1) Throughout this unit, what skills have you improved on? This unit is the first time I have written and discussed a book with peers. I chose to read "IF I Ever Get Out of Here", written by Eric Gansworth. I have learned how to lead focused conversations, by being the group directer for our collaboration and discussion time periods. Using the "Summary" portion or the discussion booklet, I have improved my abilities to summarize events in a book in a minimal amount of words. I have also learned how to further and more effectively connect text to myself, other literary pieces, and to the world. 2) Explain how the conversations and viewing your peer's work have allowed to to develop your listening. I enjoy hearing opinions on controversial topics or ideas. Hearing others' opinions can be very eye-opening and informative. Sometimes, you can only see one side of an idea, when another person has a totally different viewpoint. Without listening, there is no way to hear that different side. Another part of this unit I have enjoyed has been seeing how my classmates' altered books (for the FNMI novels) have turned out. I loved seeing different ideas and images mix together in an artistic way. Being part visual learner, it really helped me to understand teh different motifs, situations and scenes from the stories. 3)What skills do you need to further develop? There are a couple of skills that I could further develop. I would like to improve on organizing my thoughts and assignments to be able to consistently hand everything in on time. I constantly struggle with time management, and always have. Whether that be from extra-curriculars, dance, or work from other classes all piling up in my head, I can never quite keep track of everything I need to due. My thoughts tend to be all over the place! To avoid missed due dates or sloppy projects, I need to remember to write assignments, homework, and due dates down. Calendars need to become my best friend, and a planner may be a good investment, as well. | Groovy article about metacognition here |
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BLOG #2: Lewis is most definitely the inferior in his story. Uncomfortable in his new classes, Lewis feels weak and unsure of all his attempts to make friends. He hadn't realized how different it would be being mixed in with the white kids. People consistently ignore or treat him unfairly, and are almost all downright mean towards him. He is constantly bullied by those such as Evan Reigner, and even some teachers simply because the fact that he is of a different culture. Names such as "filthy welfare Indian" appear in numerous sections of the story. Lewis wishes through a large portion of the book that he could fit in better with his classmates, or even just drop out of school.
Lewis is regularly comparing himself and the details his life with everyone he meets. He stalls telling his only friend George about his life at home on the reserve until absolutely necessary; during the '77 snowstorm. Though him and George are friends, Lewis still feels uncomfortable at times since their lives are so different. George has traveled, and has many friends and a girlfriend named Stacey, while Lewis has never moved from his run-down house and struggles with fitting in with his peers, much less girls. Lewis' relationship with Evan is very one-sided: Lewis is obviously inferior to Evan in all ways but morally. Carson is constantly bossing Lewis around, holding grudges against him, making him feel guilty, dragging him into dangerous and stupid adventures, stealing from him, and being downright mean, but the pair are still considered friends. It is a very strained relationship, one that Lewis eventually breaks off. Before he said goodbye, though, Lewis was very inferior. Overall, Lewis, though intelligent and cunning, is mostly seen as inferior to his classmates and friends. Perhaps this is a result of a lack of confidence, or maybe an unstable home life and crushing racism at school has stripped Lewis of any feelings of superiority that may have developed throughout his life.
We all have the television shows we love to watch. Every once in a while I come across a show or movie I haven't seen in ages. And by ages, I mean since childhood. I'm talking about full-length animated Scooby-Doo movies, anything Disney channel, and 1998's 'Space Jam'.
Strawberry Shortcake, Looney Tunes, and the Flintstones along with many others filled up my time from age seven through twelve. Of course I played outside with my brother, but nothing beat a good episode of the Bernstein Bears. Finding Nemo, Zoboomafoo, Babar the Elephant, and Paddington Bear (before the movie) are a a few more of my favourites. So when I find an old v.h.s. tape (or is it v.h.r.?) with Sing Along Songs (Follow the Bouncing Ball) or the Magic School Bus episodes, I have a little moment to remember, with a smile, the good times I had with nothing to worry about except if Gargamel would ever get the Smurfs, if Buzz and Woody would find their way back to Andy, or if Simba would save everyone from Scar. Those were the good times. Awesome.
Getting to the point of this post, I believe books have an element about them that can't be described. Diving into a piece of work that just grabs you and pulls you through the story is, as cheesy as it may seem, magical. One of the smallest an most underrated experiences in life, I think, is reading. Finding a great book, one that you can connect to, one that you can enjoy, one that makes you think, one that lets you explore different world without leaving your armchair, that is awesome. One of my favorite bookstores is Chapters, Indigo. Follow this link to their website.
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AuthorI am Malinda. I love dance, tea, books, art, sweaters and plants. CategoriesCategoriesArchives |