  Also have some stuff about stuff to share for stuff about stuff.

I'm stuck on paragraph 3.  Uggh.

I like dark chocolate, Valentine! Just saying.
I love Sherlock.

xoxo

Introductions

So you're working and writing and using your brains.  That's exciting.  Work on your body paragraphs and keep in mind that I'll be looking for the following in your final/glossed pieces:
1.  Highlighted thesis
2.  Appeals (logical, ethical, emotional)
3.  Main concession
4.  Rhetorical question
5.  Periodic sentence
6.  Parallel structure
8.  2 other rhetorical devices (metaphor, simile, hyperbole, analogy, allusion, antithesis, etc.)
9.  Special effort to create effect with diction (at least 2 examples of words or phrases)

On Thursday we will also write a brief reflection that we'll attach to the back of the paper.

Remember to do all that boring stuff - Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced, stapled.

Benedict Cumberbatch!!!

xoxo

Sherlock

Be a student of the world, right?  So get off this blog and go feed your brain!  Go write your introduction.  Recast your essay from Friday.  Watch Sherlock and get addicted to quality writing.  Read a book, search for something that piques your interest.  Be curious.  BE CURIOUS!

xoxo

Delicious Quotes

"There is no matter what children should learn first, any more than what leg you should put into your breeches first.  Sir, you may stand disputing which is best to put in first, but in the meantime your backside is bare.  Sir, while you stand considering which of two things you should teach your child first, another boy has learn't 'em both."
~ Samuel Johnson (found in E.D. Hirsch's Cultural Literacy)

"Your naked body should only belong to those who fall in love with your naked soul."
~Charlie Chaplin (compliments of Bryn)

I will read and score your essays this weekend so be ready Monday for feedback.  I'm currently reading Hirsch's book mentioned above and he has a list of what literate America should know.  Here's a snippet so you can see...

alter ego
Amazon River
Adonis
a capella
byte
buyer's market
bury the hatchet
Skinner, B.F.
staccato
Whig Party
Brigham Young
Zapata
Zen

xoxo

Essay Tomorrow

Sorry I was off my game today - a lack of sleep makes me cranky. I'll see you tomorrow. Xoxo

On the mend

Aug Pie is doing better so I will hopefully see you tomorrow. I did want to mention an exciting FREE opportunity for anyone interested. Professor Chapman at PLNU has generously offered my lovely interested students free seats at a PLNU Symposium featuring best selling author Jeanette Walls. She wrote The Glass Castle - a memoir of her life. If you are at all interested, please email me and let me know. I'll go over details in class tomorrow. Until then...

Xoxo

102 Baby

Aug Pie has a fever.

It's pretty high.

I have to stay home with her. I am so sorry. Having a sub is no substitute, I know.

Posternack will have the multiple choice answers so y'all can check your answers. I trust you won't leave class with them. After checking your tests, respond to the following prompt. It's in bold below. You can keep it and have it ready in class on Thursday. If you finish that early, read your independent books and make a get well card for my two year old.

TEDx Marin speaker, Paul Piff, claims in his 2013 presentation that money makes you mean. Based on your viewing of this TEDx talk defend, challenge or qualify his position.  Support your position with credible evidence. 

Xoxo

Multiple Choice Work and Musings

Tomorrow you will need to create a chart that justifies your mc answers and what type of question was being asked.  The following list are common types of MC questions:
- overview
- attitude and tone
- organization
- style
- purpose and main idea
- vocabulary in context
- strategy
- inference and implication
- meaning
- grammar
- footnote


We will review and score your tests on Wednesday.

Mad shout outs to those of you who read the blog and completed your L.O.s  I really appreciated period 4's depth - the sunflower slayed me.  Most of them did.  Sorry again about the pizza thing.

I'll see you lovelies when I see you.
xoxo
p.s. - officially addicted to "Sherlock"

Weekend L.O.

One of the things that I think really helps people is visualization - seeing what you want and creating your reality to achieve it.  I am asking that each of you create an 8x10 visual (larger if you'd like) that depicts your 2014, your ideal reality, your goals, your dreams, etc.  Have it ready on Monday for a visual show and tell.
Here's a friend's blog post about notebooks if you need some inspiration.

Hasta,
xoxo

I'm Just Checking...

...to see who reads the blog.  Do you?

If you do, leave a comment below and it will be delivered to me.  I'll read them and then publish them so others can see.

Thanks for doing a great job with your sub yesterday.  I so appreciate your kindness in all ways.

Stuff about Stuff tomorrow.

xoxo

p.s. - time for fun cryptic messages...I'm in class with my potatoes and I wish to announce the following:  my valentine is wearing a striped sweater, my sparrow is writing with a blue pencil and the baseball girl is reading hearts.  How I adore you so.  And to all others in my classes, I say, watch "Blackfish", read books, drink it ALL in, and google Hirsch's Cultural Literacy book...

A Blog Post A Day...

...keeps JJ happy so here you go...

First off, great job to periods 4, 6 and 7 in terms of the TED Talk and discussion afterwards.  My little birds are starting to fly all on their own.  Secondly, articulation continues for periods 4, 6 and 7 tomorrow.  Check in with your sub to make sure he/she can mark your attendance.  Periods 2 & 3, you will be in the classroom taking your practice multiple choice.  When I return on Thursday we will all get back on track with TED Talks for periods 2 and 3 and multiple choice for the rest of you.

And on another note, thank you for being so freakin' awesome.  I am so lucky to be your teacher.  Every single day I come to this school and I get to do what I love.  Wow.

And to pastry boy and croissant girl, I need you both in my pocket.  And to my braiding teacher, thank you.  And to Fancy Socks, I love every pair.  And to...well, I could go on and on and on.  But just know I love you.  I never knew one heart could hold so much.

xoxo

p.s. - I think Boyd and I broke up...time to eat ice cream.