6: Book Review of A Break with Charity

5: Humanity's Positive Outlook

3: Everyone Has a Story

One part of my life that had helped me become who I am would be my hobbies.

1. Sewing:  Write a one sentence summary about how this topic has affected my life.
2. Quilting
3. Reading
4. Writing
5. Crafting
6. Painting
7. Gardening
8. Creating Websites
9. Book Clubbing
10. Organizing and Planning Events

#2: The Condition of Humanity

People who live with dogs, cats, and other beloved companions know their pets can learn, communicate, and have emotions. Although humanity has these same abilities and needs, we are able to go far beyond our pets' abilities to affect ourselves, one another, and the physical world we live in. The most distinguishing feature of humankind is our inner being that can understand what ishe good and transcendant, but nevertheless at times chooses evil.

One positive about humankind is we always have hopes; other ways to phrase this would be we have visions, desires, aspirations, ambitions, and drives. People naturally reach beyond what they currently have. For example, scientific and medical progress, such as vaccines, results from the vision of people who want to solve human problems. Another illustration of this human quality the pursuit of continual improvements in communication, from the printing press's invention less than 600 years old ago to theChromebooks of today. 

The way people work together to accomplish common goals is another feature of the human condition. Human societies are always trying new ways of...

2: The Condition of Humanity

Assignment:

• Introduction:  Include your definition of human/humanity.
• Body 1:  Positive/Negative
• Body 2:  Positive/Negative
• Conclusion

___________________________________

Some say that the thumb determines what defines a human.  Hummm...I prefer to think that distinguishes humans from other living beings is the existence of the inner being.  Because of that, humans, in all their unique features, often display quite unique outward characteristics, as well. (2 CX, 1 S)

One concern I have about humanity within this current time frame shouts out in voices of those who will not lose.

A definite positive of this era of humanity would be

In essence,

1: Reflection on Qtr 1

Those sophomores!  High energy, expressive talkers, brownie-eating inhalers, everyday this is who they are.  Yay!  This I like.  What I have not enjoyed so much was the choice of content for this first quarter.  Therefore, this quarter consists of perks and changes.

How do I know who is in my classroom?  The noise level.  'Tis true.  The younger the students...the louder the group is.  True story.  The older the students...the quieter the classroom when I stand at the door awaiting the bell to ring.  Why is this?  Hummm...maturity?  Social ambitions?  Do not work after-school jobs as much?  Maybe all true?  Or do they just enjoy...in their own ways...arriving in the living room of Cafe 16?  Yes!

Within our curriculum, I foresee a major change!  As in, huge!  Never again, do I plan to teach/lead The Tragedy of Julius Caesar in the first quarter.  First, too much set-up occurs and digs into the time needed to read/discuss/write about this drama.  Two, this one is not my favorite.  (Sorry, Shakespeare!) I would love for our department to consider a comedy for the fourth quarter...along with our humorous genres.  Fun!

All in all, this has been the quickest and most enlightening quarter...maybe in all of my 28 Quarter 1's?  (How can that be!?  Twenty-eight quarters...and some keep telling me I am just 29! On this, I need to ponder!)  On that note, though, I am looking forward much to the next quarter...fall, thankful moments, and the Christmas season.  Yes...much on which to think, chat, write, and reflect.  Bring "it" on!

Book Review: Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind

Ann B. Ross's Miss Julia series is a hoot!  The first novel Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind introduces the reader to a 60+ recent widow, a woman who soon learns of her deceased husband's secret past, which includes a very young son, all of which changes Miss Julia's life...for the better.

Written in first person point of view, Ross takes the readers inside the mind of this Southern, genteel lady who lives up to the title of the novel.  Faced with one adversity after another, Miss Julia is presented with ample opportunity to speak:  from a money-hungry, not-so-supportive pastor to the significant other of who Miss Julia comes to the aid when Hazel knocks on her door needing her assistance to survive.

Characterization is this author's strength, painting pictures with words of every individual:  the housekeeper who is also Miss Julia's truest friend, the lawyers who assist Miss Julie, always supporting her.  We ride theroller coaster of emotions with Miss Julia as she confronts her emotions surrounding a cheating husband who then, in death, still continues to hurt her, threatening to leave her destitute.  The reader witnesses a reformation within this once docile woman who experiences an evolution to a steel-backed leader.

Many lessons may be taken from this novel:  women are stronger than they appear, peace of mind is to be valued above all else, remaining true to one's self should be every woman's goal.  All are themes easily supported, all lessons that females could attach.  Definitely a novel that favors the female role, this read reminds us, teaches us lessons that strengthen a woman, encouraging her to be just a bit more than she thought she could be.

As I read, I continually thought of Julia Sugarbaker from Designing Women, of the ladies from the book series The Women of Ladybug Farm, of women in the movie Steel Magnolias; all of which depict women who may appear soft of the exterior but, when challenged, grow backbones of steel, defending their own to the point of risking themselves.  I suppose what was most appealing, most constant, was the vein of humor that ran throughout the novel...as it did in all the above connections.  Humor:  healing, relieving, sustaining...just downright funny..flowing to all parts of the body of this novel.

If you enjoy series, especially one that focuses on females in the more dominant gender role, then please consider reading this novel...and the thirteen others that follow.

Book Review: A Break with Charity

Hook:  Choose one of the five types.  AND....
Thesis:  Zusak’s The Book Thief mesmerized me with its haunting tale and unique style.

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Conclusion = Recommendation

6: Leadership...Mrs. Gillmore's Perspective

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way," says John C. Maxwell.  Some might call this servant leadership since this type of leadership is not just about barking out the orders and overseeing but digging in and working with those in the trenches.  Therefore, the best leaders lead by example.

The leaders I respect the most display the following:  honesty, humility, and genuineness, why at the same time being innovative (ever-learning) and loyal.  In my 28 years in education, I have worked for all kinds of leaders; some I respected; some I did not. 

My first superintendent was this very type of leader.  He set the bar high.

In Julius Caesar, the Soothsayer, while many may not construe him as a mighty leader not, does demonstrate the characteristics listed above.  This character...

Thus,

: Leadership

• Topic:  Leadership
• Introduction
• Chunk 1:  What are the Top 5 Qualities in a leader?  Why these?
• Chunk 2:  Who is the best leader you know?  Why?
• Chunk 3:  A Chunk that uses Julius Caesar as an example.
• Conclusion
• Underline one vocab and the context clue.
• Underline one compound sentence.

5: Banned Books

Should books be banned? Why or why not?

5: Banned Books

To ban books or not to ban books?  That is the question.  Or is it? As with most controversial topics, the answer contains layers of meaning.

According to the American Library Association's top banned book list of 2017, I have read three of those on the list (Thirteen Reasons Why, The Kite Runner, and To Kill a Mockingbird) and have two waiting on me to read (The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and The Hate U Give).  Based on this, I have a 50% rate of supporting banned books!  These books range from classics (TKM...which we teach to our sophomores) to recent releases (The Hate U Give).

Of the three I have read from the above list of banned books, I do see why some parents or concerned persons would consider these books not being appropriate for certain age groups.  This is where I stand.  I respect a writer's choice of topic, setting, conflict, culture, theme...but...these topics are not always appropriate for brains that are still developing.  I have chosen to not teach particular texts that my students should have the choice to read when they are more mature and are mentally more capable of deciding for themselves whether to accept or reject the beliefs being presented.

Banning books does an positive effect on sales, for just tell a person he/she cannot do/read...and that then becomes the goal to contradict!  Hummmm...need to use this reverse psychology more!  Blessed, we are, to be able to choose...or not.

Blog #4: Teiresias of Thebes

Even though Teiresias and I serve different gods, I still admire his willingness be faithful to his understanding of what is right. Adherence to a creed is the essence of Teiresias’ loyalty.

Teiresias risks the king’s anger to warn the people of Thebes of the gods’ coming wrath. This shows Teiresias’ loyalty to the gods and to his calling as a prophet for the people. Unlike many others in Thebes, he stands up to Creon and explains the king’s faults. Teresias is trying to save the people, because he believes the actions King Creon is taking now will harm the city in the future.

Teiresias makes the right decision to foretell the future of Thebes according to the course Creon is setting. If he had known what the gods said, but he had not prophesied out of fear of the king’s anger, Teresias would have been disloyal both to his religion and to the people of Thebes. When Creon does not listen at first, Teresias could have gone even further by crying his prophecy in the streets, as the biblical prophet Jonah did in ancient Ninevah.

Teiresias is a hero in Antigone because he tries to turn the course of history set by a self-absorbed leader. He does this even though he is old and blind, qualities that might make him weak and vulnerable. This teaches me that I should do what I can, even if it seems small.  Having faith I can make a difference is the first step to making a real difference in the world.

I recommend reading classic ancient literature, such as Antigone, because of its value for enjoyment, for education, and for understanding the human condition. First, readers feel a kinship with the many millions of people who have enjoyed the story. Second, writers ever since Sophocles and even today still allude to these characters; we cannot understand many other writings if we have not read the ancient writings that survive. Third, Antigone, like all great literature, contains timeless themes about the condition of man. When we thoughtfully read the classics, we wrestle with why people act the way they do, coming to terms with the faults within ourselves and others. 

Note from Mrs. Fletcher:

This post was written in the assigned format (below), giving students ideas for how to develop their own posts about other characters..

Introduction

Chunk 1:  How did this character display being "loyal to a cause""?

Chunk 2:  Do you agree with this character's decisions?  What would you have changed?

Chunk 3:  Your opinion/connection to this character

Conclusion:  Why should students read this play...which was written 2500 years ago?

4: Chorus/Choragos

Introduction: To some people, loyalty is a character trait that ranks in the Top 1. While some might debate this ranking, loyalty remains important to most, as is the case in the drama Antigone. Should the Chorus exhibit this attribute towards the king, one with whom they do not always agree? They should definitely respect the king, all the while standing on their own principles.

Chunk 1:  How did this character display being "loyal to a cause""?
The Chorus remains loyal to the cause of Creon.

Chunk 2:  Do you agree with this character's decisions?  What would you have changed?
This group had little choice but to remain loyal to the king and follow-through with the mandates of Creon. This, I would not change. Just as in this country, when a person wins an election, that is exactly what has happened, and the other side should then respect the winner for the title he/she holds, even no support can be given that person.

Chunk 3:  Your opinion/connection to this character
The Chorus/Charogos are to be appreciated, for they provide valuable insights into the background of the play/drama.

Conclusion:  Why should students read this play...which was written 2500 years ago?
Students should definitely read this drama. Of course! Absolutely! Why should students read this play...which was written 2500 years ago?

3: Top Five Books to Read over the Next Year

In my future, I foresee myself reading the following:

1. The Chemist by Stephanie Meyer:  I do not even know what this books is about...I just know she wrote The Twilight series and The Host (which I LOVE!), so, of course, I would want to read this book!  For that reason, I chose (okay...I subtlety asked the BHS Reads Faculty Book Club if they might want to read this book.  They said, "Yes!"  Yay!)
2. The Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds:  This book has been on every suggested young adult book list for a while...because of its diverse topics.
3. 180 Days by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher:  LOVE this book! AND these authors...written by teachers STILL in the classroom.  I so much more can handle someone telling me how to teach...from someone who is still in the trenches, not from someone who has been out of the classroom for years (although I will still buy and read their books...BUT I might talk about them differently!)  This book is the title/content being discussed in two of my book clubs.
4. Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo:  Quite the popular title right now...
5. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Hunt:   A peer on Arkansas Reading Association Facebook page recommended this book to my young adult readers
6. The Man Who Invented Christmas`by Les Standiford:  This book is on two my book club lists for December 2018.  This one tells the story of Dickens and his The Christmas Carol (btw, I own several versions of this play...which we attempt to watch...yes, all of them...every year!)  The Christmas Carol IS Christmas!
7. Misery by Stephen King:   I plan to read this book because a student recommended this particular King book as a first read of his books.  Hummmm....I hear these books are scary.  How timely...as this is the "scary" months.  (NOTE:  See RIP Book Challenge here).
1. For the RIP Challenge, I am reading...drumroll please...The Chemist and Misery!

2: Malala - Loyal to a Cause

I.  Cannot. Even. Imagine. Being.  Shot. Because. Of. Education.  Blessed beyond measure I am to live in a country where I have attended high school and college...and beyond...and have now tuaght in public education for 27+ years.  Blessed.  Not all females have such blessed settings, including Malala who was shot by the Taliban at the age of 11 for promoting education.  Even now at the age of 21,  Malala remains loyal to ensuring that all women have a right to an education.

In BBC News' article "Malala Yousafzai returns to Pakistan for first time since shooting,"  Malala's goal remains, "...working for a world where every girl

Also, in the article, the writer says,  "...jkjkljflkflkjlkfjldkajf"

Conclusion

Writing: Paragraph 1 - Qtr. 1

Experiencing a six-year school would be beneficial for many students.  According to Sam Litow, a IBM vice president, in an article entitled "Six Years of High School?  An Educational Experiment in Chicago," he stated, "Right now, only about 25 percent of students that start at community colleges complete. If you can move that number up to 60 percent or 70 percent or larger, the economic gains are really, really substantial."   This means requiring students to spend more time in school helps ensure their future monetary stability.  For example, many of those just entering our local community college would more succeed from such a decision as this.  Opposing this, professor of psychology Jeffrey Jensen Arnett at Clark University in his editorial "At 18, It's Time for a Change," countered, "They [high school seniors] have a strong sense of being ready to move on to a new life stage in which they will have more independence and freedom to make their own decisions."  His research illustrates the thoughts of many students today who even think they would benefit from not having to attend their senior years.  These soon-to-be graduates relate to this as many of them already have mounting bills and secured to jobs to assist in their financially supporting themselves.  Even President Obama, though, as reported in "Obama, at Brooklyn School, Pushes Educational Agenda" supported a six-year school when he spoke,"If you think education is expensive, wait until you see how much ignorance costs."  In other words, those not furthering their education will make less money and, in many instances, cost the taxpayers more money.  Thus, promoting such educational increases also add to our economic growth as a nation.  Therefore,secondary institutions across the land should consider this shift in a non-traditional school setting.


_____________________________________________________________________

Experiencing a six-year school would be beneficial for many students. 

According to Sam Litow, a IBM vice president, in an article entitled "Six Years of High School?  An Educational Experiment in Chicago," he stated, "Right now, only about 25 percent of students that start at community colleges complete. If you can move that number up to 60 percent or 70 percent or larger, the economic gains are really, really substantial."   

This means requiring students to spend more time in school helps ensure their future monetary stability.  For example, many of those just entering our local community college would more succeed from such a decision as this.  

Opposing this, professor of psychology Jeffrey Jensen Arnett at Clark University in his editorial "At 18, It's Time for a Change," countered, "They [high school seniors] have a strong sense of being ready to move on to a new life stage in which they will have more independence and freedom to make their own decisions."  

His research illustrates the thoughts of many students today who even think they would benefit from not having to attend their senior years.  These soon-to-be graduates relate to this as many of them already have mounting bills and secured to jobs to assist in their financially supporting themselves.  

Even President Obama, though, as reported in "Obama, at Brooklyn School, Pushes Educational Agenda" supported a six-year school when he spoke,"If you think education is expensive, wait until you see how much ignorance costs."  

In other words, those not furthering their education will make less money and, in many instances, cost the taxpayers more money.  Thus, promoting such educational increases also add to our economic growth as a nation.  

Therefore,secondary institutions across the land should consider this shift in a non-traditional school setting.



______________________________________________________________________

Experiencing a six-year school would be beneficial for many students. 

According to Sam Litow, a IBM vice president, in an article entitled "Six Years of High School?  An Educational Experiment in Chicago," he stated, "Right now, only about 25 percent of students that start at community colleges complete. If you can move that number up to 60 percent or 70 percent or larger, the economic gains are really, really substantial."   

This means requiring students to spend more time in school helps ensure their future monetary stability.  For example, many of those just entering our local community college would more succeed from such a decision as this.  

Opposing this, professor of psychology Jeffrey Jensen Arnett at Clark University in his editorial "At 18, It's Time for a Change," countered, "They [high school seniors] have a strong sense of being ready to move on to a new life stage in which they will have more independence and freedom to make their own decisions."  

His research illustrates the thoughts of many students today who even think they would benefit from not having to attend their senior years.  These soon-to-be graduates relate to this as many of them already have mounting bills and secured to jobs to assist in their financially supporting themselves.  

Even President Obama, though, as reported in "Obama, at Brooklyn School, Pushes Educational Agenda" supported a six-year school when he spoke,"If you think education is expensive, wait until you see how much ignorance costs."  

In other words, those not furthering their education will make less money and, in many instances, cost the taxpayers more money.  Thus, promoting such educational increases also add to our economic growth as a nation.  

Therefore,secondary institutions across the land should consider this shift in a non-traditional school setting.


______________________________________________________________________

Experiencing a six-year school would be beneficial for many students. According to Sam Litow, a IBM vice president, in an article entitled "Six Years of High School?  An Educational Experiment in Chicago," he stated, "Right now, only about 25 percent of students that start at community colleges complete. If you can move that number up to 60 percent or 70 percent or larger, the economic gains are really, really substantial."   This means requiring students to spend more time in school helps ensure their future monetary stability.  For example, many of those just entering our local community college would more succeed from such a decision as this.  Opposing this, professor of psychology Jeffrey Jensen Arnett at Clark University in his editorial "At 18, It's Time for a Change," countered, "They [high school seniors] have a strong sense of being ready to move on to a new life stage in which they will have more independence and freedom to make their own decisions."  His research illustrates the thoughts of many students today who even think they would benefit from not having to attend their senior years.  These soon-to-be graduates relate to this as many of them already have mounting bills and secured to jobs to assist in their financially supporting themselves.  Even President Obama, though, as reported in "Obama, at Brooklyn School, Pushes Educational Agenda" supported a six-year school when he spoke,"If you think education is expensive, wait until you see how much ignorance costs."  In other words, those not furthering their education will make less money and, in many instances, cost the taxpayers more money.  Thus, promoting such educational increases also add to our economic growth as a nation.  Therefore,secondary institutions across the land should consider this shift in a non-traditional school setting.

1: Loyal...for a Cause

This summer, while at a conference, I had the opportunity and pleasure to hear Marley Dias speak...and promote her new book.  There, she sat...alongside one of my favorite young adult authors Kwame Alexander.   Lively, vivacious, seemingly quite comfortable in front of an audience of adults, she quickly impressed me with her drive, energy and loyalty to her cause.

In the Forbes article entitled "From Activist To Author..." written by Maggie McGrath, Dias further explains why she began the mission to find #1000BlackGirlBooks, "I’m working to create a space where it feels easy to include and imagine black girls and make black girls like me the main characters of our lives."  From those original few books...to the goal of 1000 books, Dias discovered and now promotes over 9000 such books.  What an inspiration she is!  As I listened to chatter this past summer and have reflected on her book, I mentally confirmed that within my own class library...and maybe the one here within our local high school?...that we, too, do not excel in discovering books with main characters of other races.  Soooo...know a book about a black main character?  Click here and join the movement.

Another person who demonstrates such loyalty would be my friend Linda Bastian.  One of her many faces...or roles...or jobs...in her very busy 70+-year-old life...takes place at the Independence County Jail where is the coordinator of the Women's Ministry.  In this position, I am sure that she is the person I always meet and greet...every single time...smiling, telling stories, and giving that last hug as she leaves for her next adventure.  Did I mention she travels there every week?  Yes, weekly.  What a role model!

In conclusion, these women...of vast age differences...truly provide inspiration for their intense loyalty to an endeavor they hold close to their hearts as they make a difference within their own lives and many they encounter.  This should be a goal of all...to impact those around us, even if they are just observing us from afar.  Girl power!  Yay!

Reflection on My Sophomore Year

Assignment:

1. Think.
2. What are two positives from this year?
3. Then Write!
1. Introduction
2. Positive #1
3. Positive #2
4. Conclusion

______________________________________

What can I say?!  I have had the most delightful students in English 5A and 5B ever throughout the year 2017-2018!  Really!  Truly!  One class filled to the walls...the other small and spread throughout the room.  All talkers.  Did I mention they ALL like to talk?  (Well, almost all...you silencers know who you are!)

This sophomores truly have been a blessing...

Another way they have blessed me...

There.  See?  Are you not just amazed and so blinded by the delights of these classes that you need shades?!

The Right Time

According to Martin Luther King, "The time is always right to do what is right."  Always?  Today, as we wrote in our Writer's Notebook, I shared with my students two examples of when I made the right choice.  Disappointed, with some, I had to change the topic or end the conversation, for, a few..yes, some...were just a bit too proud to proclaim their decline in making the same decisions.  Still, though, I stand by my decisions...and now begin to wonder as we initiate a the Case of Tom Robinson, did that jury make the right decision?

Let the Games Begin!

The 2018 Olympic games are officially underway!  Athletes, in shape, more than ever in their lives, are prepared physically, mentally, emotionally to bring home the gold for the USA Team!  Go, USA!  With that said, who are you cheering on?  Whose names will you call out as they skate, ski, and snowboard to the finish lines?  Hummmm, if you are like myself (yes, as we hang our heads in shame), maybe, you, too, are not quite sure for whom to cheer?  Check out this article and video by Time magazine entitled "What to Know About Every Single Winter Olympic Sport in 2018" and expand your background to be better prepared to cheer on the winners.

According Jennifer Calfas, author of this Time article, states, "When she was just 18, [Mikaela] Shiffrin became the youngest athlete ever to win an Olympic gold in the Winter Olympic sport of slalom — an event that involves skiing downhill between poles and gates — a gold medal she’s trying to earn yet again at age 22."  Go, MiKaela! I can only imagine the time, money and effort spent preparing for such an event.  AND the chapstick!  Spending so many hours outside, braving the elements of wind and cold, training every day, every week every month, she knows she has to be the best to win.  Only the best make here.

Check out Elana Meyers Taylor!  "Meyers Taylor was the first American woman to ever win a bobsled world championship in 2015.  The two-time Olympic medalist has also advanced gender equality in the sport...competed in the 4-man event with three male brakemen, a first for the Winter Olympic sport that had required women to race only two-person sleds."  Go, Elana!  Show those men how to win!  She should be the face of women's rights...not those that march here in America and display posters and paraphernalia that border on inappropriate!

As I read further, I was amazed at competitions of which I had never heard.  Luge? Nordic Combined? Skeleton?  Have you heard of these?  More than just reading about these events, I need to allocate some hours to watching these events...and, yes, learning what they actually are!  I am fairly certain that, surely, the Skeleton does not involve bones.  Right?!  Surely!

My favorite Olympian sport?  The ice skaters...especially the pairs, who act out scenes to songs I hopefully know.  The balance, grace, and smooth moves these couples display as they circle that ice rink leave me in awe of their skills.  In essence, they are just gifted.  Truly.

How about you?  Are you an Olympian watcher?  Why do you enjoy your favorite competition?  On the flip...are the athletes giving up too much just to compete for a few short minutes of time?  Why is the time spent from family and friends worth the fame?  Consider this:  the games are not so much for the athletes as they are for the competitions and displays of athletic power displayed by all the countries represented.  What do you think?  Please share your thoughts below!

My One Word for 2018: Less

Each year, for several years now, I have chosen a theme word to go with me throughout the year.  What a journey these words have been for me...and I strongly encourage everyone to adopt this focus each year.

In 2011, I needed peace...I had so much turmoil.  During this time, the gift of peace came.

In 2012, I need times of quiet, for my mom eased into Heaven in January, and, while this was a prayer for which we had prayed...my mom suffered from severe dementia...that grief process simply takes time.

And so on...every year a word.

This year, my word is less.  Part of the reason I chose this word is, yes, less is more.  In several areas of my life I certainly need to do less as they responsibilities do dominate quite the chunk of time.