Life's "Brick Walls"

Randy Pausch, a professor for Carnegie-Mellon University, said before his passing, "The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough.  They show up in our life for a reason--to really show us how much we want something."

Tell me in a one-paragraph response about a "brick wall" you have had in your life.  What was your "brick wall"?  How did you get over it?  What did you learn about yourself during that time of your life.

Remember, sign your name at the end of your blog!!

Quote Interpretation

"You always have to pass failure on the way to success."  Mickey Rooney

What do you think this quote means?  Think about all the times you have succeeded.  Did it come easily?  Or did it take a lot of hard work?  Did you succeed your first time or did you have to keep trying for awhile?

Tell me what you think this quote means by relating it to an experience in your life.  Write a one paragraph (5-7 sentence) reponse to this prompt.  DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR NAME!

Are White Lies Okay?

Read the article entitled, "Debate: White Lies", and decide how you feel about the issue.  Do you believe it is okay to tell a little white lie if it does not hurt anyone, or do you feel honesty is always the best policy, and therefore you should never lie?  Make a list of the pros and cons for each side and decide which one you feel more strongly about.

Write you argument in a well-organized, one-paragraph response of 6-7 sentences.  Make sure to capitalize and punctuate appropriately.  DON'T FORGET TO SIGN YOUR NAME OR YOU CAN'T EARN THE "BLOG BRAG".

The Train

This week you will be writing a story from a given prompt.  Throughout the last quarter we have talked about story elements that include character traits, setting, problem and solution.  You need to make sure all of these components are in your 2-parargraph response of 6-7 sentences each.  This should be a fully developed story that comes to an ending that satifies the reader and ties up all loose ends.

Make sure to include your name at the beginning or end of your blog!!

Story Starter:

The train pulled into the station on a dark and stormy night.  I pulled my overcoat up around my neck as I stepped out, shielding my face from the rain.  As I stepped into the station sheer panic overtook me....

Journal Entry

Use your Storyworks maganize from October to recall the story, "Nobody's Perfect".  In this week's blog you will pretend your are either Mia or Paolo.  Write a one-paragraph (6-7 sentence) journal entry recalling and reflecting on the events at the party.  What happened at the party?  How did you feel?  What would you change next time?  What would you keep the same?

Remember, journal entries include a date and also remember to sign your name!!

Bullying In Schools

On Thursday and Friday of last week we addressed the issue of bullying through the variety of texts we read.  In the Time for Kids article, "Bullying: It's Against the Law" we heard two different opinions on how to improve bullying in schools.  One opinion suggested that we need more programs and funding to raise awareness of what bullying is, what it looks like in its different forms and how to stop or prevent it.  The other opinion suggested that we all just need take ownership for our own words and actions, therefore setting an example and being a role model for all those around us. This will then have a ripple effect and others will want to start doing good and being respectful as well. Which side do you agree with?  Think outside of Briarcliff and even Kansas City.  We discussed this being a nation-wide issue.  If we are going to solve this problem on a national level, how should we approach it? Maybe you have an idea of your own and don't agree with either opinion.  If so, share it.  How would you solve this problem?

Make sure your response is at least six complete sentences and put your name at the end so I know whose it is.

Quote Response for 9/26-9/30

A wise man, named Mahatma Ghandi once said,

"Be the change you want to see in the world." 

What do you think this means?  What change do you want to see in our world?  What steps can you begin taking to be an example of that change?  Think about your daily words and actions and how they promote a better world to live in.

Complete this prompt in a 6-7 sentence response.  Remember to capitalize and punctuate each sentence.  Also remember to sign your name at the end so I know who submitted it.

Quote Response

A wise man, named Mahatma Ghandi once said,

"Be the change you want to see in the world." 

What do you think this means?  What change do you want to see in our world?  What steps can you take to begin taking to be an example of that change?  Think about your daily words and actions and how they promote a better world to live in.

Complete this prompt in a 6-7 sentence response.  Remember to capitalize and punctuate each sentence.  Also remember to sign your name at the end so I know who submitted it.

9/11 Response

Respond to the image above.  What symbolism do you think it has?  Why has the artist chosen to portray this event in American History in this way.  How does it make you feel when you see it?  What is the tone that it sets?

Answer these questions in a one-paragraph response of 6-7 sentences.  Once you have responded make sure to place your sticker on the blog board to indicate that you have completed the task.