Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Chapter 11 Summary
Chapter 11 Summary:
On the train, Wang Lung tries to learn what life will be like in the south. Some men teach him how to beg, but Wang Lung is distraught at the prospect of begging and hopes that he will be able to find work. When they reach their destination, Wang Lung's family purchases mats to build a hut and goes to the public kitchens to buy cheap rice gruel. They are forbidden to carry any of the food home out of concern that the wealthy are using it to feed their pigs. O-lan and the two boys are forced to earn money by begging. Wang Lung finds a job pulling a rickshaw, and, with effort, he is able to earn enough money to feed his family. Over time, he learns how to haggle for a good price. At first the family is discouraged. Even though Wang Lung works and the others beg, they can do no more than earn enough money to eat. They feel like foreigners in their own country until they see the Westerners living in the city, who are more foreign than they are.
On the train, Wang Lung tries to learn what life will be like in the south. Some men teach him how to beg, but Wang Lung is distraught at the prospect of begging and hopes that he will be able to find work. When they reach their destination, Wang Lung's family purchases mats to build a hut and goes to the public kitchens to buy cheap rice gruel. They are forbidden to carry any of the food home out of concern that the wealthy are using it to feed their pigs. O-lan and the two boys are forced to earn money by begging. Wang Lung finds a job pulling a rickshaw, and, with effort, he is able to earn enough money to feed his family. Over time, he learns how to haggle for a good price. At first the family is discouraged. Even though Wang Lung works and the others beg, they can do no more than earn enough money to eat. They feel like foreigners in their own country until they see the Westerners living in the city, who are more foreign than they are.
Chapter 10 Summary
Summary: Chapter 10
Carrying his old father on his back, Wang Lung makes his way through the town with his family. As he walks through the town, Wang Lung is bitter at the gods for their failure to help him, and refuses to turn to acknowledge the statues commemorating the gods. He hears of a “firewagon,” or train, that can take his family south more quickly than they could walk. Everywhere in town, crowds are assembling to go south in search of food. Outside the crumbling House of Hwang, a tattered group of starving men curses the Hwangs, who drink wine while people are starving. Wang and his family join the throng traveling to the train station, and though Wang Lung distrusts the loud, massive firewagon, he and his family board the train and travel away from the village.
Carrying his old father on his back, Wang Lung makes his way through the town with his family. As he walks through the town, Wang Lung is bitter at the gods for their failure to help him, and refuses to turn to acknowledge the statues commemorating the gods. He hears of a “firewagon,” or train, that can take his family south more quickly than they could walk. Everywhere in town, crowds are assembling to go south in search of food. Outside the crumbling House of Hwang, a tattered group of starving men curses the Hwangs, who drink wine while people are starving. Wang and his family join the throng traveling to the train station, and though Wang Lung distrusts the loud, massive firewagon, he and his family board the train and travel away from the village.
Chapter 9 Summary
Summary: Chapter 9
A famine settles across the land. Wang Lung's neighbor Ching reports that some people are eating human flesh. Ching took part in the attack on Wang Lung's home, and now, feeling guilty, he gives Wang Lung a handful of beans. O-lan gives birth to another daughter. This time, she strangles the baby so that it will not be an impossible burden on the family. Wang Lung goes to bury the tiny corpse, but a ravenous dog lies in wait to eat the body and refuses to leave. So weak from hunger that he is almost unable to support himself, Wang Lung leaves the body to the dog. Wang Lung's uncle comes with men from town to ask Wang Lung to sell some of his land; the uncle thinks that he can force Wang Lung into selling for a low price, even though the uncle himself gave Wang Lung a great deal of advice about the importance of helping one's relatives. Wang Lung refuses, but he does sell them his furniture. In despair over the death of his infant daughter and the disloyal behavior of his uncle, Wang Lung decides that the only way for the family to survive is to move south, away from the famine.
A famine settles across the land. Wang Lung's neighbor Ching reports that some people are eating human flesh. Ching took part in the attack on Wang Lung's home, and now, feeling guilty, he gives Wang Lung a handful of beans. O-lan gives birth to another daughter. This time, she strangles the baby so that it will not be an impossible burden on the family. Wang Lung goes to bury the tiny corpse, but a ravenous dog lies in wait to eat the body and refuses to leave. So weak from hunger that he is almost unable to support himself, Wang Lung leaves the body to the dog. Wang Lung's uncle comes with men from town to ask Wang Lung to sell some of his land; the uncle thinks that he can force Wang Lung into selling for a low price, even though the uncle himself gave Wang Lung a great deal of advice about the importance of helping one's relatives. Wang Lung refuses, but he does sell them his furniture. In despair over the death of his infant daughter and the disloyal behavior of his uncle, Wang Lung decides that the only way for the family to survive is to move south, away from the famine.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
EXTRA CREDIT: "Beautiful" sung by Christina Aguilera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdYQX8J-FFo
This video reminds me of a certain character from "The Good Earth". Who do you think of? Why?
This video reminds me of a certain character from "The Good Earth". Who do you think of? Why?
"Don't Give Up" sung by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush
This video reminds me of Wang Lung and O-lan's struggle during the famine. The words of the song reflect their deep love and support for one another. Wang Lung goes against Chinese tradition, and gives the few beans that he has to his wife and not to his father.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Vocabulary for Chapter One of "The Good Earth"
cauldron = a vessel used for boiling water
kowtow = to bow
fruition = to bear fruit
fortuitious = accidental, by chance
indefatigable = tireless
unctious = insincerity in speech
patriarchal = having to do with a male influenced society
deference = respect toward an elder
derision = to use ridicule to show contempt
placid = calm, serene
stolid = unemotional
kowtow = to bow
fruition = to bear fruit
fortuitious = accidental, by chance
indefatigable = tireless
unctious = insincerity in speech
patriarchal = having to do with a male influenced society
deference = respect toward an elder
derision = to use ridicule to show contempt
placid = calm, serene
stolid = unemotional
Homework for the Week of September 8, 2008
1. Read article entitled, "Farming in Ancient China"
2. Answer questions in Interactive Reading Guide
3. Read Chapter One of "The Good Earth"
4. Answer Chapter One questions in Student Packet
5. Learn the definitions of vocabulary for Chapter One
2. Answer questions in Interactive Reading Guide
3. Read Chapter One of "The Good Earth"
4. Answer Chapter One questions in Student Packet
5. Learn the definitions of vocabulary for Chapter One
Saturday, September 6, 2008
6th Grade Language Arts
The students in 6th grade Language Arts are studying myths and folk tales. This past week they read an African myth entitled, "Rice, Cassava and Hunger." This story explains how God created Hunger to teach gratitude.In the photo (above) Done is brainstorming with Sir Aivlys in order to create their own story that teaches a lesson.
8th grade Language Arts: Building Background Knowledge: Farming in Rural China
Millions of farmers living in rural China use traditional farming techniques that have been used for centuries. Farmers use plows pulled by water buffalo. If a farmer cannot afford a water buffalo, he or she must work the land with a hand hoe. Talk about a workout! Today many farmers in China use diesel plows. But diesel fuel is expensive. The recent high cost of fuel has forced many farmers to return to traditional methods.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Reflections on Summer School
What a pleasure it was to teach Sanquan, James, Eduardo and Gerald this summer! I'm reminded what education researchers have been saying for years...smaller classes have a huge impact on student learning. Having taught classes upwards of 30 to 31 students, I was amazed at what my students were able to accomplish this summer in a small setting.
For starters, there were was no drama in the classroom. There were fewer students to perform for or to get into altercations with. Suddenly the most interesting thing in the room was the work at hand. Sanquan's dream is to become a comedian. He's a natural performer and has a great sense of humor. In a small class I was able to laugh when he was legitimately funny and give subtle signals when his humor was mean-spirited or inappropriate.
Second, I was able to quickly assess where a particular student was academically and provide appropriate feedback and scaffolding to take him to the next level.
Lastly and most importantly they learned! James was able to explain how the universe was born from a single explosion to form the universe as we know it. Sanquan took an immediate interest in the concept of "exponential growth" and created several visuals to show this. For far too long inner city students have become accustomed to chaotic classrooms where not much learning takes place. In education we search for that magic bullet. There are always "new" strategies and approaches that make the veteran teacher's eyes roll back into their heads, "Not another "new" approach!" Someday when public education is funded as it should be, we might finally have small classes where children can learn.
For starters, there were was no drama in the classroom. There were fewer students to perform for or to get into altercations with. Suddenly the most interesting thing in the room was the work at hand. Sanquan's dream is to become a comedian. He's a natural performer and has a great sense of humor. In a small class I was able to laugh when he was legitimately funny and give subtle signals when his humor was mean-spirited or inappropriate.
Second, I was able to quickly assess where a particular student was academically and provide appropriate feedback and scaffolding to take him to the next level.
Lastly and most importantly they learned! James was able to explain how the universe was born from a single explosion to form the universe as we know it. Sanquan took an immediate interest in the concept of "exponential growth" and created several visuals to show this. For far too long inner city students have become accustomed to chaotic classrooms where not much learning takes place. In education we search for that magic bullet. There are always "new" strategies and approaches that make the veteran teacher's eyes roll back into their heads, "Not another "new" approach!" Someday when public education is funded as it should be, we might finally have small classes where children can learn.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Smart Mouth!
When Eduardo, James, Gerald and Sanquan want to take a break from their work, they like to play "Smart Mouth". They have to think of words using a beginning letter and ending letter. Mr. Dawkins is a very patient man.
Eduardo's Social Studies Report
Eduardo is writing a report about the ancient Maya. In his report Eduardo explains the achievements that the Maya made in math and science.
James' Science Report
James is writing a report about the origins of our solar system. His paper includes the Big Bang theory and how the sun and the planets were formed.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Sanquan's Science Research Paper
Sanquan is reading an article from the Science section of the Washington Post. He's working on a research paper that describes the impact a small brown snake has had on the Pacific island of Guam where the snake has no natural predators. To find out what happens to the other animals on Guam, you have to read Sanquan's report.
Gerald's Mystery
Gerald is writing a fantastic mystery about an airplane that mysteriously crashes. To find out who caused the crash you have to read his story!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Academic Year 2008-2009
Classroom Rituals and Routines:
1. Opening Meeting
Warm-Up
Homework Check
2. Instructional Time
Read Aloud/Think Aloud
Mini-Lesson
3. Work Period
Work in Groups
4. Closing Meeting
Assign Homework
Review Strategies
Review Vocabulary
Assessments
On-Demand Tasks, Tests, and Quizzes 20% of Your Final Grade
In Class Assessments (Speaking/Listening) 10% of Your Final Grade
Portfolio Products and Homework 70% of Your Final Grade
Every portfolio entry will be assessed with a rubric. In the rubric, Exceeds the Standard equals 100% of the possible points, Meets the Standard equals 90% of the possible points, and Work that Does Not Meet the Standard (Almost Meets or More Learning Needed) equals 59% of the possible points.
Grading Policy for the Class
To get an A in the class, you must get at least 94% of the possible points.
To get a B in the class, you must get at least 85% of the possible points.
To get a C in the class, you must get at lease 75% of the possible points.
To get a D in the class, you must get at least 65% of the possible points.
An F in the class is below 65% of the possible points.
1. Opening Meeting
Warm-Up
Homework Check
2. Instructional Time
Read Aloud/Think Aloud
Mini-Lesson
3. Work Period
Work in Groups
4. Closing Meeting
Assign Homework
Review Strategies
Review Vocabulary
Assessments
On-Demand Tasks, Tests, and Quizzes 20% of Your Final Grade
In Class Assessments (Speaking/Listening) 10% of Your Final Grade
Portfolio Products and Homework 70% of Your Final Grade
Every portfolio entry will be assessed with a rubric. In the rubric, Exceeds the Standard equals 100% of the possible points, Meets the Standard equals 90% of the possible points, and Work that Does Not Meet the Standard (Almost Meets or More Learning Needed) equals 59% of the possible points.
Grading Policy for the Class
To get an A in the class, you must get at least 94% of the possible points.
To get a B in the class, you must get at least 85% of the possible points.
To get a C in the class, you must get at lease 75% of the possible points.
To get a D in the class, you must get at least 65% of the possible points.
An F in the class is below 65% of the possible points.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Hola, ABC Students!
Welcome back to ABC! I hope you had a fun summer. I, myself, spent some time at the beach and now I'm well rested and excited to start a new school year!
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