Dear Lovelies,
We organized our file folders for Second Semester today. If you were absent, we can get you all set when you return.
Tomorrow your 2019 Holiday Letters are due for presentation. Have them ready.
And as a preview for next week:
Monday - scoring the full length MC final you took
Tuesday - PAC presentations by the counselors
Wednesday - TED Talk "Wednesday" (*you'll have to rewatch and take notes)
Thursday - American Like Me (reading in class with a journal set up in your notes)
Friday - First SAS of the semester...
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" Jackie Wilson
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Second Semester Book List is HERE!!
Dear Lovelies,
Are you checking the blog? Have you made it a habit of mind...married with action?? At any rate, I passed out the book list today and my request is that you show up with an annotated list tomorrow. In your annotations, include the following:
* Author
* Brief Summary
Only annotate for the books you haven't read (unless, of course, you want to annotate all of them). There are technically 29 titles, 2 are mandatory, and one is just a recommended author. So, READ. This request is non-negotiable because as we learned yesterday, when we say we don't "have time" it's really code for "it's not a priority". And if reading and AP Language is not a priority, the consequence of that decision could be a lower grade or a non-passing grade. So, please, please, PLEASE do what works for you. And if that means you won't work hard and read, you have got to reorganize your schedule.
Tomorrow, I will be collecting your ANNOTATED BOOK LIST FOR A GRADE.If you were absent, you can get a copy from me in class when you return and give me the annotated work the next day.
We will be organizing work tomorrow and on Friday your "Holiday Letters" are due.
Love and Light,
Beltran
P.S. - I will have books available for checkout tomorrow.
Today's Song: "No Scrubs" TLC
Are you checking the blog? Have you made it a habit of mind...married with action?? At any rate, I passed out the book list today and my request is that you show up with an annotated list tomorrow. In your annotations, include the following:
* Author
* Brief Summary
Only annotate for the books you haven't read (unless, of course, you want to annotate all of them). There are technically 29 titles, 2 are mandatory, and one is just a recommended author. So, READ. This request is non-negotiable because as we learned yesterday, when we say we don't "have time" it's really code for "it's not a priority". And if reading and AP Language is not a priority, the consequence of that decision could be a lower grade or a non-passing grade. So, please, please, PLEASE do what works for you. And if that means you won't work hard and read, you have got to reorganize your schedule.
Tomorrow, I will be collecting your ANNOTATED BOOK LIST FOR A GRADE.If you were absent, you can get a copy from me in class when you return and give me the annotated work the next day.
We will be organizing work tomorrow and on Friday your "Holiday Letters" are due.
Love and Light,
Beltran
P.S. - I will have books available for checkout tomorrow.
Today's Song: "No Scrubs" TLC
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
TED Talk Tuesday
Lovelies,
I hope you got something valuable out of today's talk. I expect you to rewatch the TED Talk. Also, read the transcript and/or print it out and annotate it. It's such a good one.
Also, I explained (except to Period 4 - we ran out of time) that you have 2019 Holiday Letters due on Friday for presentation. You should post date the letter to December 2019, address it to me ("Dear Beltran") and write about all the amazing things you manifested in the categories of School, Relationships and Self. Have fun and include photos if you'd like. Ideally, the letter would be printed but you don't have to print it. You can handwrite it but make sure it's blue or black ink.
If you're interested in going down the rabbit hole of knowledge, I used an Annie Dillard quote today and the inspiration came from this glorious site. At the very least, read the article. Feed your brain.
Tomorrow the BOOK LIST GOES LIVE. Thursday we are Marie Kondo-ing your first semester work and Friday your letters are due.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song" If I Could Turn Back Time" by Cher
I hope you got something valuable out of today's talk. I expect you to rewatch the TED Talk. Also, read the transcript and/or print it out and annotate it. It's such a good one.
Also, I explained (except to Period 4 - we ran out of time) that you have 2019 Holiday Letters due on Friday for presentation. You should post date the letter to December 2019, address it to me ("Dear Beltran") and write about all the amazing things you manifested in the categories of School, Relationships and Self. Have fun and include photos if you'd like. Ideally, the letter would be printed but you don't have to print it. You can handwrite it but make sure it's blue or black ink.
If you're interested in going down the rabbit hole of knowledge, I used an Annie Dillard quote today and the inspiration came from this glorious site. At the very least, read the article. Feed your brain.
Tomorrow the BOOK LIST GOES LIVE. Thursday we are Marie Kondo-ing your first semester work and Friday your letters are due.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song" If I Could Turn Back Time" by Cher
Monday, January 28, 2019
Day One of a New Mindset
Hello, Lovelies -
Thanks for your presence today in Room 853 as we discussed grades and second semester expectations. I hope what I said made sense.
Your work for tonight is to prep yourself for the TED Talk tomorrow. Your rhetor is a speaker by the name of Laura Vanderkam. Across the board, the number 1 reason most of you said you didn't read more (obviously, not all of you but most) is because you don't have enough time. We will be learning about how to adjust our mindsets when it comes to time, and I will also be assigning a specific writing assignment that will be due for presentation on Friday.
Excited to see you tomorrow.
And thank you for the EYCs...I am learning a lot and feeling humbled by your sharing.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Break My Stride" Matthew Wilder
Thanks for your presence today in Room 853 as we discussed grades and second semester expectations. I hope what I said made sense.
Your work for tonight is to prep yourself for the TED Talk tomorrow. Your rhetor is a speaker by the name of Laura Vanderkam. Across the board, the number 1 reason most of you said you didn't read more (obviously, not all of you but most) is because you don't have enough time. We will be learning about how to adjust our mindsets when it comes to time, and I will also be assigning a specific writing assignment that will be due for presentation on Friday.
Excited to see you tomorrow.
And thank you for the EYCs...I am learning a lot and feeling humbled by your sharing.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Break My Stride" Matthew Wilder
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Thus It Begins - Heads Up for Semester Two
Dear Lovelies,
I just finished reading and reviewing your final grade reflections. So many of you told me the grade you wanted (overwhelmingly A's obviously) but so so so many of you neglected to say THANK YOU. That says so much about you and I expect better from you all next semester should you still be enrolled in AP Language.
When you enter the classroom, you MUST greet me - a smile, a nod, a hello, basic acknowledgment that you are entering my space. When you leave the classroom, SAY goodbye or thank you or see you later. It's common courtesy. If you don't "feel" like it, I absolutely understand because I don't always feel like saying hello or goodbye to you either but I still do BECAUSE IT IS THE DECENT THING TO DO.
Since grades start on Monday (Hello, Semester 2!!! - final one in Room 853) I wanted to get you into the habit of checking the blog every day. Most of you did that last semester so this shouldn't be a big change.
If you're curious as to how I "grade", read below. And if you really want some insight on class, my basic philosophies are rooted in Empiricism from dear old Aristotle.
At any rate, show up on Monday ready to go. What will you need? Open hands and perhaps a fresh notebook for notes? There's nothing quite as inspiring as a new beginning.
Love and Light,
Beltran
I just finished reading and reviewing your final grade reflections. So many of you told me the grade you wanted (overwhelmingly A's obviously) but so so so many of you neglected to say THANK YOU. That says so much about you and I expect better from you all next semester should you still be enrolled in AP Language.
When you enter the classroom, you MUST greet me - a smile, a nod, a hello, basic acknowledgment that you are entering my space. When you leave the classroom, SAY goodbye or thank you or see you later. It's common courtesy. If you don't "feel" like it, I absolutely understand because I don't always feel like saying hello or goodbye to you either but I still do BECAUSE IT IS THE DECENT THING TO DO.
Since grades start on Monday (Hello, Semester 2!!! - final one in Room 853) I wanted to get you into the habit of checking the blog every day. Most of you did that last semester so this shouldn't be a big change.
If you're curious as to how I "grade", read below. And if you really want some insight on class, my basic philosophies are rooted in Empiricism from dear old Aristotle.
At any rate, show up on Monday ready to go. What will you need? Open hands and perhaps a fresh notebook for notes? There's nothing quite as inspiring as a new beginning.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Second Semester: How Grades Work
Ø Every
task is meaningful.
Ø You
are in charge of your choices.
Ø Assume
that everything is for a grade. Don’t be
that kid who asks, “Is this for a
grade?” YES IT IS.
Ø No
assignment/task/project is worth “more points”.
Ø NOTES
and PRESENCE are key.
Non-Negotiables:
Ø You
read.
Ø Spiral
edges = no points.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
I Haven't Posted in a While
Happy Finals Week.
I hope all is going well with you and your education...tests? I look forward to starting second semester on Monday but until then, wishing you well and hoping you are embracing stress as your friend. (Shout out McGonigall)
Love and Light,
Beltran
I hope all is going well with you and your education...tests? I look forward to starting second semester on Monday but until then, wishing you well and hoping you are embracing stress as your friend. (Shout out McGonigall)
Love and Light,
Beltran
Friday, January 18, 2019
Happy Three Day Weekend
Love and Light My Lovelies...Rest up before Finals Week.
:) Beltran
Today's Song: "Best of My Love" The Emotions
:) Beltran
Today's Song: "Best of My Love" The Emotions
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Guest Speaker & Semester Grade Reflections
Lovelies,
First of all, if you were lucky enough to be present for Mr. Bowles' lecture today...wow. And you're welcome. Mr. Bowles is one of the greatest teachers I have ever had the honor of calling a colleague. He is not only intelligent but he also has unparalleled passion and compassion for education and all humans. To say I wish he was still a history teacher here is an understatement.
If you did get the chance to meet him and would like to send him a "thank you" please let me know.
If you were not in periods 2, 3, or 4, we started Semester Grade Reflections. The work will continue (or begin) tomorrow. Also, plan on Study Hall time. If you have any finals to prep for, you will be gifted some time to prepare. :)
I'll see y'all tomorrow.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "The Way You Do The Things You Do" The Temptations
First of all, if you were lucky enough to be present for Mr. Bowles' lecture today...wow. And you're welcome. Mr. Bowles is one of the greatest teachers I have ever had the honor of calling a colleague. He is not only intelligent but he also has unparalleled passion and compassion for education and all humans. To say I wish he was still a history teacher here is an understatement.
If you did get the chance to meet him and would like to send him a "thank you" please let me know.
If you were not in periods 2, 3, or 4, we started Semester Grade Reflections. The work will continue (or begin) tomorrow. Also, plan on Study Hall time. If you have any finals to prep for, you will be gifted some time to prepare. :)
I'll see y'all tomorrow.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "The Way You Do The Things You Do" The Temptations
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Survey Time
Hi Lovelies -
Please copy and paste the link below and complete the EOS survey. Once completed, feel free to use the remaining class time to work on homework, read or get ready for finals.
https://eos.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4kZLF8CRT07T6Z
(As a friendly reminder, when second semester starts, your first semester notes WILL be checked)
Love and Light,
Beltran
Please copy and paste the link below and complete the EOS survey. Once completed, feel free to use the remaining class time to work on homework, read or get ready for finals.
https://eos.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4kZLF8CRT07T6Z
(As a friendly reminder, when second semester starts, your first semester notes WILL be checked)
Love and Light,
Beltran
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
TED Talk Tuesday - #15 on the 15th
Consider what the delightful Kelly McGonigal says in her 2013 TED Talk. Make stress your friend. :)
I'll see y'all tomorrow for some end of the semester writing. Plan on a Study Hall Friday and Tuesday. (No school Monday to celebrate Dr. King).
Love and Light,
Beltran
I'll see y'all tomorrow for some end of the semester writing. Plan on a Study Hall Friday and Tuesday. (No school Monday to celebrate Dr. King).
Love and Light,
Beltran
Monday, January 14, 2019
Rainy Mondays...
...are the best though I'd prefer to be at home with a hot cup of tea and a book. But I love you all and thank you for actually showing up to class.
Today we did a little reflecting on our reading from first semester...As a biased reading fan, I still struggle to understand a lack of love for reading but I will work tirelessly to help each of you - no matter where you are - to read more books. It's a promise for Semester 2.
Speaking of, wanted to give you all a heads up that you will be given Study Hall time to prep for any and all finals you have. So get organized. Maybe that extra time in class will translate to some more sleep for you so you can stay healthy??
I'll see you all tomorrow.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Somebody to Love" Queen
Today we did a little reflecting on our reading from first semester...As a biased reading fan, I still struggle to understand a lack of love for reading but I will work tirelessly to help each of you - no matter where you are - to read more books. It's a promise for Semester 2.
Speaking of, wanted to give you all a heads up that you will be given Study Hall time to prep for any and all finals you have. So get organized. Maybe that extra time in class will translate to some more sleep for you so you can stay healthy??
I'll see you all tomorrow.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Somebody to Love" Queen
Friday, January 11, 2019
Thank You!!!!
Thank you so much.
May all of your goals MANIFEST.
Love and Light,
Beltran
2 Songs!!!! "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Kiss"
May all of your goals MANIFEST.
Love and Light,
Beltran
2 Songs!!!! "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Kiss"
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Manifesting Some...
...who knows what? I can't wait to see your Vision Boards. Be ready for a Gallery Walk tomorrow. You will have your boards out on your desk and we will walk around and straight up enjoy.
Two songs tomorrow just because.
See y'all then.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Two songs tomorrow just because.
See y'all then.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Vision Boards - Day One
Y'all did great today. Time tomorrow to finish up and finalize!!
If you want to bring more materials for your boards, feel free and thank you to all of you who brought extras for others. Mad respect.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Bubbly" Colbie Caillat
If you want to bring more materials for your boards, feel free and thank you to all of you who brought extras for others. Mad respect.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Bubbly" Colbie Caillat
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
TED Talk Tuesday - First One of 2019
Lovelies,
Linked below please find today's TED Talk. Consider it and take from it whatever you want. Anne Lamott's book Bird by Bird will be on our second semester book list as an optional read.
12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing
Don't forget your materials tomorrow. Magazines, photos, scissors, glue stick, poster board (11x14 is an ideal size).
Can't wait for tomorrow!
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Riptide" Vance Joy
Linked below please find today's TED Talk. Consider it and take from it whatever you want. Anne Lamott's book Bird by Bird will be on our second semester book list as an optional read.
12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing
Don't forget your materials tomorrow. Magazines, photos, scissors, glue stick, poster board (11x14 is an ideal size).
Can't wait for tomorrow!
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Riptide" Vance Joy
Monday, January 7, 2019
First Day Back...Hello 2019
Dear Lovelies,
So nice to see all of you today. Truly. Setting an alarm was not great but knowing I got to come see you made it better.
Today in class (in case you took an extra day of vacation) we did a unique Empty Your Cup. See a classmate or me with questions. If you didn't finish, please bring it to class tomorrow. I'll accept it before we watch TED Talk #14.
Also, first "homework" of the year: Materials needed for class WEDNESDAY. Bring in the following:
1. glue stick
2. magazines (the more, the better)
3. scissors
4. 8x10 or larger sized cardboard (think one side of a cereal box...deconstruct it and bring in one of the big sides)
5. any photographs that fit into your "vision" for 2019
Hope you all had a wonderful day back.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Baby, I Love Your Way" Big Mountain
So nice to see all of you today. Truly. Setting an alarm was not great but knowing I got to come see you made it better.
Today in class (in case you took an extra day of vacation) we did a unique Empty Your Cup. See a classmate or me with questions. If you didn't finish, please bring it to class tomorrow. I'll accept it before we watch TED Talk #14.
Also, first "homework" of the year: Materials needed for class WEDNESDAY. Bring in the following:
1. glue stick
2. magazines (the more, the better)
3. scissors
4. 8x10 or larger sized cardboard (think one side of a cereal box...deconstruct it and bring in one of the big sides)
5. any photographs that fit into your "vision" for 2019
Hope you all had a wonderful day back.
Love and Light,
Beltran
Today's Song: "Baby, I Love Your Way" Big Mountain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)