Short Story Unit
A
your mark is now complete? With one seminar, a test and your personal
essays complete we are in the full swing of the semester. There has
been lots of creativity, initiative, determination and energy shown by
many of you and it's wonderful. I feel like I have known you for more
than just 4 weeks!
I'd like to begin the interactive part of our website with comments
about this past unit. What did you enjoy the most, what will stick
with you - what have you learned? What was your favourite story?
Favourite class so far? What do you hope will happen in the rest of
the semester? Do you need me to change my teaching style?
Start reflecting as you write your posts and get involved! Remember
that this is an extension of our learning environment - be smart about
what you write but be honest.
Nicole Burello
to different authors and messages from different stories. What I liked
best was writing our personal essays. It was fun getting all of my
thoughts and experiences on paper.
I've learned that elements of a short story can affect the over-all
impact and message of a story(for example, the setting in Lamp at
Noon).
My favourite short story we read was Initiation. I loved this one
because of the imagery and the irony associated with the heather
birds. In addition, it was easy for me to empathize with the main
character, and how she wanted to be in a sorority group. My favourite
part included her connection with the heather birds and how she
realized that she is a free, unique person. She has a personal
sorority and accepted herself the way she is.
For the remainder of the semester, I hope to complete various
assignments that challenge me as a writer. I want to push the limits
and think outside of what I would normally write about. I feel like
there is so much to write about, so much to explore... and I hope that
English this year will be as fun and exciting as I anticipate it will
be.
I enjoy learning when we have class discussions. Everyone always
has a valid point that opens new and exciting ideas that make English
more exciting!
Lexis
it made it easier to understand the different meanings of each
story,everyone had different ideas of what the story could be about.
I think the elements of short stories will stick the most because it
shows how if an element of a story was changed it could change the
entire mood of the story. Also the morals of some of the stories like
the Initiation which was also my favourite story will stick. The girl
being able to find out who and where she really wants to be in
highschool was very relatable. In high school there are a lot of
groups that you might want to be apart of but in the end you find your
friends and those are the people that are going to stick with you no
matter what you look like or do. Excepting who you are is a big thing
and in the end she was ok with being herself and not apart of the
group.
I actually don’t think I have a favourite class because all of them
are very different and fun. The discussions are very useful and
pertain to life and aren’t boring like lectures. Interacting makes
class more lively which makes it very difficult to choose one class as
being better than any other. I hope that the rest of the semester is
basically the same because this is the most useful English class and
as for the teaching style it most definitely does not need to be
changed.
Andre
have never read before. We were introduced to new themes and lessons
from the stories. I personally enjoyed the personal essay the most. I
enjoyed it the most because I got to write about what I wanted to, and
talk about what I like to do with my spare time.
Throughout the short story unit, I learned about the elements of a
short story in more detail. I have seen how they can change the way a
short story is viewed. I have also learned that many of the themes
from the short stories we have read relate to teenagers and to
situations in the world. For example, Zack, from the “Charmer” is like
any teenager today. We all screw up, then go back and apologize. The
themes in most stories relate to the world and our lives.
My favourite short story that we have read is “The Charmer”. I like
this story because I found the personality of the main character
interesting. He is a typical teenager. I like how we can all relate to
him. We have all made mistakes at one point, and we have all went back
to apologize and ask for forgiveness. I liked the theme “Things are
not always how they seem” because it relates to Zack, and many of the
people today.
I personally, don’t really have a favourite class so far, but
working in groups was fun. I enjoyed watching and listening to the
presentations of others and the different short stories that they
presented to us.
Throughout the rest of the semester, I hope that the classes will
be like they are. Our classes are fun and I enjoy them. I hope we will
have more class discussions and chances to work as groups.
I enjoy your teaching style and it suits us. You make the classes
fun and interesting.
Ms. Mauricio
Right now, I would have to say that the class discussions is what i
enjoy most at this moment. I find that they are really helpful when it
comes to understanding the different types of short story elements,
and they were really helpful for studying and understanding every
story we read so far. I also found it interesting hearing about what
other people had to say about the story, it gave me a general idea on
themes, setting, characeters, etc. Out of everything that we did so
far, i would have to say that the personnal essay will be the one
sticking with me. This is because it was the funnest and most
interesting assignment I have done for english. It wasn't like the
rest of the essays that require you to talk about boring ideas, and
most of those ideas are hard to realte to. It was an assignment that
required you to write about anything you wanted with no formal
structure.
My favourite short story would have to be The Charmer because I could
really relate to that story. At first I thought my brother was a role
model, but now I'm starting to see that he wasn't the same as before.
He's never home, he comes home at around 2 in the morning everyday
(even when he has to work at 9am). I could really see that my parents
are really disapponited becase my brother is no longer close to them,
he barely speaks with them, he is basiclly isolated from our family
now. I also enjoyed this story because of all the important themes it
had. This story taught me many stuff about family and growing up.
Right now my favourite class would have to be math because I have
many friends in that class that I could talk to, and my favourite
subject has always been math, I find it fun and challenging at some
points. I hope for the remainder of the semester, we have more fun
assignments such as the personnal essay. I realize that there will be
a major essay coming soon, but i hope that its on a topic that many of
us could relate to instead of a topic that is boring to write about. I
really like your teaching methods, I find that many teachers don't
teach this way and I think that it'll be much better if they do. I
like how instead of writing notes, me have many class discussions. Its
a lot better when we learn from class discussions because you feel as
if your part of the lesson, your not just a student sitting and
copying notes, instead your a student in the conversation paying more
attention. I also like the assignments that we are getting. None of
the other english classes that my friends were in had any of these
assignments and I think that their missing out on something realy fun
and something that will help them see how fun english can be.
cathy...@hotmail.com
The stories weren't too half bad, but what I enjoyed most throughout
the entire unit is the personal essay, the discussions we had about
the stories, and, oddly enough, the seminars - I just like talking, I
suppose. Out of this entire unit, the personal essay will be most
memorable for me. I liked being able to discuss just about anything in
a paper.
A lot of what I learned goes back to the themes of the different short
stories we read, like Initiation and the whole concept of non-
conformity and being yourself. The story didn't teach me to be myself,
but to not judge others because that's what makes them feel that maybe
being themselves isn't good enough - I believe everyone is entitled to
their opinions and preferences and therefore shouldn't be looked down
on for doing so.
My favourite story of those that we read would have to be the one my
seminar group chose to present - Love Must Not Be Forgotten by Zhang
Jie. I'm not easily won by love stories and such, but I ended up being
really fond of the story. It wasn't 15 pages of sappy cliches, but it
still incorporated love in a great manner.
As for my favourite class, I'm not really sure yet... It's hard to say
since I have art, advanced functions, religion, and English. I enjoy
art class, but solely for the fact that I love the arts. The class is
okay, I suppose. I enjoy religion because it touches upon different
cultures, which brings upon great discussion topics. Since grade 10,
when I had Ms. Mendicino, I've grown a fondness towards it. I wouldn't
be able to choose my favourite class, but I can easily say that
Advanced Functions is my least favourite class.
I'm not sure how I want the rest of the semester to play out... It's
hard to say... But for the English course, I hope for more creative
writing pieces that will help me think outside the box, in hopes that
it prepares me for Philosophy and Writer's Craft next year... I really
hope to expand on my writing, analytical, and thinking skills. Oh, and
more class discussions. :)
And finally, no. I personally think your teaching style is great
because it actually gets the class involved and awake. You allow
opportunities for personal input and you don't shut anyone down for
thinking a certain way, which in return, makes me want to participate
more. I'm sure other people feel the same way - we actually have class
participation.
marisa
The Short Story unit was very exciting. I really enjoyed learning
about all the authors we encountered. I loved learning about the
meaning behind each story and about how many I can connect to. The
assignment I enjoyed the most was the personal essay. I was able to
express feelings that I had'nt shared with many. I hadn't realized how
much I had remembered about the memory I wrote about and how much it
affected me until I wrote this essay. This assignment will definitly
stick with me.
I think my favorite story was Initiantion. It was such a fun story
to ready and an easy story to realte to. I can relate to the main
character and how, in the end, she needed to accept herself before she
can be accepted by others. Choosing instant popularity over good
friends is a big obsticle that every girl in highschool over comes. I
loved how the main character connected her self to the heather bird in
referance to being free. The iorny and imagrey really kept the story
interesting the whole way through.
Every class is my favourite class! They are actually all really fun.
I most enjoy when personal stories are told. I myself love telling
stories so any disscussion including the whole class really captures
my attention. The more "story telling" and disscussions the better.
Your teaching style is perfect. You are really fun to listen to, I can
tell you love teaching our class and you're very creative when it
comes to assignments. I'm super happy I switched into your class! :)
On Feb 26, 6:29 pm, A <anna.mauri...@ycdsb.ca> wrote:
Christina
start with. It was great to see the different thoughts and point of
view that each person had towards the story. In addition, this unit
was very helpful to me especially because I was able to fully
comprehend the definitions of different elements of short stories. My
favourite part of this unit was writing the personal essay; it was a
unique way to reflect and write about my memories. I was able to
understand the message of the stories and through deeper reflection, I
had the chance to interconnect it with my life (ex. have I started my
own private initiation yet?). Initiation and Brother Dear were my
favourite stories we have studied in this unit. Because I was able to
relate my life with the story and its message in Brother Dear, I
really enjoyed reading it - whether I am chasing the life that my
parents wanted me to achieve or the life that I truly want. Also,
Initiation was a great story to ask myself if I am like the purple
heather birds flying across the sky.
I have no particular class that I can say it is my favourite
since I enjoy all of them equally. I hope that the rest of the
semester continues being great. I love the way you teach (all the
discussions and lesson-learning stories of yours); therefore I hope
that it continues as it keeps my eyes and ears wide open. I personally
hope that I can actually learn a lot and gain knowledge from all
classes, and I really hope to accomplish all courses with satisfying
marks.
Ms. Mauricio
I enjoyed the stories you shared with us while we did nothing. I love
this class even though I'm the only grade 10. I've learned to look
deeper into stories; not just look at the morale, but the Imagery and
symbolism. My favourtie story would have to be my seminar short story
" Love Must Not Be Forgotten". It was great learning how to take
elemts of a short story and put them together to understand the short
stories better. In the rest of this course I'd like to become a better
writer and become more creative in the way to make my writing more
interesting. Miss, your a great teacher! Once a week you tell us a
story and it last all class and we do barely anything. NEVER CHANGE!
dakota...
of the class and the teaching methods you are using. I find it much
easier to learn when everyone is enjoying it. What i enjoy the most in
this class are the class discussions and the somehow, fun assignments,
i really enjoyed the personal essay, found i needed to just tell
someone about my topic, it helped me.
The thing i’ve learned that will stick with me are elements of a
short story, If you do not depict the elements enough people will not,
either understand the story, or will not be able to get the full
impact of what is trying to be said. The elements of stories shape
the whole story.
My favorite story was “The Address” for the soul reason that is about
forgetting the past. The story was hard to understand until you began
to see artifacts appear, and began to realize what the story was
about. I like how she walked out on her past because of the misuse of
her belongings, she just wanted to forget them.
My favorite class so far, is pretty much everyday. This is the first
year i can actually say I look forward to english during the day. Its
just so much fun, We get what we need done and at the same time we are
all having fun doing it.
I hope we do in-class group work, taking group work home for me isn't
the best because it is hard to get everyone together. Im just
expecting the rest of the semester to be the same as the past 4 weeks.
I like your teaching styles because you are not like any other
teacher i’ve ever had, you are the teacher i’ve wanted throughout all
of high school, a teacher who just doesn't teach from the book, but
from personal experiences.
On Feb 26, 6:29 pm, A <anna.mauri...@ycdsb.ca> wrote:
vinn...@hotmail.com
Second time posting , hopefully it works.
Our first unit as a class is over and was successful. The short story
unit is usually the one that people dislike the most. Reasons vary
from not understanding it, to it being boring. However this unit
seemed to fly by on its own. Not only were the stories intresting but
the discussions after every story made it even better. Especially when
discussing the different elements of a story such as theme or irony
and seeing how our peers interpreted the story different then how I
might have. My favourite story was The Addres, because all the
elements in it were so different but important. The most important
being the setting, if the setting did not occur after World War 2,
then there really wouldn't be a point to a story and thats when I
really discovered/learned that each element even something simple as
the setting contributes into making a story a story.
So far into this semester my favourite classes are World History and
English, and they are also the two subjects I wish to one day major
in. These two classes are my favourite because of the teachers. Mr.
Giancola is a fantastic teacher because he is different and has a
different attitude towards teaching a lesson and Ms. Mauricio is
amazing and different and catches the students attention. You may
think you are wasting our time with your stories but it is actually
what is capturing our attention and is keeping us focused on the
coarse. Throughout this semester I hope to receive assignments and
lessons that teach us about different approaches to learning and to
viewing something different, and to open our eyes to knew things. As
for teaching style, 2 thumbs up . It is different and working well for
our Grade 11 english class. Everyone waits the whole day for fourth
period to come and to end, but in that class time flies by without us
even knowing.
On Feb 26, 6:29 pm, A <anna.mauri...@ycdsb.ca> wrote:
Andrew Viet
there's any unit that I like more or less than another. I guess that
applies to stories only for me, but in this unit we did do a lot of
stories that were actually interesting and enjoyable, especially that
one story where I accidentally shouted the f-word after reading the
ending.
What I enjoyed most about this unit were the seminars; although I did
like reading the stories together as a class and taking it up, because
I think that really helped the class understand the components and the
analyzing of the stories better. I think you and the whole class could
tell that me, Mansour and Saig had a great time making the movie and
doing our seminar...we felt so prepared! It was probably the best
assignment I ever did, and I think that's going to be the thing that
sticks with me most too...it was great :)I loved watching the other
groups present too...they were really good...
I don't know about the rest of the class, but I don't think I learned
that much this unit; you just refreshed my memory in what I learned
last year. Actually, you refreshed my memory and introduced some new
stuff in talking about setting; for example in Lamp at Noon when you
were explaining the numerous ways that the setting affected the story.
Also when you were explaining the symbolism and irony of Initiation, I
learned more about what they were. Oh yeah, I forgot about learning
about character development in The Charmer, both for Winnifred and
Zach. You made The Address clear to me; I didn’t really understand the
story, themes, inner conflict etc. but by you explaining it I did
understand. So never mind, I did learn a lot in this unit.
I just read Andre’s post; does Personal Essay count as short story? If
so…then never mind it wouldn’t change my answers. I liked writing
about moving and my views on loyalty…I normally have that many people
to talk to about it because of the loyalty thing…and it felt good to
write it out and kind of make my thoughts official, and for you to
like it made it a great feeling. One of my few friends I still trust
actually just talked to me about something big and I just recently
questioned the people I surround myself with again…
My favourite story in the short story unit would have to be…either Do
Seek Their Meat from God. I know it’s the story I did for my seminar
but the imagery, the irony, and the tragic/happy ending just made the
story so amazing. The philosophical questions it brings up after
reading it still makes me think…if the man knew the panthers were
killing for their cubs would he have killed them? I also enjoyed that
story with the daughter, her mom and her step-dad; the twist at the
end killed it (“WHAT THE F---!”) and it was so confusing that a class
discussion about it seemed necessary, but that was a good thing.
My favourite class so far was last Friday…that thing with the poem and
the words was so funny…and you let us play brisk after :) During the
unit, every class where we read and talked as a class was a good
class.
I hope that for the rest of the semester, we do the same interesting
stuff and way that you did the last unit, like today when we read that
poem and talked about it. I hope to have more class discussions, and
for things to stay the same. Also I hope that you tell more stories!
Those were funny. I also hope that you DON’T change your teaching
style…it works a lot with us. You know how to get the class’
attention, and by making the entire class participate in discussion
you let us all learn; it’s interesting to see other people’s take on
stories/poems, and to share what you think too. It’s the best way to
learn, in my opinion, other than actually doing it.
Yeah, I hope nobody takes this as kissing ass but I love the way you
teach, and at the end of this whole response, the main message was
that your teaching made the previous unit great, and that you’re a
great teacher. umm Can you say Freedom Writers?
On Feb 26, 6:29 pm, A <anna.mauri...@ycdsb.ca> wrote:
Ms. Mauricio
I need this right now. Thank you for all your comments and honesty. So
glad to see you are pushing through until the posts are accepted -
we'll turn this into full on discussions with each other and yes -
they'll be shorter!
I studied F.W. in teacher's college - not going to lie - I got bored
of the book - but if I watched the movie again I bet I'd feel like I
could relate to the teacher. Maybe we can watch it as a class :)
Tomorrow we need to have more fun with things - I promise I won't rest
tonight until I find something that will make you have fun and enjoy
the day! We need it! Great work everyone - keep the posts coming!
> > what you write but be honest.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Chris
discussions, whether they would be about the stories or subjects
related to the various stories. I guess I would say I prefer this to
the others because one can see various viewpoints of one’s peers.
Some things that will stick with me are the in-depth Point-of-View,
and the different aspects of a story’s setting. The in-depth Point-of-
View I’m referring to in particular is the ‘innocent eye,’ ‘stream of
consciousness,’ and the ‘third person omniscient objective.’ Before, I
was only able to recall first person and third person limited and
omniscient. But I now know that there could be more possibilities when
determining the Point-of-View. Though, probably not as common, it’s
still good to be informed incase a question pops up.
My favourite story would be Initiation due to the fact that I could
get a sense of what Millicent was feeling. I remember when I first
came to Woodbridge and the surroundings were very different than what
I was used to. For instance, where I used to live, my classmates would
start their work the moment they were assigned it and here, it’s
different. Though I wasn’t actually initiated, I felt like I wanted to
belong. At the end of it all, I ended up like Millicent-didn’t care as
much what people thought about me. And in a way, I’m still like that
today.
I didn’t really have a favourite class, as each was a little special
in its own right. I hope for the rest of the semester to be somewhat
like this unit-a bit relaxed, a bit fun, yet accomplished many things
during the month. And lastly it would depend if you were changing it
for better or for worse. But no, there’s no need to change your
teaching style. After all, only a handful of teachers are able to
captivate their students to the subject they’re teaching.
On Feb 26, 6:29 pm, A <anna.mauri...@ycdsb.ca> wrote:
Cass
of a group to create our seminars because it gave us a chance to pick
a story that was interesting to us, that we could relate too and
discuss about using personal knowledge. I also enjoyed writing out
personal essays because we were able to be open and discuss things
that maybe we wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing out loud, but
something we wouldn’t write down on paper.
Some things I have learned during this short story unit were; how to
determine different types of characters, different characteristics of
the setting, different types of conflicts that were portrayed and also
the different themes that were portrayed in each story.
My favorite story that we read in this unit was Brother Dear. This
story was my favorite because I felt I was able to relate to Greg
because just the way he didn’t get along with his father and didn’t
have a very good relationship with him resembles me and my father. I
also enjoyed this story because I was able to paint a perfect image of
the setting and how this story was progressing as I read it.
As of now I don’t feel like I have a favorite class because I enjoy
all of them equally, they all consist of writing and presentations
which I enjoy the most. However, for the rest of the semester I hope
to participate in more interactive activities that we are able to work
with different individuals along with completing various assignments
that allow me to strengthen my writing abilities and communication
skills. So far this class is amazing because there are talented
students along with Mrs. Mauricio that is a great teacher that is
always able to relate by sharing her funny and exiting stories. I hope
this Grade 11 English class is a class that will never be forgotten.
I believe that nothing needs to be changed in your teaching skills,
out discussions and out assignments that were assigned were very
helpful and they also encouraged us to get involved and participate in
various tasks.
Ms. Mauricio
Third time trying this, loll.
The short stories that we read each had a meaning and that's what I
enjoyed most. I was able to read in between the lines of each story
and dig deep for the meaning. I was able to relate in a way because
of
the message and themes, such as be yourself and don't let anyone make
the decisions for you. I was able to actually participate and discuss
the stories because I understood what was happening, in a way I
understood the characters, considering I rarely participate in my
other classes. I also enjoyed the personal essays because I was so
used to writing essays that were so formal and had a billion rules
and
topics I wasn't very much interested in. But with this essay, I was
able to write it without difficulty, because it was my topic that I
wanted to share. I was able to share something, that I've had trouble
talking about or just bringing it up in general. I learned that I
shouldn't keep what hurts me inside, because letting it go feels so
much better. It was a different approach to writing an essay and I
enjoyed it. The seminars were fun too, just because I like to go up
in
front of the class and just talk and teach the class what I've
learned. I guess this unit was enjoyable all together and I've
learned
alot just after a couple of weeks in this class.
My favourite story during that unit would probably have to be The
Initiation. It was a story that was easy to relate to because we all
feel alone at one point and we just want that sense of belonging, but
to be an individual at the same time. We're put into different
environments everyday and we're faced with situations that our
decisions are based on what others think. It's the sense of belonging
and feeling wanted that gets the best of us. We're all supposed to
realize that each and everyone of us is an individual, with
character.
We shouldn't do what others want us to do, we shouldn't be what
others
be. We should be ourselves and that's what Millicent realized as she
was being initiated. She wanted to feel like she belonged, she didn't
want to feel alone anymore, but being free, being herself and maybe
even feeling alone at times to think and get away was much better for
herself. Millicent still has her friends around her, she still felt
apart of the school, and being free like the heatherbirds was much
better than being a exclusive group where all the girls do the same
thing.
I don't really gave a favourite class so far, but if I had to choose,
it would be either Art or English. I enjoy visual arts alot,
especially for homeroom. That class wakes me up and it kind of feels
good to wake up to something you love. English is also a good class
because I get to actually talk in that class, and discuss so many
things. I rarely discuss in my other classes because the discussions
are topics I'm not really interested in. In a way, I can discuss how
I
feel and just relate, especially to the other students, makes me feel
like I'm not the only one who feels the way I feel at times. For
example, today. Today we read poems and after reading the two poems,
I
felt like I could relate to how the author felt. And to discuss it
only made me feel a little bit better :)
For the rest of the semester, I hope to just learn a whole bunch of
things in every class and is more enjoyable in particular classes. In
English, I hope for more stories that get me thinking, that make me
relate and for more class discussions so we are all able to speak how
we feel. So far, this semester has been enjoyable.
I personally like your teaching style, considering it's different
from
other teachers I've had. You are able to tell stories that relate to
our units and get us thinking. You are able to start class
discussions
and get everyone involved. I am able to participate and take what
I've
learned and use it outside of class. English class is enjoyabe and
fun
with your teaching skills
dana...@hotmail.com
here I am with my post!
To answer your last question first, you definitely do not need to
change your teaching style! This year's English class provides what is
probably one of the most enjoyable learning environments I've had yet
this year. I especially love the class discussions (though you
probbaly already know that). I think discussing things and putting
ideas into the open as we do is a very effective way of getting
exposed to other people's points of view and expressing our own
without making it seem like just more work.
Other than that, I must say I enjoyed this last unit. I love reading,
and even though short stories aren't my favourite pieces to read, the
ones we read were pretty interesting, and I think the topics appealed
well to everyone in the class. Honestly, I even liked the assignments
that went along with the unit, including the seminar and the essay!
I'm really happy that we started off the semester in such a fun,
interesting way! I definitely hope we can keep this up until SUMMER
BREAK! (When I will be off to summerschool doing my grade 12
English :p )
Cezil Jondonero
The short story unit was a intriguing one. I loved the class
discussions, and the topics that touched upon within the short
stories. Each story could be easily related to a stereotypical teenage
experience. I honestly cannot find one single thing that I loved the
most about this unit but if I really have to then it would be the
personal "essays". Only because it was such a different experience the
freedom to write about anything that we wanted, it was very different
to be able to have the structure of an essay mixed with that freedom.
The story that I won't be able to forget would be 'The Address'
because the symbolism that was used in the story was so strong and it
really sent a very deep meaning to me. The fact that our personal
belongs can mean the world to us but once it is taken out of our
personal context for it the object then becomes worthless. It's our
past that makes the things we own so valuable, not the money that we
spent for it. Are you seriously asking me to answer you with my
favorite class? Honestly Miss, I love our English class. Seeing what
has been going on the past month or so, all I hope for is that this
English class never change. It's definitely my favorite class. So,
that being said I think it's obvious that you should not change your
teaching style. It makes the class a lot more interactive. Like this
media component for example. What teacher would really take the time
to do this?! I truthfully can say that your teaching style grabs the
classes attention. Reason why is because you know how to have fun with
the class and we being constantly challenged by our class discussions.
Not only to continuously analyze but to express our views. And we all
know that when we get to express our thoughts and opinions it makes
class discussion more intriguing! I am really looking forward to the
rest of the semester!
Olivia
Let's hope this works!
So in my opinion, this unit was enjoyable, eduactional, and memorable.
I'm serious! It was a lot more engaging than most Short Story Units
and really covered some important literary elements that I never
studied before in the context of a short story. In past years, the
entire Short Story unit was composed of "where's the climax" and
"point out the main characters and their traits" etc. etc. But where
does that really get you? I felt that our first unit got us thinking
in depth about literature and pieces of writing. It taught us that an
author can convey a strong message and impact the perspectives of
people even if the story is but a few pages. I especially enjoyed the
seminar presentations because we were exposed to some great stories
that we would not have otherwise looked at. Some great authors begin
with writing short stories! Who knows, maybe I'll actually write
one.... it's definitely easier than attempting the novel thing. All in
all, the Short Stories unit was a great start to the semester and it
has me eager to do more English assignments! (And no, I'm not just
saying that, no matter how weird it sounds!)
In regards to favourites, I would have to say that I really enjoyed
the story Brother Dear, where Greg comes home and has a blow-out with
his father over his new "path" in life. In other words, he quit
university. I liked this one so much because it taught me a lot about
living for your own purposes, your own interests, and your own
passions-- not those of others. It made me reflect on how exactly
I've been living and I asked myself "Why am I doing what I'm doing? Is
it what I-- ME MYSELF AND I-- want?" It was one of those stories that
really stuck with me. I'm glad we got to read some of those stories
because they all had pretty deep meanings. Great choices Ms.
Mauricio :)
This course is great so far! I can't wait to see what else we'll do as
a class. Loved poetry cafe.
You guys, we're like a FAMILY :)haha!
Thanks for everything Ms. Mauricio!!!!
-Olivia
On Feb 26, 6:29 pm, A <anna.mauri...@ycdsb.ca> wrote:
Antonio Fernandez
The short story unit was both exciting and memorable. I could
relate to many
of the stories that we read as a class and I know I will remember this
unit very
well. What I liked most about this unit was writing my personal essay.
It allowed
me to express myself and tell others what was going on in my life. I
thought that
it was good and hopefully, the rest of the essays will be like this
one.
What I learned was that the elements of a short story can affect
the overall piece.
If one of the elements was to be taken out, the whole story would
change. An example of
this would be the Lamp at Noon. If the setting was taken out, there
wouldn't be a story
anymore. The personality of the characters would change and there
wouldn't be conflict
between the characters about the land.
My favourite story would have to be Brother Dear. I enjoyed reading
this story because
of its theme. This story basically said to never let your dreams die
and to always follow
them to the best of your ability. This made me want to continue
reading and kept me interested
throughout the whole thing.
I can't say that I have a favourite class so far because they are
all great. I look forward
to coming to English class because it is fun and I actually learn
something each day. I hope that
the rest of this semester is just as good as it is now. All I'm really
hoping for is to get a good
grade or least get higher than last year.
Finally, you do not need to change your teaching style. I enjoy
listening to your stories
because you always have a point to them and at the same time, we get
to know you better. You
always find a way to relate everything we do back to your life and by
doing that, we learn more.
On Feb 26, 6:29 pm, A <anna.mauri...@ycdsb.ca> wrote:
Lee Odish
FJ
with one seminar, a test, and a personal essay. Lol. I joke. "I feel
like I have known you for more than just 4 weeks". Well you probably
know how I've felt my whole life after our conversation.
What I enjoyed the most was the discussions. This was an
interesting way to listen to what people had to say about the
different short stories and compare it to what I had in my mind, such
as the theme. The thing that will stick with me is the fact that Ms.
Mauricio got 3 speeding tickets. It was told with a smile even though
she had to pay them. Ahaha. What I've learned from the short story
unit is that going through these stories depicts what we have done in
our lives or what we have tried to do. Well, I didn't really favor a
story, but we read one that I can relate to, "Brother Dear". The
disliking but yet loving father-son.
My favorite classes so far would be from the beginning of the
semester and till now. Except for 2 days and you probably would know
what those days were Ms. What I hope what will happen in the rest of
the semester would be more group activities and less individual work.
And no I DO NOT want you to change your teaching style :D
maria
comment in all the other poems
-what i liked the most about this unit was the seminar n when we read
the stories as a class, i liked most of the stories we read, i coul
relate to some of them, they were pretty cool :$
- my favorite story was the charmerrr, idunno why ijust liked it.
- fav class so far yours ofcourssse and math :)
- what i hope will happen the rest of the semester is get overr 80 in
all my classes
- do you need to change ur teaching style? HELLL NOOO!
ps: there might be alot of typos:$
Ms. Mauricio
Thank you for doing this and I'm curious about the typos - are you on
your infamous Blackberry? ;) Keep going - only 4 small posts to
make :)
Daniel
k yo miss. ...finally posting. I really enjoy this english class and
its the first english class i've ever really liked. Your teaching
syle is really good and u shouldnt change it at all. I learned that
writing is a great way to express yourself and show how you feel. my
favourite story is probably the charmer. I just liked the story and
the message it was trying to show.It was interesting. I hope that u
keep teaching the way u teach cuz ur doing a good job and I hope we
have more "parties" this semester..
Lee Odish
Short stories have never been my favourite. In grade nine and ten, we
usually read short stories which weren’t really fun. We never got to
discuss the way we do in your class. Your class is absolutely great
because we get to express our opinions to one another. I like the fact
that you engage everyone in your classroom discussions. My favourite
story would have to be Brother Dear because I find that many people
can relate to it.
I don't necessarily have a favourite class. I like all my classes
because I got great teachers!
For the rest of the semester, I hope you keep doing what your doing!
It's working. The little activities you do before you start your
lessons such as reflecting makes me think outside the box. The
learning environment in your class is absolutely great. DO NOT CHANGE
YOUR TEACHING STYLES, PLEASE. I find that since you relate to us and
talk to us, we all feel very comfortable with you. You're a great
teacher Miss! Don't change.