My poetry recitation
Today I recited the poem “For Each Ecstatic Instant.” Here is my poster:
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As the first semester comes to an end, take time to reflect on your learning and growth in this course. In a well-developed response, explain what you enjoyed most about the class, identify the project or assignment you found most engaging, and discuss which aspect of the course you connected with the most (such as poetry, fiction, writing, or discussion). Finally, reflect on one area where you feel you need additional support or improvement as we move into the spring semester.
What I enjoyed most about this class was how everybody was friendly and outgoing talking to people was easy. The project I enjoyed the most was Climbing Back to Childhood, as I got to reflect on my childhood and look through my old pictures. I connected with poetry the most because I loved to evaluate both the figurative and literal meanings behind words. One area where I need more help is in vocabulary, as it is hard for me to remember the words and their meanings. In class, I finished all of my blog posts and studied for finals. I learned about how I've grown this semester and how I can better myself academically.
Many holidays center around traditions. Describe one tradition that is important to you or your family and explain why it still matters (or why it no longer does).
One tradition that my family has at Christmas is playing games. Every Christmas Eve, we go to our family friend's house and play Christmas-themed games. We usually play games with marshmallows, cups, and bells, and we split into teams for the night. Also, the next day, on Christmas Day, we also play games with our extended family, but they are usually chillier and more card games. In class, I worked on my English final and other schoolwork. I learned how to organize my poster to best show my points.
How have the holidays changed as you have grown older? Compare your experiences of the holidays during childhood with how you experience them now, focusing on shifts in perspective, responsibilities, or emotional meaning.
As I have grown up, holidays, especially Christmas, have undergone significant changes. When I was younger, Christmas was magical and wonderful, but now the magic seems to be gone as my parents and siblings have put in less effort to make the holiday special. I used to prepare for Santa to come by making cookies and getting carrots for his reindeer, but now I just go straight to sleep. I now buy gifts for all the people in my family, and I understand that Santa does not exist. In class, we did Vocabulary Monday. I learned new words like hubris and malingering.
Write about something you’ve outgrown but still miss
Something that I have outgrown is my childhood best friend. I outgrew her because, as we grew up, we often ended up having conflicts with each other and fighting. As we matured, we would butt heads on different topics and get into heated discussions, which eventually led to us drifting apart. Although we had grown up together and shared many memories, it was no longer a good idea for us to be friends. I do miss her, though, as it was sad to see somebody I was once so close with be so distant now. In class, we took our vocabulary test and read a new poem. I learned about freedom and liberty.
Write about something that you can't stop thinking about.
One thing that I can't stop thinking about is my job interview. I have an interview at a new job tonight, and I am very worried about giving the right impression and saying the right things. This job is very important to me, and I have been rehearsing what I am going to say all day throughout school. I hope it goes well because this is my dream job for high school. We spoke to our counselors about our classes. I learned about the possibilities for dual enrollment.
Cultural Identity Mask
Today in class, we presented our mask projects. I learned new facts about each of my classmates, including their family history and passions.
Write about the best gift you have received.
The best gift I have received was a scrapbook from my best friend. Last year on my birthday, she gave me a scrapbook that she had put together, made up of pictures and little trinkets from our good memories together. I really loved it because she put so much time and effort into it and showed how much she really cared about me. It is so special to me and is my favorite gift ever. In class, we did vocabulary lesson 5. I learned new words like coterie and flippancy.
After watching the short film Identity, write a blog post reflecting on how the masks in the film represent the pressure to fit in and the struggle to discover who you really are. Choose one moment from the film that stood out to you and explain why. Then, connect the film’s message to Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” and to the mask you are creating in class. What part of your identity do you want your mask to reveal?
The mask in the film represents the pressure to fit in by showing all the children in the class wearing different masks, highlighting individuality that is hidden underneath. However, there are groups of masks that show the cliques of high school and the pressures to fit in. One part that stuck out to me was when the girl ran to the bathroom and realized that part of her mask was broken, which showed how she was worried about people seeing her true self, which is very heartbreaking. At the end, s he finally embraced her individuality and herself, which connects to Langston Hughes' poem by expressing love for yourself, your faults, and your flaws, despite what other people think of you. In class, we watched a short film about masks and individuality. I learned about how some people feel so alone that they feel like they need to hide themselves from others.
In “I, Too,” the speaker expresses pride in his identity and his rightful place in America. Reflect on your own life: What aspect of your cultural identity are you most proud of, and why?
I am American, which I am very proud of. I am proud to be American because of the diverse community and the equal opportunities that are given to all. America represents freedom and fighting for what you believe in, which inspires me to be the best version I can be. I am proud to be American and to live in a country that respects all people and is based on the ideas of equality and individuality. In class, we finished our work from yesterday and then started a new project based on a new poem. I learned how to represent my culture and identity through pictures.
In “We Real Cool,” the speakers make choices that seem exciting, bold, and rebellious, even though those choices lead to consequences. Write about a moment in your own life when you followed what looked cool or fun, only to realize afterwards that it wasn’t the smart or responsible path. What influenced your decision, and how did your perspective change later?
A time when I followed others to look cool was when I went to a party at a guy's house without his parents there. My parents had a rule that I was not allowed to go to a guy's house if his parents weren't home. However, one night, a friend was having some people over at his house, and his parents weren't there. In fact, they didn't even know he was having people over. They came home early and caught all of us, then proceeded to email all our parents to inform them of this situation. My dad got furious at me and decided to ground me for a week for disobeying them. Now that I look back, I realize that it was a stupid thing to do, especially since the party wasn't that fun. In class, we read a new poem and analyzed it. I learned how to find a broader message from shorter lines in a poem.
Discuss something meaningful or memorable you experienced over the break, or reflect on what you felt most thankful for during that time.
Something meaningful over the break was the Friendsgiving that I had with my friends. I was invited to my friend's house to celebrate Thanksgiving together, and it ended up being around 20 girls. I am new to this school, so it was nice to have been invited and be a part of the friend group. We had a lot of fun and hung out all day, and it was very meaningful. In class, we did Vocabulary Monday. I learned new words from the vocabulary and what was going to be on the final.