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Class Period F Blog

Blog-DQ #6: Analysis of "Two"-Primary and Secondary Responses

4/7/2025

 
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Primary Blog Post: 20-point Quiz Grade

Explain why Long Way Down is a fitting title for this novel.

Respond to it in a brief paragraph that:
  • answers the question using examples from the text.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 80 words long.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Rubric:
1. Topic sentence answers the prompt-5 points
​
2. Evidence supports the topic sentence (at least two pieces)-5 points
3. Explanation shows how the evidence supports the topic sentence-5 points
4. Closing sentence wraps up the paragraph-5 points

​
AND

​Secondary Blog Responses:100-point Practice Assignment
Select 2 responses and respond to each with a brief paragraph that continues the conversation:
  • Agree/Disagree? Explain why.
  • Extend the response by offering your added ideas.
  • Offer an alternative view of the event.
  • Connect to another novel, film, or real life event.

Each Secondary Blog Response should:
  • respond the OP's ideas in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 50 words long.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Finish by the END of the period!

DQ #4: Analysis of "Four" from Jason Reynold's novel-in-verse, Long Way Down.

3/17/2025

24 Comments

 
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Primary Blog Post: 20-point Quiz Grade
The following is a quote from "Four" in Jason Reynolds' novel-in-verse, Long Way Down. In this passage, Reynolds chooses to have Will's father use nearly the exact same wording that Will uses in the beginning of the novel when explaining why and whom he was going to shoot in revenge for his older brother's murder:

I didn't know
he wasn't the right guy,

Pop said,
a tremble in
his throat.

I was sure that was Mark's killer.

Had
to
be.


Why does Reynolds choose to use this same wording? How does this develop the storyline? What do we know that Will might not yet realize )dramatic irony)?

Respond to it in a brief paragraph that:
  • answers the question using examples from the text.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 80 words long.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Rubric:
1. Topic sentence answers the prompt-5 points
​
2. Evidence supports the topic sentence (at least two pieces)-5 points
3. Explanation shows how the evidence supports the topic sentence-5 points
4. Closing sentence wraps up the paragraph-5 points

​
Finish by the END of the period Monday!

​Secondary Blog Responses (on Monday):100-point Practice Assignment
Select 2 responses and respond to each with a brief paragraph that continues the conversation:
  • Agree/Disagree? Explain why.
  • Extend the response by offering your added ideas.
  • Offer an alternative view of the event.
  • Connect to another novel, film, or real life event.

Each Secondary Blog Response should:
  • respond the OP's ideas in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 50 words long.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Finish by the END of the period on Tuesday!
24 Comments

DQ #3: Analysis of "Five" from Jason Reynold's novel-in-verse, Long Way Down.

3/10/2025

37 Comments

 
BEFORE reading the blog prompt, consider:

Do you believe in FATE or FREE WILL? 
Do you think that Will is destined to succumb to the same end as Shawn, Buck, and the others in the novel? 
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Primary Blog Post: 20-point Quiz Grade
What doe the quote, "[...]that's never the end" suggest about fate and cyclical violence in Long Way Down? How does the imagery of the smoke in the elevator in "Floor Five: reinforce the idea that violence and its consequences continue beyond a single moment or action?

Respond to it in a brief paragraph that:
  • answers the question using examples from the text.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 80 words long.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Rubric:
1. Topic sentence answers the prompt-5 points
​
2. Evidence supports the topic sentence (at least two pieces)-5 points
3. Explanation shows how the evidence supports the topic sentence-5 points
4. Closing sentence wraps up the paragraph-5 points

​
Finish by the END of the period Monday!

​Secondary Blog Responses (on Monday):100-point Practice Assignment
Select 2 responses and respond to each with a brief paragraph that continues the conversation:
  • Agree/Disagree? Explain why.
  • Extend the response by offering your added ideas.
  • Offer an alternative view of the event.
  • Connect to another novel, film, or real life event.

Each Secondary Blog Response should:
  • respond the OP's ideas in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 50 words long.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Finish by the END of the period on Tuesday!
37 Comments

DQ #2: Analysis of "Six" from Jason Reynold's novel in verse, Long Way Down.

3/3/2025

33 Comments

 
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Primary Blog Post:
Select ONE of the following Discussion Questions. Respond to it in a brief paragraph that:
  • answers the question using examples from the text.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 80 words long.
  • Label your Primary Blog Post with the NUMBER of your Question.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Rubric:
1. Topic sentence answers the prompt-25 %
​
2. Evidence supports the topic sentence (at least two pieces)-25%
3. Explanation shows how the evidence supports the topic sentence-25%
4. Closing sentence wraps up the paragraph-25%
  1. How does the presence of the gun in the elevator symbolize the potential consequences of Will's decision to seek revenge?
  2. In what ways do the interactions with the girl in the elevator challenge Will's perception of reality and his understanding of the situation?
  3. How does the concept of mentorship and the passing down of behaviors influence Will's actions and decisions in the elevator?
  4. ​What does Dani's presence in the elevator reveal about Will's emotional state and his struggle with the Rules?
  5. How does the interaction between Will and Dani highlight the internal conflict Will faces regarding his desire for revenge and the potential consequences?
Finish by the END of the period TODAY!

​Secondary Blog Responses:
Select 2 responses that answered a question different than your own. Respond to each with a brief paragraph that continues the conversation:
  • Agree/Disagree? Explain why.
  • Extend the response by offering your added ideas.
  • Offer an alternative view of the event.
  • Connect to another novel, film, or real life event.

Each Secondary Blog Response should:
  • respond the OP's ideas in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
  • minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • is at least 50 words long.
  • Use your Pen Name!
Finish by 11:59 PM on the second night!
33 Comments

DQ #1: How does a person's community influence their choices?

2/24/2025

11 Comments

 
In interviews, Jason Reynolds has emphasized the connectedness of black communities and neighborhoods. As a young person, Reynolds was influenced by the music Queen Latifah, specifically her 1993 album Black Reign. One song in particular, “Just Another Day,” recounts a seemingly average day in Latifah’s neighborhood, which she refers to as the “hood”. The lyrics of “Just Another Day” acknowledges the dangers of “the hood” while at the same time celebrating with a sense of pride the people and community who call it home. 
Reynolds was able to relate to rap music because it related to his lived experiences: to a community with gun violence and police presence that is still called home. Both Latifah and Reynolds remind us that we need to discuss neighborhoods and communities without the labels of “good” or “bad”. The discussion needs to begin with how communities influence people, their choices, logic, and perspective.

Day One-PRIMARY BLOG ENTRY-After actively listening to Queen Latifah's song, please consider her and Reynold's thoughts on home and community. Then, respond to the discussion question (the title of THIS blog entry) in your Primary blog entry:

  • 75-80 words
  • Few or no grammatical errors
  • Use your PEN NAME

Day Two-SECONDARY BLOG ENTRIES-Scan through all of the Primary Blog Entries and pick TWO (ONE form each of the OTHER two topics). For EACH Secondary Blog Entry you may respond with your choice of the following types of responses:
  • Agree? Disagree? Why?
  • Continue the discussion.
  • Add additional thoughts.
11 Comments

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

2/10/2025

1 Comment

 
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​https://apnews.com/video/kendrick-lamar-performs-not-like-us-at-super-bowl-halftime-show-00000194ed9cd405a3d5ef9e000a0000?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share

In Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Samuel L. Jackson appeared as "Uncle Sam," an iconic symbol of the United States. Throughout the performance, his character provided commentary, at times appearing to moderate Lamar's message.
-What do you think the inclusion of "Uncle Sam" symbolizes in the context of Lamar's performance?
-How does Jackson's portrayal of this figure influence the themes of power, control, and artistic freedom?
-Considering Lamar's history of socially conscious music, how does this performance challenge or reinforce the expectations placed on artists to navigate personal expression and national identity?

Use specific moments from the performance to support your ideas.
1 Comment

Jason Reynolds Introduces his Novel, Long Way Down

2/6/2025

6 Comments

 
Day One-PRIMARY BLOG ENTRY-After actively listening to the linked video interview with Jason Reynolds, please consider these three topics. Select ONE of these three topics to respond to in your Primary blog entry. In this Primary blog entry:
  • Label your entry with its topic.
  • Answer the aligned questions in a soild narrative paragraph (word count below).
​
​1. The Power of Storytelling: Jason Reynolds talks about the importance of storytelling and who gets to tell stories. Why do you think stories, especially those about real-life experiences, matter? How can storytelling create change?
2. Writing for Young People: Reynolds often says he writes for young people because their voices are powerful. Why do you think he focuses on writing for teens? How does Long Way Down connect with issues that young people face today?
3. Breaking the Cycle of Violence: In Long Way Down, Will has to decide whether to follow "The Rules" or make a different choice. Based on what Jason Reynolds says in the video, why is it important to question traditions or expectations? How does this connect to real-life situations?
​

Day Two-SECONDARY BLOG ENTRIES-Scan through all of the Primary Blog Entries and pick TWO (ONE form each of the OTHER two topics). For EACH Secondary Blog Entry you may respond with your choice of the following types of responses:
  • Agree? Disagree? Why?
  • Continue the discussion.
  • Add additional thoughts.

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 75-100 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm TONIGHT!

Secondary Blog Response Expectations (read everyone's primary responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 75-100 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. In these replies, you can contribute, agree, disagree, support, elaborate, challenge, clarify, and/or connect. Please use the PEN NAME that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm on Friday night!
6 Comments

Introduce yourself!

2/3/2025

42 Comments

 
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Introduce yourself by composing a paragraph that is written in the TONE that your pen name persona would use. Get creative! You should identify your musical specialty, your home turf, what spoken word piece you are most famous for in order to help people learn about who you are. Finally, find a weird or interesting fact to add some depth to your character. If you have a website, add it to your post. Have fun!

42 Comments

ATSS Part 1 Reader Response and Connection (Primary Blog Response ONLY)

4/28/2023

7 Comments

 
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For this Blog Response, Please select THREE of the textual quotes listed below. Copy each quote into your Primary Blog Response and underneath EACH quote, complete the following steps:
  1. Pair the QUOTE with one the THEMATIC TOPICS (copy the topic beneath the quote).
  2. In a brief paragraph (60-100 words), explain how this quote is EVIDENCE of the THEMATIC TOPIC that your paired with it.
  3. Do this for EACH of the THREE quotes that you chose
*Be sure to ADD WORD COUNT under EACH paragraph.
** Use the pen name that you selected in class (Western Asian animal)
***Due by 11:59 PM on Sunday Night


QUOTE OPTIONS:
  • “She [Mariam] was being sent away because she was the walking, breathing embodiment of their shame.” (p. 48)
  • “I thought about you all the time. I used to pray that you’d live to be a hundred years old. . . . I didn’t know that you were ashamed of me.” (p. 55)
  • “Where I come from, a woman’s face is her husband’s business only.” (p. 70)
  • “Mariam grieved for this baby, this particular child, who had made her so happy for a while.” (p. 93)
  • “But after four years of marriage, Mariam saw clearly how much a woman could tolerate when she was afraid.” (p. 98)
THEMATIC TOPICS:
  • Man’s inhumanity to man
  • Systematic victimization of women by patriarchal institutions
  • Spousal abuse
  • Resistance to victimization
  • Power of education
  • Education for women
  • Corrupting influence of absolute power
7 Comments

Introductory Blog for A Thousand Splendid Suns

4/17/2023

20 Comments

 
Using the Pen Name that you selected in class, repond to the following blog entry:
  1. Watch the attached video carefully. As you watch, consider the viewpoints of the women being interviewed. Think about how their lives are different now and what the future may hold for them.
  2. Once you have finished watching the video, compose a brief paragraph that summarizes what you watched and offer a suggestion as to what they should/could do and how we (as people outside of Afghanistan) can help.
  3. Consider countries (even our own) that you could make a connection with. How does this video shed light on women's issues in other countries?

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 100-150 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name you were assigned in class as your nom de plume and be sure to add word count. 
Due by 11:59pm Monday night 4-17-2023! 

Secondary Blog Response Expectations (read everyone's primary responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 75-50 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name you were assigned in class as your nom de plume and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59pm Friday night 4-21-2023!
Click the image below to watch the PBS NewsHour video.
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20 Comments
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