Monday 22 April 2013

I Write to.....

I write to remember things that have happened in my past. As I continue to grow older and older, my memories seem to fade ever so slightly. I dont want to forget these memories, which is why i write them down. When I go back and read them, the mental images instantly appear in my mind. Every detail is exactly the same as when I wrote it down. Good memories bring me joy, and laughs. Remembering all the things I have done in my life is important to me. I never want to forget them. However I know some will fade, which is why I write to remember.

Thursday 18 April 2013

"One-Size Fits All" Curriculum


This is a response to a video of a teachers resignation due to the "one-size fits all curriculum"

Click here for the Video Response

Stephen Round is a very unhappy teacher who has decided to quit teaching at his elementary school. He made this video via youtube not only to explain his resignation, but to also get the point across to many others who are willing to listen.

I agree completely with what Stephen Round was saying. These children were being taught to become good test takers. They had no interest in creating an individual plan for the children, due to the "One-size fits all curriculum", that they have been going by. Not all kids are the same and education boards should know that. We all learn differently, some people learn visually and some people learn hands on. How can a single curriculum cater to all of these different kids? It cant and thats why Round is deciding to stop teaching. Hes finally fed up and can no longer take it.
Round obviously has a strong set of morals if he is willing to give up his comfortable salary from many years of being a teacher, just to get a point across. Good on this man. If the school board had more men or women like him, who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, who knows what could be accomplished in schools. Unfortunately in the world we live in, this is rare. Thats why people like Round are special and great role models for future generations.

Tuesday 16 April 2013

What is Education?

Education is defined as the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, but I believe education is much more then that.
Education is the development of young boys and girls into well-rounded citizens. Through the studies in the classroom to the extra curricular activities after school. It is not about focusing on one single topic instead providing a wide range of choices to give kids different options in their life. Education is also to allow and provide the best opportunity for kids to achieve their goals.

English Memories


This is a list of details, phrases, moments from my list of literature that I have read in english. Some of these books I have not read for many years, yet I can still remember these specific details or quotes. I believe that this means the list below has significant meaning in their specific book that has stuck with me through all the years. 


The sound of the conch shell gathering all of the kids together for a meeting.
Harrison breaking out of his restraints and dancing with the female dance.
The tree outside the Radley residence where Boo puts all of the items.
The jail at which Atticus has to defend to make sure Tom Robinson is not killed.
Fair is foul and foul is fair.

Exposure to Literature


The value of exposure to literature in school is very important. Reading is very valuable as you will be reading everyday throughout the rest of your life, from magazines to the paper, or even at your work. By analyzing literature inside of school you are able to discuss topics, themes, characters, quotes, symbols and other devices that not only help your reading and writing skills but also allow you to see deeper into the text. This can alter the way you perceive the book and its themes. It will also make you truly appreciate the hard work of the authors.
I believe English is the only mandatory course throughout all of the grades in high school because it is truly the most important subject. Without English it would be very hard to get anywhere with you life, because almost every job that is out there requires some sort of reading. English is important in what ever field of study you go into including Math, Science or Business. If you are lacking in the english department, you will not be that well rounded person businesses want to hire. 

Experiences from English Literature

To Kill a Mockingbird,

This is one of my favourite books that I have studied in my entire english career. Harper Lee developed many strong, important and relatable themes throughout this novel. Atticus Finch, an attorney, and father of Scout and Gem was going against the entire town by fighting for a black man in court. At the time the novel took place a black mans rights were slim to none. The book taught me a lot about equality and showed me how much they mistreated black people. It took one man, to go against the thoughts and beliefs of everyone at that time. He risked everything, for someone that in those days he had no business helping. Atticus was a truly inspirational character, and someone who could definitely be looked up to. I learned not to just live life by doing things like others around me, instead doing what I think is right.

Literature Over the Years in English


Over the years the english department has introduced me to many different pieces of literature that we have studied. I have enjoyed some more then others, but they all have different aspects that make them enjoyable. This is a list of some of the books english class has introduced to me.


To Kill a Mockingbird-Boo Radley
Death of a Salesmen-Willy Loman
The Reader-Michael Berg, Hanna Schmitz
Lord of the Flies-Piggy, Jack,
Animal Farm
Macbeth-Macbeth, Banquo
12th Night-Malvolio,
Harrison Bergeron
Freak the Mighty