Tuesday, October 30, 2007

10-31 (A Day) Happenings

I will not be in class during 1/2 A today as I am attending a technology seminar.

We reviewed the Packer Contest and checked supplies. I checked for students who were missing Blog Log #1. I checked the rough draft of the Personal Experience Speech. I explained the details of presenting the Personal Experience Speech and answered questions pertaining to the speech. Students practiced presenting their speech to their Pair & Share partner. I demonstrated how to use the Personal Experience Speech Outline Template from Edline in preparing the final draft of the the Personal Experience Speech. I also showed students how to use the numbering and increasing indent and decreasing indent buttons in Microsoft Word. Students spent the remainder of the class preparing their final draft of the Personal Experience Speech Outline.
Assignment
FRIDAY IS SPEECH DAY!
  • Complete the final draft of the Personal Experience Speech Outline. (DUE Friday)
  • Create note cards for your Personal Experience Speech. (DUE Friday)
  • Practice your Personal Experience Speech. (DUE Friday)
  • Respond to the blog Sober Squad Thank You. (DUE Friday)
  • Remove navigation bar from Blogger--download instructions from the Web 2.0 folder on Mr. Buckley's Edline page. If you are having trouble with this, Mr. Buckley will help you during class. (DUE Friday)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Important Note to B Day Classes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 IS THE FINAL DAY TO TURN IN MISSING WORK (including tests and the Blog Log) FOR B DAY CLASSES.
  • Check the most recent grade report on Edline to see if you have missing work.
  • Remember that daily work (5 point assignments) can not be made up.
  • If you'd like to use your coupon on an assignment, you must do so by Thursday.
  • You are responsible for checking your grade and turning work in.
  • I will post 1st quarter grades by the end of the week.
  • If you have questions, please ask.

Important Note to A Day Classes

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 IS THE FINAL DAY TO TURN IN MISSING WORK (including tests and the Blog Log) FOR A DAY CLASSES.
  • Check the most recent grade report on Edline to see if you have missing work.
  • Remember that daily work (5 point assignments) can not be made up.
  • If you'd like to use your coupon on an assignment, you must do so by Wednesday.
  • You are responsible for checking your grade and turning work in.
  • I will post 1st quarter grades by the end of the week.
  • If you have questions, please ask.

10-30 (B Day) Happenings

We reviewed the Packer Contest and checked supplies. I checked for students who were missing Blog Log #1. I checked the rough draft of the Personal Experience Speech. I explained the details of presenting the Personal Experience Speech and answered questions pertaining to the speech. Students practiced presenting their speech to their Pair & Share partner. I demonstrated how to use the Personal Experience Speech Outline Template from Edline in preparing the final draft of the the Personal Experience Speech. I also showed students how to use the numbering and increasing indent and decreasing indent buttons in Microsoft Word. Students spent the remainder of the class preparing their final draft of the Personal Experience Speech Outline.
Assignment
THURSDAY IS SPEECH DAY!
  • For those who did not complete Blog Log #1, you can turn it in by Thursday for full credit minus 15 points. (DUE Thursday)
  • Complete the final draft of the Personal Experience Speech Outline. (DUE Thursday)
  • Create note cards for your Personal Experience Speech. (DUE Thursday)
  • Practice your Personal Experience Speech. (DUE Thursday)
  • Respond to the blog Sober Squad Thank You. (DUE Thursday)
  • Remove navigation bar from Blogger--download instructions from the Web 2.0 folder on Mr. Buckley's Edline page. If you are having trouble with this, Mr. Buckley will help you during class. (DUE Thursday)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Monday, October 29, 2007

10-29 Happenings

We reviewed the Packer Contest and checked supplies. I checked for students who were missing Blog Log #1. I checked Parts 1-6 of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. I handed back and reviewed the Fear Module Test. I delivered a sample Personal Experience Speech and discussed the details of the speech as well as how to complete the Personal Experience Speech Outline. Students worked on Parts 7 & 8 and/or read their RIF material for the final portion of class.
Assignment
  • For those who did not complete Blog Log #1, you can turn it in by Wednesday for full credit minus 10 points (DUE Wednesday)
  • Complete Part 7 and the rough draft of Part 8 (handwritten outline) of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Respond to the blog Sober Squad Thank You (DUE Wednesday)
  • Remove navigation bar from Blogger--download instructions from the Web 2.0 folder on Mr. Buckley's Edline page. If you are having trouble with this, Mr. Buckley will help you during class. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Sober Squad Thank You

On Thursday, October 25 and Friday, October 26 the EHS Sober Squad visited with the 8th grade LRT students. They did an exceptional job! I really appreciate all the hard work of the Sober Squad and their advisors!

Take a moment to say THANK YOU by posting a comment saying thanks and telling the Sober Squad what you enjoyed about their presentation. I'll send your responses to Mr. Nilsen next week.

10-26 Happenings

Students turned in Blog Log #1. I reviewed the Personal Experience Speech assignment and then we went to the auditorium for the Sober Squad presentation.

Assignment
  • For those who did not complete Blog Log #1, you can turn it in on Tuesday for full credit minus 5 points (DUE Tuesday)
  • Remove navigation bar from Blogger--download instructions from the Web 2.0 folder on Mr. Buckley's Edline page (DUE Tuesday)
  • Complete Part 7 and the rough draft of Part 8 (handwritten outline) of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Tuesday, October 30)
  • Respond to the blog Sober Squad Thank You. (DUE Thursday, October 30)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
All handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Camp Ihduhapi--October 24 (Von Eschen Team

On October 24, students from the VonEschen team went to Camp Ihduhapi. It was a fun day full of lots of great activities with the Ihduhapi group leaders. Subway lunch was good (once we got the Veggie sub that wasn't originally sent) and it was a comfortable fall day. Kudos to the teachers for all their hard work and to the students for their respectful and responsible behavior. You represented Valley View and Edina very well!















Weekly Update (10-29-2007)

  • Personal Experience Speech Outline
  • Personal Experience Speech Peer Presentations
  • Personal Experience Speech Presentations (100 points)

Thursday, October 25, 2007

10-25 Happenings

Students turned in Blog Log #1. I reviewed the Personal Experience Speech assignment and then we went to the auditorium for the Sober Squad presentation.
Assignment
  • For those who did not complete Blog Log #1, you can turn it in on Monday for full credit minus 5 points (DUE Monday)
  • Remove navigation bar from Blogger--download instructions from the Web 2.0 folder on Mr. Buckley's Edline page (DUE Monday)
  • Complete Part 7 and the rough draft of Part 8 (handwritten outline) of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Monday, October 29)
  • Respond to the blog Sober Squad Thank You. (DUE Monday, October 29)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
All handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

10-24 Happenings

Today was a study hall because many students were attending the Camp Ihduhapi field trip. Students read quietly and/or worked on homework.
Assignment
  • Complete Blog Log #1 (DUE Friday)
  • Remove navigation bar from Blogger--download instructions from the Web 2.0 folder on Mr. Buckley's Edline page (DUE Friday)
  • Complete Part 7 and the rough draft of Part 8 (handwritten outline) of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Tuesday, October 30)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
All handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Camp Ihduhapi--October 23 (Anderson Team)

Today students from the Anderson team went to Camp Ihduhapi. It was a fun day full of lots of great activities with the Ihduhapi group leaders. Subway lunch was good (but some students could have eaten more subs if available) and it was a comfortable fall day. Kudos to the teachers for all their hard work and to the students for their respectful and responsible behavior. You represented Valley View and Edina very well!











Monday, October 22, 2007

Assignment--Remove Navigation Bar from Your Blog

You will soon be using your own blog that we created on Blogger. Before we begin, I'd like you to remove the Navigation Bar from your blog on Blogger. Please follow the instructions that I have posted in the Web 2.0 folder on my Edline page. This assignment is due on Thursday (A Day) or Friday (B Day).

10-23 Happenings

Today was a study hall because many students were attending the Camp Ihduhapi field trip. Students read quietly and/or worked on homework.
Assignment
  • Complete Blog Log #1 (DUE Thursday)
  • Remove navigation bar from Blogger--download instructions from the Web 2.0 folder on Mr. Buckley's Edline page (DUE Thursday)
  • Complete Part 7 and the rough draft of Part 8 (handwritten outline) of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Monday, October 29)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
All handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

1st Quarter Cutoff

The deadline for completing work for the 1st Quarter is Thursday, October 25 (A Day) or Friday, October 26 (B Day). All work should be completed by this day including tests, blogs and daily assignments.

Blog Log #1 Reminder

Just a reminder that Blog Log #1 is DUE on Thursday, October 25 (A Day) or Friday, October 26.

Study Hall Reminder

Just a reminder that many students (and Mr. Buckley) will not be in LRT class on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the Camp Ihduhapi field trip. Students from Mr. Buckley's class and Mr. Forster's class who are not going on the field trip that day should report to Mr. Buckley's room (257) for study hall. Make sure to bring RIF material and homework. I expect that you will be respectful to the substitute teacher and responsibly working on homework or reading.

Camp Ihduhapi Reminder

Just a reminder that the Anderson (Tuesday) and VonEschen (Wednesday) teams will be going to Camp Ihduhapi on October 23 and 24.
  • Bring warm clothes (sweatshirts, jackets, hats, mittens, etc.). You can always take off extra layers of clothes, but if you don't have enough warm clothes on a windy, cold day, you will freeze.
  • Bring lots to drink. Subway lunch is provided, but drinks are not. You should write your name on your drink(s).

If you have any questions, please see Mr. Buckley.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Weekly Update (10-23-2007)

  • Camp Ihduhapi/Study Hall (If you have LRT on Tuesday and you have VonEschen or Wednesday and you have Anderson, you should bring homework and RIF material.)
  • Sober Squad
  • Turn in Blog #1

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

10-17 Happenings

We reviewed the Packer Contest and checked supplies. We discussed the upcoming class schedule with Camp Ihduhapi and Sober Squad. I discussed how to complete Blog Log #1. I checked Parts 1-6 of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. I delivered a sample Personal Experience Speech and discussed the details of the speech as well as how to complete the Personal Experience Speech Outline. Students worked on Parts 7 & 8 and/or read their RIF material for the final portion of class.
Assignment
  • Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Friday, October 26)
  • Complete Part 7 and the rough draft of Part 8 (handwritten outline) of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Tuesday, October 30)
  • Check the blog daily (not during MEA--you all deserve a vacation!) and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

10-16 Happenings

We reviewed the Packer Contest, checked supplies and checked the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. We discussed student questions in preparation for the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. Students took the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. We discussed the upcoming class schedule with Camp Ihduhapi and Sober Squad. I handed out Blog Log #1. Students journaled about personal experiences and discussed this with their pair-and-share partner as well as the class. I told a story about Bruce. Students received the blue Personal Experience Speech Packet, were introduced the Personal Experience Speech assignment and given time to begin working on Parts 1-6 of the Personal Experience Speech assignment.
Assignment
  • Complete Parts 1-6 of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Monday, October 29)
  • Respond to the blog entry, 3-2-1 Discussion of the Fear Module. (DUE Thursday, October 25)
  • Answer the blog poll, What did you think of the Fear Module? (DUE Thursday, October 18)
  • Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Thursday, October 25)
  • Check the blog daily (not during MEA--you all deserve a vacation!) and complete any tasks that are added.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Important Note to B Day Classes

Although it is listed in the blog entry 10-15 Happenings, I want to clarify that Blog Log #1 should be completed when you arrive to class on Wednesday.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Importance of Tests

While commenting on another blog entry, Aria asked an interesting question:
  • I have a Question about and NOT aobut Tests. Why do we take them? i mean if we turn in the Homework, and we get 100% on all of them doesnt that SHOW YOU that we DONT NEED TESTS?!?!?! yeah so yeah...
I'd like to know what my students think about this. Are tests necessary? What should be the purpose of tests? Do 5 point homework assignments and activities function only as learning opportunities or do they also adequately meet the requirements for earning a grade in LRT? Are there other ways to accurately measure learning in class?

Let me know your thoughts. I'm very interested to get your perspective.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test Questions

Do you have any questions about the upcoming 50 point Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test? If so, this is the place to ask. Even if you don't have a question, check the comments to get important information asked by other students.

3-2-1 Discussion of the Fear Module

Now that the Fear Module is over, please take a few moments to complete a 3-2-1 discussion.
  • Give 3 putups--let me know what you found interesting, enjoyable, educational, worthwhile, etc.
  • Make 2 suggestions--let me know what I could do differently to make the Fear Module more interesting, fun, educational, worthwhile, etc.
  • Ask 1 question--share one question relating to the Fear Module that you did not have answered.
Your comments help me understand what is good about the Fear Module and what I can do to make it better in the future. Thanks for your time and input.

10-15 Happenings

I will not be in class today. Please be respectful of your teacher. Thanks.

We reviewed the Packer Contest, checked supplies and checked the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. Students took the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. I handed out Blog Log #1. Students journaled about personal experiences and discussed this with their pair-and-share partner as well as the class. Students received the blue Personal Experience Speech Packet, were introduced the Personal Experience Speech assignment and given time to begin working on Parts 1-6 of the Personal Experience Speech assignment.

Assignment
  • Complete Parts 1-6 of the Personal Experience Speech Packet. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Respond to the blog entry, 3-2-1 Discussion of the Fear Module. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Answer the blog poll, What did you think of the Fear Module? (DUE Wednesday)
  • Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Wednesday)
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Extra Credit--Stage Fright Article

Read the article from your blue Fear Packet called, "Stage fright? Don't collapse--confront it." After reading the article comment on any three things from the article. It can relate to previous fear discussions we've had or something new.

This extra credit assignment is worth 3 bonus points.

10-12 Happenings

I will not be in class today. Please be respectful of your teacher. Thanks.

We watched the final scene from Dead Poets' Society and students responded to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society--What Would You Do? We discussed their responses. I wrapped up the Fear Module and handed out the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. Students worked on this in class and finished class with RIF.
Assignment
  • Complete the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. (DUE Tuesday)
  • Study for the 50 point Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. You will not be allowed to use the review sheet or any other materials when taking the test. (DUE Tuesday)
  • Check the blog entry Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test Questions.
  • Extra Credit--Read the article "Stage fright? Don't collapse--confront it," found in your blue Fear packet. Then respond to the blog entry, Extra Credit--Stage Fright Article.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

10-11 Happenings

We watched the final scene from Dead Poets' Society and students responded to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society--What Would You Do? We discussed their responses. I wrapped up the Fear Module and handed out the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. Students worked on this in class and finished class with RIF.
Assignment
  • Complete the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. (DUE Monday)
  • Study for the 50 point Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. You will not be allowed to use the review sheet or any other materials when taking the test. (DUE Monday)
  • Check the blog entry Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test Questions.
  • Extra Credit--Read the article "Stage fright? Don't collapse--confront it," found in your blue Fear packet. Then respond to the blog entry, Extra Credit--Stage Fright Article.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Weekly Update (10-15-2007)

  • Fear Module Test
  • Personal Experience Speech
  • MEA

Dead Poets' Society--What Would You Do?

Now that you've seen the movie, respond to the following questions:
  1. Imagine that you were one of Mr. Keating's students. What would be the most meaningful lesson you learned from Mr. Keating? Explain.
  2. What would be your fear? Would Mr. Keating help you overcome that fear? Why or why not
  3. In the final scene, would you choose to stand on your desk? Why or why not?
Please number your answers.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

10-9 Happenings

Today we reviewed the Packer Contest and checked for supplies. I explained the Blog Log (but have not yet handed out the assignment) and reviewed Parts 1 and 2 of Dead Poets' Society. I then previewed Part 3, the final part of the movie. We watched Segment 1 of Part 3, reviewed the study guide questions (57-64) and discussed Knox's fear of rejection. I previewed Segment 2 of part 3 which we watched and then reviewed the study guide questions (65-68). We discussed the topic and seriousness of suicide as well as Neil's fear of telling his father how he really felt and what he really wanted. I previewed Segment 3 of Part 3 which we watched and then reviewed the study guide questions (69-75). We discussed Todd's fear of speaking in front of others.
Assignment
  1. Comment on the blog entries Dead Poets' Society--Analysis of Fears, Dead Poets' Society--The Final Scene and Dead Poets' Society--Review (DUE Thursday).
  2. Vote on the poll, What did you think of Dead Poets' Society?
  3. Bring RIF material for Thursday. You should finally have an extended time to read.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Dead Poets' Society--Review

Now that you've watched Dead Poets' Society, tell us what you thought of the movie.
  1. Rate the movie from 1 to 5 (1 = Hated It; 2 = Didn't Like It; 3 = No Opinion; 4 = Liked It; 5 = Loved It).
  2. Give three reasons for your rating.

Dead Poets' Society--The Final Scene



Describe what happened in the final scene when students were standing on their desk. Then explain what standing on the desks and saying "O Captain! My Captain!" meant.

Dead Poets' Society--Analysis of Fears

Now that we've completed and discussed the movie, comment on the fears of Knox, Neil and Todd.
  1. What was Knox's fear? Did he confront his fear or run from it? Provide one example to support your answer. List at least two physical fear reactions that he experienced.
  2. What was Neil's fear? Did he confront his fear or run from it? Provide one example to support your answer.
  3. What was Todd's fear? Did he confront his fear or run from it? Provide one example to support your answer.
Please number your answers and provide solid evidence to support your answers.

Monday, October 8, 2007

10-5 Assignment

Hey all B day classes--here's your assignment that should be completed when you arrive to class on Tuesday.
Assignment
  1. Complete the blog entries Dead Poets' Society--Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy, Dead Poets' Society--The Characters' Fears and Dead Poets' Society--Yawp & Fear. (DUE Tuesday)
  2. Read the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. (DUE Tuesday)
  3. Extra Credit--Blog entry Dead Poets' Society--Knox and Kris.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Dead Poets' Society--Knox & Kris (Extra Credit)

Knox is deeply infatuated with Kris (some might consider him an unhealthy stalker). Here are a few questions about Knox and Kris:
  1. Do you think Kris likes Knox? Why or why not?
  2. What physical fear reactions do you think Knox experience when he called Kris?
  3. What physical fear reactions do you think Knox had when he kissed Kris?
  4. What physical fear reactions do you think Knox experienced when he read the poem to Kris?
  5. Do you think Knox's actions were crazy, dumb, stupid, nice, romantic, etc? Why?
  6. What do you think will happen with Knox and Kris?
This extra credit assignment is worth 2 bonus points.

10-8 Happenings

Today we tallied the Packer Contest results and checked for supplies and reading material. I explained the Blog Log (but have not yet handed out the assignment) and reviewed Part 1 of Dead Poets' Society. I set up Part 2 of Dead Poets' Society. We watched Segment 1 of Part 2 and students paired-and-shared Questions 22-33. We reviewed each question and discussed the YAWP scene and other parts of Segment 1. I set up Segment 2. After Segment 2, we again paired-and-shared Questions 34-56. We reviewed each question and discussed parts of Segment 2. We finished with RIF for 5-10 minutes.

Assignment
  1. Complete the blog entries Dead Poets' Society--Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy, Dead Poets' Society--The Characters' Fears and Dead Poets' Society--Yawp & Fear. (DUE Wednesday)
  2. Read the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. (DUE Wednesday)
  3. Extra Credit--Blog entry Dead Poets' Society--Knox and Kris.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Dead Poets' Society--YAWP & Fear

Mr. Keating asked all students to write and recite a poem for class. Todd's fear compelled him to throw away the poem he wrote and lie to Mr. Keating, saying that he did not write a poem.

  1. Todd experienced fear during this activity. Do you think he tried to stay and deal with his fear (fight) or run from it (flight)? Explain.
  2. What physical fear reactions do you think Todd may have experienced during this activity?
  3. Do you think this experience has helped Todd totally conquer his fear of speaking in front of others? Why or why not?

Dead Poets' Society--The Characters' Fears

There are several lessons and issues that can be discussed in Dead Poets' Society. For the purpose of LRT, we are focusing on fear:
  1. What do you think Todd's fear is? (We've discussed this in class.)
  2. What do you think Knox's fear is?
  3. What do you think Neil's fear is?
Please number your answers.

Dead Poets' Society--Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy

During the first scene of Part 2, Mr. Keating stands on his desk.

  1. Why does Mr. Keating stand on his desk?
  2. How does this lesson differ from what Welton Academy believes students should learn?
This scene is an important part of the movie. Make sure to keep that in mind.

In another scene of Part 2, Mr. Keating asks students to do their own "walk."

  1. What is Mr. Keating trying to teach his students?
  2. An administrator (Welton Academy staff member) is observing this lesson. What might he be thinking?

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Credit for Your Blog Entries (Lots of Points)

Have you been commenting on the blog and wondering if you will receive credit? Don't worry; you will! Each required blog comment is worth 5 points. (Lots of blogs = Lots of points!) Periodically, you will be required to fill out a Blog Log that verifies you have completed all required blogs.

Did you have trouble with the first few blogs? If so, don't worry. I will not be counting the first few blog entries because of technical difficulties that many of you had. The first blog entry that will count will be the September 24 blog entry titled What Do You Want?

If you did not comment on a required blog entry, you can still go back and submit a comment to receive your 5 point assignment grade.

CBS News Story About Types of Messages and the Presidential Race

Remember when we examined types of messages (verbal, vocal and nonverbal) in the Communication Module?

On Wednesday, October 3, CBS News did a story about the importance of communication in the current Presidential race. Although the terminology is not often used, verbal, vocal and nonverbal messages are a key part of this story. What is said and the way it is said is examined by experts. Take a look:

Candidates Play To The Heart

If you'd like, share your reaction and thoughts to any part of this story. 2 bonus points if you print your comment.

Friday, October 5 Happenings

I will not be in class on Friday, October 5. You will vote on the Packer Contest. Ms. Budke will collect the extra credit blog comment if you chose to complete it (yes, it's optional). You will watch Part 2 of Dead Poets' Society concluding after the scene where the boys ask Knox about his encounter with Kris (49 minutes) and complete questions 22-56 in the study guide. Your homework will be to respond to blog entries. I will post the blog entries that you are to respond to on Monday, October 8. Please complete them prior to class on Tuesday, October 9.

Turn In Your Camp Ihduhapi Form

This is a quick reminder to turn in your Camp Ihduhapi field trip form to your Science teacher. Additional information and the field trip form is available on Edline.

Thursday, October 4 Happenings

Today I checked for supplies and completion of the Personal Fear Inventory. The class compiled results of the Personal Fear Inventory and then paired-and-shared about possible implications of the results. We then discussed some fear concepts in relation to the Personal Fear Inventory. I handed out the Dead Poets' Society study guide and set up the movie by establishing the setting and introducing the characters. We watched Part 1 of Dead Poets' Society, pausing periodically to answer study questions and discuss the movie. We concluded Part 1 after the scene of the boys returning back to school from the first Dead Poets' Society meeting (41 minutes). Students completed questions 1-21 of the study guide, we reviewed those questions as a class and we discussed the movie. Students began responding to the LRT blog (homework).

Assignment
  1. Comment on the blog entries Dead Poets' Society--Rip It Out and Dead Poets' Society--Todd.
  2. Read the blog entry Dead Poets' Society--O Captain! My Captain! If you'd like to post a comment, print it out and turn it in to me during class on Friday or Monday for 2 bonus points.
  3. If you have any questions about the movie so far, comment on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Weekly Update (10-8-2007)

  • Dead Poets' Society Parts 2 & 3
  • Fear Module Review
  • RIF
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Questions About Dead Poets' Society


Do you have any questions about Dead Poets' Society? Perhaps you are confused about who a character is (Which one is Charlie?) or about something that happened in the movie (Why did Neil read a poem to start the Dead Poets' Society meeting?). Post a question here (or an observation about the movie) and I'll respond to it. Check back periodically and read what people have asked and my response.

Dead Poets' Society--O Captain! My Captain!

On the first day of school, Mr. Keating tells his students that they may call him "O Captain! My Captain!"



Mr. Keating took this name from the poem "O Captain! My Captain!" by his favorite poet, Walt Whitman. Whitman wrote the poem as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln through the use of metaphor:
  • The captain represents Abraham Lincoln.
  • The ship represents the United States.
  • The rack (which means storm) represents the Civil War.
Please take a few moments to read "O Captain! My Captain!" (taken from www.bartleby.com).

Walt Whitman. 1819–1892

743. O Captain! My Captain!

O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart! 5
O the bleeding drops of red!
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills, 10
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths—for you the shores crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here, Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck 15
You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won; 20
Exult, O shores! and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

Here are some things to think about:
  • When you think of the word CAPTAIN, what thoughts come to mind (i.e. strong, brave, etc.)?
  • Why might Mr. Keating suggest that students call him captain?
You are expected to read this poem and think about the questions; if you type a response, print it out and submit it to me during your class on Friday or Monday, you will earn 2 bonus points.

5/6 B & 7/8 B--Answers to Questions 19-21

We were unable to go over questions 19-21 of Dead Poets' Society. Here are the answers:

19. The organization listed in the school annual that intrigues the boys is the Dead Poets' Society.
20. Todd does not want to read poems in front of the group.
21. Neil is the unofficial leader of the Dead Poets' Society.

Please add these answers to your study guide.

Dead Poets' Society--Todd

During Part 1 of Dead Poets' Society, we were introduced to one of the movie's main characters, Todd Anderson (played by Ethan Hawke). Todd transferred to Welton Academy because his older brother, "one of Welton's finest," had attended Welton. Todd seems to live in his brother's shadow and doesn't speak out much. Although reluctant, his roommate, Neil, convinces Todd to join the Dead Poets' Society.

Todd is one of the characters who experiences fear in this movie. What do you think Todd's fear is?If you can remember one, provide an example from the movie to support your answer.

Dead Poets' Society--Rip It Out

Mr. Keating asks his students to rip out Chapter 1 of their textbook:



Why do you think Mr. Keating did this? What was he trying to teach his class?

10-3 Happenings

Today I checked for supplies and completion of the Personal Fear Inventory. The class compiled results of the Personal Fear Inventory and then paired-and-shared about possible implications of the results. We then discussed some fear concepts in relation to the Personal Fear Inventory. I handed out the Dead Poets' Society study guide and set up the movie by establishing the setting and introducing the characters. We then watched Part 1 of Dead Poets' Society, pausing periodically to answer study questions and discuss the movie. We concluded Part 1 after the scene of the boys returning back to school from the first Dead Poets' Society meeting (41 minutes). Students completed questions 1-21 of the study guide and we discussed the movie. Students then began responding to the LRT blog (homework).

Assignment
  1. Comment on the blog entries Dead Poets' Society--Rip It Out and Dead Poets' Society--Todd.
  2. Read the blog entry Dead Poets' Society--O Captain! My Captain! If you'd like to post a comment, print it out and turn it in to me during class on Friday or Monday for 2 bonus points.
  3. If you have any questions about the movie so far, comment on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Dead Poets Society Starts Wednesday, October 3

Just a reminder that we will begin watching Dead Poets' Society on Wednesday, October 3. You must turn in a signed permission slip to watch the movie. If you have not yet turned in a permission slip, print one from Edline, bring a note or send an email.

We will watch and discuss the movie over three class days. There are other activities that we will be completing during class as well.

10-2 Happenings

Today we checked supplies and reviewed the Packer Contest. I collected any extra Dead Poets' Society permission slips. (We begin watching the movie on Thursday.) I also handed out an informational sheet about LRT (Green) from Open House (students should share this sheet with their parents). We discussed the upcoming Camp Ihduhapi field trip. Students discussed and blogged about the results of the Parent Persuasive Speech. I collected the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment. I handed back the Communication Test and we answered any questions after reviewing it. We checked the three Fear Case Studies and students had a few minutes to go over the questions with their pair-and-share partner. We then reviewed and discussed the important fear concepts in each of the case studies. I explained the Personal Fear Inventory assignment and students finished the block with RIF.

Assignment
  • Give the green sheet about LRT to your parents. (DUE Thursday)
  • Complete the Personal Fear Inventory (Parts 1,2 & 3) from the blue Fear Packet. (DUE Thursday)
  • Answer the poll question, What did you think of the Parent Persuasive Speech? and What answer did you get after the Parent Persuasive Speech? (DUE Thursday)
  • If you have not yet done so, return Dead Poets Society Permission Slip signed by your parent/guardian. (DUE Thursday)
  • Check the LRT blog daily through Netvibes or at www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com.
  • Bring all supplies including RIF materials.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Monday, October 1, 2007

10-1 Happenings

Today we checked supplies and reviewed the Packer Contest. I collected any extra Dead Poets' Society permission slips. (We begin watching the movie on Wednesday.) I also handed out an informational sheet about LRT (Green) from Open House (students should share this sheet with their parents). We discussed the upcoming Camp Ihduhapi field trip. Students discussed and blogged about the results of the Parent Persuasive Speech. I collected the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment. I handed back the Communication Test and we answered any questions after reviewing it. We checked the three Fear Case Studies and students had a few minutes to go over the questions with their pair-and-share partner. We then reviewed and discussed the important fear concepts in each of the case studies. I explained the Personal Fear Inventory assignment and students finished the block with RIF.

Assignment
  • Give the green sheet about LRT to your parents. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Complete the Personal Fear Inventory (Parts 1,2 & 3) from the blue Fear Packet. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Answer the poll question, What did you think of the Parent Persuasive Speech? and What answer did you get after the Parent Persuasive Speech? (DUE Wednesday)
  • If you have not yet done so, return Dead Poets Society Permission Slip signed by your parent/guardian. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Check the LRT blog daily through Netvibes or at www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com.
  • Bring all supplies including RIF materials.
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at www.edline.net.

Parent Persuasive Speech Results

You should have completed your Parent Persuasive Speech. Please share your experience:
  1. What did you ask for?
  2. What was the best reason you provided?
  3. Did your parent(s) say Yes, No, Maybe, Later, or something else?
  4. What was the reason(s) for their answer?
  5. Was this a good activity? Why or why not?