This I Believe Essays

For the second year in a row, I have had my students write, revise, and rewrite their "This I Believe" essays based off National Public Radio's segment. These students had to not only write their essay for our class publication, but were required to publish it for the world by submitting their essays to NPR as well with parent permission. Like last year, I found their essays to be pretty good, but to hear them read their essay aloud makes an incredible difference. They truly express their voice and passion for a variety of subjects such as t-shirts, friends, community service, and even family vacations. Please take some time to listen and give some constructive criticism to my ninth graders. Their written work is hyperlinked as well below.



Adam A.
Alena V.
Angelica O.
Anna K.
Annie S.
Averee L.
Berek M.
Brandon H.
Carter W.
Dennis K.
Ethan L.
Jackie N.
Joey W.
Josh T-S.
Kelly S.
Lauren E.
Lauren P.
Mandi G.
Sam H.
Sean B.
Sean D.
Xavia H.

The Modern Biology Teacher

Take some time and reflect on at least one take-a-way you had from Mr. Wallace's conversation about what it is like to teach Biology in a classroom in the 21st Century. Reflect on his thoughts about creationism, intelligent design, and evolution.

Odyssey Book Twelve Questions

Record your questions and make sure to come back to answer somebody else's.

Odyssey Book Ten Questions

Here is the place to record your questions as well as answer your classmates'. Good luck!

Google Earth Personal Learning Journey

I posted on Learning and Laptops about my students creating their own personal learning journeys from their travels and places they have lived. I was trying to get them to realize before we read the Odyssey, that the places you have spent time have influenced you similarly to the effect it had on Odysseus in his travels.

We spent about 4-5 days in class learning about Google Earth from Mike Porter (he is a saint no matter what Karl says about him). The kids completed the project in stages working first with the writing portion answering the questions of where did they go? what did they do there? what did you learn? what mattered from your visit? how does it still affect you today?

Once the writing portion was complete, Mike assisted the kids with creating the place marks of their journey. We even challenged the kids to add pictures from their online photo albums as well as encouraged the use of video and audio. We didn't have any takers there, but it gives us room to grow! I was really excited about this project and glad I took the time to do it with the kids.

I am so thankful that Mike came over to help with the technical side of things; also, it was really fun to see him as the teacher. I can only imagine how interesting, creative, and funny it would have been to sat in his classroom as a student. I will make sure to have the kids comment on the process, but even though not everyone completed the assignment, I really am thankful for those who ventured out to try something new. Check out their examples:

Adam A.
Angelica O.
Anna K.
Averee L.
Alena V.

Carter W.
Dennis K.
Ethan L.
Jackie N.
Joey W.
Josh TS.
Kelly S.
Lauren E.
Lauren P.
Mandi G.
Sam H.
Sean B.
Sean D.
Xavia H.

Odyssey Book Nine Questions

Here is the place where you can continue to ask and answer questions about Book Nine of The Odyssey. Remember to ask specific questions as well as check back often to hopefully have your questions answered.

Meaning of the title

What do you think is the meaning of the title, " The Most Dangerous Game?"

PLN Week 1- post 2

I read a recent post from Karl Fisch's The Fischbowl regarding testing and the value we place on testing.

I have always felt as though I was one of those teachers who did not place a lot of value in test scores because there are so many factors that contribute to students doing well or doing poorly on them. For example, some of the contributing factors that pop into my mind are that we over test kids (in one year alone kids take PSAT, CSAP, MAP testing as well as all the other classroom tests), maybe they didn't eat breakfast that day, maybe they had a bad experience with a friend or parent before the test, the test doesn't measure learning but rather regurgitation, etc. I really could go on forever about testing; HOWEVER, and I mean a big HOWEVER, I do feel that I am slightly hypocritical about test scores when it comes to my own child.

When looking for a school for Emma and Jackson to attend, we of course looked at what school would be best for as kids and learners. We wanted a school that would meet all their needs? And, sadly, what school had the best test scores. I know it is not something I value or want to say I support, but I have to admit I looked up the school's scores on CSAP. Do I think CSAP accurately measures learning for every child? I don't think it does. I know growing up, I was not a good test taker. I talked myself out of correct answers on tests time and again.

So why do I place value on them? I guess part of it, is that I don't have time to go and sit down in classrooms at the elementary school level to see if it is the best possible learning environment for my child so I must rely on other resources to aide my decision. I know I should make time, but I trust that these tests as well as other factors (i.e. talking with other parents, administrators, teachers) will help me make the right decisions for my kids.

So, what does this mean for the world? I feel as though we are moving in a direction that puts more and more emphasis on testing and accountability regardless of what that means to the kids. I do think the tests can be valuable for the students if time is given for teachers to talk about the tests, and that the kids are not over tested. I fear however, we are heading in this direction-over testing! On a personal note, I recently learned that my kindergartners, Emma and Jackson, are actually going to be tested during the beginning and end of the school years. I thought to myself, they are only starting school and they are already measuring and assessing them.

So, what can be done? I am not sure. Is that we as a society need to start placing less emphasis on test results? That we need to trust that teachers are doing their jobs and students are doing their jobs. I worry sometimes that blame is placed heavily on teachers and administrators for not doing their job when we don't consider that the students are the ones actually sitting down and taking the test. Teachers and administrators can provide all the instruction and guidance in the world, but it is up to the student to apply their knowledge and understanding.

I guess I don't have answers to testing, to measuring kids and schools via testing, but what I do know is that it is time to start having these conversations about overtesting, purposes behind all the tests we administer, and where to go from here.

What Matters: seand

Family- My family matters to me because I can go to them for help whenever I need it and I know that they would help me. My parents have cared for me my whole life and supported me in everything I do so they matter to me a lot. My uncle and aunt are also a huge part of my life. I know that if I ever needed anything they would do whatever it took to get it for me.

Friends- My friends matter to me because they help me to laugh and have fun when I am in a bad mood. Friends are different than family because they are the same age and they understand how you think.

Florida- The next couple of things that matter to me are Florida and my boat there. Some of my favorite memories are of my family and friends in Florida. My parents and I spend a lot of time there and it is a very special place to me. Florida matters to me because I can get away from all of the stress that I have in school and sports and just relax. My boat matters to me because when I’m on it it’s like a whole different world. Time doesn’t matter and you don’t have to worry about anything, it’s just you and the ocean.

Faith- I was brought up in a Christian family and I think that my faith in God has done a lot for me in the fourteen years that I have been alive. My faith matters to me because when everything is going wrong and when I feel like nobody understands I can talk to God and have trust that everything will soon be better.

Sports- Sports matter to me because they keep my body in shape and they give me something to do when I am bored or upset. I have also met a lot of my friends through sports so I think it is very important to be involved in physical activities and stay active.

PLN- Week 1

Lately, I have been reading a lot of education blogs trying to wrap my head around the changes I am trying to create in my classroom as well as anything new and exciting out there in the blog-o-sphere. I happened to read one of Will Richardson's posts in which he linked to an article from the New York Times. The article focuses on IBM and their policy of not tallying the days thier employess take off for vacation. Instead, they give their employees the freedom to take vacation when necessary. Although this sounds like a great idea (heck, I would love the chance), what IBM found was thatmore employees were "working" on their vacation than just taking the time to relax and rejuvinate. What they meant by working was that they were completing projects for deadlines, checking email and voicemail, etc...

This really resonates with me because I feel like I do the same thing. So many times in my life, I work through vacations, holidays, days off, when I should be taking a break. Do I come in more relaxed? Not really. Often times, I am more frustrated because I don't know how to take time off. I feel the need to get the things done so that eventually I will have time to relax. It always seems as though there is one more thing to do or to cross off my list. Currently, I am on my third full-page list, crossing off item by item trying to prepare for school and for life (Sounds like a motto I have heard somewhere).

If the people at IBM are doing this, and are described as "a group of workaholics" is that what I have become? I think I did a great job this summer of taking time off and relaxing, but I question as to whether I can keep it up?

With the greater reliance on technology, I wonder if this is the future for my students? Will this be their future one where the line between work and play become inseperable?

P.S. I just liked this quote and its commentary on giving independence to workers; I think it really applies to what we are trying to do with changing the face of education:

“It’s like when you went to college and you didn’t have high school teachers
nagging you anymore,” said Mark L. Hanny, I.B.M.’s vice president of independent
software vendor alliances. “Employees like that we put more accountability on
them.”

Expectations

What expectations do people have of you? Do you have of yourself? What happens when you don't live up to the expectations set up for yourself or that others set for you?

What Matters To Me - BerekM

What is meaningful to me?My family means the most to me. My dad for showing me how to do things, teaching me how to get along in life, supporting my lacrosse, and enjoying watching me play which means a lot to me. My mom for always being there for me and helping me with anything. She too comes and watchs me play lacrosse. She supports me and buys me all the sticks and gloves and everything I need. She is nice and smart just like my dad. When I get hurt she knows how to make it go away and heal because she’s a professor in sports medicine. It’s like having a personal trainer at my house. My sister is only four but I’m sure when we get older we will get closer than we already are, even though she is annoying.My friends in NY mean a lot to me still. They call me everyday forgetting I started school and get mad at me when I don’t call them back. We used to have so much fun. We walked to town, played lacrosse, long boarded, swam and jumped off stuff. Ill never forget them. My closer friends meant a lot to me too. I could tell them anything and they did the same to me. I helped them and in return they helped me. My best friend was like my brother and his family was like my second family. I called his mom “mom”. When I go back in the summer and winter I will stay at his house along with my other best friend. His family was like my family too. I knew him for 14 years and he meant a lot to me and I was really sad to leave him and everyone else. Right now I don’t know a lot of people but I’m sure that in a little while I will meet some cool people and they will eventually mean something to me.Lacrosse means so much to me. I live for lax. When I get home I play for at least 2 hours then after hw I go back out until dark. I don’t know why I love it so much but I’m happy I do. I want to do good in school because even if your amazing at lacrosse but you have bad grades your not going to go to a D1 college. Coming from Long Island, New York lacrosse was played all around me and that meant a lot to me. I also found out that one of my goals came true that meant a lot to me and that was making Varsity as a freshman at my old high school. But since I moved I didn’t get the chance to play I was upset and the coach was upset. But lacrosse out here in CO will probably mean a lot to me as the years go on and the team becomes a family just like my old team.

What Matters

8/23/07

What matters? What matters to me? A lot of things matter to me. My family matters, sports matter, school matters, friends matter, and just life in general matters. My family, my family matters for many reasons. Not only do they help you through everything and rough times but they’re there for you all the time. The family reunions, the family road trips, and going over to someone’s house for the holidays. Messing around with your siblings is always a fun thing to do too. So, your family matters.

Sports, sports and physical activity have always mattered to me. From playing soccer to baseball to lacrosse to hockey they have all been fun and exciting in every way. I think sports are all good exercise and create fun, and healthy competition and a great bond with teammates that you can’t get anywhere else.

School, even though you don’t like it, matters. Where would the world be today without education? Probably still in the Stone Age. A lot of kids (including me) don’t like school but it’s necessary to get educated well and obtain a good job. You may dread going but at the end of the day it’s not all the hard plus a lot of your good friends come from school and you can always make it fun with them.

Another thing that matters a lot is friends and companions. They’re there to always listen and discuss things you need to talk about. You can do fun activities with them and just someone to hang out with when your bored. You help each other through life and will always be great friends.

A final thing that matters is just life in general. You should be happy you’re alive and not throw life away or waste. Through out your life you’ll have ups and downs; fun times and bad times but to enjoy it, learn from your mistakes and bad times and turn them around into fun and great times.

So, clearly you can see family, sports, school, friends, and life all matter a lot to me.

What Matters?






My family
My family is one of the most important aspects of my life and is one of the things that matter to me the most. I have the most funniest, supporting and pushiest family ever. My family consist of five people My mom, step dad, older sister and my younger brother.
First there is my sister Justine, she is my best friend and the person who is always going to make me laugh when I need it. She is a lot of the times a pain in the butt, a is always picking on me. Then again she is very short for her age, so my whole family and I always use that against her. She is also the trouble maker of the family and is very crazy and willing to do anything. My sister would jump off a thirty story building if she thought is would be fun.
Second there is my younger brother Jacob, the baby of the family. He is a whole other story, he is the buggiest person to me in the world. He gets all the attention from my mom because he is the youngest and the only boy. The thing that bugs me the most though is that he knows he is the baby and takes advantage of it. Therefore I'm always in trouble for nagging or getting mad at him. At the end of the day i know that i love him even though he dose crawl under my skin.
Thirdly there is my step dad Shawn. I have know him for all most 8 years, him and my mom got married after what seemed a thousand years of dating. It cool having him around even though he isn't my real dad he is a big help and motivator for me. He is also very full of life, personality and cockiness. Then again that is why we all like him, kind of.
Last but certainly not the least my mom. She is the most caring mom ever, it may come out as if she didn't but you can tell that it is care. She is very strict with everyone, but mostly me. Always yelling, telling me to so something, pushing me to do better, thats her all right. She expects me to do good and to succeed in life and not end up like her. Wanting better for me doesn't always come out that way, but I know that is what she is trying to across to me.

My mind
My mind education and staying true to myself I another thing that matters to me. Getting an education and becoming the first one of my family members to go to collage is very important to me. Good grades, determination and the right decisions will get me there, so saying focus and not letting little things that don't matter get in my way is also important. Staying true to my self and not letting anyone or anything get in the way of my goals and dreams is also something that matters to me. For example saying who i am and not changing for anyone to like me or to hire me or anything else. To always be myself is something that is important to me.


Being Healthy
Being healthy and happy is another thing that matters to me. what I mean by being healthy is physically and mentally. Eating, drinking and exercising is important to me because if you are physically healthy i think you are mentally healthy. When you body is drained of toxins then your mind and thoughts are much clearer.

Friends: My friends matter to me because their always there for me no matter what it is. With out my friends i would most likely die because they are that important to me and have been that big of influences on my life. No matter what happens in my life my friends are always the first ones to be there for me, and push me to excel, and get over what ever is bothering me.

Family: My family is also extremely important to me, mostly because no matter what i do their usually there to support me. Everyone in my family gives me important advice that they know to excel in life, and that they have learned from their mistakes. My family like my friends will always be there for me when I'm ever in a time of need. The most influential people in my family include, my dad, my mom, my uncles, my step dad, my cousins, and mostly my grandma. Each one of these people have been major impacts in my life. My family also includes my two dogs Buddy, and Ozzy, even though they can be stubborn at times and frustrate me, but they are two of my best friends.

School: School also matters to me a lot. Mostly because it gives everyone a chance to exceed in life and help you get a good job, so you can support your future family.

Staying active: Staying active also matters to me a lot. Mostly because i like to stay fit so i can live a full healthy life. My favorite way to stay active is skiing, i love it with a passion, i plan i racing next year, and it also keeps me in really good shape. Also motocross, most people think it's not hard and doesnt take any work, but it is the most physacly demanding sport i have ever done, i love it because it's a thrill and keeps me in great shape in the offseason for football and skiing.

My Future: Thinking of my future really matters to me, because even though i try to excel in school and i do sports i have decided no matter what i will be inlisting in the USMC ( United. States. Marine. Corps). Inlisting in the Marines matters to me because, it gives me a chance in life to exceed in anything i do, and i get to protect our country. Also it will get me in the shape of my life, and like i said earlier, staying active and fit really matters to me.

What Matters-AvereeL

Throughout my entire life, there have always been people who have impacted me and supported me. I have grown up with a great education and closeness to God that I am so grateful for. However, when friends, family, school, or even God stress me out, I find myself wondering what life would be like without them. Without friends to fight and cause drama, would life be easier? Without school, would life be less stressful? Without family to tell me what to do and when to do it, would my life be more fun? During those times, a friend will call me, a family member will hug me or tell they love me, or God will give me something truly to special to be grateful for; its then I realize how completely lost I would be without my friends, family, education, and my faith. It's during those times when I realize what really matters.

My mom and dad have always been a big part of my life. Whether it was in fourth grade when I was second to get out at the School Spelling Bee, or in eighth grade when I sang at the talent show, my parents have always been there in the audience to cheer me on, and to comfort me when things didn't go so well. However, supporting me hasn't been the only thing they have done for me. Since I was little, my parents have taught me about work ethics and responsibility. They have taught me things that will help me later on in life when I get my first job, when I start driving, and even things that will help me when I have kids of my own. My parents have helped me through some of the hardest times in my life, even when things seemed impossible to fix.

My sisters (Amber, Ciara, and Elyse) have made a huge impact on my life. As a little girl, my sisters taught me many things that probably aren't going to help me later on in life. For instance, they taught me that if you put a four-year-old in footsie pajamas that are too small for her and duct tape the zipper closed, she can't get up the stairs to tell on you. As I got older though, their advice was a little more helpful. My sisters have helped me through stressful homework, bad grades, and even the occasional bully. They taught me how to be patient with other people and with myself. Whenever things get too stressful, Elyse is always there to get me out of the house, so I can relax for even the tiniest bit. My sisters taught me how to find the answer to difficult equations and helped me learn how to read when my parents weren't available. Since all three of my sisters are now out of the house, asking for their help isn't as easy as it used to be, but I can be sure that they are always there for me when I need them.

My friends are so supportive of everything I do. They never stop helping me, whether its to help prepare for a test, warm up for a performance, or just to give me a big bear hug when I feel like I can't take anymore. There are times when, for some reason, I feel like I can't talk to my family about something, and I realize how important to me my friends are, because they are always there to help me through it. I can never thank them enough for everything they have helped me accomplish.

My education has always been really important to me. I have worked hard to get good grades, something I will be thankful for my senior year when college is coming up. Having the education I do has given me the skills I will need later on in life, when I apply for my first job or when I have to start worrying about taxes. My education has taught me how to appreciate art and literature, and how to determine east from west and how to read books like Pride and Prejudice without being utterly confused by the vocabulary. The education I have received has given me a head start in life that I am so grateful for, because so many people don't get that chance.

My faith has been one of the most important things in my life. Being blessed with the closeness to God that I have has made life much easier. When I lost my grandfather to emphysema, I turned to God for help, because I didn't know who else to talk to. A year ago, we found out my dad had a tumor in his nasal passage. Having God in my life helped me through the weeks before his surgery. The relationship I have with God has meant so much to me over the years, and I know that when things get rough during my years here, at Arapahoe, I can always seek help from God.

What Matters

What Matters

Family



My family matters to me because I know they will always be there for me. My parents are always so supportive of of what ever I want to do. And if I ever need any help with anything like school I can go to my sister for help. My grandma always has time for me, like if I get locked out of the house or if I need to be picked up from school or anything, my grandma will always be there. My dad has giving me some great advice and I know I can always talk to him. And my mom is always there when I need something, plus she's a great cook, I don't know what I'd eat without her.



Friends


My friends matter to me because I can always talk to them about stuff. My friends make things I do a lot more fun than just doing them by myself. And my friends keep me active because without them I wouldn't really have much to do. Some of the best times of my life have been with my friends, and I will always remember them. Some of my friends have also helped me strengthen my religion.

Drumming

Drumming matters to me because because I've always had an interest in music. I have an awesome drum instructor, and I think drumming is really fun. Your always learning and creating new things. It's also fun to hang out with my friends and play, because most of them play instruments too. It's also important to me because I have been thinking about getting a job involved with drumming. Either a drum instructor or playing drums in a band.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding matters to me because It's fun and it keeps me healthy. I met one of my best friends Cody skateboarding. Skateboarding is a very active sport so it keeps me in good shape, it also keeps me in touch with my good friends because most of them are involved in some sort of action sport like skating or bmx. I've never really been into any other sport besides skateboarding and that is why it's so important to me because it's the only sport that I really enjoy doing.

What Matters

What Matters

What matters to me is my friends, family , school and soccer. We all take them for granted but the reality of it is that they might not be there some day.

First is my friends. There are always there for me and will always be there for me.They are the one that help me get through life . They are the best thing in the world. I was saying that they might not be there someday and my best friend Aaron moved to NC a month ago. I still have a lot of great friends and they mean allot to me. This is why my friends matter to me.

Second is my family. They are always there to support me with everything i do. I can hate them sometimes but they are the best. I have a mom and a dad and me brother Alex. They are one of the best things i could have and i am so glad i have them by my side. This is why family matters to me.

Third is school because i t will help me. This is one of the most important thing because it will help me for my career with is only years away. It is a privilege and many peope in poverty countries would be so happy to go to school so i should be glad i get this opportunity. This is why school matters so much to me.

Fourth is the awesome game of soccer. It is the best thing ever. I love to play it because if i am mad or stressed about a test or something i can just let it all out when i am playing. This is why soccer matters so much to me.

These are the four things that matter most to me. I am so glad i have them all to do and can do them .

Trust

Are you a trusting person? Whom do you trust? Has someone ever broken your trust? If so, why?



Make sure to comment and connect with one anothers' responses. Adhere to our class' blogging expectations as well.

Family: Family matters to me because they are there for me when I need them. They are different than friends because they never would leave you or betray you in any way. I have a mom, a dad, and an older brother. My mom andI are best friends, I can always go and talk to her about anything. She has my back when I need it the most and that's when I get in disagreements with my friends. My mom isn't like my other friends because i know that she can keep all my secrets, she gives advice that is better than most peoples, and most importantly she won't start rumors with what i tell her or stab me in the back. My mom is always there on my side, holding me up right. When i struggle in anything she's always there to help me get through my problems. I love her more than world. My dad and i don't have the relationship my mom and i do. Him and I usually talk about sports and school. I like talking to him about that though because he helps me stay focused on the things I really want to do and achieve in my life. My dad matters to me because without him my mind would be everywhere. I love him more than anything. Finally my brother and I are just like my mom and I. We are also best friends. I like talking to him too about things because since he is a teenager he understands what i am going through and will always be there for me.I love him and my whole family.

Friends: Friends are important to me because they are my other support system. They have my back and i have theirs. We argue over many things but than laugh a few minutes later. I have 6 true best friends and they are Carly, Annie, Sarah, Ashlyn, Victoria[tori], and Katie. These six girls mean a lot to me because they have never left my side, stabbed me in the back, and they always are there helping me. When I'm around my friends we always have a good time. We make the most and best inside jokes there are and can still remember all of them. I like hanging out with my friends more because they are the same age and can relate to me more than anyone. We struggle together sometimes but always get through it together. We all made a promise to be best friends forever. I always say that our memories may fade but our friendships will last forever.