Signing Off

Well, as LeAlan and Lloyd would say "This is [Ms. Hughes], signing off." I am so proud of the work you guys did this summer. I will be honest and say that this was one of my favorite experiences teaching. This is for two reasons: First, the content and subject matter was so different than what I teach during the school year. Second, while all of you are very different scholars with very different likes and dislikes, you were all enthusiastic and willing, as Lupe put it, to do "silly" things and to engage with some material that might have been unfamiliar to you. As I said, you made my job really easy the last three weeks and really fun! I am excited to start the school year with some new ideas for activities. More importantly though, remembering how much fun you can have in a classroom (even if you're in it for 4 hours)!

Thanks, guys.

Optional Post: Classroom Library

Hi All- While we are waiting for all of the students to catch up. What books or kinds of books do you think we should order for the new revamped freshman library?! If you're giving me a title or titles-be sure that they have an author so I can look them up. Feel free to give genre suggestions or series suggestions if you've got them! We want to get as many freshman reading (and loving it) as possible. Better books should help us to do that!

Thanks for your input, guys!

Assignment #22: That's All Folks...

Looney Tunes cartoons always close with "That's all folks..." And it's true. Today marks the end of our three weeks together. Good students (and humans), as we know, reflect upon themselves. They think about how they can improve and grow. I see, as I have said, so much growth in many of you from the beginning of your freshman year to now! It is truly awesome. Take a second right now, to think about summer school and yourself as a student.

1. What did you do very well this summer that you'd like to bring into the school year?
2. What is something you know you still need to work on in the school year? (behavior, participation, grammar, reading aloud, etc.)
3. What is the thing you are most proud of this summer about your performance?

Assignment #21: Thinking Back

Three weeks goes by very very quickly! This is my first time teaching the course and there are definitly things I will do differently next time around. Take a second to think about the class as a whole. In DETAIL (3 or more sentences for each), explain what you liked about the class--what worked, what you would change about the class--what didnt work, and finally the most important take-away or thing you learned--what was most valuable to you?

Assignment #20: A Way to Be Good Again

In the Kite Runner, they talk extensively about "a way to be good again." Can Tykeece and Jessie (Tyrone and Johnny) change their future? Or are they stuck in this vicious cycle for the rest of their lives.

Assignment #19: What the Future Holds...

After reading the text, where do you think the main character are now? Choose 2 people in the book and tell me where you think they are TODAY! Later we will read a Chicago Tribune article that follows up with the individuals. (LeAlan, Lloyd, Derrick, Tyrone, Johnny)

Assignment #18: Why do you think they wrote this book?

After reading Our America, what was the purpose of the book? Reread the final two pages. Why did LeAlan and Lloyd want to tell their story? Identify one quote that supports your point.

Assignment #17: Starbucks with Obama

During her interview, Janell is asked what she would say if you she could talk to the president at the time. If you could sit down with President Obama and tell him one thing you think he needs to know about in order to change--what would it be? What is an issue you care deeply about that you would want to bring to his attention.