Fri-YAY

I learned so much today. But the koala presentation...wow.

Do some reading over the weekend and I’ll see y’all Monday.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today’s Song: “Africa” by Toto

***UPDATED*** American Like Me Questions to Consider

Hi again.  I was just rereading the blog post and I confused myself.  Am I asking you to answer the questions just for the first few essays or all of them?  I'd like you to consider them for each essay as you get to them.  Consider it your post-reading reflection of sorts.  

As for the first question of when the essay was written, they were all obviously written in 2017/2018 upon America Ferrera's request.  But since you're making rhetorical triangles that factoid would be included with context.

Finally, a former lovely mentioned she heard some rumblings about the book list when some of y'all were leaving class after I passed out the list.  Remember my advice about acting, saying, doing ALL things as if someone is watching/listening/recording???  You should really listen to my advice.  Someone is always listening and who you are when "no one" is watching, is your CHARACTER.  But thanks for still talking about class after the bell rings and about books no less!
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Dear Lovelies,

Thanks for reading today and feeding your mind (and dare I say, soul??).  You should have annotated into your Reading Journal and maybe read a few essays.  Assuming you completed the Introduction, Reshma Saujani, Al Madrigal, and Jenny Zhang please answer the following questions in your notes.

If you haven't read these yet, answer the questions when you do.

For each of the essays, consider the Rhetorical Triangle (and DRAW ONE - these notes will save you when it comes time for a quizzity quiz.) 

Specifically, consider the "exigence" (all the circumstances surrounding the writing - and a FAVORITE buzz word for the AP Language test/SAT/ACT).  

• When was the essay written?
• What were the personal and historical circumstances of the time?
• Who is the rhetor?  Did you research beyond just reading? At the very least google them so you know what they look like and what they're up to.
• What tone/style does each entry possess?  (I thought Al Madrigal's piece was like an extended joke whereas Jenny Zhang's leaned more toward a commentary on the American Dream.)
• Who do you think the intended audience is for the book?

Since you know how I don't appreciate disrespecting people or their time, heads up that you'll need to jot down answers to the questions above for each of the essays you read.  Just make it a habit to add to your Reading Journal.  

More reading time next Wednesday.  And if you want to check out the book, stop by right after 5th.  the best time to check out a book would be over the weekend (and we have a 4 day weekend coming up next week so...)

Thanks again for reading.

And the first SAS is tomorrow!

Love and Light,

Beltran

Today's Song: "Party in the USA" Miley Cyrus

American Like Me

Hi Lovelies -

Thanks for participating the in Q&A today regarding classes.  I hope the senior insight was helpful.  Keep in mind that you need to register online by February 24th and your Counseling Office day will be Thursday, March 7th.

We set up a reading journal today for American Like Me and got a jump on reading.  Plan on in class time to devour the book tomorrow and on the following Wednesdays: 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, and 3/6.  Maybe make a playlist for books??

First SAS of the semester will be on Friday.  5-4-3-2-1 on that opportunity.

Enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see you tomorrow in class.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" Paul Anka

P.S. - If you want to check out a copy of American Like Me, please see me at the end of period 5 and return the book by Period 1 the next day or after the weekend.  It's a class set.  :)

Post PAC

Hi Lovelies -

Hope you are beginning to think about next year's schedule.  Tomorrow in class we will be discussing senior classes so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.  We will also be previewing American Like Me.  Some of you have already started reading it, but I want you to come to class with your answer to the following question:  What does it mean to be American to you?  I don't expect an essay but I certainly expect more than "Oh, the answer's in my head."  In fact, have your response written on an index card or half sheet of paper and I'll take it at the door.  An "entrance slip" if you will.

See y'all then.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: the wind outside the PAC

Meet Me in the PAC Tomorrow...

...I'll be the one in black.  :)

Check in with me before the presentations please.

Wednesday we will return to class and watch our TED Talk and then Thursday we will start our reading of American Like Me. Or maybe no TED Talk and just diving right in to the essays on what it means to be American.

By the way, Run For Cover Bookstore down in OB (4912 Voltaire St.) has an entire shelf dedicated to our book list.  I know spending money on books is a luxury but if you have the means, supporting a local independent bookstore is pretty much the cat's meow. Also, brainstorm: comment if you would be interested in winning a gift certificate/gift card for there. 

Wishing you a glorious rest of your day.  I'll see y'all tomorrow in the PAC.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Le Freak" CHIC

It's Raining

Happy Saturday, Lovelies -

I just hopped on to say hi and to wish you all a happy rainy weekend day away from school.  I am currently taking a break from reading your Holiday Letters.  In line with sympathetic joy, I am so hopeful that all of your goals come true.  Happy, whole people make the world a better place.

I started my morning off with the chopping off of my hair.  Just felt like it.  And I am convinced there is some sort of allergen in my room because my eyes have been red and itchy all week but magically, they clear up by the time I am halfway home.  So, don't be surprised if you see me Monday with less hair, some eye drops and my glasses.  :)

Enjoy the rest of your day and know I am beaming you all some standard issue love and light.

Beltran (future inhabitant of Magical Bungalow B6)

P.S. - In case I failed to mention it, I'll have a table of FREE stuff every Wednesday (unless cancelled) at noon.  I'm Marie Kondo-ing my classroom.   

Friday Roundup

Dear Lovelies,

Great job today with your letters.  I can't wait to read them all.  A couple announcements as you head into the weekend:

• My room number next year will be B6.  I know.
• RYLA is looking for applicants.  Check this link out. Mrs. Hedges in Room 202 has more info.  It's a great camp.
• Also, Ms. Cooper in the LIBRARY has 140 copies of Cracking the AP Language.  First come first serve for check out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love and Light,

Beltran

Today's Song: "Free Fallin'" Tom Petty