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