Hot Seat

Why were the kids in the "jury" so harsh to stargirl?
and why did stargirl just sit there and take it from
all of them?

peer pressure

I think that peer pressure is a big influence at our school because (as an example) a student tells the other student to do something they dont want to do but they do it anyways because they want to fit it in or they are just forced to do it.

"We did not wake up in the morning and ask ourselves, 'What will Wayne Parr wear today?' or 'How will Wayne Parr act today?" At least, not consciously. But on some level below awareness, that is exactly waht we did. Wayne Parr did not go to football and basketball games, and by and large, neither did we. Wayne Parr did not ask questions in class or get worked up over teachers or pep rallies, and neither did we. Wayne Parr did not much care. Neither did we." This quote came from page 19 and 20 in the book. How do you think you and people arround you are affected by peer presure? do you think it is a big inffluence?

Scott's Question - pd. 4

Why does everyone have to be so rude to Stargirl just because she wants to be kind to everyone and cheer for everyone? And how does Stargirl seem unaffected by this? She doesn't seem to take any emotion to how anyone feels about her.

A tie on the step

How did this tie get on whats her names doorstep? Who was it do you think put it on the doorstep? Do you guys maybe think it could be Stargirl?

Diffrences

Why can't we tolerate when someone changes, for example when someone acts different or comes from a diffrent place, like when Stargirl is new and she dresses and acts different?

Uknown Territory

Why are we so afraid of people that are different than us? Because when stargirl came they said that she was unknown territory.

Archie

Why doesn't Archie just get his teaching licence in Arizona? If he really loves teaching then why doesn't think he move back to where he came from and continue to teach?

What do you think?

Why do you think that Hillari judged Stargirl so quickly and said that she was a "plant"?

READ THIS ITS GANGSTA!

Why is kevin so crazy about getting STARGIRL on hotseat?

andres..

ANDRES COME TO CLASS!!!!!

the thing i am required to post to get a good gread on this blog

ok so lets get to the point how can we tolorat pepole, pepole like me that cant spell at all.

Stargirl's motives

It shouldn't be surprising to anybody to find out that most high school kids are constantly trying to fit in with a certain group by dressing, talking, or acting the same way. So my question is why doesn't Stargirl follow this pattern? What are Stargirl's motives to be absolutely different from everybody, almost to the point where it would be impossible to try and copy her ways? How do you think Stargirl has developed a resistance to not feel the need to fit in? Peer pressure and high school are hand-in-hand with each other yet Stargirl has found a way to be friendly to everyone and meet a lot of new people while still having her own ideas and not giving in to what other people think she should be like. Do you think it is really that simple to be able to do that?

Hillari

Why do you think Hillari is so threatened by stargirl? What do you think she was thinking when she took Stargirls rat, what did she think would happen?

why.

What is it that sets people apart from others? Or defines a person as "different" "weird" "ugly" etc.. And why is it that some people are more seseptable to being the one that people choose to pick on?

Tolerance

How do we tolerate people that are different than us?

starrgirll.

What about stargirl makes her so unique? :]

Where does stargirl live?

stunna stargirl

does Stargirl have a lot of confidence about who she is and how she looks?

~Jessi's question~

Stargirl has had many different made up names through out her life (including Stargirl). Will we ever know her real name? do you think shes always gonne be stargirl? or will she make up a new name for herself??

Candido's Question

How come at first everyone thinks stargirl is completely mental
but then everyone ends up liking her? Is it because she is very
outgoing or because she is starting to go in with a different crowd?

Lillian's Question.

Why are most people sometimes hesitant to confront those that are different from them?

Why is star girl HoT?

What the title says. =P why is star girl hot?

Interested?

Relating this to the real world, most people don't accept someone who goes to extremes to be different. Why is Leo so interested in what star girl does?

what do you think star girl looks like ?

ĦöŤ§ēĄŧ

Do you think that putting §ŤÄ®ģĨ٣Ł on hotseat could end Leo's and Kevin's friendship?

StAr GiRl

how are we like star girl?

Lexi's Post (:

Why does Star Girl deliver gifts to everyone in town? How do yout think Leo feels about what she does?

Yansee M's Q.

If you were Stargirl and you were new to Copper Hills how do you think people would act towards you?

Different or normal

Does Stargirl view herself as different or normal?

Star Girl's changes

Why does Star Girl have to be so different?
will she ever fit in and be a normal girl at school,
just like all the other students?
Do you think she will ever be the same?
why or why not?

Stargirl and Hotseat

Why do you think Kevin wants Stargirl on Hot Seat so bad? Why do you think Leo is opposed to putting her on the show? If you were Leo would you put Stargirl on the Hot Seat? Why or why not?

Star Girl 2

Star Girl is always so kind to everybody and cares about them, why don't people accept her? In our world is kindness so rare that when it is seen it is considered weird? At our school I feel that people are nice, but it is all fake. When somebody asks you how your day was, they don't really listen to your answer, they are just being polite. Shouldn't we all try to be a little more kind to those around us. Even if somebody is a little or a lot different, they still have self worth and deserve to be seen as a person, an individual.

star girl

why does our school treat people the same way their school does ?

Would You?

Do you think if people were more like Stargirl, and started to show who they really were, show their 'true colors' at school, or in public rather than just when theyre alone, people would accept them the same way that they do now?

sheylbe's question (:

Do you think that the way people are treating Star Girl is going to get worse, or get better? (or stay the same)

Stargrill

What is the main problem in the book and how was it resolved? What do you think is the theme or moral of this book? Is the main character Leo or Stargirl, or both?

Do you Think it was Stargirl that gave Leo the porcupine neck tie on his birthday

Stargirls acceptence in her new school.

Do you think stargirl feels like she is accepted in her new high school? Why do you think Hilary is so threatened by stargirl when half the school already likes Hilary?

Do you think Stargirl was raised by a pack of coyotes????

Karlee's question

If star girl came to our school do you think the students and teachers here would be accepting of her or not?

Star Girl :]

What sparked Leo's interest in Star Girl?? Do you think the porcupine neck tie that Leo found on his door step was from Star Girl??

Abstract

Why do people always think that things that are different, are weird? If you think differently, or abstract, you can come up with some great ideas. This is how most great discoveries have occurred over the years. How can Stargirl contribute to the school and student body by being the person she wants to be?

crystal's stargirl question

Do you think stargirls classmates will always tolerate her differences?

Leo and Stargirl

Do you think Leo likes Stargirl? :)

-Shelbe Ruprecht

answering shelbie's comment

on shelbys comment it says "do you thimk leo likes stargerl?" i think he is starting to like her. becasue when she came to the school everyone thought she was wierd, but now she is a cheerleader and she is really involved in school. she is making a diffrence in her school by making everyone friends and by making it so she is not in a clique, she is unique, she is unlike anyone they have ever met.

answering jasons question

on jason's question about do you think everyone has the trait about judging people why or why not? i dont think its a trait. everyone judges people and says oh they are so ugly, or they were pink to much they must be a prep, they are to involved in school activitys they are wierd, dont talk to him he is a sluffer because he is never here so he must be a slufer. you know that saying DONT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER???? i think we should make a new one that says DONT JUDGE A PERSON BY THERE LOOKS, CLOTHES, AND FRIENDS!!!!!! why do we gudge people? so we can feel better about our self? or so we look cool? we all need to be a friend and not dudge anyone!!! its not nice... have you ever been judged? how did it feel? i think that the next time you gudge someone you need to think about how bad it feels when someone has ever gudged you. how did you feel?

stargirl

Why does stargirl act so differently than everyone else?

StarGirl

Do you think stargirl will change because she became popular? How and why?

My Star Girl BLOG

Do you think that judging people is a trait that every human has? If not, Why?

-Jason Powell

Stargirl Question

do you think that stargirl is too different?

Stargirl's Name

Why do you think Stargirl goes by Stargirl

New students

Would students here at Copper Hills go and sit with someone new at lunch and make them feel welcome or would they just ignore the fact that they're even there?

Stargirl

Why do the kids like Archie? What does he think about Stargirl?

Stargirl

How has Stargirl impacted the school?

Do you think that hillary is envious of stargirl?

Stargirllll.

Do you think there is girls at Copper Hills like the stargirl in the book?

Tara

Do you think that Copper Hills is like the high school in the book? Are people all the same or different here?

StarGirl

Do you think stargirl is going to change the way the student body is functioning, by following Wayne Parr, to maybe following her example and how she acts?

Hilary and Stargirl

Do you think that Hilary hates Stargirl because she's getting all the attention?

My question is do you think that stargirl will change and become like everyone else, since she has became popular? How and why?

Bryan Nicholes

Do you think that stargirl feels that she has changed the school and the community by her attitude?

Hillary

Why do you think Hillary is always saying rude things about Stargirl to people behind her back?

brandi question

Do you think stargirl is making an impact at her school?

Connecting with Stargirl -- Blog Comment 2-1 (due Nov. 18th by 7:30 pm)

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to 2nd quarter!

You're well into Stargirl right now and should be working diligently on your "Be Nice" project.

For your first blog this quarter, I want you to really think about some of the deeper things that are going on in our story. To help you with that, I'm giving you some links to help you connect the story with what's happening locally.

Your assignment:

• Analyze one of the more philosophical quotes from the story by comparing it with real life; share examples (you'll post this analysis as a comment to this post)
• Post at least one question about tolerance and our world, referring to the text
• Answer at least two people's questions THOUGHTFULLY

Websites to help you make comparisons:

Hate crimes in Utah (KSL)

Hate crimes in Utah (Deseret News)

Teens & Tolerance

Peer Pressure in High School

Teens and good works

Quotes to consider:

"We did not wake up in the morning and ask ourselves, 'What will Wayne Parr wear today?' or 'How will Wayne Parr act today?" At least, not consciously. But on some level below awareness, that is exactly waht we did. Wayne Parr did not go to football and basketball games, and by and large, neither did we. Wayne Parr did not ask questions in class or get worked up over teachers or pep rallies, and neither did we. Wayne Parr did not much care. Neither did we." (pg. 19-20)

"At the same time, we held back. Because she was different. Different. We had no one to compare her to, no one to measure her against. She was unknown territory. Unsafe We were afraid to get too close." (pg. 26)

"On the contrary, she is one of us. Most decidedly. she is us more than we are us. She is, I think, who we really are. Or were." (pg. 32)

"It was a rebellion she led, a rebellion for rather than against. For ourselves. For the dormant mud frongs we had been for so long. / Kids whose voices had never been heard before spoke up in class. 'Letters to the Editor' filled a whole page of the school newspaper's December edition. More than a hundred students tried out for the Spring Revue. One kid started a cmaera club. Another wore Hush PUppies instead of sneakers. A plain, timid girl painted her toenails kelly green. A boy showed up with purple hair." (pg. 40-1)

Please give THOUGHTFUL and CONSIDERED responses and make sure you read what others are posting!

Lindner

Why doesn't the family consider taking Lindner's offer? They could make some money and maybe try to get a house in another all-white neighborhood. Do you think this could be one of the scams that Walter wants to get rich with?

English 11: The Baby

English 11: The Baby
I think that ruth will keep the baby. Even though she thought at first that it was a bad idea to bring another child into the world to live in those kinds of conditons she may change her mind now that they have new house to raise the baby in. The baby would actually be able to have space to grow up and play. Walter should just tell Ruth that he really loves her and everything would be mush better. Ruth and Walter have found a new love for each other now that Walter has realized that he is finally man enough to protect his family.
Megan Loy
Period 5

The Baby

What do you think Ruth will do with her unborn child? Will she have an abortion? Or will Walter finally stand up and say that she shouldn't have the abortion no matter what conflicts they have to go through after?

Mama's Plant

How does Mama's plant relate to her?

Wrap Up Session (Blog Assignment #4 due Fri, Oct. 24 by 7:30 pm)

Hey Everyone!

We're just about finished. For your final blog assignment, I'd like you to prepare for the test over A Raisin in the Sun and I'd like you to ask any questions about your project to help one another out.

I've extended the date by two days so you have time to post THREE times.

Here's the assignment:

• Ask a question about or discuss something from A Raisin in the Sun. You may use the study questions I gave you as a guide.
• Ask a question about or discuss your final project. Help one another out.
• Post at least one question and two comments. You may respond to this post or create your own.

Enjoy the end of the quarter!

Ms. Thompson

A Raisin in the Sun

What do you all think that Mama will end up doing with that money that is supposed to come?

A Raisin in the Sun

What do you all think that Mama will end up doing with that money that is supposed to come?

Family Fighting

How come the whole family always so mean to eachother
but when they do get along, why does walter always have
to be the one who is such a jerk to everyone? and why does he take his self
hatred out on everyone else?

The Family

How come Walters family is living with his mother
Why Can't they get a house of their own?

Characters

Why does Walter argue with the people in his family? Has he always been so defensive about every little thing he says?

"A Raisin in the Sun."

In the story what kinda relationship do white and black people have at this time

Character Identification (Blog Assignment #3, due 9/29 by 7:30 p.m.)

Hello!

First, I appologize for getting this posted a day late. Because of that, those of you in fourth period will receive the weekend to complete the assignment.; it will be due for everyone on Monday by 7:30 p.m.


Your posting assignment:

• Please think about what we read in class from "A Raisin in the Sun." Focus on what you've learned about the characters and the famil dynamic (how the family interacts and works together).

• You need to write TWICE to the blog. You may either post and comment or comment twice.

• Ask each other questions about the characters and their motivations, goals, and interactions. Use examples from the story to support your answers.

Next -- I really appreciate the way you've talked with each other in this blog; I think it is wonderful that you are answering each others' questions and engaging in a writing conversation. I'd like to address some of your concerns as well so you know I'm paying attention and to help you understand why we do what we do.

1. Why do we do Socratic circles?

Most of you answered this question very well. We do the Socratic circles because they help you think about what you've read in a different way. They help clarify questions and value what other people think and believe. They encourage more people to participate. We have half the class at a time do it because it allows for a more free conversation and it also allows observers to analyze conversation and what works and what doesn't. I think that if we forced students to participate, it wouldn't feel as comfortable. As the year goes on, the circles become more and more successful because you learn to trust each other more. This is to help you learn to communicate and analyze.

2. Why do we do this blog?

We do the blog because online communication is becoming more and more important in our world. This is a chance for all of you to communicate with each other in a different medium (that's a form of expression) than any other way offered through the class. In many ways, blogs are the safest way to communicate because you are behind a computer and less afraid of what you want to ask or to comment. If you read through the comments everyone has made, I hope you see that already you are really helping each other out. As you answer each others' questions in writing, you help understand yourself. All of this helps you to communicate and analyze -- and to think.

3. Why do we study the American Dream?

Your junior year of Language Arts is supposed to be a study of American literature. I have tried several approaches to studying American literature and this is the most successful way so far. I think that starting the year with a concentration on the American dream helps us think about why things are written and what goal people might have when they write. It also starts the year with a focus on YOUR goals and dreams -- what you want out of life. The more you think about what you want, the more likely you are to achieve it. When you see that you are not alone and that there are many different ways to have and obtain your goals, you are more confident in your ability to reach your dreams.

4. Why do we do book grids?

We do book grids because they are a quick way to think about your book without having to write tons of essays about it. Thinking about the different elements of your book helps you appreciate your author. It also helps you to become a better, faster, more analytical reader. As you become a better reader, you become a better writer. This assignment helps you to analyze and think more deeply about things.

5. Why don't we have more time in class to read?

Do you realize I have only 20 or 21 class days with you each quarter? That's about 80 days of language arts each year. That's less than 1/4 of your days in a year and you come to my class for less than 90 minutes. It's just not very much time. When you come to me, I think of all the ways I can use the class time that will be the most valuable for your learning. There are so many ways to communicate and it is important for you to be comfortable in them. So, each day is broken up to activities that are designed to make your communiation skills better. I hope to give the right balance of instruction and practice throughout the class. Also, I've learned that unless I limit independent reading time to around 10 or 15 minutes, students waste the time I give them. We have so little time, I cannot afford to let you waste any of it.

Finally -- yes, I DO know that you have lives outside of school. You have jobs and families and friends. So do I. You also have seven other classes. I am aware of this. BUT if you are good at communicating, analyzing and thinking, you will be better at all of those other parts of your life. Whatever else is going on in your life right now, school should be your most important job. I require homework every day because all kinds of people have researched homework and they learned that students are more prepared for the world when they have (and do!) their homework. I require homework because if you do it, my teaching time with you is more productive and effective. I know this class is a lot of work; that is why I am willing to work with you when you come and talk to me. I promise you, though, that I don't have a single assignment that I haven't thought about a lot and determined that it's really going to help you become better. We are all busy people -- and it just gets busier as you move on; this experience of balancing the things you have to do now is preparing you for a life of productivity. You can do it if you get your priorities striaght and ask for help when needed.

Please e-mail me with any questions or concerns. You are also welcome to come by my classroom any time. Go to powerschool or the class calendar and make sure you are caught up. You can go to the assignments page if you need copies of any handouts.

Have fun posting!

Ms. Thompson

Why are we talking about the American dream so much in class? Its kinda cool and humbling to see everyones way of thinking of their own American dream

Book Grids

What is the point for the book grids? Most people would agree that reading is a lot funner when it's not assigned as homework.

Reachels Challenge

What do you think the school system has done to ensure that something like Columbine will never happen again?

Questions & Comments (Blog Comments #2 due 9/19-9/22 by 7:30 p.m.)

Hey everyone!

One of the great things about e-mail and blogs and texts are that it's often easier to discuss difficult topics through writing. Somehow the distance helps us get more personal.

For this blog assignment, I want you to TALK TO EACH OTHER through the blog. There are a couple of ways to do this:

1. If you are subscribed to the blog, you can write your own post. Please do so with a question: It can be about the class, writing for the class, or something we've read. Ask anything relevant to our class and you'll be doing great!

2. Respond to this post or to the post of one of your classmates. Do this by clicking on the comments section. Be sure I know who you are so you get credit! When you respond, please thoughtfully ask or answer questions... what are you and your classmates concerned about? What are some things you think about regarding the writing or reading that you'd like clarification with?

3. POST TWO TIMES.... You will need one initial post or comment and then a response to someone else's post or comment for full credit with this assignment.

4. PLEASE STAY POSITIVE. This doesn't mean you cannot discuss concerns -- I WANT you to do that. I just want you to discuss these in a proactive (solve the problem) way rather than a whiny way.

5. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!

ps. Please email me if you are struggling. You are also welcome to come and see me before or after school. I'm usually here until about 3:30 p.m.. Check out the class calendar if you've missed something and go the assignments link if you need another copy of any handouts.

The American Dream (Blog Assignment #1 -- due 9/15-9/16 by 7:30 pm)

We've now spent three weeks reading material and discussion how people look at the American dream. We've also talked about elements of fiction and you've started reading your own books.

For this blog assignment, I'd like you to comment on the different writer's perspective of the American dream. What are some of the things they wanted to see? What did they believe in? How are the dreams of these writers or characters similar or different from the way YOU plan to obtain "the American dream"? Do you think the writings show a change in the dream over time or has it remained pretty much the same? Has your definition changed?

As you respond to these questions, please check out what others say and respond to their comments.

I look forward to reading your thoughts!

-- Ms. Thompson

ps -- If you do not see your name listed as a contributor then you haven't signed up for this blog. You can still make comments, but please look in your e-mail for the invitation. If you don't have one, e-mail me and let me know.

Welcome to English!

Hi everyone! This blog is designed to foster communication among the different classes. You have a few assignments to respond, but you are welcome to log on and post any time. For your first assignment, please respond to this post or to someone else's comments. Let us know something English related -- something you read that you enjoyed (even if it was back in 2nd grade!) or an English teacher you really liked -- let's keep it positive, especially this first time. There will be future blog opportunities for you to vent frustration or ask for clarifications.

This is the first year I've tried something like this -- please give me feedback about how it goes and what you think. This is also a place to give me feedback about other things. For example, you might say, "I really liked that 'Harrison Bergeron' story, but I wish we'd spent more time talking about it." Or you might say, "I'm glad we're not going to spend a long time talking about those literary elements... I think once was enough!" You might find lots of people feel the same way you do and that will help me be a better teacher -- which will help you be better students.

To start our first blog, I'll let you know one of my positive experiences with English:

When I was in fourth grade, I wrote a silly spelling story about a princess with a broken leg. When my teacher gave it back, she said, "Great story!" and for the first time ever I thought maybe I was good at something in school. Before that, I hated reading and hated writing and thought school was a waste of time. I wasn't instantly smart or anything like that, but it did make me think that maybe there was more to all this school stuff than I'd thought before. I'm so glad she said that!

I look forward to reading what you write! Please be kind to your classmates, but write whatever makes sense to you.

Here's to a great year!

--Ms. Thompson

p.s. Right now, the blog is open to the public. Please be careful about the information you include. As I get your e-mail addresses, I will add you as authors and then we can close the blog to only those we invite to view it.