Voz

Okay, so every time I comment on this blog, I can’t help to notice the many different types of voices. By voice I mean each individual person’s writing style. Some people have a very casual way of writing, almost as if they were having a friendly chat with the reader. Others are more formal and reserved, writing only to inform and/or convince and nothing else. Some people write almost exactly like they speak; still others take on an entire different style from their usual way of communicating. Whatever the case, everyone has a different way of writing, a different voice. That being said, what do you think your voice sounds like? Do you think other people see your voice the same way you do? Are there any particular writing styles that you like? Any that rub you the wrong way? Is there such thing as too much voice?

Also, I thought it’d be fun if every time a person commented, they would describe how they “hear” the voice of someone who has commented before them.

Cat Golner
Period II

Why Read Shakespeare?

This maybe a good reason:  Your Brain on Shakespeare: How the Bard Makes You Smarter

What do you think?

What's Your Curriculum?

Awesome!

Let Kids Rule the School

If given a similar opportunity, what would you choose to learn? How would it be taught and assessed? Think of topics in each subject.  How do YOU want to spend each period of the day?

A Story.

Mr. Bryant and I have a favorite blog post. It's intelligent.  It shares art and a story.

In Love with A. Lincoln by Maira Kalman

Take some time to truly appreciate the art, the story, and Maira Kalman's words.

When you do comment, we would like it to be insightful.  Use two pieces of art and commentary and reflect on the point of view of the author, and what you know about Lincoln.

Take this challenge to WOW us with your perspectives.

Mrs. Powers and Mr. Bryant

Characteristics of a Leader

Okay, so for weeks I’ve been trying to figure out what to write about on this blog, coming up with many ideas and then deciding they were all [expletive]. Now, seeing Sisco’s post, I realized that I have to speed it up a little. So I decided, why not write about something I tend to obsess over?

I find myself to be fixated on the many different personalities that I encounter on a day-to-day basis, but there is a certain type of person that never ceases to fascinate me. This type of person has a wide circle of friends (or better said, followers) and is usually either respected or feared. He may be the captain of the basketball team, motivating his team to play better every day. She may be the cliquey mean girl who is the target of much gossip and envy, and yet no one ever says anything remotely not-nice to her face. He may even be that one kid who realizes that every person in his designated project group is a moron, ends up taking charge of the situation so as not to fail, and realizes that, hey, he’s good at it!

These people are leaders. (Obviously, some more than others.) They may know it, or they may not. They tend to be comfortable talking in front of others, taking responsibility, and designating roles in activities such as group projects. These are just some of the characteristics that most leaders possess. Now I am asking, what are some important characteristics a leader must have to be successful? What are some different types of leadership styles? How do characteristics vary between different types of leaders? What are some examples of great leaders throughout history?

Sorry, guys, no NY Times article for this one. Or better said, not yet. ;)

Cat Golner

Period II

Reading Devices

After reading this article E-Readers Catch Younger Eyes and Go in Backpacks, I realized just how popular reading devices such as the Kindle and the Nook are becoming.
I personally welcome this change, but I have also heard from others that say that the devices can't compare to "traditional" books. Which do you think is better: a reading device, or a "traditional" book? Why?

Francisco Rivera
Thank you for letting me blog, Mrs. Powers :)!

Brought you to the water - now DRINK!

Teaching is a metaphor. Constantly.  Sometimes it drains me; sometimes it inspires me.  Other times, I just laugh because, honestly, you guys crack me up! 

After reading this blog post, I realized that every day of my life is, in fact, a metaphor.  Guest Post: James Geary on Metaphor, A Taxonomy

In an effort (nerdy) to figure out what type of metaphor-user I am, I tried to place the metaphors I use regularly into James Geary's categories.  I found I am mostly an equal-opportunity employer of metaphor. 

How often or when do you use metaphors? Why?  What would the world look like without the use of metaphor? What if we didn't use this ability to draw these comparisons in order to explain what a thing is (or is not)? How does using metaphor allow us to expand communication (written and oral) in a way that allows us to add more detail to our point of view? How important is this technique?