From time to time, when tensions are high or I can sense an imminent, pervading uneasy energy, I do a little meditative exercise. Usually, it is a visualization or relaxation ritual; something easy to refocus my mind.
As exam time draws near, I will begin to show you what I do, and also some more advanced techniques for meditation and you can use it however you see fit.
So, in preparation for that, this week's blog will have you contemplating your "happy place" either real or metaphorical or imaginary. Please answer each of the following questions, using detailed, descriptive imagery-laden diction.
Where do you like to go to escape from the pressures of your life? (It doesn't have to be a real place). Why THAT place?
What is your best childhood memory? Describe it in detail.
Where and when do you feel your absolute best? Why?
What is the most soothing sound you can imagine?
Which colors affect your mood the most? How do those colors affect it?
When during the day do you feel the most at ease? Why? What is it about that time of day that provides comfort?
(60pts-400 words)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
A New Day...Changes, Choices and Chills..It's All Relative
Ahh..pumpkins. You do tickle me, you really do.
I have to just say that it warms the cockles of my heart (are there such things as "cockles" and if so, are they, in fact, located near the arterial chamber? While we're at it, is arterial chamber even the correct science-y term for "heart?") that you all missed the brain bleeding questions I usually ask on our blog.
And, I couldn't agree with Matt, Hayley and even fresh-face Jen more when they said that last week's blog was very un-blog like. It was, I know.
But, that said, judging by the stellar display of collective genius analyses, it was valuable. So, that's something, right?
But, ask and you shall receive. Matty C--the well has been filled!
Reading over previous postings and thinking about what I know about each of you individually offered me an insightful glimpse into a collective psyche.
Most, if not all, of you have two fundamental fears: 1, the idea of change and/or 2, the possibility of making the "wrong" choice.
Now, I know that there are plenty of people who will tell me that the idea of change, especially if it includes a change of scenery from sunny Mays Landing/Mullica to just about anywhere else would be welcomed with open arms and a huge, block-lettered sign. But, despite the wanderlust or pre-"senioritis" that you have all felt creeping in on you, you have to admit that, at its core, change is a scary proposition. After all, the intrinsic nature of change is that of the unknown, the unchartered, the unfamiliar and the unrevealed.
So, if you are one of the restless souls who yearns for change--what is it about it that is so appealing to you? What do you hope the changes you want to seek out, to undergo or to witness will mean for you, your future, your life? On the other hand, if you are one who double locks the door when change comes a-knockin', tell me what it is about the prospect of it that fightens you. What do you think might happen?
We're not done...oh no...onward...
Now, one of Change's many dance partners is Choice. Right/wrong, smart/stupid, bad/ good..choice exists and you are confronted with the notion of it every single day. Sometimes, these are choices of epic proportions--break-up or stay together; cut class to get that paper done or suck it up and take a zero; confront the back-stabbing friend or let it go; get high just this once or walk away never knowing; and sometimes it can be as inconsequential as chicken patty or PB&J. Either way, your mind has a process it undergoes when you have to make a choice. Tell me about it. Do your weigh all your options and consider possible outcomes, or do you dive in and hope the water isn't too cold? I think I am mix-metaphoring myself into a corner here--but I know you know what I mean. When you are confronted with a choice--how do you make it? And, more importantly, why? A lot to think about, I know...but, you asked for it! :)
(500 words/75pts)
I have to just say that it warms the cockles of my heart (are there such things as "cockles" and if so, are they, in fact, located near the arterial chamber? While we're at it, is arterial chamber even the correct science-y term for "heart?") that you all missed the brain bleeding questions I usually ask on our blog.
And, I couldn't agree with Matt, Hayley and even fresh-face Jen more when they said that last week's blog was very un-blog like. It was, I know.
But, that said, judging by the stellar display of collective genius analyses, it was valuable. So, that's something, right?
But, ask and you shall receive. Matty C--the well has been filled!
Reading over previous postings and thinking about what I know about each of you individually offered me an insightful glimpse into a collective psyche.
Most, if not all, of you have two fundamental fears: 1, the idea of change and/or 2, the possibility of making the "wrong" choice.
Now, I know that there are plenty of people who will tell me that the idea of change, especially if it includes a change of scenery from sunny Mays Landing/Mullica to just about anywhere else would be welcomed with open arms and a huge, block-lettered sign. But, despite the wanderlust or pre-"senioritis" that you have all felt creeping in on you, you have to admit that, at its core, change is a scary proposition. After all, the intrinsic nature of change is that of the unknown, the unchartered, the unfamiliar and the unrevealed.
So, if you are one of the restless souls who yearns for change--what is it about it that is so appealing to you? What do you hope the changes you want to seek out, to undergo or to witness will mean for you, your future, your life? On the other hand, if you are one who double locks the door when change comes a-knockin', tell me what it is about the prospect of it that fightens you. What do you think might happen?
We're not done...oh no...onward...
Now, one of Change's many dance partners is Choice. Right/wrong, smart/stupid, bad/ good..choice exists and you are confronted with the notion of it every single day. Sometimes, these are choices of epic proportions--break-up or stay together; cut class to get that paper done or suck it up and take a zero; confront the back-stabbing friend or let it go; get high just this once or walk away never knowing; and sometimes it can be as inconsequential as chicken patty or PB&J. Either way, your mind has a process it undergoes when you have to make a choice. Tell me about it. Do your weigh all your options and consider possible outcomes, or do you dive in and hope the water isn't too cold? I think I am mix-metaphoring myself into a corner here--but I know you know what I mean. When you are confronted with a choice--how do you make it? And, more importantly, why? A lot to think about, I know...but, you asked for it! :)
(500 words/75pts)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
AP Archaeology
Apologies for the delay. The well is dry, so to speak.
Actually, I have some ideas that are very abstract and until I nail them down solidly enough to engender a concrete point and purpose, I refuse to babble on incessantly.
So, what we'll do while my notions marinate a bit will be slightly more functional.
Although I gave all of you those sample student AP essays last week, some of you may have "resisted the temptatation" to devour them to see what you can discern about what the college board values in writing So...you guessed it...we'll do that now.
First, I would like you to determine the thesis of each of the "9" essays. From that, see if you can determine in which mode they are written. Then, critique them by doing a combination TS/TD and RRL combined. Talk about lit devices they used, sentence patterns you see, structural strategies of note etc. Talk about the intro, and why it works; what the hook is and how they pace the work. Dig, dig, dig and find the treasure that the college board seemed to see.
The scoring commentary should give you some pointers obviously, but go deeper then they do and really use what you've learned to see what it is about these essays that made the scorers react to them so favorably.
Your responses should be insightful, reflective and indicative of how well you understand good writing (as it is judged by the AP folks).
Actually, I have some ideas that are very abstract and until I nail them down solidly enough to engender a concrete point and purpose, I refuse to babble on incessantly.
So, what we'll do while my notions marinate a bit will be slightly more functional.
Although I gave all of you those sample student AP essays last week, some of you may have "resisted the temptatation" to devour them to see what you can discern about what the college board values in writing So...you guessed it...we'll do that now.
First, I would like you to determine the thesis of each of the "9" essays. From that, see if you can determine in which mode they are written. Then, critique them by doing a combination TS/TD and RRL combined. Talk about lit devices they used, sentence patterns you see, structural strategies of note etc. Talk about the intro, and why it works; what the hook is and how they pace the work. Dig, dig, dig and find the treasure that the college board seemed to see.
The scoring commentary should give you some pointers obviously, but go deeper then they do and really use what you've learned to see what it is about these essays that made the scorers react to them so favorably.
Your responses should be insightful, reflective and indicative of how well you understand good writing (as it is judged by the AP folks).
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