1.1: New Class Schedule

Introduction

Chunk 1B - Con  One con/dislike/change to the new class schedule is....

Chunk 2B - Pro

Conclusion

Book Review: Matched

Assignment:  Write a book review of your independent read for the first nine weeks.  See guidelines here...AKA rubric!

REMINDER!  What is missing?  Signal phrases!  Where are the page numbers?  The chapter numbers?! Required!

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Picture this:  a world where your mate, your husband, your wife is chosen by a group that controls all that you do.  Ally Condle’s Matched intrigued me with her thoughts of another utopian society that begins to turn dystopic.

One possible theme for this novel remains that humanity at best simply is imperfect.  Cassia, the main character in the novel, has been matched with her ideal mate, her friend from her own living area.  Then, when she inserts her microcard, she sees a face, a face that is not Xander’s but Ky’s; thus, the breakdown in this perfect society begins as Cassia realizes that not all is perfect within her world.

Condle’s writing style draws the reader into this world that she has created by creating much dialogue, vivid descriptions, and her diction (word choice) assists in moving the plot along quickly.  For instance, one can hardly turn a page without a conversation occurring, which keeps the characters’ voices very alive.  The author also chooses to relate this story in first person point of view, thus allowing the readers into the head, the very active house of Cassia’s many thoughts and turmoil.

The setting for the novel, as stated above, is a utopic society some time in the future, a time in which the older members can still recall memories from the reader’s culture.  For instance, Ky has access to the language in the form of poetry, words that appeal very much to Cassia, words that also cause her to further question her society.   Another way the setting affects Cassia is that it allows Ky and her to meet as they perform their outside activities, walking and climbing up and down a hill, an exercise at which both Ky an Cassia both excel.  Thus, this setting, this supposedly perfect world, does directly affect the characters.

This novel reminds me of The Hunger Games, a novel that is also initially based on a perfect world that quickly is portrayed as a dystopia.  Katness, the main character in The Hunger Games, and Cassia both display similar characteristics, determination and a devotion to family.  Both novels are set in worlds that exist in the future, and, of course, in both novels, the girls have to choose between two boys.  Oh, the love triangle!

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys dystopic novels.  Yes, if you enjoyed The Hunger Games, you will enjoy this novel also.  By the way, this is the first novel in a series, so the adventure continues in Crossed and soon-to-be released Reached, both of which continue the story of Cassia and her choice of men.

3.1 Vets Face Challenges

 

• Read "Behind Bars, Vets with PTSD Face..."

• Blog Post Format

• Introduction

• Hook - Refer to article and author.  In (   ), identify the type of introduction you created.

• Final Sentence: Main Idea of the text

• Three Chunks - interesting facts

• Chunk A - use a quote from the text

• Chunk A - use a quote from the text

• Chunk B

• Personal connection...or...

• Your insight into a comment made...or...

• You choose!

• Conclusion 

• In (    ), identify the type of conclusion you created.

• Annotations

• Two vocab in bold

• One Participial Phrase 

• One Appositive Phrase

• No No-Nos.

SAMPLE:

ADD HOOK HERE TO INTRODUCTION!  Writing about a newly developing story, Catherine Herridge, a reporter for Fox News, argues in her article entitled "Exclusive:  Classified cable warned consulate couldn't withstand 'coordinated attack'" on October 31, 2012 that the Amercian leaders knew of the extreme concerns that those representing our country had before the September 11 attack on our consulate in Libya.

On August 15, a cable labeled "SECRET" and addressed to Office of the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, "...the State Department's senior security officer, also known as the RSO, did not believe the consulate could be protected."  Let's be clear:  Hiding knowledge from the public, Clinton and Obama have known since August of concerns of an attack?  How can this be since our current administration claimed that the attack came without warning?  Over the last several weeks, I watched the debates and listened as President Obama would not directly answer any questions relating to this topic.  As a parent, this maddens me.  As a citizen of this country, this decreases my trust in his leadership.  As a taxpayer and one of his many bosses, I am "owed" an answer.

Then, on September 11 in a three-page cable, Ambassador Chris Stevens wrote about his concerns of "problems with security" in Benghazi and felt the the security forces and the Libyan police were "too weak to keep the country secure."  The article further notes of concern of ten (yes, ten) Islamic militias and Al Quaeda training camps with Benghazi.  Question, Mrs. Clinton and President Obama: Why was the consulate not closed?  Did we hope to just sweep this incident beneath the rug, so to speak, and just hope that this horrific event did not become a reason for many changing their votes for President in the soon-to-be election?

When questioned by Fox News, Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner declined to answer specific questions, claiming "the classified nature of the cable" and replied in a written statement that an independent board is "conducting a thorough review" of the attack on our post in Benghazi.  Question, Mr. Toner: Will the results of this study be available for the public before election day so that the general public may be informed about the extreme lack of leadership by our current President Obama?  Such decisions should be grounds for removal from office.

As I shared with my classes the week after this attack after attempting to find any "current" news on this topic, I was concerned then in my inability to find any updates.  Why had this topic vanished from the headlines?  Now, we know.  I remain even more concerned, especially as the elections near and as I listen to dad Charles Woods requesting accountability for the death of his Navy Seal son, a man who gave all for his country.

No one else in this country, having the knowledge of such a catastrophe and resources to prevent such an attack, would be allowed a free pass.  Why should our current administration be exempt from such an accounting?

2.3 My One Word...and My Intentions

My 2021 One Word:  Ponder

As of this second, my goal is to think more...instead of reacting. Yes, to ponder...and maybe ponder some more...then act.

Besides...I just do not like to apologize...maybe keeping my mouth closed and my opinions more to myself will assist in this having to apologize less!?  Yay!

My 2021 Top Ten Intentions:

Here in no certain order are my Top Ten Intentions...not resolutions...for 2021:

1. Read more books!  I read 65 last year (see entire list here)...okay I would be happy with averaging one per week for a total of 52...which is still more than what I have read as of right now (already started on this intention!  Yay!).
1. Book 1 = Read!  Someone Like Me by Karen Kingsbury = $1!
2. Do my part to achieve this pandemic.  Several years ago, I went through the National Board Certification process, and their big word was/is "achieve."  Using that same energy and determination, I want to do my part and assist and encourage others to do their parts to beat this monster.
3. Drink more water and fewer Diet Dr. Peppers.  The problem?  I really like Diet Dr. Pepper...water is just okay.  I need that to switch!
4. Take time to think more...instead of reacting...and then thinking in hindsight.  My One Word this year is ponder...on this I will ponder...to be redundant!
5. Tammy Time...time that involves less technology.  I really want to make six quilts, fill six canvas, and craft six projects.
6. Listen to and learn more songs to play on the piano...have to listen to them for awhile...then, I can play them, as reading music is not my thing, for in that area I am illiterate, which is fine (for now) as God has gifted these fingers to be able to play what I hear.  You see...every time, I sit down and play the piano a miracle occurs...I cannot tell you now I know which keys to play when.  I just do.  For that, I am very grateful.
7. Spend more quality time with my family...without stress.  Going to let the stress go.  Right...just like that. I do intend to do that.  As I type, several of my family and close friends are dealing with medical concerns.  Time is precious, people.
8. Based on #7...allow more water to flow off this duck's back, resulting in less stress in my life.
9. Keep a cleaner house.  Shhhh...during that 16 weeks teaching in a pandemic...the dust in my house became my new best friend...always there, very dependable, failed to stray, never talked back.  Therefore, I will be kind to the dust should it need to stick around at times, but I promise to not miss it when I encourage its leaving.
10. Plan and prepare even more engaging lesson plans.  This does not always happen...but, as time allows, I will spend the energy on this...more music, videos, stories.  Just more, for I really do enjoy making and creating and working with my kiddos on these ideas that just come to me.  Fun!
11. So...math is, also, not my thing...#11 = I want to write more...which really ties in with #4 (so maybe this one does not count, after all?!).

There!  Seems doable, feasible, realistic.  By intending, I set myself up for success...and not failure, for intentions are just more obtainable.  Don't words have power?  Just have to be careful and use the  right ones!

Happy New Year!

2.2 Book Review: Divergent

Originally posted in 2013.

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Imagine deciding your future at the age of sixteen. This is expected of Beatrice and her brother and all other sixteen-year-olds.  With Divergent, author Veronica Roth creates another almost-believable dystopic world, one that is set, this time, in Chicago.

According to the author, the setting chose her.  As she pondered on her setting, she realize it was her own setting of Chicago because of the trains that all run above ground in this city.  This setting dramatically impacts the actions performed by the characters, as this dystopic world affects the culture that each faction lives within. For example, Abnegation, a selfless people, seek to make others happy, giving up seats on a bus, as Beatrice's brother Caleb does. The setting most affects the Dauntless, who love an adrenaline rush.  Imagine a zipline from a one hundred story building. Imagine jumping from a moving train.  Fighting to stay alive. Enduring extreme pain to win.

As you read be prepared for Roth's warning, yes, a theme, one of the lessons that she wants her readers to consider is imperfections always lie within what seemingly appears perfect.  Beatrice's world is divided into five factions that each depict a particular virtue.  So what could be better than being allowed to choose among several of these virtues? This Beatrice must do, realizing only later that this also makes her different:  a Divergent.  This begins her battle towards self-realization and and learning that some do not want her to be different; some have no appreciation for Divergents.

Even more so than Beatrice, my favorite character is Four, a leader in the Dauntless faction. Maybe it is because he is the strong, silent type?  Maybe because he helps those help themselves? Because he helps those when they can no longer help themselves? Because of these characteristics, Four appears older than his eighteen years, having learned much in this not-so-perfect world. According to him, "selflessness and bravery aren't that different."  He lives both of this words, rarely putting himself before others (he could have been the main leader) and pushing himself and others, including Beatrice, to be more than they were so that they may enduring the Initiation phase.

Enjoy a book with one adventure after another?  Then, yes, Divergent is for you.  Hurry!  Book two Insurgent is already out, with book three's release planned for sometime this fall.

Additional Note:  I took the Faction Quiz at the end of the novel.  I tied for Abnegation and Dauntless.  Hummm...I suppose that means I am a selfless brave person.  Really?!  Give me minute to imagine that!

2.1 For What I Am Most Grateful

NOTE:  As I attempt to complete most assignments WITH my students, I, too, will attempt the following.  Hummm...wonder if I could divide my number in half?!  Would still out-number their noun list!

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Listed below, in no certain order, are the number of nouns (which happens to equate to my age) for which I am most thankful (please, check out the commentary by each!):

1. Even Block 2!  :)  Yes!  All here today!  Bless them!
2. Diet Dr. Pepper:  This drink...what an amazing elixir...on which I may be dependent to ensure my day begins without a rip-roaring headache!
3. Books:  Seriously!  This one should be on everyone's list!  As a matter of fact, this would be great blog post to list our favorite books!  Yay!  What a great idea!  In the meantime, here's a list to all the books I have read...so far...this year!
4. Masks!  That's right!  Keep your germs to yourself!  Don't want them.  Don't need them.  AND I certainly do not want to inhale them!  PLUS, I do like to color-coordinate mine!  AND I already have two purchased for the Christmas season!  Yay!
5. My PLC:  an amazing group of ladies with whom to work.  So gifted.  So knowledgeable.  So caring.
6. My hallway worker bees!  What a blessing they are, constantly buzzing about the so many topics on which we have an opinion.  Hardly a day goes by but our text group is not alive with the hum of the many thoughts!  We range in age from 29-50+, yet age seems not to matter...or at times is the most important aspect, depending on the topic and advice needed.  I am blessed.
7. Even Block 6!  Yay!  They are here.  Well...most of them.  Even Ricky and Cullan.  Especially Danica, the giver of the best snow globes...and just look at them, so wanting to be distracted so they will not have to work.  That's right, Austin, for you!  I will keep that snow globe quiet.  Ahhh... Yes!
8. Austin.  Seriously!  The one who thinks he can outsmart me.  I.  Don't.  Think. So.  Challenge on!  Everyone needs a challenger.
9. Trace.  Really?  Thanks for explaining when my explanation needs some assistance!
10. 7th Hour Eng 11!  We sure miss all those who are not with us today...and we wish them to all be safe!
11. Karlie and Chase!  They showed up for my Google Meet...and put up with me!  Yay!
12. 1 Eng 11:  One just has to love the Peanut Gallery.  Yes.  Definitely.  Yes...one must still love the music of Snow Globes!  Now, for all of those at home...still sleeping...or eating their breakfasts...hummmm...hope they do not get any further behind. 
13. My Man!  Today is Anniversary #16!  Best years of my life!  Please ask me what he bought me for my wedding anniversary!  Why thank you for asking!  Another Seiko watch!  This one is solar powered.  That is quite unique!  I love it...and him!  (Insert heart bubbles here!)
14. Fall and Thanksgiving Break!  Give it up for celebrating a week off from school!  Brett, I hear your mental happy dance!  I, also, very much enjoy the colors and decoration of this time of the year. Scarecrows are my favorite, quickly followed by happy pumpkins...and, yes, pumpkin spice coffee!  I wait for months for this flavor to return; therefore, when this scrumptious flavor arrives, I drink it for three months! (Yes, ready to return to hazelnut after that!)
15. Nova Joes and Salted Caramel Hot Latte.  I actually have a like/dislike relationship going on with this new business across the street.  For some reason about 3:30, an extreme urge overcomes me to travel across five lanes of traffic to partake of this deliciousness.  Sometimes, I make the right decision...other times, I make the right decision.
16. 3 Eng 11:  Thankful for one of the quietest classes I have ever had. BUT!  They are slowly becoming more talkative!  Yay!
17. Lotion:  That time of the year when the hands need a little more moisture!  LOVE Bath and Body flavors, of course! (Rona, go away!   Once upon a time, my classroom was arranged in tables...with baskets on each that contained lotion...mainly for the boys, believe it or not!)
18. Colored Ink Pins:  Thanks to my friends Lyndsey and Rochelle (one day I want to grow up and be just like them!), I now attempt to collect pens with various colors of ink (had always been quite happy with blue, black,...and, occasionally, red).
19. Teacher Cadets:  This class has decreased in number, but I so appreciate their energy for whatever assignment on which we are currently working.
20. Amazing Admin Team:  That's right!  Funny and supportive and diligent and caring...and...the list goes on.
21. Deirdra and Her Cookie-Making Abilities:  Received another batch...this time in the form of bees from my Secret Pal!  Yum!  (Yes, I shared some with kiddos)!
22. The Front Office:  This group should begin their own TV show...or YouTube Channel...always having fun!  AND always the most helpful!  A great group of people who love kids.
23. ALA Board:  What an amazing group of literacy leaders!  They inspire me, motivate me, encourage me...and this week, they sent me the most beautiful arrangement of flowers!  Wow!
24. An Ear to Hear with which to play the piano!  I really enjoy playing the piano...my way...or is it God's way?!  If I hear a song long enough, I can play it.  The fingers just seem to know where to go.  Really a miracle, I would think, for the less I think about what I am playing, the more I can play the keys.
25. Mom:  for getting so tired of hearing me "pretend" to play the piano and for showing me the basics.
26. My Parents:  Who raised me the right way...sometimes the tough way...but definitely the right way.  To work...to give...to love the Lord...to be a Friel.
27. Bass Pro:  That destination was the goal of The Man and my day trip.  A great time we had on this first day of Thanksgiving Week!
28. Amanda:  Who inspired me to begin choosing a Bible verse a month.  What a blessing this has been!  Thank you, Amanda!
29. The Three Js:  My siblings...Judy, Janet, and Joe.  We make a great team.  Glad to have them on my side!
30. Lyon College Methods Class:  I taught/led this class again this year...another way that I am ever learning!  AND always great to meet the oncoming newbies!  
31. Book Clubs:  Oh, my goodness!  I have read more books that I would never have experienced and lived via the pages had I not joined several book clubs!  Besides meeting and greeting with the attendees (of course!) and gaining more lifelong friends and family, reading a diverse stack of books over the years has been the greatest reward of these meetings.
32. Pumpkin Spiced Coffee:  My very favorite fall flavor...although I am learning that Salted Caramel is quite scrumptious!  See #15...in case you have forgotten!  As I am enjoying this flavor at this precise moment,  I will sing and enjoy its flavor!  
33. Meeting of the Minds:  This group began meeting when some of us gained other positions and some of them retired and some wanted to continue hanging out.  Therefore, once a month we gather somewhere and social distance and chat.  Remembering and sharing...and maintaining that important connection.  Special they are to me!
34. My Church Fam:  God blessed me with them years ago, for He knew just who I would need as I would go through my lowest valleys and who would be there to celebrate my mountain tops!  I appreciate them very much, for they have interceded more times for me and mine that I really want to remember, and I know they will do so again.  Thank you!
35. Barns:  My Man built me one over the weekend for my Christmas mantle; then, I decided why wait?!  We are now enjoying it amongst my fall decorations this week!
36. Quilting:  Waiting on me now are several I have started.  I miss working on these with my mother-in-law.  I just miss having the time to work on them.  Maybe...one day.
37. Kaiser:  the family dog...who, for some reason, likes me the most!  Seriously!
38. Social Media...what an awesome way to keep up with family and friends.  No gossip.  Just the facts.  Truly.  Seriously!
39. Technology:  the tool that keeps us keeping on during COVID and enables me to do what I do.
40. Vintage Trucks:  They drove into my life at the perfect time.  So many, too, have gifted me these happy toys.  Fun!
41. Bible Study:  Over five years ago, I felt to begin a Bible Study...and what a blessing these studies have been.  Amazing how timely they have been.
42. Bible Study Ladies:  Without fail, this group of ladies bless me every time we gather.  Every time!
43. Decorating:  What fun to transform...and to reminisce over items from season to season.  Precious memories!  This weekend, we decorated part of our yard with Christmas items we have designed.
44. Painting:  My husband will make just about anything I ask...and sometimes helps with the painting (especially when life is just too busy).  Our latest project...Christmas trees for the mantle.  Nice!
45. Knockout rose bushes:  One just cannot have too many of them!  AND they have bloomed again in November.  (Surely, this means we will have a very nice snow this winter...right?!)
46. Blogging:  A student reminded me that I have been keeping up with books I have read on my book blog...since 2009.  Yes, I do enjoy blogging...again, when time allows.  (This one is taking me a few days...actually, over a week...must be my age!)
47. Lesson planning:  This, I very much enjoy...now, the grading side of this...not so much!
48. Book series:  I love to wait until a series finishes and, then, read them all straight through.  Total immersion!  Fun!  Now, with December upon us, I will bring out some Christmas novels, some to reread, some still waiting for me to read.  AND, the greatest series of all, the Bible, His Word.  Will finish this year...again...to be begin again!
49. Dollar General in Sulphur Rock:  My most favorite store.  How did we ever get by without one!?
50. Virtual Students:  Because of them, I am ever learning!  I so appreciate the ones who are so diligent to complete their work.  Keep on keeping on!
51. Julie and Daniel and the Three Grands:  Because of them I am a Tam-Tam!
52. Nathan and Heidi:  Another Mrs. Gillmore in the family!  Awesome! 
53. Holly:  My first and only born...who, through her, Jesus has taught me faith.  This, I always encourage those going through a test to pray for in abundance.
54. YOU!  For reading to the end!  Thank you!

3: Where I'm From

This post was originally posted in 2017 on another class blog...
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Assignment:  Using George Ella Lyon's poem "Where I'm From" as a model, draft and then type your own version of this poem.

• THEN, for each stanza, add three participial phrases that describing the images in the stanzas.
• Try to NOT use a verb more than once.

Mrs. Gillmore's Poem

I am from tires, 

from Chevrolet, and batteries,

• unloading by the truck load,
• washing many used cars,
• driving my detailed rides.

I am from the creek beside our house, 

(cold, running, 

it tasted like frozen ice cubes),

• overflowing into our tire shop,
• catching crawdads that pinched,
• removing leeches from my feet.

I am from the zinnas, 

the marigolds,

whose weeds I had to remove,

• filling the beds with color,
• planted yearly by my mother,
• resulting in my now planting them, too.

I am from peanut butter pie and a stubbed nose,

from Ollie Jo and Wilford,

• eating enough dinner so dessert I could have,
• carrying on the Friel genes
• blessed beyond measure by them both.

I am from the yard sale bargains

and no TV's,

• obtaining "Best Dressed" in Who's Who,
• watching the "one-eyed devil" at the neighbors,
• growing up different but okay.

from "rise and shine" and "you look nice,"

• groaning for just a few minutes more of snooze time,
• complimenting me every Sunday morning on my design,
• waving that final good-bye.

I am from "Only Believe"

with beliefs solid, strong,

and the piano I play by ear,

• learning one note at a time,
• staying true to my convictions,
• absorbing, singing word after word.

I'm from Friel and Irish descent,

popcorn and fried chicken,

• frying as only my momma could,
• making dad's snack every night,
• giving credit for my red-hair.

From the work habits of my ever-doing parents,

the miles traveled to and from church three times every week,

• owning multiple businesses,
• mowing all the surrounding yards,
• cleaning house every Saturday morning.

I am from the box in the back of the closet,

stuffed to the top,

many black and white,

easier years later to view,

• preserving memories of parents and siblings from years past,
• bringing to life the faces now deceased,
• absorbing who I was, who I am.

I am from those moments - 

standing, oh, so proud --

family traits I do possess.