Hi Everyone,
SMHS administrators are making a big effort to help every student connect with teachers. To support this, they are asking each teacher to provide a list of every student we have been in contact with since the school closure. As you can probably imagine, going through online meetings, blog posts, emails, and my memory would be a huge time-consuming job, so I am asking for your help.
If you have a working device, and access to the internet, would you please (please, PLEASE) comment to this post with your name and the word Here.
Example:
David Preston Here
That's it. It doesn't matter if you've been to every online meeting or none, written every journal and blog post or none. Just your name and the word Here. Please. I need to get back to SMHS about this as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Dr. Preston
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
march 31 w online meeting #8
for our MOM: What is the first book you remember reading? Enjoying?
JOURNAL TOPIC:
As we get deeper into Fahrenheit 451, it seems that Montag is exploring a side of himself that's been hidden for a long time. As you consider his character, and people in your life, and even yourself, ask yourself these questions: What makes a person "hard core" or gentle? Are such qualities innate or learned? Can they be changed? How?
-OR-
You can use your journal simply to write about life and your experiences in these unusual, challenging times.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. If you haven't yet, please have a look at the Fahrenheit 451 questions in the March 24 post & see if you can answer on your blog. If an answer doesn't jump out at you as obvious, ask a friend for help (you too can create an online get-together! :) or ask me tomorrow when we meet.
3. Our online meeting
4. Post
POST:
What do people think about books and the new technology now? Do you agree with others on this, or do you have your own perspective? (title: BOOKS & NEW TECH)
(Thanks for the topic, Lyna!)
JOURNAL TOPIC:
As we get deeper into Fahrenheit 451, it seems that Montag is exploring a side of himself that's been hidden for a long time. As you consider his character, and people in your life, and even yourself, ask yourself these questions: What makes a person "hard core" or gentle? Are such qualities innate or learned? Can they be changed? How?
-OR-
You can use your journal simply to write about life and your experiences in these unusual, challenging times.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. If you haven't yet, please have a look at the Fahrenheit 451 questions in the March 24 post & see if you can answer on your blog. If an answer doesn't jump out at you as obvious, ask a friend for help (you too can create an online get-together! :) or ask me tomorrow when we meet.
3. Our online meeting
4. Post
POST:
What do people think about books and the new technology now? Do you agree with others on this, or do you have your own perspective? (title: BOOKS & NEW TECH)
(Thanks for the topic, Lyna!)
500-year-old journal of mexican life during pandemic
Almost 500 years ago, "European colonization (of the Americas) shattered the old indigenous order through war, settlement and, most notably, disease." An estimated 90% -- that is, nine out of every ten people -- lost their lives, which is why some refer to that time as "The Great Dying."
During this time in Mexico, amid a series of pandemics, a group of scholars sealed themselves off in a convent and wrote the indigenous history of their people. You can read The Los Angeles Times article about their work here.
Beginning today, I encourage you to journal about your experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. I will continue to offer journal topics that relate to our shared reading, and I will also include a note that reminds you of this opportunity.
Writing things down is important. As we talked about last semester, people even see their food and their time use differently when they record the facts in writing. Don't be lazy -- your memory is unreliable. When you think about it, what can you remember about what you did every day last week? What your little sister said to make you smile, or what your family ate for dinner, or how you felt about what's going on? In a few short (months? years?) the coronavirus pandemic will be a story -- a history -- just like 9/11 or World War II. Unlike those events, however, for you this is not just history. This will be YOUR history.
Get a pen, right now, find a notebook or a piece of paper, and capture this moment so that your grandchildren don't have to rely on someone else's version to understand what these days are like.
During this time in Mexico, amid a series of pandemics, a group of scholars sealed themselves off in a convent and wrote the indigenous history of their people. You can read The Los Angeles Times article about their work here.
Beginning today, I encourage you to journal about your experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. I will continue to offer journal topics that relate to our shared reading, and I will also include a note that reminds you of this opportunity.
Writing things down is important. As we talked about last semester, people even see their food and their time use differently when they record the facts in writing. Don't be lazy -- your memory is unreliable. When you think about it, what can you remember about what you did every day last week? What your little sister said to make you smile, or what your family ate for dinner, or how you felt about what's going on? In a few short (months? years?) the coronavirus pandemic will be a story -- a history -- just like 9/11 or World War II. Unlike those events, however, for you this is not just history. This will be YOUR history.
Get a pen, right now, find a notebook or a piece of paper, and capture this moment so that your grandchildren don't have to rely on someone else's version to understand what these days are like.
march 30 w online meeting #7
for our MOM:
JOURNAL TOPIC: Analyze the following passage from Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. How does Bradbury's use of syntax convey differences in narrative perspective? How does his use of figurative language convey meaning?
As he stood there the sky over the house screamed. There was a tremendous ripping sound as if two giant hands had torn ten thousand miles of black linen down the seam. Montag was cut in half. He felt his chest chopped down and split apart. The jet-bombs going over, going over, going over, one two, one two, one two, six of them, nine of them, twelve of them, one and one and one and another and another and another, did all the screaming for him. He opened his own mouth and let their shriek come down and out between his bared teeth. The house shook. The flare went out in his hand. The moonstones vanished. He felt his hand plunge toward the telephone. The jets were gone. He felt his lips move, brushing the mouthpiece of the phone. "Emergency hospital." A terrible whisper.
-OR-
You can use your journal simply to write about life and your experiences in these unusual, challenging times.
AGENDA:
1. MOM
2. Journal
3. Our meeting
4. Post
POST:
How much of our behavior is a matter of personality, and how much is influenced by the culture (including time, place, attitudes, beliefs, values, customs, etc.) in which we live? (title: IS IT ME?)
JOURNAL TOPIC: Analyze the following passage from Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. How does Bradbury's use of syntax convey differences in narrative perspective? How does his use of figurative language convey meaning?
As he stood there the sky over the house screamed. There was a tremendous ripping sound as if two giant hands had torn ten thousand miles of black linen down the seam. Montag was cut in half. He felt his chest chopped down and split apart. The jet-bombs going over, going over, going over, one two, one two, one two, six of them, nine of them, twelve of them, one and one and one and another and another and another, did all the screaming for him. He opened his own mouth and let their shriek come down and out between his bared teeth. The house shook. The flare went out in his hand. The moonstones vanished. He felt his hand plunge toward the telephone. The jets were gone. He felt his lips move, brushing the mouthpiece of the phone. "Emergency hospital." A terrible whisper.
-OR-
You can use your journal simply to write about life and your experiences in these unusual, challenging times.
AGENDA:
1. MOM
2. Journal
3. Our meeting
4. Post
POST:
How much of our behavior is a matter of personality, and how much is influenced by the culture (including time, place, attitudes, beliefs, values, customs, etc.) in which we live? (title: IS IT ME?)
Monday, March 30, 2020
march 27 w online meeting #6
(Apologies: somehow this post glitched out and got stuck in Drafts on Friday. Posting March 30.)
-----
For your MOM: "My body feels [...] today."
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Historians and journalists are describing the coronavirus pandemic as a once-in-a-century event. What is your life like during this moment in history?
AGENDA:
1. MOM
2. Journal
3. Post
POST:
The last sentence we read today was, "He (Montag) knew that when she pulled her hand away from his face, it was wet."
We talked about why Ray Bradbury wrote this way (instead of being direct and writing something like, Montag was crying). Drawing the reader a mental picture and making us think, making us ask Why? also draws us closer. We feel more connected to something we work at-- not like a job, but like a jigsaw puzzle.
Work, care, commitment... these are all words that can be associated with obligation or hardship, but they can also be associated with meaning and connection. Love, even. Think of how much that woman cared for her books in the scene we read that made Montag cry -- she chose death over living without her books!
What do you care about enough to work for? A relationship? A project? A principle? (title: WHY I WORK)
-----
For your MOM: "My body feels [...] today."
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Historians and journalists are describing the coronavirus pandemic as a once-in-a-century event. What is your life like during this moment in history?
AGENDA:
1. MOM
2. Journal
3. Post
POST:
The last sentence we read today was, "He (Montag) knew that when she pulled her hand away from his face, it was wet."
We talked about why Ray Bradbury wrote this way (instead of being direct and writing something like, Montag was crying). Drawing the reader a mental picture and making us think, making us ask Why? also draws us closer. We feel more connected to something we work at-- not like a job, but like a jigsaw puzzle.
Work, care, commitment... these are all words that can be associated with obligation or hardship, but they can also be associated with meaning and connection. Love, even. Think of how much that woman cared for her books in the scene we read that made Montag cry -- she chose death over living without her books!
What do you care about enough to work for? A relationship? A project? A principle? (title: WHY I WORK)
physical & mental health
Hi Everyone,
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, it's easy to fall out of routines that support our health. I hope you continue to practice at least a minute of mindfulness here and there. I hope you're getting enough sleep. I hope you're eating nutritious food. And I hope you're getting exercise.
On one hand, each of those topics falls outside the traditional English curriculum. On the other, if your mind, body, and immune system (!) aren't functioning properly, language skills are probably the least of your problems.
With that in mind, I'm sharing a "No Gear" workout plan that Bobby Maximus sent me. Bobby, you may remember, is the former MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion who I trained with in Utah over winter break. I will (finally) post about that this week, and invite Bobby to join us on a zoom call, but I didn't want to procrastinate on sharing these workouts-- move your body today, it will help get your mind right.
Oh, and in case you're saying to yourself, "That's all good and fine, Dr. Preston, but what about you? Are you working out in the middle of all this madness?"
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, it's easy to fall out of routines that support our health. I hope you continue to practice at least a minute of mindfulness here and there. I hope you're getting enough sleep. I hope you're eating nutritious food. And I hope you're getting exercise.
On one hand, each of those topics falls outside the traditional English curriculum. On the other, if your mind, body, and immune system (!) aren't functioning properly, language skills are probably the least of your problems.
With that in mind, I'm sharing a "No Gear" workout plan that Bobby Maximus sent me. Bobby, you may remember, is the former MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion who I trained with in Utah over winter break. I will (finally) post about that this week, and invite Bobby to join us on a zoom call, but I didn't want to procrastinate on sharing these workouts-- move your body today, it will help get your mind right.
Oh, and in case you're saying to yourself, "That's all good and fine, Dr. Preston, but what about you? Are you working out in the middle of all this madness?"
Thursday, March 26, 2020
***IMPORTANT***
SMHS Assistant Principal Dr. Leslie Martinez has asked me to inform her whether anyone needs a tablet or any other tech support in order to take the exam. Please email me ASAP (that's "as soon as possible" :) so that I can let her know. Mahalo.
reminder
Hi Everyone,
Here's a friendly reminder that we have an AP prep meeting tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 2:00 P.M. on Zoom.
Here is the info. (*Please Note: This is a different meeting ID than the daily 1:00 P.M. meeting, so please copy/paste the correct highlighted URL into your browser to join us.)
David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: AP prep meeting
Time: Mar 27, 2020 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/366416400
Meeting ID: 366 416 400
Here's a friendly reminder that we have an AP prep meeting tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 2:00 P.M. on Zoom.
Here is the info. (*Please Note: This is a different meeting ID than the daily 1:00 P.M. meeting, so please copy/paste the correct highlighted URL into your browser to join us.)
David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: AP prep meeting
Time: Mar 27, 2020 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/366416400
Meeting ID: 366 416 400
march 26 w online meeting #5
[for your MOM: Breathe in and out as slowly as you can...]
JOURNAL TOPIC: (featuring the return of Today's Tunes! "Apricot Brandy" by Rhinoceros & "Paper Sun" by Traffic)
Every day, lots of things come up that demand our attention. How can you tell the difference between what's important and what's urgent?
AGENDA:
1. MOM
2. Journal
3. Review today's recording (below) if you couldn't join us
4. Post
POST TOPIC:
First, thanks to everyone for your insights and suggestions today. The book obviously hit a nerve with all of us. The way that Clarisse experiences high school and the way that Bradbury envisions our society operating are fairly (and alarmingly!) close to the way we experience real life. So, based on your comments, today's topic is:
When young people don't read it makes it easier for adults to oppress and control them. In the book, Clarisse describes school as blocks of hours on video lessons, and there's a parallel to what we're doing now that we're all online. What are we learning from this, and where will this lead our society? (Title: WHAT ARE WE LEARNING NOW?) *Note: You can use this topic as a launchpad to discuss whatever is on your mind as you consider the book, our discussion, and current events.
JOURNAL TOPIC: (featuring the return of Today's Tunes! "Apricot Brandy" by Rhinoceros & "Paper Sun" by Traffic)
Every day, lots of things come up that demand our attention. How can you tell the difference between what's important and what's urgent?
AGENDA:
1. MOM
2. Journal
3. Review today's recording (below) if you couldn't join us
4. Post
POST TOPIC:
First, thanks to everyone for your insights and suggestions today. The book obviously hit a nerve with all of us. The way that Clarisse experiences high school and the way that Bradbury envisions our society operating are fairly (and alarmingly!) close to the way we experience real life. So, based on your comments, today's topic is:
When young people don't read it makes it easier for adults to oppress and control them. In the book, Clarisse describes school as blocks of hours on video lessons, and there's a parallel to what we're doing now that we're all online. What are we learning from this, and where will this lead our society? (Title: WHAT ARE WE LEARNING NOW?) *Note: You can use this topic as a launchpad to discuss whatever is on your mind as you consider the book, our discussion, and current events.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
march 25 w online meeting #4
[For your MOM: gratitude]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Some holidays are worth celebrating every day. Feeling grateful makes
us happier, healthier, and more productive, so why not celebrate
Thanksgiving today? Think of something/someone for whom you are truly
grateful, and use today's journal time to give thanks.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Fahrenheit 451
3. For the win-- er, I mean, break, please post the following before we return 11/26:
POSTS:
1. Summarize what we have read so far (title: F451 SUMMARY PART I). Note: doing this well will require no less than three paragraphs.
2. Make (a minimum of three) connections between what we've read in the play and your own lived experience of modern America. Think about the people/characters, places, events, cultures, politics, and values we've discussed. (title: F451 & ME)
3. Imagine a scenario in which the President of the United States outlaws reading. (If you think this is far-fetched, ask yourself where the current president gets his information-- is it from reading or watching screens?) Write a letter on behalf of the American people defending the right to read. (title: THE RIGHT TO READ)
ALSO:
It's time to take our classroom community/conversation online. Please visit at least three of your classmates' blogs and comment to at least one of their posts. (That means we should be able to see three of your comments.) If you visit a blog with lots of comments, see if you can find one that has less and start the conversation. It's always nice to receive comments :)
ONLINE MEETING #4: RECORDING
new and improved daily course blog post
Welcome to the "New and Improved!" daily course blog post. As you
know, usually I post each day's agenda either early in the morning or
the night before. Since school closed and we began meeting online, I
started posting twice-- once with the daily agenda and once more with
the recording. Starting today, I will post AFTER our meetings so that I
can include the recordings and design the rest of the ideas around what
we discuss. From now on, each daily post will include:
Mahalo,
Dr. Preston
- A thought for your MOM (*in all sincerity, I hope that each of you is adopting some sort of mindfulness practice, whether it is taking a minute-- or more-- to meditate, or going for a walk, or reflecting at the end of the day, or ... if you need help getting started, or want to learn more about this, please click HERE)
- A journal topic
- A brief recap of the highlights of our meeting (this will substitute for what I used to call the "AGENDA")
- The recording of the meeting
- Suggestions for posting to your blog based on the ideas from our meeting
Mahalo,
Dr. Preston
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
online meeting #3: recording
You know, as I upload the video from today's meeting, I'm starting to rethink how I do this. Maybe I'll put the day's agenda up AFTER the meeting, include the recording, share some ideas, and make that the daily post... thoughts?
Today's conversation was great, thanks to everyone who made it! That includes Lyna's Dad, which reminds me-- everyone who lives with you can join us. I know, I know, who wants to go to an English class if they don't have to. Good thing this is a meetup of interesting people who discuss interesting ideas in interesting ways, because at this point, if it was just an English class, I wouldn't want to go either.
You inspired me to get back to writing, which I'll post tomorrow (he typed, giving himself a due date :). Here is the recording:
Today's conversation was great, thanks to everyone who made it! That includes Lyna's Dad, which reminds me-- everyone who lives with you can join us. I know, I know, who wants to go to an English class if they don't have to. Good thing this is a meetup of interesting people who discuss interesting ideas in interesting ways, because at this point, if it was just an English class, I wouldn't want to go either.
You inspired me to get back to writing, which I'll post tomorrow (he typed, giving himself a due date :). Here is the recording:
march 24
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do you think or say when someone makes fun of your lunch?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. 20 Questions (*These are designed to go along with our reading. And, since some of you haven't found the book where I embedded it, I created a page for the purpose. Please visit the FAHRENHEIT 451 PAGE BY CLICKING HERE and bookmark it for easy reference. It will help you to read a few pages before our 1:00 meeting-- that way, we can discuss the first few questions. We're up to about #12. Please answer the questions in a post on your blog (title: 451 QUESTIONS, 20 ANSWERS)
What do you think or say when someone makes fun of your lunch?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. 20 Questions (*These are designed to go along with our reading. And, since some of you haven't found the book where I embedded it, I created a page for the purpose. Please visit the FAHRENHEIT 451 PAGE BY CLICKING HERE and bookmark it for easy reference. It will help you to read a few pages before our 1:00 meeting-- that way, we can discuss the first few questions. We're up to about #12. Please answer the questions in a post on your blog (title: 451 QUESTIONS, 20 ANSWERS)
-
“The Hearth and the Salamander” seems an odd choice for a chapter title. Why
do you suppose
Bradbury chose it? What connections did he want to create? (hint: in
mythology, the salamander is a fire lizard, said to be capable of
starting and putting out fires)
-
The lines, “It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things
blackened and changed” (1) tell the reader a great deal about the protagonist, Guy Montag. What
assumptions can the reader make?
-
Bradbury’s use of metaphor and animal imagery begins on page one of the novel. He writes, “With the
brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world, the blood
pounded in his head...” (1). Why would he have chosen to characterize a fire hose as a “great python?”
Is the imagery positive or negative?
-
Also on the first page, we learn that Montag’s fire-helmet is inscribed with the number 451. What is the
symbolic importance of this number?
-
Explain how Clarisse McClellan is first described. What is it about her that immediately strikes Montag?
-
The names “Clarisse” and “Guy” are significant. How?
-
Clarisse questions Montag about his way of life. How does she question him, and how does he react to
her questions?
- During the first conversation between Clarisse and Montag the reader discovers several odd things about the society in which these two characters live. Describe at least three odd things we learn.
- Montag employs two similes in thinking of Clarisse. What comparisons does he make and why?
- What does Montag realize about himself after Clarisse leaves him the first time?
-
What are “Seashells” and how does Montag’s wife, Mildred/Millie, use them?
-
There is a stark difference between Bradbury’s first description of Clarisse and his first description of
Mildred. What does the reference to her face (11) signify and how does it contribute to our
understanding of both her character and the marriage between Montag and Mildred?
-
Describe the machine used on Mildred. Explain the symbolism.
-
Montag’s comment that “Nobody knows anyone” (14) is telling. What is the epiphany he has?
-
Unthinkingly, Montage finds himself drawn to the window of the McClellan household. Explain the
contrast between his house and this one. What does the contrast tell the reader about society at large?
-
Montag’s confused statement, “‘I don’t know anything anymore’” (15) signifies a pivotal moment in the
text. Explain.
-
When Mildred wakes up from her near-death experience, she does not seem to remember what
happened. Describe her mood at this point. Why has Bradbury characterized her this way? What does
Millie’s conversation with Montag reveal about her?
-
Why does Clarisse visit the psychiatrist?
- What is “the Hound” and what is its function? Why is Montag bothered by the Hound?
- Why does the woman want to stay-- and burn, and die--with her books, rather than surrender to the fireman and leave the books and her home to burn?
Monday, March 23, 2020
online meeting #2: recording
Thanks to everyone who joined us for today's Zoom meeting. It was great to see you! We all have a version of feeling isolated, so it was even more valuable to connect in (*virtual) person. I enjoyed learning about what you're doing (sleep! cooking! art! 44-episode shows!) and how you're doing.
As it happens, Guy Montag-- the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451-- also deals with isolation. Today we learned that he isn't really happy, and that his conversation with Clarisse brought him face to face with that reality.
I loved your suggestions for today's post, so that is what we'll use: please write on your blog about how our isolation over the last couple weeks is affecting your life. You might write about the things that you now have more time for, or the things you miss, or... ? For the title, you can borrow the title of the book I'm writing: ACADEMY OF ONE. In exchange for the title, please include something that you're learning (about yourself, or our country/culture, or your Big Question, or anything, really) as a result of being isolated.
Thank you once again, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow! If you want to see the replay, or if you couldn't join us and want to see what you missed, here is the recording of the meeting:
As it happens, Guy Montag-- the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451-- also deals with isolation. Today we learned that he isn't really happy, and that his conversation with Clarisse brought him face to face with that reality.
I loved your suggestions for today's post, so that is what we'll use: please write on your blog about how our isolation over the last couple weeks is affecting your life. You might write about the things that you now have more time for, or the things you miss, or... ? For the title, you can borrow the title of the book I'm writing: ACADEMY OF ONE. In exchange for the title, please include something that you're learning (about yourself, or our country/culture, or your Big Question, or anything, really) as a result of being isolated.
Thank you once again, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow! If you want to see the replay, or if you couldn't join us and want to see what you missed, here is the recording of the meeting:
march 23
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do you think of when you see the word FUTURE?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. ***CHOICES***
3. Life after HS/ plan for F 451
What do you think of when you see the word FUTURE?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. ***CHOICES***
3. Life after HS/ plan for F 451
Sunday, March 22, 2020
upcoming online meetings
Alright, time to settle into a schedule. I'll post a daily agenda
later tonight or early in the morning, and I'll post some thoughts about
this whole situation, because I know we're all dealing with a lot and
figuring things out as we go along.
I will host an online meetup each weekday at 1:00 P.M., starting tomorrow. I will also host an AP test prep meeting Fridays at 2:00 P.M. For now, here's the info for tomorrow's meeting-- copy the highlighted URL and copy into your internet browser. See you soon!
David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Dr. Preston's English Courses
Time: Mar 23, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/157839234
Meeting ID: 157 839 234
I will host an online meetup each weekday at 1:00 P.M., starting tomorrow. I will also host an AP test prep meeting Fridays at 2:00 P.M. For now, here's the info for tomorrow's meeting-- copy the highlighted URL and copy into your internet browser. See you soon!
David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Dr. Preston's English Courses
Time: Mar 23, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/157839234
Meeting ID: 157 839 234
*schedule update*
Hey Y'All,
We are going to meet online each day next week at 1:00 P.M. instead of noon. Please make a note in your calendars. And for crying out loud, it's not like you're GOING ANYWHERE, so please click in and join us. I will post an agenda for tomorrow and notes for our meeting by 10:00 P.M. tonight.
See you tomorrow (Monday 3/23) at 1:00 P.M.,
Dr. Preston
We are going to meet online each day next week at 1:00 P.M. instead of noon. Please make a note in your calendars. And for crying out loud, it's not like you're GOING ANYWHERE, so please click in and join us. I will post an agenda for tomorrow and notes for our meeting by 10:00 P.M. tonight.
See you tomorrow (Monday 3/23) at 1:00 P.M.,
Dr. Preston
AP practice prompt
Alright, since the fine folks at the College Board have decided to offer a version of the AP exam this year, we need to make sure that we get in some guided practice so that you're ready.
Please give yourself no more than 45 minutes to write your essay, and publish it on your blog by noon on Friday, March 27.
Since I want to make sure we are getting specific feedback and learning from each other, without mucking up your blogs with teacher-y comments, I'm thinking about a few ways to do this:
Here is the prompt (I picked one from the year I graduated high school):
Please give yourself no more than 45 minutes to write your essay, and publish it on your blog by noon on Friday, March 27.
Since I want to make sure we are getting specific feedback and learning from each other, without mucking up your blogs with teacher-y comments, I'm thinking about a few ways to do this:
- I can muck up your blogs with teacher-y comments
- You can email me and I can reply with specific comments
- You can copy/paste your essay into a Google doc, which I can edit (and also use kaizena to provide voice feedback)
- We can discuss each other's work in an online meeting on Friday at 2:00 (this will be different than our noon meeting, which is starting to look more like a book club :)
Here is the prompt (I picked one from the year I graduated high school):
Pretend to contribute to a magazine or newspaper; write an article describing a place you know well that might be of interest to readers. Define the significance, and use descriptive detail to make attitude clear.
I once wrote an essay about my childhood backyard-- I'll see if I can dig that up to share. If I can't find it, I'll write something new for the occasion.
Onward!
Saturday, March 21, 2020
online meeting #1: recording
It's Saturday, but there we were! Here is the recording of our first online meeting. We will meet every weekday at noon starting Monday (March 23). Our meetings will be part catching up and connecting with each other, part reading/discussing the book, and part Big Questions. How much of each part will be up to the people who show up. This is an excellent time for me to support you in whatever way makes the most sense to all of us. See you Monday!
first video conference
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday (Friday) was a great learning experience! Here's what I learned:
See you at 1:00!
_____
David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Dr. Preston's English Courses
Time: Mar 21, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/305419113
Meeting ID: 305 419 113
One tap mobile
,,305419113# US Toll
Dial by your location
US Toll
Meeting ID: 305 419 113
Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fCIf3mk6J
Yesterday (Friday) was a great learning experience! Here's what I learned:
- Zoom is the platform that will most effectively meet our needs for now
- If I'm not careful, Zoom will open more than one meeting, which is why I was in one and students were in another
- It's easy to convert the video capture from the meeting
- It's also easy to erase the video capture from the meeting without meaning to...
- Today I'm going to re-host our original meeting as planned at 1:00. Hope you can join! To make things simple, I am pasting the invitation into this post (please see below, then copy/paste the highlighted URL into your internet browser)
- Next week we will meet each day at noon. As we get into a routine, I will also post guiding questions and ideas for you on the course blog, along with tips for your Big Questions. Please comment to this post or email with any questions.
See you at 1:00!
_____
David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Dr. Preston's English Courses
Time: Mar 21, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/305419113
Meeting ID: 305 419 113
One tap mobile
,,305419113# US Toll
Dial by your location
US Toll
Meeting ID: 305 419 113
Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fCIf3mk6J
Friday, March 20, 2020
*AP EXAM UPDATE*
This year's AP exams will be administered in shorter-format 45 minute versions that can be taken online at home. More information will be available April 3. You can read more on the College Board website HERE.
march 20
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today is the first day of Spring. So what? What significance does the season hold for you? (Remind me to tell you about the "Rites of Spring"...)
AGENDA:
Hi! I hope you can join us for today's online meetup at noon. Apart from talking about the beginning of Fahrenheit 451, we will cover whatever else is going on for you as we take next steps in these uncertain times.
And I'll throw in some surprises that you simply can't get anywhere else, like this one:
Today is the first day of Spring. So what? What significance does the season hold for you? (Remind me to tell you about the "Rites of Spring"...)
AGENDA:
Hi! I hope you can join us for today's online meetup at noon. Apart from talking about the beginning of Fahrenheit 451, we will cover whatever else is going on for you as we take next steps in these uncertain times.
And I'll throw in some surprises that you simply can't get anywhere else, like this one:
When they attended Los Angeles High School together in the 1930s, Ray Bradbury tried to date my grandmother. Here is a drawing he made for her.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
march 19
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today I got to speak with my daughter online. Who are the people you miss right now because you can't get out of the house or do the things you usually do?
-OR-
What routines are you adopting to compensate for the lack of school/sports/work structure in your life? Are you exercising, reading, learning something new? Do you eat and go to bed on some sort of schedule?
[Please feel free to continue writing on paper, or share your ideas in a comment to this post.]
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Please read the first four pages of Fahrenheit 451 to the last line: "How long had they walked together? Three minutes? Five?"
Today I got to speak with my daughter online. Who are the people you miss right now because you can't get out of the house or do the things you usually do?
-OR-
What routines are you adopting to compensate for the lack of school/sports/work structure in your life? Are you exercising, reading, learning something new? Do you eat and go to bed on some sort of schedule?
[Please feel free to continue writing on paper, or share your ideas in a comment to this post.]
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Please read the first four pages of Fahrenheit 451 to the last line: "How long had they walked together? Three minutes? Five?"
online video conference tomorrow!
You will be able to join our video conference by copying this link:
https://zoom.us/j/519602078
into your internet browser
If you have any questions, please comment to this post or email dpreston.learning@gmail.com
See you soon!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
march 18
[for your MOM: "How long can I feel an itch without scratching?"]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
How does uncertainty make you feel? Do you think uncertainty is somehow inherently bad or good, or do the stories we tell ourselves about it make it so? We are all navigating uncertainty, so please feel free to contribute today's journal entry as a comment to this post.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. (Speaking of uncertainty, it looks like the post I *thought* published last night failed, so hang in there while I get this together today...)
NOTES:
1. I received several emails from students about the governor's comments regarding school not opening until fall. Right now, we are all speculating and paying close attention to the medical experts. As soon as I receive any official word about school re-opening, I will let you know.
2. Since I don't have everyone's personal email at home (the list is in my desk at school), I will scrap together as many invitations as I can for Friday's video conference. I may use school email for the rest, so please be sure to check whatever email account you use. If you can, please send me an email to let me know where you want me to send the link.
JOURNAL TOPIC:
How does uncertainty make you feel? Do you think uncertainty is somehow inherently bad or good, or do the stories we tell ourselves about it make it so? We are all navigating uncertainty, so please feel free to contribute today's journal entry as a comment to this post.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. (Speaking of uncertainty, it looks like the post I *thought* published last night failed, so hang in there while I get this together today...)
NOTES:
1. I received several emails from students about the governor's comments regarding school not opening until fall. Right now, we are all speculating and paying close attention to the medical experts. As soon as I receive any official word about school re-opening, I will let you know.
2. Since I don't have everyone's personal email at home (the list is in my desk at school), I will scrap together as many invitations as I can for Friday's video conference. I may use school email for the rest, so please be sure to check whatever email account you use. If you can, please send me an email to let me know where you want me to send the link.
Monday, March 16, 2020
a note about ap testing
This is a short note, because we don't yet know how the College Board is going to handle test administration this year. I will keep you informed as I learn more.
For now, we are going to begin a study of a novel, and I will flavor the reading with nonfiction designed to help us practice for the AP exam. I had planned to move us into test prep/ boot camp mode in April. We will see how things progress and make some choices together along the way.
If you want to review AP test questions and begin preparing sooner, please feel free to consult the AP Exam Questions page (it's been there all year :). I'm available for consultation and reading; if you write on a prompt and want feedback, send me a Word or Google Doc and I'll send it back with suggestions and edits.
For now, we are going to begin a study of a novel, and I will flavor the reading with nonfiction designed to help us practice for the AP exam. I had planned to move us into test prep/ boot camp mode in April. We will see how things progress and make some choices together along the way.
If you want to review AP test questions and begin preparing sooner, please feel free to consult the AP Exam Questions page (it's been there all year :). I'm available for consultation and reading; if you write on a prompt and want feedback, send me a Word or Google Doc and I'll send it back with suggestions and edits.
please read the course blog today
Please read the most recent posts (from "school closure" on) -- today it is important to stay informed. I will read your comments to "march 16: UPDATE" and post more about our plan for the week in the next couple hours. Mahalo.
a lesson in copyright law
From the Duke University Law School Center for the Study of the Public Domain:
For many reasons, I
don't want to break the law. I think Ray Bradbury, his estate, and
whomever he designated after his death should earn whatever's right
under the law. And I don't need the headache. So I'm not posting a
page with the full text. At the same time, I firmly believe that if Mr.
Bradbury were to take part in this conversation, he would support
sharing the book with Santa Maria High School students who don't have
enough copies or the money to go out and buy their own. So here is a link
to the full text online (it is not nearly as well-formatted or
flammable as a physical book, which I still encourage you to find). Please join us in reading a book that changed my life. I hope it will change yours.
Current US law extends copyright protections for 70 years from the date
of the author’s death. (Corporate “works-for-hire” are copyrighted for
95 years.) But prior to the 1976 Copyright Act (which became effective
in 1978), the maximum copyright term was 56 years (an initial term of 28
years, renewable for another 28 years). Under those laws, works
published in 1953 would be passing into the public domain on January 1,
2010.
Under
the old law, Fahrenheit 451 would have entered the public domain in
2010. That means we could print it online, copy it, quote it in as much
length as we like, etc. etc. Sadly, now we won't legally be able to do
that with works published in 1953 until 2049.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
since we are off tomorrow...
... I will have more to share with you. Please check back here no later than 10 AM tomorrow (Monday) morning.
online learning resource
If you want to see independent lessons on specific topics, or learn with a younger brother or sister, Scholastic has a new website [CLICK HERE] and they are adding content every day.
march 16: UPDATE
Hi everyone. I hope you are enjoying the rain at home this
morning. As you know by now, our school is closed for the next few
weeks-- at least-- so that we can help prevent the spread of the
coronavirus. This is an important step; I am continuing to collect
information to share, and I will update the coronavirus/COVID-19 page on the blog
as I learn more. For now, I'm glad that government and school
officials collaborated with medical experts to support the health of our
community.
Although I'll miss seeing you in person, we have what we need to continue learning, communicating, and collaborating online. Starting tonight (March 16), I will post the following day's agenda by 10:00 P.M. I'm a little disappointed that we didn't know about the closure on Friday -- I would have had you take your journals home instead of turning them in -- but you can start a new notebook or write on paper.
This is the agenda I posted yesterday before I learned school would be closed. My intention was to have a conversation in class about how we can sustain our momentum and use our time to the greatest advantage while school is closed. I have a few ideas (naturally :), and I want to make space for yours as well.
To make things a bit easier for today, and to bring us together on a day we weren't expecting to spend apart, please answer the journal question in a comment to this post. (As always, please copy your comment to your clipboard before you click 'Publish' so that if it glitches, you can paste in an email to me and I'll publish for you.)
I will publish more about our "new normal" later today, once I see some of your comments. Thanks to those of you who sent emails, please feel free to reach out anytime on any of our channels. I am confident that we can navigate this together. Someday you'll have a great story to tell when your grandchildren ask you what you did during the Pandemic of 2020 (and when you do tell that story, describe me nicely. Maybe taller. 😜). Mahalo. -dp
__________________________________
[for your MOM: "Learning begins with me."]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
How's this going to work?
AGENDA:
*MOM*
1. Journal
2. Please pack your journal and take it with you, so that you can keep writing in it each day
3. Discussion: Here's how this is going to work
4. Introduction: Ray Bradbury
5. Introduction: AP Boot Camp
POST:
Your notes on today's in-class discussion and our plan moving forward. Write a paragraph to go with it about how you are demonstrating strength of character in a challenging time (title: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH)
Although I'll miss seeing you in person, we have what we need to continue learning, communicating, and collaborating online. Starting tonight (March 16), I will post the following day's agenda by 10:00 P.M. I'm a little disappointed that we didn't know about the closure on Friday -- I would have had you take your journals home instead of turning them in -- but you can start a new notebook or write on paper.
This is the agenda I posted yesterday before I learned school would be closed. My intention was to have a conversation in class about how we can sustain our momentum and use our time to the greatest advantage while school is closed. I have a few ideas (naturally :), and I want to make space for yours as well.
To make things a bit easier for today, and to bring us together on a day we weren't expecting to spend apart, please answer the journal question in a comment to this post. (As always, please copy your comment to your clipboard before you click 'Publish' so that if it glitches, you can paste in an email to me and I'll publish for you.)
I will publish more about our "new normal" later today, once I see some of your comments. Thanks to those of you who sent emails, please feel free to reach out anytime on any of our channels. I am confident that we can navigate this together. Someday you'll have a great story to tell when your grandchildren ask you what you did during the Pandemic of 2020 (and when you do tell that story, describe me nicely. Maybe taller. 😜). Mahalo. -dp
__________________________________
[for your MOM: "Learning begins with me."]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
How's this going to work?
AGENDA:
*MOM*
1. Journal
2. Please pack your journal and take it with you, so that you can keep writing in it each day
3. Discussion: Here's how this is going to work
4. Introduction: Ray Bradbury
5. Introduction: AP Boot Camp
POST:
Your notes on today's in-class discussion and our plan moving forward. Write a paragraph to go with it about how you are demonstrating strength of character in a challenging time (title: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH)
school closure
Hi everyone, please read this and share with your families.
I've copied and pasted the text from the letter here below as well. If your parents/relatives/guardians are more comfortable reading or discussing this in other languages, use the translate feature and choose the language you prefer.
March 13, 2020
Santa Barbara County K-12 Public School
Closure
Closure Begins No Later than March 18 and
continues through the end of March
With the COVID-19 situation changing
rapidly, the Santa Barbara County K-12 Public School Superintendents, charter
school administrators, and Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan
Salcido have been carefully evaluating the possibility of school closure for
students throughout Santa Barbara County.
Leaders have been meeting regularly to evaluate this complex issue. Today, in
Friday, March 13, 2020
disinfectant information
It turns out that 70 percent alcohol solutions clean more effectively than 91 percent solutions. More info and full article HERE.
update: school closing
We will meet Monday and Tuesday as usual. Our course will not change; we may add a video conference and other features depending on how long we are away.
If you or your families have any questions, please comment to this post or email: dpreston.learning@gmail.com.
response to coronavirus
Thanks to everyone who participated in today's in-class discussion.
For those of you who want to dive a little deeper into how communities might respond and way, here is a thoughtful analysis based on credible information:
https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca
Have a safe, healthy weekend.
For those of you who want to dive a little deeper into how communities might respond and way, here is a thoughtful analysis based on credible information:
https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca
Have a safe, healthy weekend.
nope
Even if we weren't in the middle of a pandemic.
Even if this weren't a space we all share and honor together.
Even if this weren't a matter of basic human dignity and decency.
No.
I will never do this.
So, for now, until further notice, food in Room 619 is canceled.
I understand this is a change, and it may take some getting used to, so please adjust your routine accordingly.
In the meantime, if you are too hungry to concentrate, please step outside and take care of your basic needs, in the same way you would excuse yourself to visit the restroom.
Even if this weren't a space we all share and honor together.
Even if this weren't a matter of basic human dignity and decency.
No.
I will never do this.
So, for now, until further notice, food in Room 619 is canceled.
I understand this is a change, and it may take some getting used to, so please adjust your routine accordingly.
In the meantime, if you are too hungry to concentrate, please step outside and take care of your basic needs, in the same way you would excuse yourself to visit the restroom.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
march 13
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Describe your favorite color. When did you first see it? What does it symbolize to you? Why do you even have a favorite color-- why does anyone have a favorite color? (Extra credit offer: if you actually do any research and discover an answer to that question, comment to this post.)
AGENDA:
*MOM*
*Please answer poll question on course blog*
1. Journal
2. Finish writer's conferences (calling anyone who just enrolled this semester!)
3. Essay/ Big Question work
*Discussion by request: coronavirus*
POST:
1. What are your thoughts on learning in the age of the coronavirus? (title: LEARNING IN THE AGE OF CORONAVIRUS)
Describe your favorite color. When did you first see it? What does it symbolize to you? Why do you even have a favorite color-- why does anyone have a favorite color? (Extra credit offer: if you actually do any research and discover an answer to that question, comment to this post.)
AGENDA:
*MOM*
*Please answer poll question on course blog*
1. Journal
2. Finish writer's conferences (calling anyone who just enrolled this semester!)
3. Essay/ Big Question work
*Discussion by request: coronavirus*
POST:
1. What are your thoughts on learning in the age of the coronavirus? (title: LEARNING IN THE AGE OF CORONAVIRUS)
march 12
[for your MOM: "How calmly can I breathe and stay alert at the same time?"]
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon; "Godzilla" by Bear McReary feat. Serj Tankian]
Zombies, earthquakes, school shooters, fires, global warming, terrorism: Sometimes it becomes difficult to tell the real threats from the imaginary ones. How do you tell the difference between things that are worth getting concerned about from things that live mostly in our video games and imaginations?
AGENDA:
*MOM
1. Journal
2. Finish writer's conferences
3. Essay/Big Question work
POST:
Please visit the "coronavirus" post and comment with your ideas and requests
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon; "Godzilla" by Bear McReary feat. Serj Tankian]
Zombies, earthquakes, school shooters, fires, global warming, terrorism: Sometimes it becomes difficult to tell the real threats from the imaginary ones. How do you tell the difference between things that are worth getting concerned about from things that live mostly in our video games and imaginations?
AGENDA:
*MOM
1. Journal
2. Finish writer's conferences
3. Essay/Big Question work
POST:
Please visit the "coronavirus" post and comment with your ideas and requests
coronavirus
Based on your feedback in class over the last week, it seems that we are receiving coronavirus and COVID-19 news from many sources without getting much guidance from local leaders. To help our extended learning family, I will post some links and resources for you to consider at school, work, and home. As I put these materials together, I'd like to know what is important to you. Please comment to this post with any specific concerns or questions you have. I know that some of you have already found some informational resources; please feel free to share those too. I will read all of your feedback tomorrow (Friday) morning before I post. Mahalo.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
march 11
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Write a poem about rain. It may be as short as a Haiku or as long as a Norse epic. After you finish writing the poem, write a sentence or two that explains it.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Writer's conferences/ independent work on Big Question (and Gatsby essay, once you've had your conference)
Write a poem about rain. It may be as short as a Haiku or as long as a Norse epic. After you finish writing the poem, write a sentence or two that explains it.
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Writer's conferences/ independent work on Big Question (and Gatsby essay, once you've had your conference)
gatsby prompt
Some of you are doing really wonderful work, so I'm keeping all four
options for the Gatsby prompt-- that way, if you did a pre-write, you
will be able to use it to get started.
- The last line of the book is arguably the most important: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne ceaselessly into the past.” How does this line embody the thematic conflict that defines The Great Gatsby?
- Is Gatsby’s desire for success—however we define it—evidence of the American dream, obsession, a personal sense of honor, or something else? Does Gatsby symbolize our culture and even our own desires, or is he an outlier?
- How does Fitzgerald’s characterization create a tone around the theme of happiness? What is Fitzgerald’s attitude toward happiness? Does it depend on love, on external markers such as wealth, on repairing or atoning for the past, or on something that is unattainable?
- The notion of the American dream figures prominently in this story. How do readers define the American dream? Moreover, is pursuing the American dream necessarily a good thing?
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
march 10
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do you want to cover in your writer's conference? When it comes to your own writing, where do you feel strong and where do you feel a need to improve?
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. Intro to writer's conferences & BQ work
3. Writer's conferences & individual work
What do you want to cover in your writer's conference? When it comes to your own writing, where do you feel strong and where do you feel a need to improve?
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. Intro to writer's conferences & BQ work
3. Writer's conferences & individual work
big (week for your) question
This week, while everyone is having their writer's conference, you will be working on two things:
1. Your Gatsby essay (more on that in a separate post)
and
2. Your Big Question
At this point you may be wondering, "What exactly do I need to do?"
Here's what you need to do this week:
1. Make sure your blog has at least ten (10) followers who are visible to every viewer on every platform. If this means adding a gadget or changing your template, please do so immediately.
2. Find at least ten (10) resources on your topic, and put the links in a post (title: RESOURCES). Each resource must be credible, informative, and valuable to you for a specific reason. We will talk more about where to find resources and how to document them in class today (3.10).
3. Identify 3-5 people who you consider to be experts on your Big Question topic/s. In a blog post, describe each of these people and explain why you think it would be valuable to have their guidance (title: WORTHY MENTORS)
4. Write a letter to your mentor in which you describe your interest in the topic, at least one thing you know about their work/reputation, and in which you make a request (to meet, for them to review something you produced... title: DEAR MENTOR)
***This will get you started. More coming in the next few days.***
1. Your Gatsby essay (more on that in a separate post)
and
2. Your Big Question
At this point you may be wondering, "What exactly do I need to do?"
Here's what you need to do this week:
1. Make sure your blog has at least ten (10) followers who are visible to every viewer on every platform. If this means adding a gadget or changing your template, please do so immediately.
2. Find at least ten (10) resources on your topic, and put the links in a post (title: RESOURCES). Each resource must be credible, informative, and valuable to you for a specific reason. We will talk more about where to find resources and how to document them in class today (3.10).
3. Identify 3-5 people who you consider to be experts on your Big Question topic/s. In a blog post, describe each of these people and explain why you think it would be valuable to have their guidance (title: WORTHY MENTORS)
4. Write a letter to your mentor in which you describe your interest in the topic, at least one thing you know about their work/reputation, and in which you make a request (to meet, for them to review something you produced... title: DEAR MENTOR)
***This will get you started. More coming in the next few days.***
Sunday, March 8, 2020
march 9
[from my MOM to yours: "It feels good to be healthy."]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today's journal asks you to consider an imaginary question.
Imagine that your ability to pass this course on the semester report card is based on one thing: at some point, a random person will walk up to you somewhere on campus and say, "Hey, I heard you read The Great Gatsby. What's it about?" If you answer the question correctly, you will receive an A in the course; if you blow it, and just describe the action in the plot, you will... oh, let's not worry about that.
How would you answer the Gatsby question? What was this book about?
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. Discussion: Gatsby
POST:
Describe your perspective on today's discussion. What do you think is the central message of the book? (title: CUE THEME MUSIC)
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today's journal asks you to consider an imaginary question.
Imagine that your ability to pass this course on the semester report card is based on one thing: at some point, a random person will walk up to you somewhere on campus and say, "Hey, I heard you read The Great Gatsby. What's it about?" If you answer the question correctly, you will receive an A in the course; if you blow it, and just describe the action in the plot, you will... oh, let's not worry about that.
How would you answer the Gatsby question? What was this book about?
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. Discussion: Gatsby
POST:
Describe your perspective on today's discussion. What do you think is the central message of the book? (title: CUE THEME MUSIC)
Friday, March 6, 2020
march 6
JOURNAL TOPIC:
On a scale from 1-10 (1 being least confident, 10 being most), how confident are you about writing an essay about The Great Gatsby? What do you feel good about, and what (if anything) makes you nervous?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Finish up notes/posts from this week's work on Gatsby
POST:
Anything you have left over from Gatsby that will help you prepare for next week's writer's conferences and essay work
On a scale from 1-10 (1 being least confident, 10 being most), how confident are you about writing an essay about The Great Gatsby? What do you feel good about, and what (if anything) makes you nervous?
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Finish up notes/posts from this week's work on Gatsby
POST:
Anything you have left over from Gatsby that will help you prepare for next week's writer's conferences and essay work
Thursday, March 5, 2020
march 5
[*take a MOM for yourself today]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Gatsby wanted Daisy more than anything. Imagine that Daisy left Tom and decided to be with Gatsby. Now imagine Gatsby and Daisy two years later. Are they happy? Still together? Having kids? Or...? (Please make sure to give a reason or two based on your reading notes.)
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Your comments yesterday were terrific! I used them to create the following prompts. Choose one of the prompts and create a pre-write that you can put on your blog:
POST:
Your pre-write (title: PREVIEW OF GATSBY ESSAY)
JOURNAL TOPIC:
Gatsby wanted Daisy more than anything. Imagine that Daisy left Tom and decided to be with Gatsby. Now imagine Gatsby and Daisy two years later. Are they happy? Still together? Having kids? Or...? (Please make sure to give a reason or two based on your reading notes.)
AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Your comments yesterday were terrific! I used them to create the following prompts. Choose one of the prompts and create a pre-write that you can put on your blog:
- The last line of the book is arguably the most important: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne ceaselessly into the past.” How does this line embody the thematic conflict that defines The Great Gatsby?
- Is Gatsby’s desire for success—however we define it—evidence of the American dream, obsession, a personal sense of honor, or something else? Does Gatsby symbolize our culture and even our own desires, or is he an outlier?
- How does Fitzgerald’s characterization create a tone around the theme of happiness? What is Fitzgerald’s attitude toward happiness? Does it depend on love, on external markers such as wealth, on repairing or atoning for the past, or on something that is unattainable?
- The notion of the American dream figures prominently in this story. How do readers define the American dream? Moreover, is pursuing the American dream necessarily a good thing?
POST:
Your pre-write (title: PREVIEW OF GATSBY ESSAY)
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
gatsby ideas
What was interesting to you about the book? What part did you enjoy
reading? What technique did the author use that made you sit back and
say (something like), "Dang... I see what he did there... huh: clever."
Please comment to this post with a suggestion for an essay prompt. The topic can be something that you know well, or something that you're curious about. It can be about the plot, or a character, or comparisons between the time period of the book and now, it can be about the way Fitzgerald writes or Nick narrates, or it can be something brand new that you invent. You are welcome to talk with colleagues or do some research online (of course, if you adopt someone else's idea, be sure to give them credit and cite your source where appropriate).
Remember to copy your comment to your clipboard before you click 'Publish' -- if it doesn't go through, please paste into an email and send it to me so that I can post it for you.
Please comment to this post with a suggestion for an essay prompt. The topic can be something that you know well, or something that you're curious about. It can be about the plot, or a character, or comparisons between the time period of the book and now, it can be about the way Fitzgerald writes or Nick narrates, or it can be something brand new that you invent. You are welcome to talk with colleagues or do some research online (of course, if you adopt someone else's idea, be sure to give them credit and cite your source where appropriate).
Remember to copy your comment to your clipboard before you click 'Publish' -- if it doesn't go through, please paste into an email and send it to me so that I can post it for you.
march 4
[for your MOM: think of something for which you are grateful]
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Holiday" by Madonna; "Holiday in Cambodia" by The Dead Kennedys]
Wednesday. March 4. Not really on anyone's radar for celebrating, unless you know someone with a birthday/anniversary/SON. Invent a holiday for today, explain why it's important, and how it should be celebrated.
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. You Have One Job
3. (If you finish that job: $$$)
JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Holiday" by Madonna; "Holiday in Cambodia" by The Dead Kennedys]
Wednesday. March 4. Not really on anyone's radar for celebrating, unless you know someone with a birthday/anniversary/SON. Invent a holiday for today, explain why it's important, and how it should be celebrated.
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. You Have One Job
3. (If you finish that job: $$$)
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
march 3
[Today your MOM is up to you.]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
The end of The Great Gatsby is really a meditation on goals, the future, and ultimately the past. Read the last couple paragraphs one more time and let them sink in. As you consider how the words make you feel (the mood), ask yourself: What is the author's tone here? What is Fitzgerald's attitude toward the characters, the subject, and the audience? Is he optimistic that we can change ourselves and our lives, or does he believe that our futures are already determined by our pasts?
AGENDA:
1. Journal (write this as if it were a junior essay, because...)
2. Finish all Gatsby-related posts (notes, yesterday's, all of them)
JOURNAL TOPIC:
The end of The Great Gatsby is really a meditation on goals, the future, and ultimately the past. Read the last couple paragraphs one more time and let them sink in. As you consider how the words make you feel (the mood), ask yourself: What is the author's tone here? What is Fitzgerald's attitude toward the characters, the subject, and the audience? Is he optimistic that we can change ourselves and our lives, or does he believe that our futures are already determined by our pasts?
AGENDA:
1. Journal (write this as if it were a junior essay, because...)
2. Finish all Gatsby-related posts (notes, yesterday's, all of them)
Monday, March 2, 2020
march 2
[for your MOM: can you focus on a single object for 60 seconds?]
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do you hope will happen to/for you today?
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. Finish Gatsby
POSTS:
1. Please make sure all your notes are complete and up to date
2. Please finish your WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT GATSBY post
JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do you hope will happen to/for you today?
AGENDA:
[MOM]
1. Journal
2. Finish Gatsby
POSTS:
1. Please make sure all your notes are complete and up to date
2. Please finish your WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT GATSBY post
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LAST POST FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR/ june 3 w online meeting #50
What a year. As often as I say it, I still feel like I don't say it often enough: Thank you. Thank you for your effort, your insig...
