Cinderella around the World

Now that you have taken a look at Cinderella stories from around the globe, it is time to reflect. Create a post about the Cinderella story you explored this week.

Reflection Questions/Ideas

• Identify the country/culture of origin for the Cinderella story you read.
• How does the version you read compare/contrast with the Perrault version that we are familiar with in the U.S. ?
• What surprised or intrigued you about the version you read?

Writing is pure pleasure.

In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah writes about her love of writing. She expresses the fact that her writing allowed her to escape the hardships of her experience. For her, it was pure pleasure.  Read this quote from her memoir, and post your ideas. Do you agree with Adeline? Explain.

To me, writing was pure pleasure.  It thrilled me to be able to escape the horrors of my daily life in such a simple way. When I wrote, I forgot that I was an unwanted daughter who had caused her mother’s death.  Instead, I could be anybody I wished to be.  In my narratives, I poured out everything I dared not say out loud (53) . 

Literature and Elemental Truths

In the Preface to Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah writes that “All stories, including fairy tales, present elemental truths, which can sometimes permeate your inner life and become part of you.” In your own words, explain what this means and give an example of how this might be true.

Reflections: Shakespeare Playshop

Last week, we had a great learning experience at the Shakespeare playshop. Reflecting on the activity, what were some of the highlights? Write a post describing your favorite part of the Shakespeare playshop. In doing so, also mention at least (1) thing you learned about the language/life and/or performance of Shakespeare's plays or Elizabethan times.

Taking the Lead

In Chapter 4 of Call of the Wild, there is tension between Buck and Sol-leks. The source of this tension is leadership and whose charge it will be to lead. Buck believes it is his right to lead now that he has defeated Spitz. Consider how this issue of leadership battles relates to real life. In doing so, discuss your ideas about one or all of the following:

• What makes a good leader?
• Is it ever appropriate to usurp leadership? If so, when? (Use dictionary.com if you don’t know the meaning of usurp).
• What problems arise when a team/group doesn’t have the proper leadership? Explain.

The Call of the Wild...Reader Response

Now that you have begun London's The Call of the Wild, take a moment to reflect. What is your reader response to the expository details presented in the first two chapters? Consider the setting, conflict, and characerization of Buck. What are your predictions for action to come later in the novel? Remember to read and react to at least one post of your classmates. Also, remember that your posts are to be scholarly and respectful in their tone.

Reflections-Seventh Grade, Week One

Now that you have finished week one of your 7^th grade year, it is time to reflect. Choose at least two of the following reflection questions, and post your responses:

1. What were the highlights? Explain.
2. What were the lowlights? Explain.
3. In what way(s) do you predict 7^th grade will be different from 6^th grade? Explain.
4. What is your biggest fear about your 7^th grade school year? Explain
5. What aspect/event of your 7^th grade year are you most looking forward to? Explain.