Thanksgiving Break Reflection

Reflect on one thing that you are thankful for and how did it helped you understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving Break.

The Lottery Reflection

Of course such lotteries have never existed. Therefore the story must be
presenting some sort of message. For example, it might be a message of
religious rituals/traditions in modern times. Or it may be a example of the importance of family/community loyalties/sacrafices. What other possible messages do you think this author may have wanted you to be aware of?

Comparing the Book and Movie

After seeing the movie, were the
characters as you had pictured them in
the book?

Overcoming Adversity

Have you ever had to overcome a significant problem? Who did you turn to for
support?

Finding Success

Describe how writing in journals helps transform the lives of the students. How
does writing “free” the students from their pain? What connections are the students making with their peers when they are editing each others journal entries?

Reflection

Choose a diary entry that most effects you or one that you can relate to and explain why. What stood out to you? How did it make you feel? What would you do in this situation? How would you help this person? How does it make you feel to know that kids your age are going through these situations?
* The afternoon class will respond to your post.

Overcoming Adversity

Miep Gies, the woman who hid Anne Frank, is a hero to Ms. Gruwell’s
students. What does Miep Gies mean when she tells Ms. Gruwell’s students,
“You are heroes everyday.”?

Earning Respect and Trust

Why is trust such an important component of a teacher-student relationship?

Tolerance

At the beginning of the school year, Erin is deeply disturbed by a racial
caricature of one of her students that she finds being passed around the room.
Why does Erin compare this drawing of an African-American student to the
drawings of Jewish men during the Holocaust?

What did you do over the summer to prepare yourself to be an incoming freshman at High Tech High Chula Vista?

I read several novels that may be interesting to incoming 9th graders.