Berlin Memorial Activity Reflection

What did you learn?

     What I learned from this classroom activity is the whole process of the German's plan to weaken and get rid of Jews. In the beginning, they placed decrees which would get rid of lawyers and other's that would clash their plan to remove Jews. Slowly, Germans placed other laws which eventually left Jews with nothing. Basically, their freedom was taken away.

Why do you think this monument was built?

     I think this monument was built as a remembrance. If people learn this and never forget about it then it may never happen again. Though, this would only happen if one is educated well enough on this topic.

What did you notice about the number of laws passed in certain years?

     I noticed that the number of laws were less when it came to the olympics. Trying to hide their plot of getting rid of Jews and their anti-Jew things. I also noticed that the number of laws grew very high the year before Hitler came to power. This is because he still had a high role in power at that time.

Which restrictions do you think you would have the most trouble dealing with?

    One restriction I would have trouble dealing with is mostly all of the things we reviewed in class. There was one where it prohibits Jews to go to a specific school. I think I would have trouble with that because I would like to be in an environment where we all coexist. I would also have trouble with not being able to go to theaters, concerts, exhibits, and beaches. Those are all things that I enjoy going to and someone telling me not to do something is upsetting. Overall, all these laws are unfair for everyone. It is hard to imagine how Jews were able to live like this. Probably, most could not. 

3rd Quarter Reflections

     Two of the books I have read this quarter that is my favorite is either Eleanor & Park or The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I cannot choose between the two because they are both very different yet left a huge impact on me. Eleanor & Park made me aware that there are people who are going through hardships and I should not be mean to them. Therefore, I should just be nice to everyone because I do not know what they have going on in their personal life. The Absolute True Diary Of a Part-Time Indian made me inspired and hopeful in my life goals. Anyone can achieve anything no matter in what position one is in. The theme of these two books is what made them my favorite.

     In my 40 book challenge I do not know where I am at because I am not keeping track. I like reading books endlessly for enjoyment. Although, I do keep track of the genre I am reading. I like being exposed to different genres and branch out. I have read a book in almost every genre except for auto-biography or biography. Which is basically non-fiction. I just do not know which book to read. Any recommendations? 

     What I enjoyed that was new this quarter is the free choice of AoW's. Gallery walks have helped me gain knowledge of different things around the world instead of just one topic in a week. I also got to know my peers in a way because their article of choice shows me the things that interests them. From there, I am able to interact with them on gallery walks. 

     This quarter I had a journey that made me gain lots of knowledge throughout writing. I have learned how to write argumentative essays along with that is the research. Lots of research needs to be involved. My research has also improved because of the argumentative unit. I am able to find valid information by identifying wether it is bias or not. Word choice, such as adjectives, take a role in bias articles. By knowing this, I am able to make my own conclusion as to which side I am on with argumentative articles.

Bio-Poem - 3/11/15

Arnold Spirit Junior
Sensitive, athletic, intelligent, and artistic
A character in Sherman Alexie's story
Lover of Grandmother Spirit, Mary, and Rowdy
Who notices other's suffering, other's hope, and other's hard work
Who feels useless for his friends, a traitor towards his tribe, and coward to the world

Who learns to be strong during death and his identity in mortality
Who used to think indians can not dream but now knows dreams are endless to anyone
Major character in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
A book that proves how to balance in life without falling and eventually reaching your dream

AoW Impressions - 3/6/15

    From what I have gathered form my peers on international news ISIS is still a huge problem. Only this time ISIS is submitting propaganda online through social media. There is a huge amount of teens that are on social media so now ISIS is got a hold of teens on their side. They also are recruiting females to be their wives. This news really stood out to me because I know ISIS will grow stronger this way. I just do not understand that there would be people in our country who would join ISIS. People recruiting to ISIS from our country shows the different kinds of people our World is made out of.
   
Along with different kinds of people there are different kinds of diseases and bacteria attacking humanity. Some are getting stronger and spread everywhere because of our doing. Almost everything is our doing. Notice I state "our" and not "others" because everyone is involved in something. Parents are rescheduling vaccination dates or either canceling them, thinking it is better for their children. This is false, studies show that children have a higher chance of diseases. There has recently been a measles outbreak in DISNEY PARKS! Just think about that for a minute. Anywhere and anyone could be exposed to diseases. Therefore, parents vaccinate your kids and yourself.

     There were other conflicts that my classmates had mentioned but these two stood out the most to me because most had this. There are so many worries in our World and some are debates, such as, "Should marijuana be legalized for less crime rates?" Then there is, "Is the dress blue and black, or white and gold?" Second, war is a never ending thing. President Obama just granted permission for air strikes. Which is allowing war, in a way...

     Overall, knowing all these new topics popping up every week makes me more aware and included in our society. I find this kind of strange that I feel included but in a way I do. I just hope to hear extremely good news that gets the World's mind off from the bad for a few days. Something that might cause for celebration. Sad truth is, this might not happen, or at least not in my life time.

Comments: Abdiel, Amelia, and Autumn

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - 2/23/15

Prompt: Are the characters realistic (do they seem like they could be real people)? Why or Why not?
Author: Sherman Alexie
Pages Read: 1-51

     The main character, Junior, was born with a variety of medical problems. He also comes from a poor Indian family in a poor Spokane Indian reservation. Junior is a very smart student based on his teacher's "motivational speech" to cling on to hope because his intelligence will get him to success. After this it was decided that Junior is to leave the rez and go to a good educational all-white school. Junior's best friend, Rowdy, is what one would call angry. No, he IS angry. Angry is him. He beats up anyone and anything. Except for Junior. When Rowdy sees someone hurt Junior he would start throwing his punches. These are the two main characters so far introduced in the book.

     The characters do seem realistic. Each one has a personality/characteristic that is realistic. It is not like a fire breathing human character. The fact that Junior had a brain surgery for having too much fluid in his brain somehow makes the story a bit more realistic to me. This event is something that is possible and could happen. There are also people who are very much like Rowdy. Angry and uses violence towards others when he is feeling down. Rowdy's parents drink a lot and his dad gets abusive with him and his mom. Junior also has parents as drunks but they would never touch a hair on him. From what Junior has explained his parents are good drunks who do not want their kids to end up like them.

     Overall, knowing that there are families like this in the world makes it realistic. I could connect to their situations, well not myself personally but some people I know have parents who are drunk or who is struggling through poverty. I could connect on the personal level but it is very broad. The main character is 14 years old and so am I. That's it. Just the age... we are both human! Knowing that humans exist also give more of a realistic feel towards the book.

Comments: Athziry, Leanna, Jenna

AoW Impressions - 2/20/15

     There are many similarities between most of the articles I gathered information by my peers. ISIS is obviously a major conflict for the World. Most articles articles were about ISIS or either connected to ISIS. Even when it is not mentioned. For example, my article which was about the C.I.A buying chemical weapons from Iraq in secret and destroying them. My article never mentioned ISIS but does relate to it. Aside from my article, I was able to gain more specifics on the recent ISIS tragedy. The beheading of 21 Egyptians as a result of an attack from Egypt to ISIS's camps. A lot of terrorist action not just from ISIS but from other terrorist groups I have never heard of, Boko Horam. Then there were articles that were about diseases and the preparations of epidemics for Ebola. One article was about the negative effects with technology. An article I found unique was about language experts claiming that english should be fixed because it is improper and most of the words are not pronounced how they are spelled. The second major conflict is discrimination on many things such as gender, race, or just the features of a person. One of my peer's article's was about gender equality in Turkey. Women are not treated well there and are protesting while the government does nothing but let them get killed. Another article is centered on a 17 year old girl named Molly who was made fun of because of her features but eventually turned out to be a model. Lastly, in Russia a 16 year old homosexual male came out to his father then was sent to his grandmother who sent him to a "witch" to seek help. Eventually, he ended up with doctors who drugged his body and because of overdose he became ill and was kept quarantined. Activists freed him but later was charged of kidnap.         

     Wow. Our world could be falling apart or it may be improving. It all just depends on an individual's point of view. ISIS is something the whole world should be on a look out for. Anyone can get attacked at any moment and anywhere. I agree that there are many negative effects on technology. Though there are positive effects as well. Which leaves me awkwardly in the middle of wether technology is good or bad. English, the language, I am sure may be proper if used the right way with the right wording. It is all a matter of play on words. The spelling I do agree that most words are not pronounced how they are spelled but I need more knowledge on other languages and spelling to make a conclusion for that. Once again I am awkwardly in the middle. Equality situation in Turkey makes me realize that our country, the United States, is fortunate than other countries because we have more freedom.  I will admit the US is still going through some tough stuff. Overall, this week's AoWs made me do a lot of thinking, and I am grateful for that.

Black Duck - 2/16/15

Prompt: Do you like what you're reading? Why or Why not?

Author: Janet Taylor Lisle

Pages Read: finished 

      I did like what I read, which is strange because historical fiction is one of my least favorite genres. I always found it hard to read historical fiction because I needed background knowledge. Black Duck is different, it gives you the knowledge you need. I was able to follow along with the plot of the book. The book starts off with a young boy wanting to have his article published on the newspaper. In order for that he needs to article, of course. He decides to write about the history of Rumrunners. He goes to an old man who people claim used to be a Rumrunner. Instead, he gets a different story. Of the time he and his friend found a dead body who was a Rumrunner. When they return to the body it is gone. Which leaves many mysteries behind and takes the readers on a thrill.

    The author, Janet Taylor Lisle, creates such eerie suspense that it is amusing to have see myself reading this book. As mentioned before historical fiction is not my favorite genre. I also learned a lot with this book. I learned that there was a time when alcohol and liquor was illegal. There would be people who would try and sneak in liquor from other countries into the United States. Those people are called Rumrunners. They were considered criminals but were very secretive. This book switched my opinion on historical fiction. Sometimes, one needs to push themselves to read as book to the very end. They just have to find the right book. Now, I can read historical fiction, and maybe I will try to look for other books on the genres I consider not my favorite.

Comments: Gianna, Nik, and Steven

Th1rteen R3asons Why - Book Talk

     Hello Everyone! The book I chose for this book talk is Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.  The genre of this book is realistic-fiction and mystery. This book takes place around present day. The main character is a high school boy named Clay Jenson. One day he receives a package full of tapes. Those tapes are recordings of a girl named Hannah; who committed suicide. And Clay's crush. Well before the suicide, Hannah recorded herself explaining why she killed herself. She made thirteen tapes, each tape is a story which includes a specific person as to why she committed suicide. Those people are the only one's who will listen to the tape. Well when Clay receives the tapes it is instructed of him, that he must listen to everything. When he is finished, the tapes have to be sent out to the next person that is said in the tapes. And that person must do the same. So it is like a cycle.

     Just listening to the tapes was a huge conflict for Clay. There are several stories before he gets mentioned in them. It builds up a suspense for him. Clay feels guilty because he has no idea what he has done to Hannah but just like her. The book is just a big thriller for the reader because we are put in Clay's point of view. That is what I liked about the book, the author did a good job building suspense. The theme was written out very well too. The theme is to be careful of your actions and saying. It could really affect a person and that person may end up... well dead. Overall, I think this is the type of book that everyone should give it a try because it is very creative. I will admit some parts seems exaggerated to me. Like dramatic. But everyone is different so definitely a must read. Bye!

AoW Impressions

     I honestly thought this was a good to be presented with different news topics by our peers. It was very interesting how everyone had similarities and differences in the articles. In a way, we got to know what we all care about or interest us in the world. Though I learned a lot, it was not enough. The amount of time was not enough. I was a bit rushed when I presented my article and some people took their time when presenting which was all a scramble. Maybe if it we would have started the class period before it would have been enough to learn more. I did not get to everyone but I did get to most. Overall, I enjoyed this activity it was just the time that got to me.

     I learned more about Stuart Scott and his battle with cancer. Which made me admire his way of being a Sports Anchor. Stuart Scott changed the way of sports being announced. ISIS is definitely a major issue to the world as well as global warming which raised the seas in 2014. I also learned about new laws from different counties which are similar to ours in the US. One classmate had an article about all the problems our world is trying to persevere through and turns those problems into something positive. In a way the writer is trying to calm the audience about everything. This was the last presentation I received before it was time for me to present. (I was the third group) Which is a good way to end my knowledge on the world.

     The article that that would turn a negative problem to a positive really left me thinking. Not on that article specifically but on all of them. Yes, our world is going through hardships and will always be. Eventually those hardships might disappear and new ones will appear. It is the way it has always been. We all learn from mistakes which is why we have to stay informed about the world.

Zebra Forests - 1/26/15

Prompt: Describe the major conflict. What side are you on? After reading, I wonder...
Author: Rishe Gewirtz
Pages: 94-147

     The major conflict in the story is wether to trust Andrew Snow or not to trust him. That is like an over view of all the other conflicts because Rew and Annie always find themselves choosing to trust Andrew Snow or not to. Andrew Snow is an escaped prisoner who is hiding at their house and holding them hostage. Along with this, Andrew Snow is Rew and Annie's father. This adds more confusion into their tangled background story. Rew is a stubborn boy, he is always trying to figure out ways to escape. He mostly just tells Andrew Snow impertinent comments probably hoping he will leave. Annie, on the other hand, seems to make more peace with Andrew Snow. She is very curious about why her mom left her and why Andrew Snow is not dead. The only way she gets answers is my being nice. She loathe herself when she shows kindness because Annie knows Rew would disapprove. Yet there are so many questions to be solved.

     I am leaning a bit more on the trusting side for many reasons. The idea of having Annie's and Rew''s existence was Andrew Snow's. He has not harmed Annie or Rew at all either. I think Rew is being over-dramatic with the situation they are in. Andrew Snow has also been cleaning up their kitchen because he "cares" about their hygiene. True, he is an escaped prisoner that is why I am not all the way on the trusting side but just to be cautious.

     Rew told Annie to take a letter and mail it in the mailbox. The letter states the distress they are in which is a prisoner keeping them hostage and asks for help. Annie did not mail it and lied to Rew about completing the task. After reading this I wonder if Rue will find out that his sister lied to him. If he does, I think Rew will react badly to the lie which will lead to chaos. He might do something idiotic and fail at it but will cause the two siblings to part. Hopefully Rew does not find the letter it would be dreadful and dangerous.

Comments: Marisa, Diego, and Stanley