tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post7847637968215782827..comments2023-10-31T04:33:30.335-06:00Comments on The Life of Bon: What we did in class this week + Some ugly fishbonbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580532603443802313noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-15613993300983026472012-12-14T15:22:17.948-07:002012-12-14T15:22:17.948-07:00Alright. I've actually opened a notepad docum...Alright. I've actually opened a notepad document so I can type and scroll through your post at the same time so I can write everything that I want to say.<br /><br />I really liked Catcher in the Rye, which says a lot from someone who doesn't like to read. I should probably read it again. I have to read The Great Gatsby before that because that movie comes out soon too.<br /><br />I don't think you're going to be able to get 18 year old boys to sing unfortunately - but I double dog dare you to try. Best of luck. I really hope you get it to happen.<br /><br />I wish my teachers had told me to skim. Also, I read the sparknotes of a lot of books written in Old English and really enjoyed them that way. I didn't have a plot problem, I just couldn't get past the language.<br /><br />I can't believe the teacher asked you to do that for another student. Tell her to get her shit together and read it - she's not going to be able to do that later on in life. Also, you're already telling her to skim - so she's not even reading the whole book anyway. This is being said from somebody who's pretty much a goody goody and I got mad when I knew people were finding ways to cheat around their work and I would do it all.<br /><br />I don't know how I would feel about sharing a google doc with my teacher - too much pressure. I feel like it takes the element of procrastination out. And procrastination makes everything better.<br /><br />I would have really liked to read the paper on why robots would make the world a better place<br />Would I allow Wikipedia as a reliable source? No. Tell them to go look in the references and find the original source. It'll teach them more about how Wikipedia works.<br /><br />I wish I was in your poetry class. I also hated poetry. Too much visualization and imagery. Although if I liked it better, it would probably help me like some classic rock music better. I feel like classic rock is all about the lyrics - and the guitars.<br /><br />Yay for Perks of Being a Wallflower, just read it recently and I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, the movie didn't do it justice (of course) - especially with the intensity of "And in that moment, I swear we were infinite", but I'd go back just to watch Ezra Miller anyday. And Emma Watson dressed up in a Rocky Horror ensemble.<br /><br />PS. I know nothing about fashion, sorry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-20286826416240121222012-12-12T15:25:12.382-07:002012-12-12T15:25:12.382-07:00I definitely wouldn't let the student read an ...I definitely wouldn't let the student read an alternate book for her assignment. I would however, let her read ahead of her classmates and give her all the assignments and papers early so she can finish up in time to graduate. I think that if she can't read a book because it's too boring she'll probably fail out of college or at least not be successful in life. Sometimes we all have to do things we think are dreadfully boring. I think doing something boring is probably good for all of us. <br /><br />Also, I teach the computer class at my school and it makes me very excited that you're using Google Drive with your students. I've been exploring new options with technology lately, but haven't used Google Drive yet. Good job! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13282114108483347866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-41745995459322481752012-12-11T15:34:41.037-07:002012-12-11T15:34:41.037-07:00Don't allow wikipedia, because college won'...Don't allow wikipedia, because college won't, that's for sure! A wikipedia citatation on a paper for my college would have automatically received a failing grade!<br />And I have my husband take my outfit pictures. He's happy to do it although he doesn't always catch my vision for having a picture that includes both feet AND head.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07894832851934334471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-51728278190369048862012-12-11T15:23:46.932-07:002012-12-11T15:23:46.932-07:00& no Wiki. It's not acceptable in college,...& no Wiki. It's not acceptable in college, and isn't that what you're preparing them for?Daniellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13659513094203925039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-12144790522010922692012-12-11T15:23:01.105-07:002012-12-11T15:23:01.105-07:00At first, I was like, "that's a sticky si...At first, I was like, "that's a sticky situation you're in with that student!" However, when I went back and read it, I agreed with you. Why should she get an alternate assignment simply because she doesn't WANT to read the book?? I could understand if the timing was wrong for her to graduate in January, but her simply CHOOSING to not read the book is not an adequate excuse. Apparently, she doesn't want to graduate THAT bad if she's refusing to do the work asked of her. Life lessons, dear.Daniellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13659513094203925039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-38000840570533497472012-12-11T11:10:46.678-07:002012-12-11T11:10:46.678-07:00Wikipedia is definitely NOT a reliable source and ...Wikipedia is definitely NOT a reliable source and I wouldn't allow it! They don't allow it to be used in college so I wouldn't allow it in high school. I think that if they get used to doing the wrong stuff they will continue it and in the long run it will be of no good to them or their writing.<br /><br />Also, don't give the student another reading assignment just because they think the book is boring. Who cares. They can't always have what they want in life. It doesn't work that way. College professors will look at them absolutely crazy if they ask to have a different assignment because they don't like the one they were given. They deserve no special treatment! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923150537201956601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-57956683429700560172012-12-11T05:41:50.895-07:002012-12-11T05:41:50.895-07:00I wouldn't allow Wikipedia as a reference. Unl...I wouldn't allow Wikipedia as a reference. Unless you're requiring like 40+ sources. I'd urge them to try harder, not just the first search that pops up on the internet. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-25277876122918520312012-12-10T20:03:48.692-07:002012-12-10T20:03:48.692-07:00Please don't allow Wikipedia to be used as a r...Please don't allow Wikipedia to be used as a reference. Colleges don't allow it and it will be easier for the students if they are more prepared on what to expect in college. :-) I think it is brave that teacher is asking for you to give the student a different assignment. I think the girl will learn more if she is required to read the book and complete the assignment just like her classmates. In life, we are going to be required to do things we find boring or that we don't want to do, but we still do them because it is a part of life. :-) Good luck with that decision!Bobbie Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06261130140066071793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-77057719937229983362012-12-10T19:28:24.338-07:002012-12-10T19:28:24.338-07:00As a new high school teacher (about to complete my...As a new high school teacher (about to complete my first semester) I would be torn. The sympathetic, pansie side of me says, "OMG what if I'm the reason she doesn't graduate", however the sensible side of me says, "Absolutely not! Regardless of her situation, the real world won't give her an alternate assignment just because she doesn't want to do it". I wouldn't give in. <br />Btw, your blog rocks my socks off. Reading about your craptastic kids makes me so happy because I can now relate it to my own horribly awesome students!Haleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970087861988811000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-32900988878665269922012-12-10T14:57:28.547-07:002012-12-10T14:57:28.547-07:00I wouldn't let her have an alternate book. Lif...I wouldn't let her have an alternate book. Life is about juggling what you can and not taking shortcuts. She seems to have a sorry excuse for not wanting to read it.<br /><br />I want to see Life of Pi!Chantalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09543581308363689982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-22472178421346462032012-12-10T14:37:25.533-07:002012-12-10T14:37:25.533-07:00(I got cut off- as I should have, that was ridicul...(I got cut off- as I should have, that was ridiculously long)<br /><br />Lastly- POETRY! My favorite thing I did with my sophomores. At the end I hosted a "coffee shop poetry reading". I turned on lamps, projected a coffee house background, pushed desks into tables with cookies and treats, and then served hot chocolate, coffee, and lemonade. Each had to read two poems at least and we snapped for everyone. Some were nervous but it turned out awesome! (A little pricey on my end, but they didn't know it was "great value" coffee ;) <br /><br />And kelseylynaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06358560627942199725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-86332781490840257372012-12-10T14:33:34.718-07:002012-12-10T14:33:34.718-07:00Hey there! I just happened to stumble across your ...Hey there! I just happened to stumble across your blog and it was perfect because I teach high school English... Well I actually took this year off to be with my first born :) but I'm still a teacher for those who ask. :) I miss my students and coming up with creative assignments, so I enjoyed reading.<br /><br />Here are my thoughts, or what they are worth:<br />1- I would probably give the girl an alternate assignment, but still have her watch movie (and have to write something about movie). Here is why: if I had a student that had the iniative to tell me they didn't like something an offer another suggestion, I may go for it. Sometimes it's not worth the fight, sometimes it is. If a student is just like ,"omg I hate this I'm so over it this is dumb.." Obviously they are going to be reading it! If they approach it in a more intelligent way, and can learn the same from something else? Is it worth the fight? I don't know. I had a student who had just had a father pass away and our book was dealing with death. Could he handle it? Probably. Was I going to make him? Nope. Your call- but I don't think your "giving in" if you do it, and I don't think you're wrong if you don't. :) <br /><br />2- nope to Wikipedia. And of course it's pot. Mine all wanted to write about that too. I steered a few away by telling them that our library didn't carry a ton of bookskelseylynaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06358560627942199725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-29869300161839785902012-12-10T12:38:18.468-07:002012-12-10T12:38:18.468-07:00I definitely would NOT give that student an altern...I definitely would NOT give that student an alternate assignment. Will her BOSS in the REAL WORLD give her an alternate assignment because she doesn't like something? I THINK NOT!! I have a 13 year old girl and a 12 year old boy in middle school and I make sure to tell them every single day that going to school is their JOB and they do NOT have the option of not doing something just because they don't like it. I mean unless it is illegal or something that will harm them.<br /><br />I am ashamed to say that I have never read Catcher in the Rye but it is on my list. I enjoyed poetry in school. And I think it helps that you gave them some psycho poets to look up. LOL!Alicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01700287219255097696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-54419138676782772712012-12-10T12:20:26.149-07:002012-12-10T12:20:26.149-07:00Im a new reader! So inspired by your posts!! :) Lo...Im a new reader! So inspired by your posts!! :) Loved Life of Pi ♥ Much respect to you too for being a passionate teacher!! :) <br /><br />I take my own photos with a tripod btw regarding photos! But sometimes, when my husband feels like it - hes the one who takes my photos!! <br /><br />Will be back for more!!♥<br /><br />♥,<br /><a href="http://www.themistymom.com" rel="nofollow">Shari</a>Sharinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13275566923342687306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-25302654809948232022012-12-10T11:51:24.792-07:002012-12-10T11:51:24.792-07:00It's not helping her at all to get a different...It's not helping her at all to get a different assignment, in my opinion. You sometimes have to do what you don't want to do, and she has already proved that she CAN do it by qualifying to graduate early. There is nothing to feel guilty about by giving her the same assignment as everyone else. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16172964524159197522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-77785723675463520112012-12-10T11:49:20.378-07:002012-12-10T11:49:20.378-07:00I think it's another fish?I think it's another fish?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16172964524159197522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-46706654535569054062012-12-10T11:31:53.506-07:002012-12-10T11:31:53.506-07:00Your classes sounds awesome! I love Catcher and Pe...Your classes sounds awesome! I love Catcher and Perks of Being a Wallflower. <br /><br />You should totally read Life of Pi, one of my all-time favorites. <br /><br />My high school english teacher taught poetry to us using song lyrics instead of modern poems (he said they were too emo for him). You should have your kids write song lyrics using poetry devices. <br /><br />-Shannon <br />callmeshannon.comShannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01903102048285475877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-47787633764764109472012-12-10T10:31:41.283-07:002012-12-10T10:31:41.283-07:00It's so great to see an English teacher who re...It's so great to see an English teacher who really cares about their students! I teach Chemistry at the college level right now and some of the writing I get is atrocious. It makes me wonder if all the English classes are going down hill. I don't let me students cite wikipedia as a source. It's a great first source, but anyone can edit it. I have a friend who played a joke on his roommate and convinced her she had colera by changing the wikipedia page... It was pretty bad.Alli @ Allena Mistralhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192217639220799684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-15588154881680977782012-12-10T10:14:46.660-07:002012-12-10T10:14:46.660-07:00I never appreciated assigned reading the "cla...I never appreciated assigned reading the "classics" until after I graduated college. Now, I am trying to catch up on "Beautiful and Damned", "Pride and Prejudice" and all those other books that would "ruin my life" when I was in high school. Honestly, I am totally enjoying them now. I've always been a book nerd though. <br /><br />Perks of Being A Wallflower is one of my absolute most favorite books and my most enjoyed summer reading book during high school. I am dying for the movie to come to DVD so I can compare. But gosh, the book was so amazing. <br /><br />I wouldn't give the girl another assignment. Honestly, I can appreciate her trying to graduate but that kind of thing would never fly in college and shouldn't really ever fly. <br /><br />Xo-L<br /><br />simplylowcountry.blogspot.comLaura at Simply Lowcountryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00448798421015448667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-52671117009359790282012-12-10T09:28:08.867-07:002012-12-10T09:28:08.867-07:00I love love LOVE your posts on your students. I ta...I love love LOVE your posts on your students. I taught English in a French high school a few years ago, and I miss my students so much!<br /><br />Alternate assignment: I realize the reason she doesn't want to read the book is not acceptable, but I would need more info to decide whether or not to offer her another book. Since the book is so long, will your class be on track to finish it before Christmas break? Or is it so long that she'll need to finish it ahead of schedule to graduate in January? If she has to read it ahead of your class to graduate early, I would give the alternative assignment. If not, I would not give in. Make her read the book. It's part of life.<br /><br />Also I'm trying to track down a copy of Les Mis in French to read before I see the movie.<br /><br />The pit bull thing is a controversial issue. I wish I could find the blog post I read in the last few months, but pit bulls have been made illegal in some European country, and current pet owners are having to put down their pit bulls. It is a big question between dog lovers and those of us who think dogs are overrated on whether or not people should be allowed to breed pit bulls. Maybe it's not as prevalent as legalizing marijuana or preventing teen pregnancy, but those involved with the issue feel passionately. <br /><br />No, wikipedia is not a valid source! However, to ditto someone above, it's a great starting point to FIND reliable sources.<br /><br />I am familiar with all the terms. I can define all but onomatopoeia. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09711743439868985297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-61273230368444759942012-12-10T07:10:28.469-07:002012-12-10T07:10:28.469-07:00I don't think I would allow using Wiki as a re...I don't think I would allow using Wiki as a reliable source. However, it's a good starting point because oftentimes there are links at the bottom with sources for the article, so the students could follow those. <br /><br />I loved Les Mis. We read it freshman year of High School. It's fantastic. I'm really looking forward to the movie. I do have to admit, I'm not a fan of the Perks of Being a Wallflower. And I started Life of Pi years ago when it was getting a ton of praise, and just couldn't get through the beginning. Maybe I'll have to give it another shot and perhaps it just starts off really slowly.<br /><br />I just finished reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. It definitely held my attention. And I'm finishing up Gods of Gotham. <br /><br />Hope you have a great week!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09665359119269525746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-2029251163192049742012-12-10T07:08:53.152-07:002012-12-10T07:08:53.152-07:00I think by encouraging your students to skim you&#...I think by encouraging your students to skim you're definitely teaching them a valuable lesson for college - good on you!<br /><br />As for the student who thinks Les Mis is "boring," I think you should still require her to read the book. In the real world - be it a job, or college, or what-have-you - she won't be able to skip an important assignment or project just because she isn't interested. We have to do what is asked of us by our teachers/professors/bosses because that's life, and I think letting her complete an alternate assignment will set her up with the idea that she can always get what she wants. <br /><br />And wikipedia - I think it's a great "jumping off" source to get background information from, but it's not necessarily reliable. I am currently in college and some professors encourage students to use it to get background information, but never to use it as an actual source. You could advise them to use the resources listed at the bottom the wiki entry though - those are helpful!Exquisite Wanderingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15615557974296464549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-79135598172883154732012-12-10T07:05:34.081-07:002012-12-10T07:05:34.081-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Exquisite Wanderingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15615557974296464549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-25438600358380226832012-12-10T07:05:16.218-07:002012-12-10T07:05:16.218-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Exquisite Wanderingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15615557974296464549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22472965.post-52233178341714061822012-12-10T05:41:04.182-07:002012-12-10T05:41:04.182-07:00In not the right order....
fashion bloggers?! I do...In not the right order....<br />fashion bloggers?! I don't get it. I take pics of myself with my phone and its embarrassing.<br /><br />I want to see life of Pi Real bad!!<br /><br />I love that you tell them to skim. I think when you're in highschool you don't always READ the actual whole book. I know I didnt. Helenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07281689617194191990noreply@blogger.com