Online Journal #28

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. ~Sylvia Plath

Of everything we've done this year, the blogs have always been one of my favorite things to grade. I love to see what you think when you don't have to worry about saying it out loud in class. Oh, the freedom anonymity brings! Your online responses have allowed me to see your dreams, plans, values--your THOUGHTS--and it has been amazing. You all are a bunch of talented, creative, intelligent, and introspective people; and I hope you continue to write--for yourselves--for many years to come.

So, for one last online journal entry, I want you to tell me something you have enjoyed in this class this year. Something we read that stands out in your memory or an activity you enjoyed (something educative, not "that one time you and your friend ..."). Of course, you have the option to say "you've enjoyed nothing," but know that that is equal to the amount of points you will receive for it as well!. I have enjoyed this year--and getting to know you all--more than you know. Thank you for being the wonderful, insightful people you are. Have an awesome summer and an Incredible Junior Year!!

The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life. ~Norbet Platt

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth

Online Journal 27

"Shakespeare is the happy hunting ground of all minds that have lost their balance."  - James Joyce

Shakespeare!  Our last unit of the year!!  I am so excited!  Possibly because I love literature, both reading it and teaching it, and possibly because I am beyond excited to be done with testing for the year!  :)  However, I know that my enthusiasm for the Bard is not shared by everyone.  So for this week's online journal entry, tell me:  What subject do you love?  During the last couple of weeks, I have discovered we have several creative and talented poets in our midst.  Do you also love literature or some type of creative writing?  Or do your interests lie in other subjects altogether?  What is your favorite subject here at school, or what is one thing from one subject which captivates your interest?  Ooh, one last thing:  What is your opinion about Shakespeare going into this last unit?  Has Romeo and Juliet been your only Shakespearean encounter thus far?  What do you remember?  What did you learn?  What obstacles impeded learning, in  your opinion?  Why have his works been studied over and over for over four hundred years?!  Wow, that is really two different prompts, isn't it?  Better make your answers twice as long then!  No slacking!!  ;)