Getahun’s English Blog

 Today we begun working on a group poster. We were given a character from "Fences" (which ended up being Cory), and we starting working on the drawing of Cory for the poster, as well as the STEAL chart. I gained more insight into Cory's character and how his environment shaped him differently than Troy. I liked the part where we draw the character. Today I feel like the fall weather and temperatures can't come fast enough.

 Today, we read an article about the dangers of using Google for self-diagnosis, as well as the best ways in which to get medical information being a doctor. Additionally, we completed a short quiz, and wrote a constructed response about the article. I learned that oftentimes health websites are not trying to provide the most accurate information to the reader, but rather boost sales through advertisement of certain products or treatments. I liked reading this article because I, myself in the past have found myself doing similar things, such as Googling my symptoms for a possible diagnosis, even though I know better now, it gives me something to look back on. Today, I'm looking forward to visiting my cousins.

 Today, we continued our reading of "Fences" by August Wilson through Act 1, Scene 2. I learned that Troy has a brother named Gabriel who is mentally damaged from war, and sometimes thinks of himself as the angel Gabriel, and I learned about Gabriel's past relationship with Troy and how they used to live together. I like the introduction of these characters that have unique characteristics and traits. Today, I have been thinking and brainstorming ideas for my college essays, and my mind has been on that.

 Today, we continued our reading "Fences" by August Wilson and finished up Act 1, by reading scenes 3 and 4. I learned more about Troy's past and his relationships with the other characters. Especially, Cory and Bono. Troy shoots down Cory's chances of playing football, and doesn't show much love to him. He tells Cory he's his responsibility and that he can't play football because of Cory lying about his work status at the A&P. I liked that this situation between Troy and his son, shows the generational divide between Cory's dreams and Troy's life experiences and how black men can't succeed in sports because of "the white man." Today, I will be getting ready for a basketball game for a rec league, and I will have a short practice afterschool.

 Today, we wrote down our second set of 15 vocabulary words on paper. We looked in a book for the word and definition, copied it on paper, and wrote our own sentences for each word. I learned the meaning to a couple words, but I knew most of them already. I liked writing sentences with the words as it let me practice my understanding of the words and the ways I may see them used in text in the future. Today, I'm feeling tired, and in need of a nap as I didn't have the best sleep last night.

 Today, we began our reading of "Fences" by August Wilson. I learned about the main characters in the story, the context, and the setting of the story. Troy Maxson the main character is a hard-working and vulgar man, whose married to a woman named Rose, and is best friends with a man named Bono. I liked that the story despite not being real, could've actually existed as it is in the context of a black family in the middle 20th century in America. Today, I'm feeling pretty busy, as I have to study for a math test and forensics test tomorrow.

 Today, we continued our reading of "Fences" by August Wilson, and read through Act 1, Scene 3. We also took our school photos prior to the reading. In the story I learned that Troy is against Cory trying to pursue football because he believes it is almost impossible to excel because of the "white man," that held Troy back when he used to play baseball. I like how Rose tries to explain that he should let Cory continue with football and that times are changing, because it represents a generational shift in race relations and Rose is also more reasonable. Today, I'm feeling ready to take our school photos, even though it's just for ID.

Today, we completed an illuminate quiz where we read a story then answered 6 multiple choice questions. It was about a child's love for reading and what it means and feel like to them. The multiple choice questions were easy. I learned that the sensation you get from reading a hard copy of a book is loved by others according to the passage. I liked that the quiz was not too long and provided an interesting read. I'm currently feeling hopeful that Lakeside will take a win today at the football game.

 Today, we took a dive into gender roles, and discussed certain stereotypes attached to men and women. I learned about different environmental factors that can affect one's perspective on gender roles such as through social interaction and imitation or through own thinking, reasoning, and interpretation. I liked the nature vs nurture part of the lesson regarding gender roles. I believe that gender roles are influenced by both, and there is nuance to how gender roles developed. My day has been going well so far, and it's been a calm Monday for me.

 Today, we took a 25 question vocab quiz on illuminate that was pretty easy. Afterwards, a few people finished up with the story map presentations. I took away from this that we have a diverse class that is representative of the diversity of Lakeside and how different life experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our identity. I liked that I got to see a bit of other people's upbringing and life experiences and his compares or differs from mine. I'm feeling glad that the we are now entering the weekend, and that grades have been posted.

 Today, we read the essay "Why I Want a Wife" and created a list of things we'd expect from a husband, similar to the way the essay lists things expected from a wife. I learned that a wife has so much expected from them from this story that its unrealistic. I like that this lesson helps to create discussion about gender roles and brings up the topic of what is the norm for each gender in society, which can change with time and by culture. Today, I'm getting ready for my forensics test tomorrow by studying.

 Today, we answered 10 discussion questions regarding the essay we read, "Why I want a wife" and had a class discussion afterwards. I learned that being a wife in a family is a great responsibility for keeping everything intact and is a difficult job. I liked that this lesson let us put ourselves in the shoes of a housewife or stay at home mom, give better understanding of the roles that are present and how it came to be that way. My day has been going good so far, and I have a pickup soccer match later today.

 Today, we continued editing our story maps before presenting it tomorrow, as well as adding finishing touches in preparation. In doing so, I learned that I have that circumstances where a conflict was present, is often where growth occurs. I was checking to make sure my map locations were there and that I had a photo for each slide. I liked this part because it also allowed me to review and reread my project. I'm feeling satisfied with the project so far, and I think the presentation tomorrow will go well.

 Today we began work on our story map project. For this project I am currently brainstorming and listing ideas for each category and slide. I'm also thinking about places that hold significance to me, and important events at those places like school, home, or church. One thing I'm struggling with for the lesson is trying to figure out what to put for certain slides, including family story. I'm going to ask my parents for that because I cannot recall right now. I'm currently feeling excited for the three-day labor day weekend.

 Today, we presented our story map projects in class. I learned a lot about my classmates and personal details about them. The latter including their cultural background, as well as their hobbies and interests such as sports and extracurriculars. This lesson/project made me think back in my past and understand and realize key points in my life that developed my character, which is what I appreciate about this project. I'm feeling relieved that I was able to finish off my presentation.

 Today, we completed the reading of "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan. This book impacted me into more carefully considering why our parents make us do what we do. I liked that the lesson showed character progression of the protagonist from going against everything her mother tried to get her to do like the piano lessons, to eventually coming around to it, after her mother had passed. I'm currently feeling pretty neutral as it is a Wednesday, and not too much going on.