The Day Without Technology...

I am certain at this point that the very thought of being separated from your ______(pick tech of choice and insert) totally freaks some of you out while for others, this will be a piece of cake. To be honest, as a 21st Century man, I find The Day Without Technology totally annoying. I love tech, pure and simple. Take for example the use of this particular site. When I use it, I feel empowered, juiced up and ready to rumble. I know on one hand that people will come to the site and see the work and know that I am more than capable of handling myself when it comes to using and adapting new technology to the classroom. It's an ego stroke. On the other hand, I also know the joy that I find when I do things that are technical, but not technological; like playing music with my kids or writing a really good short story. It's a technical feat, but one that can be accomplished without the use of buttons or a computer.
In spite of the annoyance, I really do believe that Ray (Bradbury) was right all along. That in order to grow we need good soil(books), sunshine(friends/family), and water(Love). The Day Without Technology is just that, a conviently placed excuse to get unplugged from the stuff around us and a means to get back to what we need, each other and no time limit. Plan your day in advanced, work out where to go and who to see and what to do. Most important, take notes on everythting that transpires and then REFLECT...!

P.

Fahrenheit 451 Qnotes.

Hey, sorry that this is so late in posting... Three day weekends have the tendency to be a bit self-indulgent :) Any how, what I was thinking would be good to do would be the obvious continual update from class discussion, but what about this...IF YOU POST A COMMENT IN THE FORM OF A QNOTE OR GET A DISCUSSION THREAD GOING ON ONE OF THE QNOTE QUESTIONS...EXTRA CREDIT TO ALL THOSE INVOVLED. IT HAS TO BE A GOOD QUESTION/DISCUSSION NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU JUST FAKED UP FOR THE CREDIT. Any hoooo, what say you!

P.

To Kill a Mockingbird

All of the Q'Notes for TKAM will be updated at this site. Check back periodically for new info.



Thanks,
P.

Poetic Forms

Everything that you need for Poetic Forms...



Mr. P

Ballads and other things that sing...

I just wanted to give you the info on the Ballad and what the confines are for creating them. Granted, consider that the rules are a generalized framework and not as strict as the rules imply. The Ballad has more wiggle room for imagination than the sonnet. Any how, if you are still struggling with the idea of the ballad, write a ballad about a story or film that you are very familiar with. Use 5 significant events in the story to be the basis for the ballad...really it is just like using a plot line. Reading day on Friday with final drafts due on Tuesday.

Poetry,...and I can't think of a snappy title title!

Poetry is always approached with a bit of levity for me. I know that I already explained this in class, but I just really feel lead to reiterate this idea. Don't get me wrong, I really do like poetry, but every time a student gives me a stack of "their poems" or a parent tells me at back to school night that their son/daughter is a "poetic genius" I inwardly freak out a little. It's not that I doubt their ability or that I don't believe the sincerity with which a parent will support and love their children, I just feel a bit aloof when it comes to making the inevitable judgement on if their work, usually bound in a special binder or other precious covering, is "good". Their is no worse place to be.
On one hand I feel an artists obligation to take a critical eye over their work, to consider all that I have come to learn about the forms and design, to really give them feedback on whether or not the work is, in fact, "good". If I do that I know that I am going to hurt feelings and alienate people who might really respect my opinion. Its the dilemma that is so frustrating. I want to ask them, sometimes, "Why me and my opinion? Isn't the act of creation enough and powerful that you don't require my approval? You didn't ask me if you could make the poem therefore it doesn't require my approval." And yet, I know how they are feeling. It is the sheer delight of having made a phrase that sinks into your skin, the idea that in spite of everything, my words ring true to my own ears and I identify, like a beacon, momentary truth in a very confusing and crazy world. I guess that secretly, poetry is a personal hurdle for me to leap. Clearly the power of the word is undeniable. After having vented all of that (sorry...) I really want you to know, that your work does not require my "approval" of good, bad, or indifferent. What matters is that you made it, love it, and will continue doing so. Be excited, share them with your friends and family. Represent!...
(I can't guarantee that the rest of my entrees for the Poetry unit will be any less weird, maybe that is good, I'm not really sure, but I will try to keep them both interesting and sincere.)
P.
Haiku, Tanka, Cinquain Forms

Sonnet Form/Meter and Rhythm

All is fair in love and war...UPDATED

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE GREAT GATSBY ONLINE. FREE AUDIO PODCAST!!!

The Great Gatsby Online

Just wanted to leave a bit of what we have been putting together in this post for folks who have been sick, or those who are "planning" to be sick. We have just wrapped up the 1st 3 Chapters of The Great Gatsby. Remember, each week has its own theme that applies to what you are looking for in the Double Entry Journal. Hopefully you will enjoy this book as much as I have over the years. I have also included the notes and the first Analytical Paragraph slide for Fridays class.
As always, if you have questions, please be sure to e-mail or stop by.
P.