We will be taking a journey through Greek mythology throughout the next several weeks. It is important to remember that although often used in ancient times to help explain otherwise unexplainable circumstances, Greek mythology has had an influence on our world to this day. For instance, did you know that the words echo, arachnid, Nike, fate, and hypnosis come from these myths? Indeed, the brand Nike got inspiration for its name from the Greek goddess of Victory, Nike, who was associated with force and speed. We will learn about Narcissus who fell in love with himself. We will discuss the tragic wood nymph Echo who was cursed and left to wander the woods, repeating only the words of others. Needless to say, we will have fun!
As we read The Lightning Thief this quarter, we will do something called literature circles. Think of literature circles like small book clubs. You will explore your book within these groups. What will you discuss? Which passages will inspire you, confuse you, or amuse you? Which quotes will you find yourself quoting? Which characters will you root for or against? Even if you've read The Lightning Thief before, you will be looking at this book from a new perespective, gathering insights that you likely missed the first time around.
Since we are halfway through the year and report cards go home Monday, I'd like to quickly give you some advice about your grades (if they are not where you want them to be). I don’t believe that report cards should ever serve to discourage students about the past. I believe, instead, that they should be used to motivate students about the future. In order for motivation to outweigh discouragement though, honest reflection and responsibility are important. Otherwise, the same patterns as before are likely to continuously repeat themselves.
Michael Josephson, founder and president of the Character Counts project, he has said the following: "Yes, responsibility sometimes requires us to do things that are unpleasant or even frightening. It asks us to carry our own weight, prepare and set goals, and exercise the discipline to reach our aspirations. But the benefits of accepting responsibility far outweigh the short-lived advantages of refusing to do so. No one makes his or her life better by avoiding responsibility. Responsibility is about our ability to respond to circumstances and to choose the attitudes, actions, and reactions that shape our lives. It is a concept of power that puts us in the driver's seat." I would not like to live in a world where everyone refused to be learn responsibility —especially since growing up depends upon it! When you get your driver’s license some day, you will have to pass a driving exam. If you refuse to stop at a red light, you’re going to have to take responsibility. You can’t blame it on the sun’s strong glare or the fact that your friend in the back seat was distracting you. As an operator of that vehicle, you’re in charge. When you get your first job some day and you need to show up on time, you can’t constantly blame the traffic if you’re late. If you know that you are going to struggle with traffic, you should plan on leaving your house earlier or you should find another route. The same could be said about your grades. If you know that you might be having difficulty in any of your classes, create some type of plan. Stay after, ask more questions in class, make sure you're prepared daily (and not just every so often), do your homework consistently, and always be engaged in what you're doing. Again, there's a difference between physically attending class and mentally attending class. In order to succeed, you must do both as often as you can!
At least for me, character--who you are now and who you are becoming--is more important to me than a letter grade on a report card. Years from now, if you come back to visit me, I can assure you that no matter who you are, I will not be discussing your previous grades. I will be discussing your current and future successes.
-Ms. Sanford
P.S. Our "Grammar Bee" Warm-Up will continue next week! Do you know dashes?!
As we read The Lightning Thief this quarter, we will do something called literature circles. Think of literature circles like small book clubs. You will explore your book within these groups. What will you discuss? Which passages will inspire you, confuse you, or amuse you? Which quotes will you find yourself quoting? Which characters will you root for or against? Even if you've read The Lightning Thief before, you will be looking at this book from a new perespective, gathering insights that you likely missed the first time around.
Since we are halfway through the year and report cards go home Monday, I'd like to quickly give you some advice about your grades (if they are not where you want them to be). I don’t believe that report cards should ever serve to discourage students about the past. I believe, instead, that they should be used to motivate students about the future. In order for motivation to outweigh discouragement though, honest reflection and responsibility are important. Otherwise, the same patterns as before are likely to continuously repeat themselves.
Michael Josephson, founder and president of the Character Counts project, he has said the following: "Yes, responsibility sometimes requires us to do things that are unpleasant or even frightening. It asks us to carry our own weight, prepare and set goals, and exercise the discipline to reach our aspirations. But the benefits of accepting responsibility far outweigh the short-lived advantages of refusing to do so. No one makes his or her life better by avoiding responsibility. Responsibility is about our ability to respond to circumstances and to choose the attitudes, actions, and reactions that shape our lives. It is a concept of power that puts us in the driver's seat." I would not like to live in a world where everyone refused to be learn responsibility —especially since growing up depends upon it! When you get your driver’s license some day, you will have to pass a driving exam. If you refuse to stop at a red light, you’re going to have to take responsibility. You can’t blame it on the sun’s strong glare or the fact that your friend in the back seat was distracting you. As an operator of that vehicle, you’re in charge. When you get your first job some day and you need to show up on time, you can’t constantly blame the traffic if you’re late. If you know that you are going to struggle with traffic, you should plan on leaving your house earlier or you should find another route. The same could be said about your grades. If you know that you might be having difficulty in any of your classes, create some type of plan. Stay after, ask more questions in class, make sure you're prepared daily (and not just every so often), do your homework consistently, and always be engaged in what you're doing. Again, there's a difference between physically attending class and mentally attending class. In order to succeed, you must do both as often as you can!
At least for me, character--who you are now and who you are becoming--is more important to me than a letter grade on a report card. Years from now, if you come back to visit me, I can assure you that no matter who you are, I will not be discussing your previous grades. I will be discussing your current and future successes.
-Ms. Sanford
P.S. Our "Grammar Bee" Warm-Up will continue next week! Do you know dashes?!