What It All Means

Based on our reading of Romeo and Juliet, I would like us to have a real world discussion based on the text's ideals and messages.  Once you you write your own response, begin responding to other people, challenging each other's thoughts and questions and keep the line of questioning going as you progress.

First, I would like each of you, individually, to reflect, in at least a solid paragraph, on how this text speaks to you.  What did it make you wonder, see, think about, etc.?  When you are done, end with a strong critical question that you would want others to ponder and answer.  Begin the line of discussion from there.

Act 3 Inherit Discussion

We are going to have a silent discussion today.  Please follow directions.  For the first half of class, we will be discussing Act 3 in itself, then we will transfer to real world questions.
Focus the first part on the text only.  Respond to my question, then ask a question when you are done.  You must respond to one another and continue to ask questions as you move through.  I want analysis, depth of thought and constant reference to the text.  

Why did the jury find Cates guilty even after there was so much support for Drummond at the end of the trial?  Why did Cates "win"according to Drummond?

The Scarlet Ibis Discussion Thread

FIRST, please answer the following questions, I provided, regarding "The Scarlet Ibis";
when you are done, ask 2 more interpretative level questions that will propel this discussion further (save the critical questions for the end). You must respond to someone else's questions and comments at least three times (try varying up the people you respond to); show a rigorous, meaningful discussion regarding this text's ideals, values and messages. Use your annotations to help your responses.
Fluency and mechanics are a piece of your grade, so be thoughtful with how you write!

I will also be on this discussion thread once you have time to answer the questions.  I will transition us accordingly.

1.   How is the scarlet ibis a symbol for Doodle?  Be specific in your comparison
2.  List one sensory image that you felt was most powerful and tell me the effect (hence, reference a specific poignant image from the text, and what does it create?)
3.  What did you take away from this short story?  How does it speak to you?

4.  Read the following poem and answer the questions:

"Woman with Flower" by Naomi Long Madgett

I wouldn’t coax the plant if I were you.
Such watchful nurturing may do it harm.
Let the soil rest from so much digging-
And wait until it‘s dry before you water it.
The leaf’s inclined to find its own direction;
Give it a chance to seek the sunlight for itself.

Much growth is stunted by too careful 
Prodding,
Too eager tenderness.
The things we love we have to learn to
 leave alone.

Post questions for above poem:
1.  What is this poem's message?  Do you agree with the poem's message?  Use specific reference to lines and words as a part of your response.
2.  What advice does the poem seem to offer the narrator form "The Scarlet Ibis"?

Summer Reading

Over the summer, you were asked to read at least two novels of your choice.

1) Briefly tell me what you read, including the titles and authors.
2) I want to know what you liked about the books, what you learned and, more importantly, what matters to you about the book's content? How does it resonate with you?
Please do not give me a summary; I care more about what you took away from the book.

*Make sure to adhere to proper conventions and proofread your response. If, for some reason, you did not read two novels, tell me about two novels you have read and enjoyed and answer the above.

Learning

Please answer all of the following questions: (Make sure you proofread and use complete sentences)These should be elaborate thoughts, not one sentence repsonses!

1) After viewing Mr. Fisch's world-renown "Did you Know" powerpoint, what ideas strike you about the facts presented?
How does this make you think about the world and your place in it? How could this impact you?

2) Also, what did Danny Macaskill's, "Inspired Bikes" make you think about perseverance, hard work, potential, etc...? How can you apply what you saw from his adventures, doing bike tricks, to your own life?

3) What is the value of learning? What is your role as a learner?