Wednesday, May 28, 2014

How do we define habit?


Quick Write: Write about one bad habit you have and one good habit.

One bad habit that I have would be eating a lot of candy especially when I am trying to stay fit and not put on much weight. One good habit that I have is waking up early and getting ready on time for whatever the occasion. 

Today we will begin thinking about habits. In what ways are they good and in what ways are they bad?

 Step 1: First watch this video.

 Step 2: After you have watched the video, write a reflection defining habit in your own words. Think about these critical questions:


  • What is good about habits? 




Habits help us automatically do certain thing that require little to no effort thanks to its repetitive nature.
  • What is bad about habits?
The bad thing is that sometimes those habits become so ingrained in our everyday lives that it becomes almost impossible to break without knowing the cycle.
  • How can we use habits productively? 
We can use habits in anyway we choose, For us to make productivity apart of the habits we need to understand what are the good habits and which are the ones we need to change or get rid of in order to make ourselves better as a whole. Habits are powerful and play a big role in our everyday lives one change could make a drastic difference in our future.


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

KHANS LESSON

AIM:  How do we understand Bauby's farewell? 

Alan Ruck Cameron animated GIF 
QUICK WRITE:


Have you known someone who was has been on their deathbed and in their final hours? How does it feel, What could be going through that persons mind? , If you have not been in a situation like this before, Try to imagine how it would possibly be. Give details.


ACTIVITY:

READ PAGES 129 - 131 OF THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

1) WHAT IS BAUBYS NEW LIFE? 

2) WHAT DO YOU THINK KANGAROO SONG REFERS TO?

3) CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT THE SEASON OF RENEWAL MEANS?

FINAL REFLECTION: 

AFTER READING AND ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS, SUMMARIZE THE MEMOIR "THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY" IN YOUR OWN WORDS, REMEMBER TO ADD DETAILS WITH EVIDENCE FROM THE BOOK. IN YOUR OPINION, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JEAN-DOMINIQUE BAUBY IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IN LIFE, YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE UP?

Friday, May 16, 2014

SOPHIAS LESSON

Aim: How important is it for Bauby to have an "active" imagination? 


Quick write: Your personal views on the importance of an "active" imagination. 

 I think that an active imagination is crucial in life. If we as humans did not have any imagination then our life's would be boring, people wouldn't have anything interesting to say. Think about it, If we as people didn't have imagination or use it, There would be no advancement in technology, there would be no one questioning why things are the way the are, No one would be outgoing it would be just a bland world with humans inhabiting it with nothing new.

Today's lesson is to read pages 109-113 in The Diving Bell And The The Butterfly and then discuss whether or not Baubys imagination is essential to his physical estate.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Art and Cultural Exhibition Project

    

GUYANA

   

What is the flag? 

 

The flag of Guyana, was designed with a golden arrowhead along its middle to signify Guyana's journey into the future. The golden arrowhead, with narrow white and black strips along its sides, was set on a green and red background with narrow white and black strips along the sides of the arrowhead. The five colors were also seen as symbolic to the country various assets: green for the agriculture and forests; gold representing the country's mineral wealth; red for the zeal of nation-building; black border, depicting the people's endurance; and white symbolizing the natural water potential of the country.




Location and Geography. Guyana is on the northeastern shoulder of South America, bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by Suriname, on the northwest by Venezuela, and on the south and southwest by Brazil. The capital city is Georgetown. In an area of 83,000 square miles (212,000 square kilometers), there are three regions: the narrow coastal belt of rich alluvium; the densely forested, hilly sand and clay belt; and the Rupununi grasslands between the rain forests and the frontier with Brazil. Over 90 percent of the population lives on the coastal belt, which is below sea level. The Dutch, using African slaves in the eighteenth century, made this area habitable. Every square mile of cultivated land has forty-nine miles of drainage canals and ditches and sixteen miles of high-level waterways.


Demography. The population was 758,619 in 1980. It had declined to 723,800 in 1991, and an estimated 720,700 in 1996. In 1991, the population consisted of 49 percent Indians; 35 percent Africans; 7 percent mixed race peoples; and 6.8 percent Amerindians. Indians are of the following religions: Hindu, 65 percent; Muslim, 20 percent; and Christian, 15 percent. Massive migration has led to the virtual disappearance of Chinese, mixed, Europeans, and Portuguese.
 
Linguistic Affiliation. The official language is English. No African languages survived slavery, nor have those of the indentured laborers (Indians, Madeiran Portuguese, and Chinese). Guyanese speak creole dialects of English with varying ethnic lexical imprints. However, all dialects are mutually intelligible.

HISTORY OF GUYANA

  1. Set in the crown of South America, nestled on the North-Eastern shoulder, defying the raging Atlantic Ocean, Guyana's many waterways reflect the source of its name "The Land of Many Waters" Guyana was discovered in 1498 by the Europeans, its history; therefore stretches back a bit more than 500 years. Guyana's past is punctuated by battles fought and won, possessions lost and regained as the Spanish, French, Dutch and British wrangled for centuries to own this land.
  2. After the 1964 elections the PNC and the UF were able to form a ruling coalition, and Burnham became prime minister. Full independence was negotiated in 1966. In the elections of 1968 and 1973 the PNC won a majority, and Burnham continued as prime minister. Guyana gained its Independence on the 26th of May 1966.

What are its traditions and customs? 

Guyanese culture reflects the influence of African, Indian, French, Amerindian, Chinese, British, Dutch, Portuguese, Caribbean and American culture, reflected in the various festivals celebrated throughout the year. Most of the festivals have special significance to Guyana. Many religions are practiced in Guyana, the predominant ones being Christianity, Hinduism and Islam, Muslim.

Mashramani, sometimes referred to as "Mash", is usually observed on the 23rd day of February - Guyana's Republic Day - to commemorate the "Birth of the Republic". It is probably the most colorful of all the festivals. There are spectacular costume competitions, float parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the accompaniment of steel band music and calypso's. Masquerades frequent the streets performing acrobatic dance routines, a vivid reminder of Guyana's African heritage. Calypso competitions with their witty social commentaries are another integral part of "Mash", and this culminates in the coronation of a King or Queen for the particular year. 

Phagwah is a Hindu religious holiday observed in March to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Hindus traditionally wear white on Phagwah day and indulge in the throwing upon each other of a harmless liquid called abeer. Abeer is a red dye which symbolizes the blood of the tyrannical King Kiranya who in Hindu lore was ordered burnt alive by his son Prince Prahalad because of the suffering which his people endured at the hands of his father. Powder, perfume, and water are also thrown on family, friends and neighbours on this day by Hindus and non-Hindus alike in what is an amusing, good-natured and joyful celebration. 

HOW HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY SHAPED THE PEOPLE OF GUYANA'S MINDSET

Its is really hard to say how the people of Guyana think because their were so many different cultures and countries who have had their influence on the people and the country. Guyana is a third world country, For most of the early years upon its discovery it was fought for by the many different countries of Europe. Also having African slave along with indentured Indian servants made Guyana very diverse population wise. The culmination of these different cultures leads to a mindset of wanting to expand and grow. Everyone that I know personally who has roots in Guyana or was born and raised there seem to have a attitude that is, Work as hard as you possibly can and eventually you will make it. Their is a relentless will to most Guyanese people who are all for the most part, "Go-getter's". The people who are from the country when they come over to American see the country as it is proclaimed "the land of opportunity ". That is the mindset of Guyana and of Guyanese people, We work very hard to get where we want to be, Never settling for minimal effort, Always looking for a better brighter future.

Friday, May 2, 2014

How does memory relate to "I think therefore I am"?

Diving into Memories

QUICK WRITE:

A very happy memory I have came along time ago, It was when I went on vacation with my family to Florida. We didn't fly there instead took a little road trip, It was both of my parents and my 3 brothers. We had an amazing time together, laughing playing, sleeping all on the way their. I will never forget it because it was the only time where all 6 of us was together as a family going to another place outside of home. I really am not sure how I would feel if that memory was stripped from me. I can say honestly that I don't remember every little detail about the trip, So for me the memory has already faded just a bit, However it is not completely gone and would never leave my mind. If it were completely removed from my brain I don't think it would exist to me because I would know nothing of it and i wouldn't remember.

Step 1: Listen to this podcast of a Radiolab episode devoted to the science of memory. In this segment of the podcast, Oliver Sacks tells the story of Clive, a musician who suffered “the most severe case of amnesia ever documented.”

Step 2: Complete this 3-2-1 worksheet as you listen. Alternatively, you can take notes using the Cornell note-taking sheet or the Reciprocal Teaching Worksheet available in the classroom.

Step 3: After you have listened to the podcast, discuss your 3-2-1 worksheet with a partner or your class.
 

Final Reflection: You previously interpreted the quote “I think, therefore I am.” Interpret the quote once again as it relates to Clive. In other words, does Clive know he exists? Does he exist? What does all of this say about memory? Finally, what’s your brainy explanation for Clive only remembering love and music? Post this final reflection on your blog.

I really do believe that Clive knows he exists. Clive, although has the most severe case of amnesia ever documented, still has the ability to perform and carry out most duties on his own. Clive also remembers his wife and music, He is very fond of both not from first sight but with touch, feeling, and hearing, He can distinguish them as they are. This proves that his thoughts are still there. An explanation for why he only remembers his wife and the love of music would be very complicated. But it goes without saying that something's in life that you have a true deep love and passion for can never really be stripped from you, Or in other words stays with you forever.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

MELANIES LESSON

QUICK WRITE

Imagine if you were diagnosed with a paralyzing condition that resulted in you not being able to communicate with anyone (it doesn't have to be locked in syndrome). What would your emotional state be like? Would you feel like giving up or would you persevere?  What would you want to say to the people around you---family? Friends? Doctors? etc.

I actually couldn't imagine myself with a paralyzing condition. I had one dream about it before and it was the most agonizing thing my mind has ever conjured up. My emotional state wouldn't be healthy, I wouldn't want to carry out life anymore, Maybe if there was a chance that I could come back from the condition then maybe I wouldn't give up I would do my best to persevere. I would tell the people around me after making contact with the condition that I would like to be put to rest. (If there is a chance that doctors or medicine can save me) Then I will stick around.

Activity: Go online and research 3 types of paralyzing conditions other than locked-in syndrome. After you've researched, respond to the following:

1) Which out of the conditions do you consider to be the worst? Briefly explain why.

Locked-In syndrome would be the worst in my opinion, Because all you have is your mind and your eyes in some case you just have control from the neck up. This would definitely be the worst compared to some paralyzing conditions where you are just paralyzed in one part of the body, Locked-In syndrome is paralysis of the entire body.


2) If you had to live with one of these conditions, which one would it be? Explain why.


I wouldn't want to live with any of these conditions, This is a question I would hate to answer because no one wants to live through such pain and misery. Maybe there will be a few people whom can do it but I definitely can't. 

3)How do you think the emotional state of a person living with each of these conditions is? How does this relate or differ to Bauby?


The emotional state of the people would be similar to Baubys, Its tragic but if you do have a positive mindset then it can definitely change your outlook on the condition. 

How do we evaluate Bauby's mindset in writing his memoir?

In the Blink of an Eye


Step 1: Today, we are going to try to understand Bauby's method for writing his memoir by reading "The Alphabet" and applying his technique ourselves.
So Bauby used his left eye to communicate all of his thoughts and feelings, And even used it to write his memoir. That is absolutely amazing! I never thought something like that could be possible. The only thing I would stress is that he has someone who is already capable of comprehending this method of communication so that there is little to no speed bumps along the way to get a sentence out. I am amazed at how strong Jean-Dominique's mind must be to not get angry at this form of communication. But its all hes got!!!

 
Step 2: After reading the chapter, think of 1) something that you need to do today, 2) something you want to do today, and 3) an opinion you have about how this day is unfolding for you. Pretty simple stuff, right? Here's the catch: Communicate these three things to a partner using Bauby's blinking technique. (Left eye only!) Use the English letter frequency chart above to spell out the words with your partner.


Spending 20mins just trying to get one sentence out isn't something that anyone would like to be burdened with, This is too much!!! 




Step 3: Write a reflection about the experience. State your opinion about Bauby's mindset based on your own personal experience with this grueling communication technique.


  I really would not be pleased to have this as a method of communication. I can only imagine how Bauby must feel only using his eyes to communicate all of this thoughts to anyone. Its so hard to comprehend as well (speaking on the other end of the spectrum) trying to get what that person is saying just from a wink. This is is just terrible and I really don't like to think how Jean would feel if people misunderstood him. Then again, All hes got is his mind... However frustration is bound to settle at some point in time don't ya think?

Next week, we will be reading the memoir seminar style. Although everyone is responsible for reading all of the memoir, each student will take charge of a section of the book for a day, teaching a lesson and leading the discussion. The sign-up sheet for sections is in the classroom. 
- Ms. Becker