I hate goodbyes. Blog Prompt #10 5/4/11

By Meredith M

If you thought prompt #8 was long, I’m laughing in your face. Enjoy.

I read the prompt and then it came back to me. These emotions, oh I hate sadness, flooded back in my mind. Just a few months ago, I was a measly, tiny, immature freshie who looked like they had just come out kiddie school. But, now I’m torn. I’m going to be a sophomore. That means only 3 more years of public schooling! Since when did I get to be so old? Despite the challenges, I actually enjoyed freshman year. I mean the endless freshman jokes, the lack of knowledge I didn’t know about the real world (you know what I mean) and hard classes were pretty bad, but I got over that. I’m in high school now! Ahhhhh!!!! It took a while for me to realize (cue music) I’m a big kid now! I get to go to school in the best place in the world and have the best friends in the world. Now what else could a girl want? Maybe some sleep, I’m exhausted.

I think language arts has been my favorite class. It has the best people in it and you guys lift me up when I’m feeling down. We’ve had so much fun from having pizza parties (Thanks, Mr. Collins!) to stressing for stand and delivers to holding official peanut gallery sessions. You guys rock!

But believe it or not, I’ve had time to learn! I’m supposed to think back to my summer essay and reflect, but I’d rather not. It was quite an atrocity. Mrs. Weintraub, thank you for the 50%. You did me a favor, but I didn’t realize it then. So, I give you a long overdue thanks. Let’s just say, I was a failure child. My writing was absolutely horrendous and now it’s somewhat readable. Hallelujah! My reading, on the other hand, is actually not that bad! I now start to analyze text right off the bat. I am reading more and more. Ninth Lit has definitely made me a better reader and writer.

Ohh…Media Literacy. It’s definitely a love/hate relationship. You basically made out my childhood to be a complete waste of Disney and told me I was a juvenile delinquent who believes everything the media throws at me. But, no! I proved you wrong. My parents did indeed do a good job. I am fully media literate to the point in which I have to force myself to not find underlying meanings in movies and music. I was watching Rio the other day with a few friends, and that movie was not appropriate for children! Mrs. Weintraub, you have shaped me well. Also, the major presentation the media literacy unit threw at me was one of the most stressful and scary thing I have ever been through in terms of school. I overcame it and have since grown as an oral presenter.

What new strategies do I use in reading difficult texts? This was the first year I had to analyze difficult texts. So, every strategy from looking for imagery to marking text was a learning experience. Let me rephrase. It was very, very hard and I didn’t understand at first and sometimes I still don’t, but once I really sit down and work a lightbulb goes off.

My favorite unit of instruction this year was Romeo & Juliet. It was absolutely divine! From discussing to watching movies to skits, it was an amazing experience. I think the skits were my favorite. They were so funny, I would start crying. I don’t know if they really helped my understanding of the text as much as they did cheer me up. I say my all time favorite was the balcony remix. From brainstorming the skits (or lack thereof. Rebecca!) to performing them in front of a distinguished panel (the best class, teacher and her husband), it was amazingly perfect.

This year has been a whirlwind and its bittersweet to wish it goodbye. I think it is more sad that happy. It’s been filled with new experiences (good and bad) and friends that feel like family , but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Mrs. Weintraub, you are the best lit teacher in the world and I couldn’t have asked for better! And, 6th period, you already know this, but you officially rock the world!

The Circle of Literature Blog Prompt #9 4/17/11

By Meredith M

My epically awesome to the highest extent lit circle chose the equally awesome book (hopefully) Between Shades of Gray By Ruta Sepetys. Yes, it was a long and tiresome road getting to this choice however. Why? Well, while it may seem easy to pick a book for a lit circle it is a serious and hard task because of conflicting personalities. Personally, I like reading sad sobby stories. Lauren prefers African tales. Sharon’s already read everything in the library. Apurva likes books about the Holocaust and lastly Sanya likes those dark, romantic, wizard, vampire, underworld type books. Quite a variety I may say! We chose this title on a vote and let’s just say it wasn’t unanimous…It was quite a brawl to get to this book. (Brawl is now in my vocabulary. Thanks, Shakespeare.) I think we mainly chose this book because Apurva brought it to us and it got good reviews. Personally, I voted for it because I hope (fingers crossed) it will have a multitude of literary elements I know we’re going to have to find. I also hope it’s sobby and sad, but ends nicely. (Hasn’t Disney formed me as a person?) So, I hope it has all of these elements; I know I have high expectations. Group wise, I hope we have a nice group dynamic. I think it will be Lauren cracking up and trying to focus. Sanya will get in her huffy mood trying to tame Lauren, but then get all mellow and literary. Apurva will keep us straight going, “Come on, guys. We have to work.” Sharon will be, well I’m sorry Sharon, I don’t know how you’ll be. Lastly, I will probably do all my work just in an interesting way. Basically, nothing will be done during class unless we are allowed to bring in food. Mrs. Weintraub, we love you and I can bring in some yummy brownies, please?

Group work is interesting. Let’s just say it’s a love/hate relationship. It all depends about the people in the group. So, generally I dread it especially if we are all assigned into groups. But, in this case I was able to be with my literary friends and I feel we will have wonderful discussions. In my experience with group work, it is not a productive way to learn material, but it is a productive way to learn how to work with others. I think this is a secret way for teachers to teach us skills we will have to use in the real world. (Oops! I let the secret out! Don’t tell Mrs. Weintraub!)

I am really looking forward to all of this fun we are going to have with our literature circles!

McGillicuddy

Pondering…. Blog Prompt #8 3/29/11

By Meredith M

Mrs. Weintraub I apologize in advance for having an insanely long blog post. I just had a lot to say….

Oh, Romeo, Romeo and Juliet you too… You just make me confused. Why? Because when asked if I like you or not, I have no idea once-so-ever. Ugh…. You have kept me up at night wondering what would have happened if this or that was changed! Yet you’re so predictable and I hate that. I seriously have a case of jumbled emotions. Overall, I felt you didn’t live up to these expectations I’ve had since I was little. You most definitely were not the best tragedy or love story in the world. You need to live up to these expectations! So, I’m melancholy about the whole thing. Sad, because I had to let another story go and I was attached to you as characters and I’m a hopeless romantic and like reading those kind of things. Happy, because your writer makes everything so poetic and cheesy! Sorry, Shakespeare, just giving you some constructive criticism!

I think Romeo and Juliet made me a more critical reader. I really hated the book sometimes because I had to “translate” the text. I enjoyed finding all of Mercutio’s double entendres. (I think he was my favorite character, he’s so crazy!)I learned tons of literary elements and how to find them in text. I look at text now a little bit harder and try to wonder what it all really means.

I am not tempted to read more Shakespeare even though I know I’m going to have to. Shakespeare’s like the child who was an okay musician, but then a scout who had never seen him declared him a prodigy. Of course, the press had to get on the scene, so he’s all worked up. When someone with fresh eyes looks at his work, it’s not that good. It so did not live up to my expectations.

Cinderella has once again let us down…. Prompt #7 3/7/11

By Meredith M

Oh, love at first sight! This is what we (at least the girls) dream of. The kind of thing where you’re sitting casually somewhere not really looking for love, but then  a the boy comes along. You look deep into each others souls and then run off into the sunset, as though destined for each other. Quite a fantasy, right? However yet again, Cinderella has let us down. Girls (and maybe even guys, I wouldn’t know) dream of this whole entire love at first sight experience. However, love at first sight doesn’t exist in the real world, only in the brain. I mean, if let’s say a girl were to see a guy at school every single day and then somehow declare it love at first sight, it wouldn’t be true because technically when she met him in the nursery there were none of those kind of feelings. Although, if a girl were to see the new guy at school and suddenly be “in love”, it still wouldn’t be love at first sight. This is so because the feeling is probably not mutual. To me, love at first sight goes something like, “OMG I heart you a lot”, “I heart you, too.”, “Let’s get married to profess our love like tonight”. This would be the first time they looked at each other and they would have to stay together forever because love is for eternity. Now you go show me an example of this! Now, I know many of you will be like what about Kelly from Live with Regis and Kelly? No, her love with Mark was not love at first sight. Elopement is not love at first sight because they knew and saw each other before that time. So, what I’m trying to say is, while I’d love love at first sight to be true, it isn’t realistic even though it is a lot easier to fall in love this way.

 

Preconceived Notions Blog Prompt #6 2/28/11

By Meredith M.

“Oh Romeo, Oh Romeo” Oh puh-lease! Although I seem to be an open minded person at first, I prove to be a very stubborn with my opinions. Growing up, my father told me two authors who are extremely overrated: Ernest Hemingway and Shakespeare. I got to obey my father! While these authors may seem overrated, they are a right of passage. It’s kind of like prom; if you don’t go you’re missing out. As most of you know I’m a huge Brady Bunch fan. When Ms. Weintraub told us we would be reading Romeo and Juliet, I couldn’t stop thinking about big- headed Marsha getting kicked out of the play and Jan and Peter mixing up their lines. So basically, I started thinking of movies and TV shows, and I realized I better start reading this so-called classic, so I can fully understand what they’re talking about! Now I have decided I’m okay with this book, so everyone is probably wondering why, right? Well, I love those mushy-gushy (yes that’s a word) love stories and one that ends in tragedy, so I’m totally going to approach this one with my book right in hand. However, secretly I’ll be having movie marathons of Romeo and Juliet movies at my house to fully understand the story because I’m sure it’s going to be hard to understand. Oh, that’s a preconceived notion! Well, everyone I say we should having viewing parties at my house! Cheez-its anyone?

Romeo and Juliet Play Response Blog Prompt #4 2/2/11

By Meredith M

When walking into the auditorium to see Romeo and Juliet, I didn’t have high hopes. It wasn’t because I don’t like seeing plays, but because romance really isn’t my thing especially when they die at the end! I was proven wrong, I thought the play was wonderful as I left with the warm and fuzzy feeling(which is a good sign Meredith liked it). However, there were a few things I didn’t particularly enjoy about the play. Firstly, there were four actors, but ten or so parts. I kept on getting confused and couldn’t keep up. I just ended up only focusing on Romeo, Juliet and Juliet’s nurse. Also, I didn’t like all the kissing. Come on! I know they were in love and all, but we already know it. There is absolutely no reason to share that with us again and again and again.

My favorite character in the play was Juliet’s nurse. I loved how she understood that Juliet really loved Romeo and despite the fact Juliet’s parents wouldn’t like it, she was going to help Romeo and Juliet get together. Another thing I loved about her was her accent. I suppose I have a soft spot for those accents, but doesn’t everyone? The actress portraying her did a wonderful job with the accent; it was almost believable. Overall, I thought the play was absolutely marvelous in a very surprising way.

Movie Review Blog Prompt #3 1/26/11

By Meredith M

The Devils Wears Prada is a wonderful example of a movie that is all about stereotypes, but shows that if you try you can overcome them. The movie shows good and bad examples of stereotyping. For example, Andy, the protagonist in the film applies for a job in Runway, the most popular fashion magazine. Andy has ragged hair, wears no makeup and hideous skirts and shoes. This could be seen as stereotyping;  one must be fashionable to work in a fashion magazine. Andy is seen like a feather. She needs someone to catch her (like her boyfriend). She ends up changing her style, which could be interpreted to say that one must fall into peer pressure. But, she proves to be above the “clackers” (the people that work at the magazine) and eventually quits her job. This could be interpreted to say stand up for yourself.

Also, Miranda, the head of Runway is notorious for being cruel and demanding. She shows an odd resemblance to Ursula from The Little Mermaid and Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmatians.  However, she is prettier and more fashionable. One could also say that a woman at the head of a magazine is amazing and shows women can show men who’s boss. But, since Miranda is so cruel I feel that cancels out the feeling. Overall, I feel The Devil Wears Prada is non-stereotypical because almost all the characters overcome the stereotypes.

My Own News Program Blog Prompt #2 1/18/11

By Meredith M

If I had the opportunity to produce a teen news program, I would go to town. I mean wouldn’t the opportunity be amazing? What kid doesn’t play news program in the mirror with their toothbrush?

Okay, now everyone is laughing at me because I’m the only one who does that.

Well, as the producer I would select the news stories that would go into the program. Now, teens are often the hardest to please, so the news would have to be short and sweet.

Okay enough dawdling, here’s what I’m thinking:

First, the news program would start with a catchy intro because everyone loves that. I’m thinking something like the Brady Bunch intro.

Second, this segment would start after a short hello from the hostess. This would highlight this week’s top music and a short period of random dancing. (iCarly is always on in my house, can you tell?)

After this random dancing would be a segment on what’s happening in hollywood, bollywood and anything else that rhymes with wood. Maybe that’s what I will call the segment. Basically it will highlight on what happened: premieres, breakups, makeups, etc. However this segment will not touch on any drug overdoses or anything of that nature. I feel this is depressing and a bad example.

Then, the program would touch on good teen volunteers. I always love the segments on the shows that highlight those helping the world, but more often that not they are always children or old people, so this would be a chance for teens to get the word out about their projects.

Lastly the news program will end in a short piece of advice or quote of the day. It would be something motivational, but not too fortune cookie. These pieces of advice will be written with teens in mind.

And now, this is Meredith signing off. Adios, amigos.

Oh wait this is a blog prompt, not a news program. Well, this was fun. Thanks Ms. Weintraub for a fun blog prompt this week!

Second Semester Blog Prompt #1 1/5/2011

By Meredith M

Goals in my mind are a way of life. My whole entire day is filled with small goals and such which serve as my incentive. So, when Ms. Weintraub asked us to come up with a goal for second semester it came to me.

MY GOAL: I will earn an A average by myself (without the seven points) in Literature class.

MY STRATEGIES: I will not cram for each and every test. I will work to be a better reader by taking notes, annotating and fully completing the questions. Also, I will work very hard to understand the concept the unit is trying to put across. I will work to the best of my abilities to carry out these tasks.

I feel this goal will encourage me to work harder. Every time I don’t feel like studying, I will just look at this blog prompt and it will motivate me.

Propaganda Prompt #10 11/15/10

By Meredith M.

Propaganda….Good or Bad? That’s the question…. The answer is… well…..this is all opinion, so I’m gonna give mine.

Let’s start with the definition.

Personally, I believe propaganda is any communication whether it’s books, posters, commercials or whatever that is used to portray an image that someone could possibly disagree with.

In my opinion… propaganda can be good. done. I said it. Ok, I know now a lot of you will go and look up tons of bad propaganda…whatever, but don’t do that until….

BUT….

it’s mostly used in bad ways, but that is a personal opinion.

Some examples of good propaganda are

Characters on healthy cereal boxes. Haven’t any of you seen those cute little mini wheaties characters. Cute, right? Good for your health? Yep! Bad tasting, definetly yep! But it will help all those 6-year olds eat their disgusting, healthy breakfast. Because Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Ok.. how about those spongebob chicken noodle soup! I hated chicken noodle soup when I was a kid, but once spongebob was introduced into the chicken noodle soup picture…Yummy!!! I think I want some spongebob chicken noodle soup tonight actually……hmmm……..I think I will….okay off to make it….

I’m back… Who knew good propaganda could be so yummy?

Lastly, I’m on a roll… Have you seen the Got Milk? commercials… Actually, yes you have. They encourage people to get their daily dose of calcium and increase bone density, and all that stuff through pencils and commercials. Pretty cool, right? I actually have one of those pencils.

So…propaganda can be used in a good way, however it is typically used in a bad way.