9th Grade Teachers
Nestled in the North-Eastern corner of Pennsylvania, we are Freshmen anxious to share our thoughts with the world! We gladly welcome comments from EVERYONE! To see student work, scroll down to student entries on the right, or select an assignment under teacher assignments and scroll beyond the directions.
Article posted January 23, 2013 at 01:34 PM GMT0 •
comment (19) • Reads 1886
CONSTRUCTION THEORY:
What’s Good and What’s Not (2 sample constructed response for literary theories)
**Note: You only have to complete 1 CR for your assigned theory. I merely provided 2 sample so you all could see a model of a celebrating and criticized CR.**
WHAT’S GOOD
Text: “Let Me Love You” by Ne-Yo
Theory: Humanism (supports texts which promote good morals and teach positive messages)
A humanist would celebrate the text “Let Me Love You” by Ne-Yo.
One reason a humanist would celebrate this text is because the song is about uplifting another person in their time of need. When Ne-Yo sings, “Had no example of a love, that was even remotely real/ How can you understand something that you never had?” it demonstrates his understanding of a person with a difficult past. He also sings his willingness to help be part of the solution with the lyric, “I can help you out with all of that.” A humanist would approve of a text that promotes people helping others.
A second example of Ne-Yo’s understanding is present in the line, “I can see the pain behind your eyes/ It’s been there for quite a while/ I just wanna be the one to remind what it is to smile.” This lyric shows that Ne-Yo acknowledges the other person’s pain, but again also demonstrates his desire to help make a positive change in that person’s life.
In conclusion, the song “Let Me Love You” by Ne-Yo would be celebrated by a humanist.
WHAT’S NOT
Text: “Let Me Love You” by Ne-Yo
Theory: Feminism (supports texts which promote positive female role models)
A feminist would criticize the text “Let Me Love You” by Ne-Yo.
One major reason a feminist would criticize this text is because it implies that women need to be saved by men. The lyrics “Had no example of a love, that was even remotely real/ How can you understand something that you never had/ I can help you out with all of that” implies that the woman to whom Ne-Yo is singing is unable to help herself. She needs Ne-Yo (a man) to come and rescue her.
A second example of Ne-Yo’s beliefe that he needs to rescue this women in present in the line “I can see the pain behind your eyes/ It’s been there for quite a while/ I just wanna be the one to remind what it is to smile.” This lyric shows firstly that Ne-Yo is primarily concerned about her outside appearance (smile). Secondly it show that he feels she can’t make herself smile without a man to “love her.”
In conclusion, the song “Let Me Love You” by Ne-Yo would be criticized by a feminist.
Article posted November 30, 2012 at 12:13 PM GMT0 •
comment (24) • Reads 1168
Look! (Heorism)
Look in the sky. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Underdog or Superman? We have all grown up with the idea of super heroes, but flying dogs and men with capes are a fiction. There are however real heroes in our lives.
To me a hero is someone who (in a way that is above and beyond that of others) helps someone else. In general it requires some kind of sacrifice and/or bravery on the part of the hero. I believe strongly that there are FEW heroes. It is a special title, not easily attained. Being called a hero should be reserved for very special people. Although I can have a personal hero, a public hero needs to serve the community at large.
I do NOT prescribe to the idea that everyone is a hero in their own way. Nor do I believe that someone who helps only himself or herself, or only helps others while first serving themselves denotes heroism. Heroes must be selfless. Do you agree?
Article posted November 30, 2012 at 12:13 PM GMT0 •
comment (24) • Reads 1168
Article posted November 14, 2012 at 12:20 PM GMT0 •
comment (12) • Reads 3477
Greek Mythology Research Project Miss Transue Goddess: Mnemosyne
I. Attention Getter: It’s the end of the day and on your way to the bus, you remember that you need to take your health book home in order to finish your collage. Quickly you run back and grab it. The day is saved! But how did you all of a sudden remember your book? Is it good luck or a mere coincidence? The ancient Greeks would say your memory was a gift of the goddess Mnemosyne.
II. Family Ties: Mnemosyne is the oldest female child of Uranus (the universe) and Gaea (mother Earth). She has six brothers know as Titans and five sisters know as Titanides (
mso-ansi-language:EN">Astma). Her other siblings include three Cyclops and three 100 armed monsters (D'Aulaire 12). She married Zeus after he came to power and gave birth to the nine Muses and later Athena (D'Aulaire 34,
mso-ansi-language:EN">Astma).
III. Physical Appearance: Most often, she is depicted as beautiful brown-haired woman in a green toga. Her eyes are also green (Astma).
IV. Area of Rule and Special Powers: Memory & remembrance are Mnemosyne’s primary areas of rule. Because memory was so important in pre-language times, she also controls the preservation of Earthly history and Earthly knowledge (both related to memory). Its is said that she created the human language and controls time (Mnemosyne).
V. Hierarchy/Power: Mnemosyne (sometimes called Metis) was Zeus’s first wife, BUT since she was also a Titanide she was not allowed rule on Mt. Olympus. She did however have Zeus’s respect and he would often go to her (not Hera) for advice in times of trouble (D'Aulaire 34).
VI. Story Brief: Zeus, wanting to keep Mnemosyne close but not trusting her because she was a Titanide, swallowed her whole by tricking her into changing into the form of a fly. Soon after, Zeus began experiencing pounding headaches. Nine months later, Athena, fully grown and armored, burst forth from Zeus’s head. The cause of Zeus’s discomfort was Mnemosyne who inside Zeus’s head had been forging Athena’s armor (D'Aulaire 34).
VII. Miscellaneous:
It is ironic that Mnosyne (the goddess of memory) is not often remembered when listing greek gods and goddesses
mso-ansi-language:EN">. Also, since she is the goddess of memory, she technically owns ALL stories (Mnemosyne).
VIII. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the next time you find yourself remembering where you lost your wallet, you’ll know who to thank. If you discover yourself reminiscing in tales of our great Nation, you’ll know who inspired you. Whenever you learn to advance yourself in life, you’ll know who gave you the gift. Mnemosyne, the Titanide of Memory.
Article posted November 13, 2012 at 08:54 PM GMT0 •
comment (9) • Reads 1490
Even Better: More or Less the Same
ORIGINAL PARAGRAPH:
A second similarity is their overall, arrogant attitude toward life. This shows in the way they interact with other characters. When General Zaroff says, “I always got my quarry,” he is boasting about how great he is (74). He is even boasting when he says, “I don’t wish you to think me a braggart” (76). Perhaps the General’s most arrogant move was when he left Rainsford go on the first day of the hunt, the day he “missed” seeing Rainsford in the tree. It demonstrated a belief that getting Rainsford another day would be easy. Rainsford is equally arrogant which is most evident during the story’s exposition. Whitney and the yacht’s crew are all scared of Ship Trap Island, but Rainsford is not. It was Rainsford’s lack of fear that kept him above deck on the night he fell off.
REVISED PARAGRAPH:
*fixes parenthetical citation/ added citations for summarized examples
*uses better transitions/ rearranged evidence into time order
*uses better vocabulary and clearer explanations
Their overall, arrogant attitude toward life is also a similarity. Rainsford’s arrogance shows at the top of the story when Whitney and the yacht’s crew are all scared of Ship Trap Island, but Rainsford is not. It was Rainsford’s arrogant lack of fear that kept him above deck on the night he fell off (Conell 68). General Zaroff’s arrogance is most noticeable in the way he interacts with other characters. When talking to Rainsford for the first time, he boasts, “I always got my quarry” (Conell 74). Even the way he says, “I don’t wish you to think me a braggart” is actually boasting (Conell 76). Words are however are not the only proof of Zaroff’s arrogance. The General’s most arrogant move was when he let Rainsford go on the first day of the hunt, the day he “missed” seeing Rainsford in the tree (Conell 80). It demonstrated a belief that getting Rainsford another day would be easy, arrogant!
Works Cited
Connell, Richard. "The Most Dangerous Game." Glencoe Literature Course 4. NewYork, NY: McGraw Hill, 2002. 67-82. Print.
Article posted November 13, 2012 at 08:54 PM GMT0 •
comment (9) • Reads 1490
Raven Mad About Football: October Freewrite (2012 version)
Autumn certainly is an interesting season. School resumes, the leaves change color then fall, and best of all, football begins. I wasn’t always a football fan though. It wasn’t until my college years that I learned the pig-skin glory that is fast becoming America’s favorite pass time.
Choosing a football team was a tough decision because I did not have any pre-existing loyalties. Since I was already well on a path to becoming an English teacher, I choose the only team with a literary connection—the Baltimore RAVENS. Did you know that Edgar Allen Poe (author of “The Raven”) lived and is buried in Baltimore? For my October blog, I thought I would give potential new fans suggestions on how to choose their football team. (Warning: This blog contains many puns. I mean, lots and lots of them. They are kind of bad puns too, so if that will bother you—STOP READING NOW!)
1. Like spending money? You could consider becoming a CHARGERS fan.
2. Fond of a five-finger discount? STEELERS just might be the team for you.
3. Do you always kiss up to teachers and authority figures? The BROWNS sure could use some love.
4. Good with money? The BILLS are an eager franchise.
5. Got frequent flyer miles pilling up? The JETS can help you vacation comfortably.
6. Are you an animal right activist? A plethora of teams will please you: PANTHERS, EAGLES, DOLPHINS, CARDINALS, RAMS, BEARS, and FALCONS to name just a few.
7. Are you in love with your country? You are not alone; PATRIOTS can be found from sea to shining sea.
8. Have an inexplicable predilection for fur hats? The VIKINGS might match your style.
9. Never told a lie in your life? You are already one of the SAINTS.
10. Or you can be like me, RAVEN mad about football.
PS: I dedicated this blog to Curtis S. who gave me some of these ideas in Writing Skills last year.
PSS: I warned you to stop reading.
Article posted October 3, 2012 at 09:06 PM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 578
Article posted September 16, 2012 at 02:53 AM GMT0 •
comment (5) • Reads 811
Gravity-September Freewrite (2012 version)
Crisp autumn has always been my favorite season. Now, technically New Years occurs on the first day of January, but I have always asserted the start of the school year acts more like a new beginning. In Autumn the air smells different, powerful and charged with the potential for change. In line with its fame, this autumn day is full of bluster. I am sitting on my porch, shivering as I watch leaves drift toward the ground, pulled to rest by gravity.
Gravity sure can be a funny thing, It can pull you down, or hold you down. It can entice—sending you toward destinations known only by your sub-conscience or draw opportunity toward you. Without it we may be free or we may be like leaves hopelessly adrift in the autumn winds.
Time blends, years blur together, and moments seem to repeat. Not unhappily, I’ve reached a plateau. I like where I’m at, but I also want more. I can feel the wind blowing, change coming, gravity pulling me somewhere. It is traditional for me to feel this way in autumn; it’s part of the magic of my new year. Sitting on my porch watching the drifting leaves teaches me a lesson. The leaves don’t stay down. Up they go again a few times, rest, then travel on. My journey certainly cannot be over, so perhaps this New Year I’ll blow into a new destination. I won’t resist whatever it is that seems to pull at me so mildly. I’ll embrace my gravity.
Article posted September 16, 2012 at 02:53 AM GMT0 •
comment (5) • Reads 811
Article posted May 3, 2011 at 03:02 AM GMT0 •
comment (5) • Reads 1575
2 txt or nt 2 txt: April Freewrite
hrtz, btshakspherew%dlovtxtspk--As much as it pains me to admit it, there is lot about the texting world that we English teachers should find commendable.. .
CREATIVITY with SPELLING:)
Shakespeare promoted the artistic quality of spelling.Like modern texters, it was common to spell words whichever way made sense at the time.In fact he spelled his own name several different ways.When he wrote, he would spell the same word different ways on the same page.Poets of Shakespeare’s time used to compete with one another to see who was the best poet.One sure way to loose was to spell a word the same way twice within a letter.It took a creative soul to alter spellings but still make sense.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:)
Spelling was once part of the connotation (emotional meaning) of a word.The use of harsher consonants showed more anger or emotional unrest.The use of soft consonant demonstrated kinder emotions.Texters are also in the habit of changing a word’s spelling to demonstrate the mood they are in.
BREVITY & CONFORMITY :(
What Will would NOT like about texts is the conformity of overused abbreviations.He would consider this un-creative and wasteful of good language.Additionally Shakespeare loved to explain his ideas fully.The shortness of text would bother him.He would NEVER create a Twitter account (140 characters, please!)
Article posted March 23, 2011 at 03:33 PM GMT0 •
comment (5) • Reads 2222
My Name’s Sake: May Freewrite
Who were you named after?A grandparent or uncle?A famous author or character from a book?Some folks get named after godparents or special friends of the family.Many share family names passed down for generations.In my family, we have a different kind of tradition.We name our kids after musicians.
My oldest brother is named Kristopher David after Kris Kristopherson and David Crosby.Johnanthan (the second child) was named after John Fogerty.My name was almost Janice (Janis Joplin), but my mom settled on Melanie Carole after Melanie Safka and Carole King.
Most of you should know Carole King.She sang famous songs like “I Feel the Earth Move” “It’s Too Late” “Now and Forever” "Natural Woman” and “You’ve Got a Friend”.Melanie Safka is a lesser known artist.She was one of the artists that played at the original Woodstock.During her career she only ever had one song make the Billboard Chart: “Brand New Key.”
“Brand New Key” has recently been featured in commercials and even the Johnny Knoxville 3D movie.It is not however Melanie’s only notable song.Other songs you might recognize by her are “Lay Down,” “Beautiful People” and a cover version of “Ruby Tuesday” that in my opinion is better than the original Rolling Stones version.She is still producing albums and touring, so I had the honor of meeting her in person in 2002.
My siblings, now all grown up, have started families of their own, and you guessed it. . . some of our kids are named after musicians.Joe named his son Trent after Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.John named his daughter Delilah Rose after a Greatful Dead song, and so the tradition of musical name’s sakes continues.
Article posted March 10, 2011 at 03:00 PM GMT0 •
comment (18) • Reads 3895
United Arab Emirates-December Freewrite
What does a dessert have to offer besides sand and dehydration? If the dessert is triangled between Oman, Sudia Arbia, & Qatar alongside the Arabian Gulf & the Gulf of Oman, then there is much delight and joy to be had (Emirates).Welcome to the United Arab Emirates!
1. The UAE internet country code is “ae” (“Middle”).
2. UAE was once controlled by Ottoman Empire, Persia, Portugal, and Britain (Wikipedia, Emirates).
3. It’s the home of famous cities Abu Dhabi and Dubai (Wikipedia).
4. UAE was formerly a giant in the pearling industry (gathering and selling of pearls); now it hosts the 6th Largest oil reserves in the world (Wikipedia).
5. The UAE also produces natural gas like we do in PA (“Middle”).
6. The laws of UAE are considered liberal for the region; it’s government is a constitutional monarchy (Wikipedia).
7. Men from the UAE wear a kandura (ankle-length white tunic) and women wear an abaya (black over-garment covering most parts of the body.), but Western attire is accepted (Wikipedia).
8. Contains NO bodies of water, but houses several spectacular oasis’s (“Middle”, Emirates).
If you ever want to stop by two of the world’s most prosperous cities, see the prosperity and progress of the middle east, or relax in an oasis for a few hours, there’s a place just right.Stop by the United Arab Emirates.
Works Cited
“Middle East: United Arab Emirates.” CIA-The World Fact Book, Mar. 2011. Web. 8 Mar. 2001 .
“United Arab Emirates.” Emirates.org, 2010. Web. 8 Mar. 2011. .
“United Arab Emirate.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundations, Inc., 8 Mar. 2011. Web. 8 Mar. 2011 .
Article posted March 10, 2011 at 03:00 PM GMT0 •
comment (18) • Reads 3895
About the Blogger
Melanie is a graduate of Tunkhannock Area High School and Bloomsburg University and could not be happier to now to call Elk Lake her school. She considers it an honor to teach the Freshmen class, and if it is possible, she is even more excited than ever before for this year's success. (Freshmen Rule!)
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