The Hunger Games: A Different Point of View

Some of you aren't going to like this perspective on The Hunger Games, but I'm going to share it anyway.

Why I Don't Like Hunger Games

I think the author is a little harsh, but she does have some valid points.  Even if you are a Hunger Games groupie, do you see a point in anything she has to say?

Comment away.

Grammar. It does matter. I swear.

Yes,  I know you hate grammar.  You hated Caught'yas, and now the punctuation formulas are getting a bit tiresome.  I know. I know. I know.

If only all of you could get when to use A, B, C noun instead of A, B, conj C.... maybe, then I would be happy.  Someone fails inevitably.

If only you understood what I understand.  One day, you will be the leaders, the bosses, the people in charge, and I don't want your employees laughing behind your back because you don't know when to use their, there, or they're.  I want your future employees to respect you because that will make you successful.  I want your success.  That makes me happy.

Trust me.  Later in life, it will really matter that you know this stuff. It will matter that you can write well and speak properly.  The best part is that you will do it naturally, so it won't even be work.

Read this article. Why is Grammar, Capitalization, and Spelling Important?.

My question to you:  Why do you think it's unimportant?

School Controversy: The Hunger Games

Check out this article:  Schools debate educational value of 'The Hunger Games'

Read this one, too:  ‘Hunger Games’ novel helps teachers hook young readers

Thoughts?

Subject-Verb Agreement

The Hunger Games Trilogy: OMG

I'll admit that I was slow to catch on to this series.  I mean, I remember seeing last year's students cradling the book in their arms and sneaking minutes to read it during my class.  I will also admit that I completely understand their obsession.  I started reading The Hunger Games last Wednesday, and I just finished Mockingjay yesterday.

Wow.  What a story.  In fact, I can't stop thinking about it.  I can't get Katniss and Peeta and Prim and Gale and even Finnick (I grew attached to him) out of my head.

I don't want spoilers for those who haven't read this series because you all should.  Immediately.  In fact, I want to teach this series.  Seriously.  If I can get a sponsor to purchase a class set, I would teach it tomorrow because the themes presented begged to be discussed.

I do want to discuss it with those of you who did read all three books because I'm in desperate need of a debriefing.  Here's the deal, if you read the series and want to participate in a discussion, join me on Goodreads.com. I created a special group just for us to discuss this book.  Look me up, and I will add you to the group.

Oh, and here's a official trailer to the movie.  If you haven't read the book yet, this is amazingly similar to the book.  Maybe it will motivate you to READ!

ps - What should I read next? 

Out with the old, in with the new. (Guest blogger: Tyler Levinson)

      As this is an English blog, I will write about literature. Thoughout my school life, I have been forced to read many "classic" novels, such as Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. While these novels do have modern appeal, they are not very relatable to today's youth (and if you can relate to Holden Caulfield, I pity you). I feel that novels that are considered "Modern Classics" would be more relatable to today's youth readers, and because they are more relatable, students will better understand the themes and emotions that are being conveyed.
      Now, I am not saying we should do away with timeless classics from such writers as Shakespeare, Steinbeck, and Hemingway, I am just saying that we could cut out some of the literary fat (i.e. Nothing but the Truth and Tangerine).
      If you were on the school board, what modern classic would pick to replace Nothing but the Truth or Tangerine and why? Remember, the book should be relatable for guys and girls and be school appropriate.

Tyler Levinson

A Time To Reflect

It's Thanksgiving.  (Duh.)


Usually, people take this time to list what they're a thankful for and express gratitude.  I'm sure you all have done that a million times in your educational careers.


Here's a twist.  

Most Thanksgivings are spent with family and friends; sometimes, it's with those we only see a few times a year.  When I was a young girl (way, way back...), I remember how older members of my family (and friends) would take this opportunity to give advice to the younger generation. Sometimes it was a simple piece of advice. When I was about 12, Lily, a family friend, told me, "Gina, start using Oil of Olay moisturizer everyday now. You will look young when all your friends look like old hags."  It was a fabulous piece of advice.  Sometimes the advice revolves around life lessons like the advice given by my parents, "It's important to manage your finances. Never borrow more than you can repay."

This Thanksgiving take the time to reflect on pieces of advice you have been given recently or in the past, and by whom. Include everything from the mundane to more abstract ideas about character, getting along with others, and so on.

Let's get a good list going. Part two coming soon.....