Why I Write

I write to escape. There are some things that I would simply rather not talk about with anyone, but when I keep it in my mind I feel like my head is about to explode. When I write it all down, and try to free my mind it makes me feel better. Writing things down is easier than trying to sort through all of the thoughts in my head. I get too stressed out when I try to do this, and by writing everything down I can look calmly back at it without getting too flustered.

I don't know why it feels better for me to write personal things down in a journal. No one reads it but me, yet it still makes me feel as if a weight is lifted from my shoulders when I do this. It is kind of a way to vent out my emotions to myself rather than to someone else. My writing is usually nothing very extravagant like poems or lyrics, it is usually just a recap of my day, and thoughts that I have. I enjoy thinking back on things and writing them down. There are some things that I do not want to forget, and keeping a journal helps me.

Having a Blog

Having a blog where I post the things that I have written is a completely new experience for me. Usually I am not very comfortable with letting other people see my work, but with this, my work is open for anyone. I was a little bit nervous of the type of comments that people would leave, but so far people have just been agreeing with the things I'm saying. That makes me feel better, and also more confident in my work. That's why I think that sharing the work on this blog is a beneficial idea.

I also thoroughly enjoyed reading other people's posts. We all had the same types of questions to answer, and the way that the responses differed and were similar was interesting to see. Everyone has different opinions, and some ways of thinking are completely unlike my own thinking.

Teacher Resignation

Teacher Says "I Quit!"

This teacher's goal for the students was to make them lifelong learners. He had been a teacher for many years, and gave students an education that was rewarding and enjoyable. He not only taught the students, but shaped them to be better adults. But then, the school system changed from creating lifelong learners to good test takers. School was once a place for fun as well as learning, but now it has changed into only work and no play. The school has turned into a "one size fits all curriculum", and this does not benefit the children in any way.

A one size fits all curriculum means that every child is treated the same. This shouldn't be the case though because some students have learning disabilities, or learn at a different pace than the other children, and they will not excel in school because of this way of learning. It isn't fair to them because some things are out of their control, and the school is doing nothing about it to help them learn.

I believe that this teacher is extremely brave to speak up like this. I'm sure that there are other teachers who share his perspective, but do not want to say anything or lose their jobs. This man cares so much about his students that he would put his job on the line in order to show the world how the school systems are changing in a bad way.

Classic Books Dropped From US School Curriculums

Catch in the Rye Dropped From US School Curriculum

Letter to the editor of The Telegraph 

To whom it may concern,

I think that it is a terrible idea to replace classic novels with informational texts. By removing these novels from the curriculum, students lose their chance to have any imagination. Imagination is something that is needed in an English class in my opinion, and informational texts are too straightforward. Students have to endure text books in many other classes and English class is a time for them to escape, and make a world of their own.

I know that supporters of this idea say that it will help students be able to write concisely and factually, which will help them in the long run, but factual writing is part of other classes. English class is supposed to have a little bit of leeway for the students own writing style. Another thing is that English class will help students to become more able to converse intellectually with others. By writing in their own way, students will discover ways of writing or talking that is comfortable for them, and this will allow them to feel at ease while socializing and make them enjoy interacting with others.

Altogether, there are many other instances where informational texts are extremely beneficial for students, but an English class is not one of them. English class is for imagination and creativity to run free, and that is not possible when dealing with solid facts. Classic novels should not be removed from English classes.

My Definition of Education

How I define education:  Education is learning. It is not only learning things such as math, or science, but also life lessons as well. It is about learning things such as morals and values. There are many different aspects that make up education, and it is learned throughout a person's whole life. No one knows everything, and people can be educated by others of all different ages, races, and genders. There are no barriers on education.

The dictionary definition of education is the process of receiving or giving systematic instructions, especially at school.

Education is not solely at school. School is a place where students are meant to be educated, but there are many other ways for a person to be educated about topics that are not taught in the classroom.

Lightbulb Moments

Lightbulb Moments

English allows for many "lightbulb moments" to occur. A major lightbulb moment that happened to me not too long ago took place at my friends house. Her step mother began talking to us about the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and I knew exactly what she was talking about. I am learning all about the Israeli's and Palestinians in World Issues class. I could easily talk in this conversation and it made me feel very mature and grown up to be talking about current events.

Another lightbulb moment that I have is whenever I talk about books. I love reading. My uncle is a school teacher, and whenever we hear from each other we talk and compare the books that we have read. We recommend books to each other, and I always feel very educated when we have conversations like this, they make me feel more like an adult.

Also, a little thing is that my mom always talks to me about how when she was in high school she did not have a good work ethic. She is always so surprised at the amount of work I get, and that I can finish it all while also having a job. It makes me feel good that someone notices all of my hard work paying off. 

Literature in English Class

This is a list of some of the books read in English classes throughout the year.

-       To Kill a Mockingbird

-       Lord of the Flies

-       The Book Thief

-       Romeo and Juliet

-       Macbeth

-       The Road

-       The Reader

-       Life of Pi

Lord of the Flies is not only a good read, but it teaches students values as well. It is about a group of boys who are in a plane crash and end up stranded on an island. At first, the boys have order within the group. They have a leader, and responsibilities that were distributed throughout the group. But as the book unfolds, the boys become more and more savage. They try to do things their own way rather than what is best for the group. It’s an interesting book, and there is much to learn from it. I learned that the best way to go about things is with teamwork. In the story, the boys are only productive when they all work together to get tasks done. When they do not do this, it is total chaos.

That is just an example of how one of the books read in English class teaches students lessons of values and morals. The other books have meaning and messages within them as well. The exposure of these pieces of writing are beneficial for students. They allow students to think in depth about certain issues such as racism, sexism, dictatorships, and many other topics that they would not normally think about in their day-to-day lives. I think that this is suitable for English class because not only do students learn lessons, but they can also write essays, and tests, and other educational pieces that a teacher can mark. So, not only do the students read, but they also practice their writing as well. It is beneficial in more ways than one.

I think that English is mandatory because it is important in any occupation for a person to be able to comprehend and use writing all of the time. Being literate is one thing, but having an in depth knowledge of the English language is crucial for success in this day and age. 

Saying Goodbye to Imagination

Saying Goodbye to Imagination

            I think that it is a terrible idea to replace books in English class with informational texts. Students need to learn morals about how to be a better person. That is what most of the books read in English classes teach. Students have other classes to read informational texts; English class is about being creative.

One story that is read in English class, To Kill A Mockingbird, teaches students about racism, fairness, and many other valuable lessons that are crucial to help make students better people. Another story, Lord of the Flies, teaches students the power of working together, and the chaos that can occur when people stop trusting each other. These are very important lessons for students to learn at a younger age.

As you can see, by simply referencing only two books read in English class it is easy to tell that they are important pieces of writing. They are not merely randomly chosen books for the students to read, but they are full of lessons about morals, and the righteous path, etc. These books not only help students in analyzing text, but they also teach them something.

Reading informational texts in an English class would not be beneficial for many reasons. An English class is the time of day where students can get their creative juices flowing. The class is not all about cold, hard, facts. It is about imagination, and creativity. By reading informational texts, the students will not get to see the way that other authors write. Seeing this would help them to improve their own writing, but informational texts would not do this for them.

All in all, it is not a good idea to replace classic literature with informational texts. It will not benefit the students in anyway. In fact, it would hinder them. These texts will not help them to be more creative, and they do not learn any kind of lesson from them. Students need to be able to let their imaginations be free in English class.

Letter to Liesel

Dear Liesel,

            I can’t believe that no one is going to hear your story anymore. It was so inspirational, and emotional. Your story taught a lot of people, myself included, the power of love, and that it’s what’s on the inside that really counts. Children need to learn these kinds of qualities because the way that you lived your life was unacceptable.

            You had such a hard life. First having your little brother die right in front of you, to your mother not being able to take care of you and having to put you up for adoption. Nothing seemed to go your way. That didn’t stop you from carrying on though, and that is so inspirational. You went to your new family with your head held high, and tried to have a relationship with them. By doing this, Hans began to teach you to read. You picked up on it so quickly, and found that reading could carry you to places other than the small room in a foreign house.

            It must have been very difficult for you to understand the things that went on outside your door. The concept of Hitler being in power over everyone is somewhat unimaginable. You treated everyone fairly, Jewish or not, and that showed me that people are people no matter what their upbringing is. Your family brought in a Jewish refugee, and kept him safe in your basement at great risk to your family’s well being. Doing this showed that there really are still good people in the world.

            All in all, you have inspired me to be a better person. The fact that people are not going to hear your story anymore is heartbreaking. You have done so much good, and it is not fair that it is all going to be forgotten. I will never forget you though Liesel, ever.

Sincerely, Julie Rodwell

I Am From Books

I Am From Books

I am from a lightening scar,

The strength of a mother’s love,

The power of friendship,

And stopping at nothing for a better life.

I am from the man in the yellow hat

Always looking for adventure,

Not doing what I’m told,

And having someone to get me out of trouble.

I am from a closed mind,

Not wanting to try something new,

Being convinced to try it,

And enjoying a nice change.

I am from another planet,

Fighting for my life,

Three others dying before me,

And being the next target.

I am from a gruesome murder,

A mysterious little boy,

Seemingly innocent,

And a strange outcome.

I am from questions asked by children,

Big writing,

Colourful pictures,

And answers easy to understand.

I am from witty little poems,

Silly rhymes,

Messy cartoons,

And a unique imagination.