Dear Students,
After walking through the room at the end of the day, I noticed not only the regular assortment of papers, but candy wrappers all over the place, and chocolate stuck to the computers and the heater at the back of the room. It took me about a half hour to clean up your mess (including the melted candy from the heater). I am VERY disappointed - trying to do something nice by bringing you some holiday candy clearly backfired. I do not appreciate my room and the equipment in it ruined and abused. Please extend me the same courtesy that I extend you - be respectful, clean up your mess.
A very sad Mrs. Ell
Friday, December 20, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Blog 12: Bucket List
DUE MONDAY DECEMBER 16, 2013
Create a list of all of the things you want to do before you die. No less than 50, but of course there is no maximum number. If you already have a "bucket list," revise it and check off the items you've completed, adding new ones to the list. For each item, try to give a reason. For example: "I want to visit London so that I can experience a Shakespeare play at The Globe."
If your post is too long to fit in one post, split it up into two (reply to yourself).
Create a list of all of the things you want to do before you die. No less than 50, but of course there is no maximum number. If you already have a "bucket list," revise it and check off the items you've completed, adding new ones to the list. For each item, try to give a reason. For example: "I want to visit London so that I can experience a Shakespeare play at The Globe."
If your post is too long to fit in one post, split it up into two (reply to yourself).
Monday, December 2, 2013
Blog 11: Current Event
DUE FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2013
For this week's blog, choose one current event from a reputable news source to inform the class of an issue or news topic going on in the world. Read through articles online in sources such as The New York Times or Time Magazine; you may also find interesting articles on cnn.com, USA Today, or Psychology Today. You are open to any topic of your choice. Once you choose an article of interest to you, read it in its entirety before discussing it.
In your first paragraph, tell us who is involved or who it affects, what is happening, when the event takes place, where it is happening, how the events unfold, and why it is newsworthy. In your second paragraph, discuss the issue of the news article in relation to students and society. What are its future implications? What is the larger impact of the event/topic and what can people learn or do with it?
Post a link to the news article after your response so we can read the article itself. Then, each student must read one other article from any blog post by following the link and respond to that student’s post--building upon it, disagreeing with it, or re-thinking it.
Also, no two people are allowed to post on the same current event for their original post.
For this week's blog, choose one current event from a reputable news source to inform the class of an issue or news topic going on in the world. Read through articles online in sources such as The New York Times or Time Magazine; you may also find interesting articles on cnn.com, USA Today, or Psychology Today. You are open to any topic of your choice. Once you choose an article of interest to you, read it in its entirety before discussing it.
In your first paragraph, tell us who is involved or who it affects, what is happening, when the event takes place, where it is happening, how the events unfold, and why it is newsworthy. In your second paragraph, discuss the issue of the news article in relation to students and society. What are its future implications? What is the larger impact of the event/topic and what can people learn or do with it?
Post a link to the news article after your response so we can read the article itself. Then, each student must read one other article from any blog post by following the link and respond to that student’s post--building upon it, disagreeing with it, or re-thinking it.
Also, no two people are allowed to post on the same current event for their original post.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Article vs. Editorial
News
Articles
Stories about actual happenings and events without a personal bias or opinion are considered to be news articles. They strictly outline the who, what, where, when and why of an event. These appear in the news section of the periodical, on the front page of a newspaper. For example, a news story about 9/11 would explain the people involved, the number of casualties and the circumstances of the tragedy. There is little to no emotion in these articles, and if there is it is always from a third party via an interview. Articles are researched and fact based; they use support and analysis.
Informed Opinion-thoughts on a subject by someone who is familiar with facts, studies, trends or firsthand experience
1.
Swimming
¾ Michael Phelps won more Olympic medals for swimming than anyone else in history.
¾ There is no way to really tell if Michael Phelps is the greatest swimmer in the history of the world, but he is definitely very good at swimming and the argument could be made that he was the greatest competitive swimmer in the world at one time.
2 .
Food in the U.S.A.
¾ Pizza is the best food, ever.
¾ There isn’t a way to really find out for certain what the most popular food in the U.S. is.
3. Animals
¾ Mudpuppies spend their entire lives underwater and are distinguished as the only salamanders that make sound—a dog-like barking.
¾ The Hammerhead Shark is the most dangerous sharks…just look at it!
¾ The Bird of Paradise is one of the best known dancers in the animal kingdom. See the article here.
___ Avatar used a new form of 3D technology that proved more impressive than earlier methods.
¾ Gravity is the highest grossing film of all time.
___ Leonardo DiCaprio's performance in The Great Gatsby was received favorably by some critics.
Examples: Identify if the piece posted is an article or an editorial. Give reasons and specific examples that inform your opinion.
Stories about actual happenings and events without a personal bias or opinion are considered to be news articles. They strictly outline the who, what, where, when and why of an event. These appear in the news section of the periodical, on the front page of a newspaper. For example, a news story about 9/11 would explain the people involved, the number of casualties and the circumstances of the tragedy. There is little to no emotion in these articles, and if there is it is always from a third party via an interview. Articles are researched and fact based; they use support and analysis.
Editorial
An opinion based piece such as a review, advice column or
rant, written using strong language, persuasion and emotionally charged
phrases.
Fact – something that can be proven true
Opinion-thoughts on a subject, not necessarily informed by fact,
often informed by emotion; a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about
something.Informed Opinion-thoughts on a subject by someone who is familiar with facts, studies, trends or firsthand experience
Directions: In the scenarios below
decide which are “facts”, “opinions” or “informed opinions” and then write down
your answer in the space next to the sentence giving it an “F”, “O” or “IO”.
¾ Michael Phelps won more Olympic medals for swimming than anyone else in history.
¾ There is no way to really tell if Michael Phelps is the greatest swimmer in the history of the world, but he is definitely very good at swimming and the argument could be made that he was the greatest competitive swimmer in the world at one time.
¾ Pizza is the best food, ever.
¾ There isn’t a way to really find out for certain what the most popular food in the U.S. is.
3. Animals
¾ Mudpuppies spend their entire lives underwater and are distinguished as the only salamanders that make sound—a dog-like barking.
¾ The Hammerhead Shark is the most dangerous sharks…just look at it!
¾ The Bird of Paradise is one of the best known dancers in the animal kingdom. See the article here.
3.
Movies
¾ Twilight
is the best movie of all time.___ Avatar used a new form of 3D technology that proved more impressive than earlier methods.
¾ Gravity is the highest grossing film of all time.
___ Leonardo DiCaprio's performance in The Great Gatsby was received favorably by some critics.
Examples: Identify if the piece posted is an article or an editorial. Give reasons and specific examples that inform your opinion.
Blog 10 - Value of Privacy
DUE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2013
Think carefully
about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
Privacy was once valued and protected. Diaries came with locks to keep the writer’s privately recorded thoughts from being read by others. Public telephones were enclosed in booths so that conversations would not be overheard. But now people feel free to post information about themselves on social networking Web sites and carry on cell phone conversations in public places. We would be much better off if we valued privacy—our own and that of others—far more highly than we do.
Assignment: Do we place too little value on privacy today?
Plan and write a 2-paragraph response in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and specific examples. Without specific details, descriptions and concrete examples, your response is graded as half credit. You may not repeat anyone else's examples - be creative and original, OR be the first to respond to avoid plagiarism.
Think carefully
about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
Privacy was once valued and protected. Diaries came with locks to keep the writer’s privately recorded thoughts from being read by others. Public telephones were enclosed in booths so that conversations would not be overheard. But now people feel free to post information about themselves on social networking Web sites and carry on cell phone conversations in public places. We would be much better off if we valued privacy—our own and that of others—far more highly than we do.
Assignment: Do we place too little value on privacy today?
Plan and write a 2-paragraph response in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and specific examples. Without specific details, descriptions and concrete examples, your response is graded as half credit. You may not repeat anyone else's examples - be creative and original, OR be the first to respond to avoid plagiarism.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Newspaper Assignment Handout
Each member of the newspaper group will contribute a minimum of 3 articles on a variety of topics - approved by the teacher and the editor (selected by vote). One of the articles can be an editorial or opinion piece on any subject. Remember, in order for the newspaper to be the most appealing, the articles have to refer to recent news, important events, and things that the student population cares about. You may choose local, regional, national, or world news, just remember to do the research and make it interesting. Use the sheets provided to plan out your topics and organize your information. Also, browse articles in a similar section or on a similar topic for help.
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| CLICK IMAGE for Brainstorming Worksheet and Writing Tips. |
Qualities of a Feature Story/Sample Leads AND Active and Passive Voice Grammar Worksheet
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| CLICK IMAGE to download "Active/Passive Voice" worksheet. |
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| CLICK IMAGE for "Qualities of Feature Story" worksheet. |
Feature Article AND "Do Opposites Attract?" and "Dealing with Homework" Articles - Sample Styles PLUS Six Rules for Writing Straight Leads
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| CLICK ME for notes on feature articles. |
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| CLICK PICTURE for a copy of the sample articles. |
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| CLICK IMAGE for notes on "Leads." |
After browsing several articles in your favorite sections of the online newspaper (I recommend New York Times or Chicago Tribune), choose your top 3 articles/editorials, summarize each, and fill out the worksheet attached. Due at the end of the period on Thursday.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
A Comic for Your Enjoyment from the Artists at "Hyperbole and a Half" - My "not so subtle" Propaganda
There is
one grammatical mistake that I particularly enjoy encountering. It has
become almost fun for me to come across people who take the phrase "a
lot" and condense it down into one word, because when someone says
"alot," this is what I imagine:
The Alot is an imaginary creature that I made up to help me deal with my compulsive need to correct other people's grammar. It kind of looks like a cross between a bear, a yak and a pug, and it has provided hours of entertainment for me in a situation where I'd normally be left feeling angry and disillusioned with the world.
Similarly, when someone says "alot of _______", I picture an Alot made out of whatever they are talking about.
If someone says something like "I feel lonely alot" or "I'm angry alot," I'm going to imagine them standing there with an emo haircut, sharing their feelings with an Alot.
So the next time you are reading along and you see some guy ranting about how he is "alot better at swimming than Michael Phelps," instead of getting angry, you can be like, "You're right! Alots are known for their superior swimming capabilities."
The Alot is an imaginary creature that I made up to help me deal with my compulsive need to correct other people's grammar. It kind of looks like a cross between a bear, a yak and a pug, and it has provided hours of entertainment for me in a situation where I'd normally be left feeling angry and disillusioned with the world.
For
example, when I read the sentence "I care about this alot," this is
what I imagine:
Similarly, when someone says "alot of _______", I picture an Alot made out of whatever they are talking about.
If someone says something like "I feel lonely alot" or "I'm angry alot," I'm going to imagine them standing there with an emo haircut, sharing their feelings with an Alot.
The Alot
is incredibly versatile.
So the next time you are reading along and you see some guy ranting about how he is "alot better at swimming than Michael Phelps," instead of getting angry, you can be like, "You're right! Alots are known for their superior swimming capabilities."
Monday, November 11, 2013
Blog 9: Propaganda
DUE Monday November 18, 2013
According to Wikipedia, propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position by presenting only one side of an argument. Propaganda is usually repeated and dispersed over a wide variety of media in order to create the chosen result in audience attitudes. Generally, propaganda is distributed in the form of cartoons, posters or visuals - and often has a political slant (but not always). During WWII, many cartoons depicted the Germans as evil and inhumane in order to paint the enemy as monsters.
For the blog response, select a piece of propaganda on a subject of your choice. Paste a link to the piece in your response for reference (since you can't post the actual picture). Explain how the piece is trying to use persuasion to convince the audience or the viewer. What emotions is it using? What language? Look at the image and explain how it relates to the message. Explain if the technique used is effective? or offensive? Sometimes propaganda is inflammatory on purpose, to cause anger so that people will discuss the subject. Are the images used recognizable - often propaganda references visuals that people are familiar with or they spoof previous propaganda (see the "We Can Do It" ones below). Think about the way the piece is trying to engage the audience: could the author have done things differently to get the point across.
Below (and above) are some examples of propaganda. You are welcome to choose one of them if you cannot find your own (just let us know which you are writing about). As always, the response should be 2 paragraphs.
According to Wikipedia, propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position by presenting only one side of an argument. Propaganda is usually repeated and dispersed over a wide variety of media in order to create the chosen result in audience attitudes. Generally, propaganda is distributed in the form of cartoons, posters or visuals - and often has a political slant (but not always). During WWII, many cartoons depicted the Germans as evil and inhumane in order to paint the enemy as monsters. 
For the blog response, select a piece of propaganda on a subject of your choice. Paste a link to the piece in your response for reference (since you can't post the actual picture). Explain how the piece is trying to use persuasion to convince the audience or the viewer. What emotions is it using? What language? Look at the image and explain how it relates to the message. Explain if the technique used is effective? or offensive? Sometimes propaganda is inflammatory on purpose, to cause anger so that people will discuss the subject. Are the images used recognizable - often propaganda references visuals that people are familiar with or they spoof previous propaganda (see the "We Can Do It" ones below). Think about the way the piece is trying to engage the audience: could the author have done things differently to get the point across. Below (and above) are some examples of propaganda. You are welcome to choose one of them if you cannot find your own (just let us know which you are writing about). As always, the response should be 2 paragraphs.
Friday, November 1, 2013
My phone sucks -_-
Technology and machinery is rapidly increasing its perfect day by day. New electronic devices are created each year. New models of cars with more actions to them. The newer the item, the more possibilities you have of doing something than before. For example if u had the iPhone 4 and the the iPhone 5s, you could not do the same things as the iPhone 5s can. iPhone 5s has more accessibility's to than the iPhone 4. Same concept towards new model cars. A 1996 Hyundai has less accessibilities than a 2014 Hyundai.
The art of technology and machinery is improving day by day. Not only for individual human beings, but also for all of us. If technology increased greatly from what it is now, it would help everyone; but thats what we need. A device or machine that we all can benefit from. Of course have our own technology is great, but we need something to also benefit all of us. The worlds technology and machinery is what keeps this world in control.
Sample Body Paragraph - Evaluate
Furthermore, there is no specific
cure for schizophrenia; however, there are different types of medicine to help
the condition of the disorder. For instance, according to the website invgastustenna, joining a group of
people who also suffer from schizophrenia can help manage the feelings that one
may have toward the disorder. Being in a room with similar people who have to
deal with the same symptoms a victim has to go through can open an individual’s
eyes to ho the disorder affects others as well. Sometimes, knowing that one is
not alone and that others also have to struggle with the illness in different
ways can help keep a person calm and manage the condition of having the
disorder. Referring to the website Schizophrenia,
psychotherapy and medication are more effective than one treatment alone. When
going to psychotherapy and when using medication separately, each is not as
effective by itself. When combining both treatments, the effect will become
more noticeable and more powerful. These are some treatments for the disorder
schizophrenia and living with the disorder can be very complicated.
Avoiding Sentence Fragments Worksheet AND Independent and Dependent Clauses Worksheet
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| Click the picture to download the "Sentence Fragments" Worksheet |
Click the picture to download the "Independent and Dependent Clauses" Worksheet.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Expository Essay Structure
Structure of a General Expository
Essay
The following maps a commonly used structure
for many academic essays. Use this outline to guide you as you compose your own
argument, research or even descriptive essay.
Introduction
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Opening Sentence
Start your paper with a general statement
about your topic that catches the reader’s attention: a relevant quotation,
question,
anecdote, fascinating fact, definition,
analogy, the position opposing one you will take, or a dilemma that needs a
solution.
Context
Provide the information the reader will
need to understand the topic.
Thesis Statement
State your arguable position on the topic
that you will support with evidence in your body paragraphs.
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Body Paragraphs
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Topic Sentence
Provide the main idea of the paragraph.
Supporting Evidence
Include specific textual evidence: cited
quotes, paraphrases or summary; or evidence that supports your thesis from
other sources: anecdotes, first-person interviews or your own experience.
Analysis
Explain to the reader the significance of
the evidence you have provided. Think about why you chose to include it. How
does the piece of evidence support your thesis? Remember, for every fact
you should have 2 sentences of your own analysis of the fact. 2 facts per
body paragraph.
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Starting New Body Paragraph
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Transition
Connect each paragraph with a sentence or
two that demonstrates
how each idea leads into the next, and how
they work together to support your position. And begin from Topic Sentence above.
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Conclusion
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Provide the reader an overview of the main
ideas you discussed, but also be sure to highlight the progression of your
thought process, offer solutions, next steps or present new questions that your
paper generated. Don’t only restate your thesis but show the significance of
your synthesis of the information. Connect to the world – why should we care
about your topic?
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Blog 8: "The Machine"
DUE Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Bill Gates stated, “I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we’ve ever created. They’re tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.” Why might one argue that a machine can be life-changing?Using examples from literature, history, science, or observation, write a 2 paragraph response about how a “machine”/”technology” can change the way of life. Make sure to be specific and detailed in your reasons and explanations.
Please read other posts before writing. A response that merely restates another blogger’s response will receive no credit. Think about both positive and negative changes when it comes to technology.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Using Sources - Remember 2 to 1 Ration (2 of your own sentences for every one from the source; explanation of research is needed)
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| CLICK ME for notes on how to use and comment on facts. |
Friday, October 18, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Blog 7: Prompts from the Future.
DUE WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2013
How would people in the Middle Ages
respond to a television? What would someone from the 1700s think of a
helicopter? What would a person from the early 1900s think of a computer, or
more specifically, the Internet?
They would think these things were
magical–either illusions or genuine supernatural occurrences. They might even
believe the persons yielding the magical objects were witches, wizards, or
gods.
But you and I both know that’s not
the case. Televisions, helicopters, and computers are all very real, and thanks
to modern technology, most of us have access to them.
We humans have a tendency to believe
that we are at the apex of knowledge; that right now, we know as much as we
ever will. As much as we love stories that depict the future (sci-fi or
fantasy), we tend to think of them as fanciful. Sure, a great writer or
a skilled filmmaker can help us suspend our disbelief for the duration of a
book or a film, but sitting in your living room on an ordinary day, it all
seems rather unlikely, doesn’t it? People bouncing around in time? Fighting
intergalactic wars in outer space? Come on.
For this blog choose one of the following. The style could
be explanatory or creative, it is up to you. A minimum of 2 paragraphs (if the
blog will not let you post a longer piece, separate into two reply comments):
·
You must write a creative prompt
from EITHER the point of view of someone in the past seeing our future (their
interpretations of the item/event, their theories on it, reaction, what they
think the item/event means).
·
OR write about the future – what do
you think future (fill in the blank) will be like (medicine, travel,
government, technology, world).
Freshmen Focus Day Response (30 points) - DUE THURSDAY at the beginning of class
For
Freshmen - Directions: Write a reaction paper
(5 paragraph response minimum) describing your experience throughout the
Freshmen Focus Day activities. Use the following questions to guide you;
however, add additional information to your response beyond these questions. Follow
all the rules of good writing (focused ideas, clear organization, grammar, and
sentence fluency.)Remember to explain each question thoroughly and use specific
examples from the day to support your claims. When you are finished with a
first draft, proofread your work then get it checked by me for submission.
Final draft will be due Thursday at the beginning of the period.
· What are some significant things you learned from this experience?
· Which speaker did you like best? Why?
· What, if anything, could have made the day more significant and interesting for you?
· What are some goals the school should focus on for the future success of this event?
· Final comments about what you observed, and how it may apply to you in the future.
For
Upper-classmen: Your essay will be on "The
Most Interesting or Inspirational Person You Know." The rules for this
assignment are that you have to personally know the individual (no celebrities).
Explain in a minimum of 5 paragraphs what makes this person special, giving
specific details as to their qualities. Choose 3 personality traits (one for
each body paragraph) and use stories about the person to prove those qualities.
For example, if the person is generous, recall a situation in which the person
displayed that quality – remember to describe.
I.
Intro
·
What did you enjoy most about Freshmen
Focus Day?· What are some significant things you learned from this experience?
II.
·
Did your color category fit your
personality traits? Explain.· Which speaker did you like best? Why?
III.
·
Is there any particular career of
interest to you? Describe what you would like to contribute to the world
someday. How do you plan to reach your goal?
IV.
·
What would you say was the most
successful part of the day? Explain.· What, if anything, could have made the day more significant and interesting for you?
· What are some goals the school should focus on for the future success of this event?
V.Conclusion
·
How is motivation and hard work going to
be an important way to achieve your goals?· Final comments about what you observed, and how it may apply to you in the future.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Paraphrasing Practice
Paraphrasing Notes from the Pros
Quoted From Purdue Online Writing Lab
A paraphrase is...
- your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
- one legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.
- a more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.
Paraphrasing is a valuable skill because...
- it is better than quoting information from an undistinguished passage.
- it helps you control the temptation to quote too much.
- the mental process required for successful paraphrasing helps you to grasp the full meaning of the original.
6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing
- Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
- Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
- Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
- Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
- Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
- Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.
Some examples to compare
The original passage:
Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes. Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers. 2nd ed. (1976): 46-47.
A legitimate paraphrase:
In research papers students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to a desirable level. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize the material recorded verbatim (Lester 46-47).
An acceptable summary:
Students should take just a few notes in direct quotation from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper (Lester 46-47).
A plagiarized version:
Students often use too many direct quotations when they take notes, resulting in too many of them in the final research paper. In fact, probably only about 10% of the final copy should consist of directly quoted material. So it is important to limit the amount of source material copied while taking notes.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
I hate my phone -_-'
Giving kids rewards for doing good in school has its ups and downs. In my opinion giving kids rewards should come into action once and while. If you give your child a reward for doing something they are supposed to do, then they will not learn much. They will do their work, but not because they are intrigued as so much for the reward in the end. Kids would feel that if they do their work and study, whether they understand it or not, they should get a reward. Back then it wasn't like that. Kids did their work because they new they had to. Im sure here and there they got a reward, but not all the time. Therefore, kids should get rewards, but not so often
By you giving a child a reward for doing something they are supposed to do, is pretty much like giving them money for doing chores. Chores are something you should do around the house to help your parents. Same goes for school in a way. You should study for your benefit in the future. You shouldn't get reward for something that is for your good being. If you give kids rewards, then in the future when they are older they will feel they should get a reward for something they are supposed to do
Blog 6: Respect Week
Your response must be a minimum of 2 paragraphs and is due Tuesday October 15, 2013:
This week, schools across New Jersey celebrate Respect Week, where we give a little extra respect to our peers, teachers, loved ones, our neighbors, our pets (and even those people we don't like very much). As we go through the week, try and think of how you can embody this mantra in your own life - choose to respect someone else's opinion, not argue with them; help out your little brother, sister, cousin or parent; respect the beliefs of another culture (or at least their right to have a belief other than yours). There are many people who we can give respect to, both older and younger than us.
For your blog this week, I want you to think about the word "respect" and what it means to you. First, define the word in a personal way, perhaps illustrating with an interesting or colorful example. Tell us a situation when it was hard for you to respect someone (or try to think of a fictional character that has experienced a similar event). Relate a moment when a person has earned your respect.
We all know that we need to respect certain people. In your own words, describe the types (or specific) people that demand your respect, either habitually or occasionally. What makes them worthy of your attention and respect? Also, consider how one gets respect: is it something that is earned? or something that comes with a certain position or relationship to you? Explain. Think about how a person could lose respect (either self-respect or the respect of others) and how one earns it back. Isn't it difficult to earn the respect of someone whom you've let down? Finally, think about how you respect yourself: how do you evaluate your value? what actions to you take (or chose not to take) that show self-respect?
You do not have to tackle all of the questions above - they are meant to guide you and spark thoughts. I would much rather read a lengthy discussion of a few of the topics, with depth and meaning, than a list that answers all of them briefly.
This week, schools across New Jersey celebrate Respect Week, where we give a little extra respect to our peers, teachers, loved ones, our neighbors, our pets (and even those people we don't like very much). As we go through the week, try and think of how you can embody this mantra in your own life - choose to respect someone else's opinion, not argue with them; help out your little brother, sister, cousin or parent; respect the beliefs of another culture (or at least their right to have a belief other than yours). There are many people who we can give respect to, both older and younger than us.
For your blog this week, I want you to think about the word "respect" and what it means to you. First, define the word in a personal way, perhaps illustrating with an interesting or colorful example. Tell us a situation when it was hard for you to respect someone (or try to think of a fictional character that has experienced a similar event). Relate a moment when a person has earned your respect.
We all know that we need to respect certain people. In your own words, describe the types (or specific) people that demand your respect, either habitually or occasionally. What makes them worthy of your attention and respect? Also, consider how one gets respect: is it something that is earned? or something that comes with a certain position or relationship to you? Explain. Think about how a person could lose respect (either self-respect or the respect of others) and how one earns it back. Isn't it difficult to earn the respect of someone whom you've let down? Finally, think about how you respect yourself: how do you evaluate your value? what actions to you take (or chose not to take) that show self-respect?
You do not have to tackle all of the questions above - they are meant to guide you and spark thoughts. I would much rather read a lengthy discussion of a few of the topics, with depth and meaning, than a list that answers all of them briefly.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Blog 5: Rewards in Education
DUE Tuesday, OCTOBER 8, 2013
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
Learning and doing are their own rewards. No external rewards are required. Yet when external rewards are introduced—whether attention and praise from parents or prizes from teachers—these rewards exert a substantial influence. Instead of reading books to find out about the world, kids will read to win prizes. Kids will produce for rewards, but the quality of their activity and their interest in it will be dramatically altered.
Adapted from Barry Schwartz, The Costs of Living
Assignment:
Is it wrong or harmful to motivate people to learn or achieve something by offering them rewards? Plan and write a minimum 2 paragraph response in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations. Post your response by Tuesday.
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