Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog: March 2008

Thursday, March 27, 2008

3-28-2008 (B Day Happenings)

Have a Great Spring Break!

I welcomed students and took attendance. Students checked their 3rd Quarter grade on Edline. Students commented on the blog. We watched The Wonder Years as an example of an extended Personal Experience Speech. In some classes, students finished with a brief amount of RIF.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Comment on the blog entry Personal Experience Speech Reflection. (DUE Thursday, April 10)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

3-27-2008 (A Day) Happenings

Have a Great Spring Break!

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and we continued Personal Experience Speech Presentations. Several students presented their speeches. I returned the graded speech evaluation forms after the presentations. In some classes, students finished with a brief amount of RIF.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Comment on the blog entry Personal Experience Speech Reflection. (DUE Wednesday, April 9)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Personal Experience Speech Reflection

As we wrap up the personal experience speeches and think back to the fear module, please comment on the following items:

On a scale of 1 to 4 (1=Not Fearful at All, 2=A Little Fearful, 3=Some Fear, 4=A Lot of Fear), how fearful were you when you presented your speech. Explain.
What physical fear reactions did you experience? (i.e. heart beat fast, sweating, butterflies in your stomach, etc.)
Ultimately, did you confront your fear or run from it? Explain.
Finally, explain how studying fear earlier helped you better understand and deal with presenting this speech.

Please number your answers and clearly explain your responses.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

3-26-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Speeches Continue on Friday!
Bring RIF Material!
3rd Quarter Ends Friday!

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

If you have not presented your Personal Experience Speech, be prepared to present on Friday.
Make sure to bring RIF material on Friday.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

3-25-2008 (A Day) Happenings

Speeches Continue on Thursday!
Bring RIF Material!
3rd Quarter Ends Thursday!

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

If you have not presented your Personal Experience Speech, be prepared to present on Thursday.
Make sure to bring RIF material and homework on Thursday
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Monday, March 24, 2008

3-24-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Speeches Continue on Wednesday! Bring RIF Material!

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

If you have not presented your Personal Experience Speech, be prepared to present on Wednesday.
Make sure to bring RIF material and homework on Wednesday.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Appropriate Use of the LRT Blog

I have been very impressed with the blogging that LRT students have been doing this semester. Keep up the great work!

I do want to underscore a few things as some people are pushing the line of appropriate blogging use:

Your entries should be appropriate and respectful.
Your entries (with the exception of comments to entries I set up) should be directly related to LRT concepts and discussions.
Keep personal or derogatory comments to yourself. They don't belong on the blog.
As a member of the LRT blog, you have a responsibility to identify inappropriate use. If you notice inappropriate or unauthorized use of the LRT Blog, please notify me. Together we can make this work!

Violations of these guidelines will result in loss of blogging privileges. Let's continue to make the LRT blog a great thing for this class. In my mind, it sure beats opening a notebook and journaling! Thanks!

Mr. B.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

3-24-2008 Weekly Update

Personal Experience Speech Presentations
RIF

3-20-2008 (A Day) Happenings

Speeches Continue on Tuesday!

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies, Personal Experience Speech Outlines and Note Cards. I explained the order for the Personal Experience Speech Presentations. Several students presented their speeches. I returned the graded speech evaluation forms after the presentations. In some classes, students finished with a brief amount of RIF.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

If you have not presented your Personal Experience Speech, be prepared to present on Tuesday.
Make sure to bring RIF material.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

3-19-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Speeches Continue on Monday!

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

If you have not presented your Personal Experience Speech, be prepared to present on Monday.
Make sure to bring RIF material.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

3-18-2008 (A Day) Happenings

Thursday is Speech Day!

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and handed back the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. I reviewed any questions students had regarding the test. I checked Parts 1-5 of the Personal Experience Speech packet. I gave a sample Personal Experience Speech. I explained Parts 6-10 of the Personal Experience Speech packet and reviewed the 100 point grading rubric for the Personal Experience Speech. Students spent the remainder of the time completing the Personal Experience Speech packet and outline.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Parts 6-10 of the Personal Experience Speech packet. (DUE Thursday)
Practice your speech. (DUE Thursday)
Be prepared to present your speech on Thursday. Make sure you have your notecards and typed outline. (DUE Thursday)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Monday, March 17, 2008

3-17-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Wednesday is Speech Day!

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Parts 6-10 of the Personal Experience Speech packet. (DUE Wednesday)
Practice your speech. (DUE Wednesday)
Be prepared to present your speech on Wednesday. Make sure you have your notecards and typed outline. (DUE Wednesday)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Brett Favre--A Legend is Born

If you're curious about Brett Favre's first game as a Packer, click here to watch this short video.

GO PACK!!!

3-14-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I will not be in class today. Please follow the blog closely and be respectful to the substitute teacher. Thanks.--Mr. Buckley

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and I checked the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. I answered questions related to the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. Students took the test. I told a story about Bruce. Students responded to the Personal Experience Speeches blog entry. I handed out the Personal Experience Speech packet. I introduced and explained the Personal Experience Speech. Students began completing Parts 1-5 of the Personal Experience Speech packet.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Respond to the blog entry Personal Experiences. (DUE Tuesday)
Answer the poll Overall, what did you think of the Fear Module. (DUE Tuesday)
Complete Parts 1-5 of the Personal Experience Speech packet. (DUE Tuesday)
Go to Edline. Download Removing Blogger Navigation Bar Instructions (from the Web 2.0 folder). Remove the Blogger Navigation Bar from your blog. (DUE Tuesday)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

3-17-2008 Weekly Update

Personal Experience Speech Outline
Personal Experience Speech Presentations
RIF

3-13-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Respond to the blog entry Personal Experiences. (DUE Monday)
Answer the poll Overall, what did you think of the Fear Module. (DUE Monday)
Complete Parts 1-5 of the Personal Experience Speech packet. (DUE Monday)
Go to Edline. Download Removing Blogger Navigation Bar Instructions (from the Web 2.0 folder). Remove the Blogger Navigation Bar from your blog. (DUE Monday)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Personal Experiences

Think back to events that happened personally to you in your life:

List 3 embarrassing moments.
List 3 great things that happened to you.
List 3 sad or serious things that happened to you.

For example:

I once coached an entire basketball game with my zipper down. The good news--we won in double overtime!
When my son Nate was born (11-12-2004) and my son Ben was born (9-28-2006).
My yellow labrador retriever, Maddie, had a twisted stomach, had to have emergency surgery, and almost died. Fortunately she was OK. Of course, it cost over $2000 dollars, but it was definitely worth it.

Please make sure that what you list meets the following criteria:

It happened to you personally.
You are comfortable letting others know about it. (It may be embarrassing. That's OK, but you have to be OK that others know about the experience.)
You can remember it yourself (not someone else telling you about it) and you remember it well enough to tell about it in detail.

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 module more interesting, fun, educational, worthwhile, etc.
Provide 1 rating--Rate the Fear Module on a scale of 1-4 (1=Loved It, 2=Liked It, 3=Didn't Like It, 4=Hated It). Explain your ranking. I'd also like you to answer the poll question on the Fear Module.

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.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

3-12-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies. We watched the final scene from Dead Poets' Society. discussed the movie 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 the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet, Blog Log #1 and/or RIF.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Friday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-What Would You Do? (DUE Friday)
Complete the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. (DUE Friday)
Study for the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. (DUE Friday)
List any questions you have about the upcoming test on the blog entry Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test Questions. (DUE Friday)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

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.

3-11-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Thursday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-What Would You Do? (DUE Thursday)
Complete the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Review Sheet. (DUE Thursday)
Study for the Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test. (DUE Thursday)
List any questions you have about the upcoming test on the blog entry Fear & Dead Poets' Society Test Questions. (DUE Thursday)
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Dead Poets' Society-What Would You Do?

Now that you've seen the movie, respond to the following questions:

Imagine that you were one of Mr. Keating's students. What would be the most meaningful lesson you learned from Mr. Keating? Explain.
What would be your fear? Would Mr. Keating help you overcome that fear? Why or why not
In the final scene, would you choose to stand on your desk? Why or why not?

Please number your answers.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Edina Unplugged for Monday, March 10

Just a reminder that tonight is Edina Unplugged. Please remember that there is no LRT homework assigned for Monday night. Nothing is due for class on Tuesday. Enjoy your "unplugged" evening with your family!

3-10-2008 (A Day) Happenings

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Friday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy. (DUE Wednesday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-The Characters' Fears. (DUE Wednesday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-YAWP and Fear. (DUE Wednesday)
If you'd like, respond to the extra credit blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Knox and Kris. (DUE Wednesday)
Read my responses on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. If you have another question or a comment, post it there.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

3-7-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I will not be in class today. Please follow the blog closely and be respectful to the substitute teacher. Thanks.--Mr. Buckley

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Thursday, March 13)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy. (DUE Thursday, March 13)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-The Characters' Fears. (DUE Thursday, March 13)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-YAWP and Fear. (DUE Thursday, March 13)
If you'd like, respond to the extra credit blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Knox and Kris. (DUE Thursday, March 13)
Read my responses on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. If you have another question or a comment, post it there.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Valley View Middle School on KARE 11 Video

Tonight, Valley View Middle School was featured on KARE 11. If you'd like to see the KARE 11 feature on Valley View Middle School and the FBI-SOS Contest, click below:

KARE 11 Feature--Edina Kids are Tops for Online Safety

Congratulations again to the Valley View Middle School 8th Grade!

Valley View Middle School to be Featured on KARE 11 Tonight

In connection with the FBI-Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge, Valley View Middle School will be featured on tonight's KARE 11 5:00 news during Julie Nelson's Family File segment at approximately 5:20.

Congratulations to ALL 8th Grade Students

Congratulations on winning the FBI-SOS National trophy in back-to-back months! That's never been done before! What an achievement!

I'd also like to thank you for your conduct during today's awards ceremony. You represented Edina, Valley View and yourselves extremely well!

I'm very proud of the efforts and conduct you've shown! Thank you and Congratulations again!

Dead Poets' Society-Review

Now that you've watched Dead Poets' Society, tell us what you thought of the movie.

Rate the movie from 1 to 5 (1 = Hated It; 2 = Didn't Like It; 3 = No Opinion; 4 = Liked It; 5 = Loved It).
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.

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.
What was Neil's fear? Did he confront his fear or run from it? Provide one example to support your answer.
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.

3-6-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Parent Persuasive Speech Evaluation Forms. I handed out the LRT March Calendar and Blog Log #1. I explained how to complete Blog Log #1. I reviewed Part 1 of Dead Poets' Society. We then watched Part 2 of Dead Poets' Society, pausing periodically to answer study questions and discuss the movie. In particular, we addressed Todd's fear of speaking in front of others and pondered what Knox's fear was. We concluded Part 2 after the scene where the group is asking Knox what Kris said after he read the poem to her in front of the class (1 Hour and 30 Minutes into the Movie). Students completed questions 22-56 of the study guide (Answer key is posted on Edline) and we discussed the movie. Students then began responding to the LRT blog (homework).

***Special Note for 5/6 A and 7/8 A--Due to the hockey tournament, I held off showing Dead Poets' Society today. There were too many students missing and it would not be possible for everyone to obtain a copy of the movie. Therefore, I'll modify the schedule over the next few classes to get those two classes caught up. Regardless of the class that you are in today, you should be able to work on Blog Log #1 (105 points) but you should not complete the Dead Poets' Society blogs listed below. Those will be assigned after you see Part 2 of Dead Poets' Society.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Blog Log #1. (DUE Friday, March 14)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy. (DUE Tuesday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-The Characters' Fears. (DUE Tuesday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-YAWP and Fear. (DUE Tuesday)
If you'd like, respond to the extra credit blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Knox and Kris. (DUE Tuesday)
Read my responses on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. If you have another question or a comment, post it there.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

3-10-2008 Weekly Update

Edina Unplugged
Dead Poets' Society Part 3
Fear Module Review
Fear Module Test
Introduction to Personal Experience Speech
RIF

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Dead Poets' Society-Knox and Kris

Knox is deeply infatuated with Kris (some might consider him an unhealthy stalker). Here are a few questions about Knox and Kris:

Do you think Kris likes Knox? Why or why not?
What physical fear reactions do you think Knox experience when he called Kris?
What physical fear reactions do you think Knox had when he kissed Kris?
What physical fear reactions do you think Knox experienced when he read the poem to Kris?
Do you think Knox's actions were crazy, dumb, stupid, nice, romantic, etc? Why?
What do you think will happen with Knox and Kris?

This extra credit assignment is worth 5 bonus points.

Dead Poets' Society-YAWP and 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.

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.
What physical fear reactions do you think Todd may have experienced during this activity?
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:

What do you think Todd's fear is? (We've discussed this in class.)
What do you think Knox's fear is?
What do you think Neil's fear is?

Please number your answers.Publish Post

Dead Poet's Society-Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy

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

Why does Mr. Keating stand on his desk?
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."

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

3-5-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Complete Blog Log #1 (DUE Thursday, March 13).
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Mr. Keating vs. Welton Academy. (DUE Friday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-The Characters' Fears. (DUE Friday)
Respond to the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-YAWP and Fear. (DUE Friday)
If you'd like, respond to the extra credit blog entry Dead Poets' Society-Knox and Kris. (DUE Friday)
Read my responses on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. If you have another question or a comment, post it there.
If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Congratulations 2nd Semester LRT Students

Congratulations to Mr. Buckley's 2nd Semester LRT students as they placed first in the February National FBI-SOS Internet Challenge. On Thursday, March 6th, a special agent for the FBI will visit Valley View Middle School to award the National FBI-SOS Trophy to the 8th grade students! Congratulations!

3-4-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Dead Poets' Society Permission Slips. I returned the Communication Theory Module Test, students checked their answers and I reviewed any questions that the class had regarding the test. I collected the Parent Persuasive Speech Evaluation Form. 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 Video 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. In particular, we addressed Todd's fear of speaking in front of others. 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 (Answer key is posted on Edline) and we discussed the movie. Students then began responding to the LRT blog (homework).

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Respond to the poll Now that you've completed your Parent Persuasive Speech, tell us what answer you received? (DUE Thursday)
Comment on the blog entry Parent Persuasive Speech Results & Reaction. (DUE Thursday)
Comment on the blog entries Dead Poets' Society-Rip It Out and Dead Poets' Society-Todd. (DUE Thursday)
Read the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-O Captain! My Captain! If you'd like to post a comment, you may do so for 5 bonus points. (DUE Thursday)
If you have any questions about the movie so far, comment on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. (DUE Thursday)
Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following:

Create a new tab and label it My Interests. This refers to any appropriate site that you are personally interested in. For example, I may choose a Packers blog for My Interests page.
Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to My Interests.

If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Monday, March 3, 2008

3-3-2008 (B Day) Happenings

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments

Respond to the poll Now that you've completed your Parent Persuasive Speech, tell us what answer you received? (DUE Wednesday)
Comment on the blog entry Parent Persuasive Speech Results & Reaction. (DUE Wednesday)
Comment on the blog entries Dead Poets' Society-Rip It Out and Dead Poets' Society-Todd. (DUE Wednesday)
Read the blog entry Dead Poets' Society-O Captain! My Captain! If you'd like to post a comment, you may do so for 5 bonus points. (DUE Wednesday)
If you have any questions about the movie so far, comment on the blog entry Questions About Dead Poets' Society. (DUE Wednesday)
Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following:

Create a new tab and label it My Interests. This refers to any appropriate site that you are personally interested in. For example, I may choose a Packers blog for My Interests page.
Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to My Interests.

If you'd like, vote on the polls.
Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
Bring all supplies to class.

Parent Persuasive Speech Results & Reaction

You should have completed your Parent Persuasive Speech. Please share your experience:

What did you ask for?
What was the best reason you provided?
Did your parent(s) say Yes, No, Maybe, Later, or something else?
What was the reason(s) for their answer?
Was this a good activity? Why or why not?

Dead Poets Society--Any Questions?

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, record it in your blog log for 5 bonus points.