Blog For Week, 1/27/16, Poetry Response

The Poem, “The Giving Tree”, by Shel Silverstein found in the website, http://allpoetry.com/poem/8538991-The-Giving-Tree-by-Shel-Silverstein, is about a boy and a tree. The boy and the tree are best of friends they talk to one another, they give each other things, and they support each other. But life happens and as time passes on in want of more companionship the tree gives everything it has to the growing up boy.

I think the author had many reasons for writing this poem. It has many lessons to teach young children. It teaches them about giving, friendship, relationships between parents, and growing up. This book helps children, like I used to be, to understand a bit more about life even with their limited point of view.

This spoke to me because when I was young it was one of the things that awoke my eyes. It made me think of my relationship with my parents, me being the “boy" and my parents being “The Giving Tree.” It made me realize that the relationship between the boy and the tree can happen in real life and it made me want to give back to my parents. 

I connected the text and words written to parents around the world. They do everything for their children and some of them aren't given anything in return. Sacrifices are necessary but parents should be given something in return. That's why we have mother and father's day. But we should honor them like that every day. This picture shows a mother stressed out by her work, to support her children, and her family life.

Second Quarter Reflection

Two Quarters ago I started 7th grade. I got new classes, schedules, friends, projects, etc. Things have changed throughout the year, for the better and for the worse.  I've learned many new skills but I've been reading less and less throughout the year. This year I have accomplished joining sports, volleyball, which was one of my goals for the New Years.  In this blog you'll learn about my second quarter life.

I have been reading less and less but the 40 Book Challenge has helped me greatly. If reading wasn't mandatory I wouldn't be doing it. Reading has expanded my vocabulary even more and has opened a window of opportunities for me. So far I have read 11/40 books all ranging from lengths and genres. Out of all the books my favorite book has been the Vampire Lestat by Ann Rice. It was everything I looked into for a book. 

One of my biggest improvements in English class is that I've been learning more about the world. In the past  I wouldn't willfully look at the news in current events. But throughout the quarter I've realized important issues around the world. These things are Obama's Let Girls Live program, El Chapo's extradition, debates on toy stores, etc. 

The most challenging part of the year has been keeping up attendance and on time behaviors. This year I've been late for more than 12 days. It could be because of the season, winter, or because its in my nature, it might've even been something I inherited. I've been minorly sick constantly because of the cold, stress, lack of sleep, etc. However unless completely unavoidable I've been present and ready to work. To overcome this I can try to be more time aware. That's something I've been proud on.

Throughout the year some things are necessary to survive in school. One of these things are time management strategies. In the first quarter I've been trying to gain strategies to plan time better. This has helped me with getting homework done, being on time, being ready to go, and other things as well. Another thing is my research skills. Research skills are of major importance in ELA class. We use them for almost everything. I think this has been my biggest improvement. I've been progressing well since August but I feel I've been doing the bare minimum. That's something I need to work on. 

Blog for Week, 1/18/16, The Count of Monte Christo

        The Count of Monte Cristo  

by: Alexander Dumas

   Historical Drama, Fiction, and Adventure Fiction.

    

            In 1815, after the fall of the Napoleon empire, in Paris a sailor names Edmond Dantès with a bright future arrives at a harbor. He is a candidate for promotion to captain, he is marrying a beautiful girl, and he is young. However 3 men corrupt with greed have another thing waiting for him. Watch and see as you read a book with a dramatical mood that keeps  you on the edge of your seat. The themes of revenge, perseverance, justice, and judgment will astound you.

                 My favorite thing about the book was the drama. From the very first few chapters I was addicted. Through ought the whole week I reached for the book at every spare moment. My family thought that I was crazy for disappearing into Edmond Dantès's life and revenge story. 

                 What I remember most about the book is the chapter where he is betrayed by people who he didn't know not to trust. I remember the scene where he is confronted and taken from his very own wedding. The surprises in the drama are what is needed to carry on the book. If you reread it the story might not give the same experience. Instead the second time you read it will be an eye opener because of how much foresight and clues as to what would happen is written. Viewers and readers should get and read this book because of the wonderful story it tells on the revenge and bitterness that is Edmond's reality.

                I would recommend this book to people who are in love with drama. You need to be able to understand complex emotions, plots, hints, and words. This is because the book has so many plots, emotions, and they are all portrayed with only words. The reader of this book also can't be afraid of the length of the book or the level of it. The book is long but only because so many things can't be put into little words. 

I commented on Brimady's Blog, Jude's Blog, and Evelyn's Blog.