2nd Quarter Reflection

            We're already half way through 8th grade, second quarter is over!  It's hard to believe that the year is going by so fast.  I definitely believe that it's been a productive and successful quarter.  I've come pretty far from where I was at the beginning of the quarter.  However, I also believe that there's a long way to go and a lot of work to be done in a lot of categories.

            I made progress in a lot of areas within ELA, but I think I've improved my vocabulary the most over the other categories.  I was able to grow and do this through in school activities such as Vocab quizzes, or exercises outside of school in order to prepare for high school entrance exams.  I now know words that I'd never heard of at the beginning of the year, and if I come across a word I don't know, I can often dissect it and recognize roots or prefixes that we've studied.  I've begun to realize that the key to not only seeming intelligent, but actually acquiring intelligence and learning new things, is a strong vocabulary.

            I recently took the high school entrance exam at Nazareth Academy, and I'm proud of myself because I think I did well after all the work it took to prepare.  The very first time that I glanced at all the pre-tests and practice questions, I was so overwhelmed and nervously.  However, after several weeks of work and studying, I introduced myself to all kinds of new skills, concepts, and methods.  There were many different topics or areas that I obviously needed improvement on in order to prepare for the exam, whether it be the actual work, focusing for the length of the test, or managing time and using strategies that ensured my completion of the test.

            A significantly big obstacle that I've been faced with and am currently facing, is making sure I put forth 100% effort and making sure that my work is at its best quality and that I'm working at my full potential, as well as pushing forward to extend my limits and capabilities.  I've had a tendency to do the bear minimum, and completing only what was asked of me, in order to just get past with the least amount of work as possible.  Going into the third quarter, and then past that, I plan on overcoming this barrier, and getting to the point where my work is reflecting and showing everything that I can do.  I believe that the first step in solving this problem is managing my time better and becoming more organized.  If I have everything I need set out in front of me, and I have enough time to think about what I need to do, and what I can do to go further, I will be able to exceed standards and shine.

To Kill a Mockingbird Film Book Comparison

            I think that the biggest and most important difference between the film and the book was the knothole in the tree in front of the Radley house. The difference between the amount of times that the tree and its gifts were mentioned was pretty large.  The book really went into depth on the tree, what it held, how Scout and Jem reacted to it, and its symbolism.  Whereas the movie did show it, however not to the extent that the book did.  I feel that the tree and its presents symbolized and introduced the fact that Boo Radley was actually a good person.  It sort of flowed with the whole idea of Boo being misunderstood, and fit into and backed up the plot.  The tree also connected with Jem's growing maturity, and you can see this when the book describes Jem's devastated reaction when Mr. Radley filled up the hole, and this wasn't shown in the film.

            There are differences and similarities between the movie and book, and although I feel differently about certain differences and things that are the same, I think that it's important that two versions of the story are created.  Every person's imagination is different, and the way they might process, interpret, relate, or connect to a story could be very different than someone else's. 

     I believe that it's necessary to create both a book and film on a story in order to ensure that every reader receives the points and messages in the story.  For example, some people might be able to visualize events or setting in their head in the way they like it and can get the most out of books, but then some people might need to see and hear everything that's happening for them to understand. 

To Kill a Mockingbird (Why or how did the book affect/speak to you) 1-6-16

There are so many readers who loved this book, and some who didn't.  Several readers have almost identical, or at least very similar basic reactions or thoughts about the story.  However, all readers experience these reactions for unique and different reasons, depending on how they connected with characters, setting, conflicts, or anything else.  Therefore, I'm not going to be talking about the fact that I really enjoyed the book, but why I feel this way.

There really isn't one singular aspect that makes me react the way I do to this book, instead, there's a few different contributing factors that influence my thoughts and opinions on the story and its content.  For example, there were times where did really be able to connect with Scout, Jem, and Dill, and relate to their thoughts or actions.  A good example of character connection that I experienced while reading, was while the Finch's gathered together for Christmas.  It was really cool how I could match up practically every member of their family with one of my own family members. 

Secondly, I personally thought the author did a really good job with influencing and stirring up readers' opinions on specific topics, such as segregation and racism.  Readers could have different levels of passion when it comes to certain topics.  I was able to form my own opinions on all subjects of the book, and share them with other readers and peers, all because of the author's power to reach out to different people in different ways through his words.

Character Relationships (To Kill a Mockingbird)

Miss Maudie and a Calpurnia, are both very similar, and yet different, in several ways.  First of of all, both of these characters are women who openly express their opinions, mainly to Scout.  I feel that both these characters would voice their ideas more to the public, if they had the power freedom, and frankly if they thought that they would actually be listened to.  Whether they're speaking about matters of the Radleys, flowers, manners, or whatever topic, they always have advice or a little something to put in.  Another similarity between Miss Maudie and Cal, is their role in the book when it comes to religion.  Calpurnia took Scout and Jem to an African American church and provided them with a similar, yet different religious experience than what they were used to.  Miss Maudie hosted an extremely symbolic and powerful conversation about religion to different extremities (foot washers).

However, Miss Maudie and Calpurnia have their differences as well.  For example, Calpurnia has more of an affect on Scout as a mother figure when it comes to discipline and manners, such as when Walter Cunningham came over for dinner, whereas Miss Maudie's advice was generally pertaining to life situations or concepts.  In addition to that, Calpurnia's relationship with Scout is more direct and explicit, but Miss Maudie's affect was more passive.

These characters both play an important role in Scout's childhood and process of maturing, as they serve as mother figures.  Both of these important women influence Scout in ways that will alter and guide the sculpting of her character.  Although these two characters aren't the only ones who play as a mother figure to a scout in this book, or attempt to at least, they are probably the most important ones and the ones that influenced her the most.  The changes they made on Scout, or the behaviors they instructed and modeled for her to follow, varied in categories of manners, clothing, respect, and points of views on all kinds of subjects.

Maycomb Photograph Analysis (TKAM) 11-24-15

This picture represents the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird, in many ways.  For example, the book is set in southern Alabama, where it's relatively hot and dusty, and you can tell that the setting of the picture has similar traits, when you look at how none of the children have shoes on, and their all dressed for that type of weather.  You don't see coats on them, and they have big hats that could potentially shield their eyes from the sun.  In addition to that, you can infer that the ground below them, is dry and dusty dirt or sand, by analyzing the possible texture of the ground.

Another possible connection to the book that I can see, is the character similarities.  The young children in the picture, could be like Scout, Jem, and Dill.  By studying their facial expressions and moods, we can see the resemblance of curiosity, mischief, excitement, and yet seriousness at times, maybe even a little sadness too, which can all be seen in the child characters of the book.

A final similarity between this photograph and the book, was the clothing, and the fact that the picture was taken in black and white.  First off all, the clothes that the people in the picture seem from previous generations, and you don't really see kids going around today in those sorts of clothing.  Overalls, sun hats, and you don't see girls wearing skirts outside without shoes on.  Skirts are usually for special occasions or celebrations, and aren't utilized for every day activity anymore.  Second, the picture was taken in black and white, which isn't common at all these days, but was the only option several years ago.  All these clues, connections, and similarities help me to realize more and more that this picture relates to the setting, time period, and characters of the book To Kill a Mockngbird.

Theme Blog on "The Breadwinner" 11-19

I devised a potential theme from the book, "The Breadwinner" than most other readers might have.  I've completed the book, and formed an opinion based off of different character's actions and choices.  I think that whether it was intentional or unintentional, the author helps readers realize that courage comes in different forms, and sometimes courage isn't the best quality to have in a certain scenario.  The definition of courage is, "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear..."  

However, would the action of bravely stepping in front of an entire enemy army to fight by yourself be considered courageous?  Techniquely your facing danger, without fear, but it certainly wouldn't be the smartest thing to do in that situation.  It often seems that courage comes hand in hand with stupidity, and although some people may not consider the "smarter" thing to do courageous, it could be the better option.  For example, during the book, Parvana's mother goes out to look for her husband in jail among the Taliban.  It was banned for women to leave the house unaccompanied by a man, so this was very dangerous for Parvana's mother.  Some may consider this a bold act of courage, while others with realize that it obviously was quite stupid.

On the other hand, there are certainly cases where courage is extremely hard to conjure up and harness, but can be really helpful.  In the book, Parvana has courage practically forced or thrust upon her, considering it is the only option for the survival of her family.  She has to be extremely courageous and/or brave while being smart at the same time.  I don't want to go into too much detail on these events, considering some readers may want to check this book out, but anyone who's read the book will know what I'm referring to. 

I know that there are multiple themes to this book, as there are to many others as well, but this is one that I wanted to focus in and go in depth within.  I've now thought more intensely on this claim about courage, and have came to the conclusion that this theme not only applies to the book, but to real life situations and events as well.

First Quarter Reflection 10-28-15

I thought that as a student, I emitted a mediocre performance when it comes to grades, or effort as a student.  I wouldn't say it was a bad job, I just think I could've done better, and I plan on doing so within these next few quarters.  I definitely think the transition was a large reason in this lack of quality, considering 8th grade is different from the past, and that the school adopted an entirely new grading system.  However, now that I've gotten a taste of what it's going to be like, I think I'll have a better understanding of what's expected of me, and therefore be able to meet and strive above my standards.

My life and actions have been revolving around other aspects besides education throughout this quarter as well, for example, it was my birthday about a week ago, and that was exciting.  Friends came over to celebrate, and then I went paintballing the next day to celebrate as well.  Basketball season has just started up as well, and as usual, has me super excited.  Afterschool programs, sports, and other hobbies have filled up my free time whenever I'm not completely focused on school.

8th grade is also especially different from previous years, in the sense that students are searching for the high school that will provide a scenario to best fit their needs.  I've already shadowed at three schools, and am still narrowing the choices down, and weighing the advantages and disadvantages that pertain to the commute, offered education, and other activity facilities.  However, I plan on looking at high school the same as these next few middle school quarters.  I'm going to do whatever I can to choose the right path for me, and see where I end up, and I plan on doing my best and making the best choices for not only myself, but others as well.