Last week in class we read "The Three-Century Woman", which is about Megan going to visit her grandma, who is being interviewed for having lived in three centuries!
The story is full of humor and sarcasm as we are first given an image of old "grandma" through the eyes of Megan (as her and her mom is driving to the "institution") and then a complete contrast hits us when we are introduced to grandma all ready for her interview.
Throughout the story one main technique the author uses to create humor is through the use of metaphors; for example, he describes the old grandmas and grandpas as "inmates" (which literally means prisoners).
At the end of the story we find out that what the author is trying to say is that many times we have stereotypes that we place on people. For example, Megan thinks that her grandma is just old, unaware, has Alzheimers and can not remember things. But we actually find out that grandma is funny and smart as she tricks the reporter into thinking her stories are true.
In class we went through examples of various stereotypes that people have, and the students drew up an extensive list; however we learned that stereotypes can be subjective in that people think differently about, for example, certain races.
After reading the story we worked on supplementary materials in our reading practice book which clarified some of the vocabulary and main ideas in the story.
Jacky: Class vocabulary book was your responsibility and that means you have to ensure it's 1) done and 2) not lost!
Pon Pon: You're able to correctly connect the less obvious ideas in the story and answer the questions asked in class which is impressive.
Howard: I think it's great you will ask questions when you don't understand something; not being afraid to ask questions is one of the first steps to success.
Teddy: Well behaved in class but I would also like to hear more of your opinions in class too.
Valerie: Would like you to try speaking up more in class and participate in discussions
Anne: Sometimes you seem unsure of yourself but I'd like you to participate regardless and not be afraid of being right or wrong.
Betty: I sense you understand the materials in class or in our reading well, but don't be afraid to voice your opinions in class.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Full of ENERGY!
Hello!
This is Teacher Annie and because Teacher Paul is away I'm filling in until end of May. I apologize for the late entry but here's a recap of what we did last Wed.-Fri.!
On Wednesday we started Chapter 14 in the Science textbook. It's about the different types of "Energy". Energy is always around us and it just transfers from one place to another. In Lesson 1 we learned about "light
energy" and how light energy can transfer into thermal energy (Ex. lightbulb). In Lesson 2 we learned about "sound energy" and how sound energy can be created, for example, through hitting a drum and the kinetic energy from the beating movement turning into the sound energy or beats that we hear.
The concepts learned in the Chapter can be complex so on Thursday we went through the pages in Lesson 1-2 again. The students were asked questions based on the materials to make sure they 'really' understood.The corresponding pages in the Science Workbook was also done as well.
On Friday we had fun day ofcourse! After wishing our shining star Betty and fellow Treehouse friends a Happy Birthday, we had cake and smeared cream on their faces- a must-do! Then we took a small walk to Far Eastern Mall, got some drinks/snacks at the supermarket, and had fun chatting at the foodcourt.
This is a pleasant class to teach; very intelligent students who not only can understand materials in English but actually grasp new concepts that are introduced. I look forward to another week with them.
Betty: Quiet in class but I noticed she knows the answers to most questions asked.
Ann: Sometimes seem uninterested in materials being covered; no reading Chinese novels in class.
Valerie: Great reader but can slow down a bit.
Jacky: Often times not paying attention in class; washroom breaks should not take 10 minutes.
Pon Pon: Very attentive in class; can rely on him to tell me what is normally done in class.
MJ: Understands materials well but let other students try reading on their own rather than correcting them right away.
Howard: Will voice questions and attentive most of the time.
Teddy: Fluent reader and can concentrate when given tasks.
This is Teacher Annie and because Teacher Paul is away I'm filling in until end of May. I apologize for the late entry but here's a recap of what we did last Wed.-Fri.!
On Wednesday we started Chapter 14 in the Science textbook. It's about the different types of "Energy". Energy is always around us and it just transfers from one place to another. In Lesson 1 we learned about "light
energy" and how light energy can transfer into thermal energy (Ex. lightbulb). In Lesson 2 we learned about "sound energy" and how sound energy can be created, for example, through hitting a drum and the kinetic energy from the beating movement turning into the sound energy or beats that we hear.
The concepts learned in the Chapter can be complex so on Thursday we went through the pages in Lesson 1-2 again. The students were asked questions based on the materials to make sure they 'really' understood.The corresponding pages in the Science Workbook was also done as well.
On Friday we had fun day ofcourse! After wishing our shining star Betty and fellow Treehouse friends a Happy Birthday, we had cake and smeared cream on their faces- a must-do! Then we took a small walk to Far Eastern Mall, got some drinks/snacks at the supermarket, and had fun chatting at the foodcourt.
This is a pleasant class to teach; very intelligent students who not only can understand materials in English but actually grasp new concepts that are introduced. I look forward to another week with them.
Betty: Quiet in class but I noticed she knows the answers to most questions asked.
Ann: Sometimes seem uninterested in materials being covered; no reading Chinese novels in class.
Valerie: Great reader but can slow down a bit.
Jacky: Often times not paying attention in class; washroom breaks should not take 10 minutes.
Pon Pon: Very attentive in class; can rely on him to tell me what is normally done in class.
MJ: Understands materials well but let other students try reading on their own rather than correcting them right away.
Howard: Will voice questions and attentive most of the time.
Teddy: Fluent reader and can concentrate when given tasks.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Take it from the top again!
What is take it from the top again? It means to start all over from the beginning.
For performance, director says very often to the actors. We have been practicing a lot and very hard. I felt they learned a lot and something very different from books and pencils. From conversation, creative thinking, facial expressions, body language, and stage directions.
The show is in American style and it is creative. We also have the script translated to Chinese for the parents to follow.
Howard and Teddy, you guys are amazing. You guys are the best and the dumbest pandas ever! The practice was tough but you guys enjoyed it.
Pon Pon and Betty, both of you memorized your line well and the body language too.
Valerie and Anne, both of you worked hard and practiced outside of class time. Excellent.
Jack, you like being funny, so be funny at the show and be less funny in class. Remember to be respectful and listen to others.
MJ, and Tina, thank you all for participating and being a good sport.
I hope everyone sees that hard work, extra hard hard work equals extra rewards in yourself.
Teacher Paul
Being funny is being serious
For performance, director says very often to the actors. We have been practicing a lot and very hard. I felt they learned a lot and something very different from books and pencils. From conversation, creative thinking, facial expressions, body language, and stage directions.
The show is in American style and it is creative. We also have the script translated to Chinese for the parents to follow.
Howard and Teddy, you guys are amazing. You guys are the best and the dumbest pandas ever! The practice was tough but you guys enjoyed it.
Pon Pon and Betty, both of you memorized your line well and the body language too.
Valerie and Anne, both of you worked hard and practiced outside of class time. Excellent.
Jack, you like being funny, so be funny at the show and be less funny in class. Remember to be respectful and listen to others.
MJ, and Tina, thank you all for participating and being a good sport.
I hope everyone sees that hard work, extra hard hard work equals extra rewards in yourself.
Teacher Paul
Being funny is being serious
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Practice Practice
If you want to be funny, you have to be serious. Sounds weird doesn't it? For mother's day performance we are doing a show to make fun of the reality. We practice our lines, tone of our voice, body language, and facial expressions.
I am demanding the students to pay a lot of attention to details and require high standard. Even though the practice can be tough, I see the students enjoy the process and learn a lot from it.
Teddy and Howard: I am very impressed about the hard work both of you put into it. You guys make the characters really funny. Howard please respect other people.
Betty and Pon Pon: You guys are doing a good job with your lines but make sure you have facial expressions and hand motions.
Anne and Valerie: good work, make sure you read the lines loudly and remember you have body language and hand motions.
MJ: good job for keeping up with class work. You are also a good sport for taking your role.
Tina: thank you for staying after for friday to make sure everything is organized.
Jack: I care a lot about you, please don't let me down. Please remember to stay til 9 pm next week.
Everyone please remember to read your lines slow and slow down your body expressions.
Have a good weekend,
Teacher Paul
I am demanding the students to pay a lot of attention to details and require high standard. Even though the practice can be tough, I see the students enjoy the process and learn a lot from it.
Teddy and Howard: I am very impressed about the hard work both of you put into it. You guys make the characters really funny. Howard please respect other people.
Betty and Pon Pon: You guys are doing a good job with your lines but make sure you have facial expressions and hand motions.
Anne and Valerie: good work, make sure you read the lines loudly and remember you have body language and hand motions.
MJ: good job for keeping up with class work. You are also a good sport for taking your role.
Tina: thank you for staying after for friday to make sure everything is organized.
Jack: I care a lot about you, please don't let me down. Please remember to stay til 9 pm next week.
Everyone please remember to read your lines slow and slow down your body expressions.
Have a good weekend,
Teacher Paul
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