Service Blogs

Service blogs for both on campus and off campus service need to be posted by May 12.  Together the blogs are worth 50 points.  Remember that visuals are important.  Explain the service done and then reflect on:

  • the value of the service
  • individuals that you worked with
  • your experience working with the larger community

On Campus Service Post

Image

So, you all have been doing a variety of service work around campus and for certain clubs and teachers.  By March 31, create a post that shares with the community the work that you have been doing on campus.  Reflect IMG_0209on your connections to the service work you are doing.  Maybe you are particularly connected to an individual (teacher) that you want to help; or maybe you are passionate about the type of work that you are doing; or maybe your work makes you feel good.  Help your readers understand what you are doing with some visuals.  Remember, be creative and think about how you are presenting yourself and your work in this post.IMG_0145

Ethan Frome Chapters IV and V

Yesterday I asked you to annotate Chapter IV for examples and effects of figurative language.  We talked in class about Wharton’s use of weather, the temperature rose even though it was still cold, which increases the hope and energy Ethan has for his evening with Mattie.  In a paragraph, explain how Wharton uses the cat and the pickle dish in a figurative way.  Discuss how these symbols contribute to the meaning of the scene.  After this post, read and annotate Chapter V which continues the scene.

Engagement with Text

Part of the enjoyment of reading is imagining what characters look like and making predictions about what will happen next.  Reading imaginatively deepens reading comprehension and aids readers to understand themes and figurative language.  At the end of Chapter 3 of Ethan Frome, Zeena is set to spend the next night in Bettsbridge after visiting a doctor hoping to alleviate her “shooting pains.”  Ethan is transfixed by the thought of being alone with Mattie.  Create a post narrating what happens between Ethan and Mattie on this important night.  Try to adopt the writing style of Wharton with descriptive passages, figurative language, interior monologues, and dialog between Ethan and Mattie.  Read and comment on the narratives of the students in your subgroup.  I should also be able to see your avatar with your comments.

Personal Happiness and Responsibility

A central conflict to the novel that we will begin next week is the struggle between personal happiness and fulfilling commitments and responsibilities.  Think about your own struggles with these two powerful influences in our lives.  Write a paragraph (at least 7-10 sentences) and post it in your blog sharing your ideas on the connection between these two and if it is possible for an individual to satisfy both.

Physical Landscapes

Image

One of the many environments or landscapes that impact us as human beings is the physical environment.  Finding landscapes that calm us and inspire us is vital to our sense of balance and being aware of landscapes that cause us anxiety and fear also contribute to our sense of balance and control in the world.  I sometimes will escape to the school garden when I need to think and reflect.  It is a calm and vibrant physical landscape for me.  I sometimes inspect the plants and imagine new projects for the garden.  This relaxes me and brings me positive energy.  Other landscapes that are positive for me are the ocean and rural landscapes.  I enjoy hiking and the ocean is a place where I feel peaceful.  I try to avoid crowded environments with lots of noise.  This doesn’t mean that I dislike big cities, but I do dislikIMG_0259e feeling surrounded by crowds of people.  I need my space.

Ireland Trip '07 077cropped-Ireland-Trip-07-069-2gcd0rt-11l1qxp.jpg