Week #1 // 1/10/17

This week we read the short fable The Zebra, the Lioness, and the Vulture. After, our
assignment was to write a narrative on the story with a perspective of one of the animals. I
wrote in first person from the vultures point of view. The next day, we shared our stories with
one another. This assignment showed how the perspective of the story changes how the reader
views the events, but no matter what point of view it is written as, the story is always true.

Week #2 // 1/16/17
This week we went to the library to review how to find books. We also learned how to use the
multiple new websites.We did a scavenger hunt, and I found many new books to read. These
skills with help me throughout my life, especially with upcoming projects.

Week #3 // 1/23/17
This week we got sorted into groups to read our assigned books. Our book is A Heartbreaking
Work of Staggering Genius, which focuses on the authors life of taking care of his younger
brother. The story is slightly depressing and filled with dark humor. It discusses how both of his
parents died of cancer two weeks from each other. This causes him to have to raise his younger
brother, while starting up a new magazine company.

Week #4 // 1/30/17
We continued reading our story, and although we have the longest book, I was able to go
through half of the novel. The novel continued to keep the depressing mood. We have started
sketching out what we are going to do for the poster. The poster will include the two brothers
holding hands reenacting the beach scene in the the novel.

Week #5 // 2/6/17
I am close to finishing the story, but a few of us in the group are still working on it. I have made
a few updates on how the poster will come together after reading more of the novel. We decided
to change it to show the two brothers holding hands looking at the Might Magazine building.

Week #6 // 2/13/17
This week we focused on editing our essay and finishing our poster. Everyone worked on the
essay and we were able to form a cohesive essay. I believe our poster included the main point
and theme of the story successfully. The poster showed the achievements the two brothers
completed together throughout all their struggles. We also listened to other groups share their
stories, which also got me interested in reading some of the novels shared.

Week #7 // 2/20/17
This week was the beginning of our poetry unit. We each annotated different songs, and ours
was Same Love by Macklemore. The poem discussed how being homosexual was considered a
bad thing. Alliteration, rhyme, metaphors, and similes were used throughout the poem to
express the theme.
Week #8 // 2/27/17
This week we started to TPFASTT our first poem, which was Oranges. The author used
figurative language throughout the poem to show that young love is innocent. Imagery was the
most commonly used figurative language. Later in the week, we had to write an imagery poem,
and I wrote about a book. I feel like I had a good understanding of how to use imagery in a
poem.

Week #9 // 3/6/17
This week we started on our second TPFASTT assignment on The Caged Bird. The Caged
Bird used allegory to show the issue of segregation. Maya Angelou compared a free bird
(non-segregated community) to a caged bird (segregated community, specifically African
Americans). Later the same week, we were tasked to write a simile/metaphor poem, and I
decided to discuss the issue of homophobia. I feel my ability to write poems have increased,
and I was able to compare homosexual love to a rose.

Week #10 // 3/13/17

This week we started on our third TPFASTT on the poem Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe,
and got introduced to slam poetry. The slam poems we watched were very touching, and had
deep lessons and meanings to take away from them. Their performance styles added to the
tone of the poems, and made it more enjoyable to watch. Starting my own slam poem may be a
little difficult, but I believe once I get an idea going it will be a fun challenge for me.

Week #11 // 3/20/17

This week we worked on our poetry, and at the end of the week, we listened to slam poem
performances. Although I didnt go up and perform, I learned many techniques in speaking. I
was able to see some effective techniques and some techniques that werent extremely
effective. Not only did I learn speaking techniques, I learned more about my classmates. We
also finished our poetry journals, and I feel that after each poem, my ability to put words
together to form a cohesive poem improved. My slam poem, although short, was able to clearly
pass on my message.

Week #12 // 3/27/17

Spring Break wooo

Week #13 // 4/3/17

This week we learned about Epic Heroes in Greek mythology. Some traits I wouldnt consider to
be a heroic trait, such as no emotional attachment, as that is a big part of what makes a hero
today. Many of the other traits are seen in modern day heroes, such as courage, strength, etc.
We did an assignment finding a modern day hero and why they fit these traits. Sherlock in the
new BBC adaptation fits all categories, including no emotional attachment.
Week #14 // 4/10/17
Today we continued learning about Greek heros. It further cemented my knowledge in these
traits with the rest of the notes. We also learned how Odysseus will follow these specific traits,
which will help me understand the story better, as well as do better on the podcast.

Week #15 // 4/17/17

This week we read our book of the Odyssey, Death in the Great Hall. Our book discussed the
fighting that occurred after Odysseus arrived at home. It was extremely interesting to read, as
some of the vocabulary had interesting meanings in certain contexts. (like you yellow dogs). It
was also fun hearing some of my groups interpretations of the book. We were also able to see
how Odysseus fit the criteria of a greek hero. He was strong and courageous, plus smart and a
good fighter.

Week #16 // 4/24/17

The podcasts were extremely enjoyable to listen to, and it was interesting to see what the other
books were about. I feel that our group didnt work very well together, as it ended up being three
out of five of us doing the entire project. We attempted telling the rest of our group to work, and
we even assign people tasks, but when they werent done, the three of us had to work on it. In
the end, we were able to put together a funny, but informational podcast that portrayed the story
clearly.

Week #17 // 5/1/17

We learned about the Shakespearean language. Learning about the language and
Shakespeares life gave me new insight to the story we were about to read. On top of this we
had an insult battle battle, which was incredibly enjoyable to watch.Through this activity I was
able to understand the language in an new and fun way. I am extremely excited to start the
story, as now I know more about what Im about to read.

Week #18 // 5/17/17

We began reading Romeo and Juliet in class this week. The beginning of the play was
particularly enjoyable to read with the witty jokes and the introduction to an overdramatic
Romeo. The language was difficult to read at first, but the group discussions helped me
understand what was occurring in each scene. Im excited to see how the rest of the story plays
out, as it has already started to become interesting.

Week #19 // 5/24/17

We continued reading Romeo and Juliet. It is interesting to see how one event in the story lead
to the downfall of each character. After confessing their love to one another, Tybalt and
Mercutio died, leading to the death of Romeo and Juliet. I was surprised to see the death of
characters like Paris and Mercutio, but their deaths showed the effects of the family feud outside
of the two lovers. All in all, I enjoyed the story more than I expected. It was funny, yet it had a
deep meaning, that is still valid in society today.

Week #20 // 6/1/17

We worked on our project the entire week. Our group decided to do a pop-up book. Three
people in the group were in charge of rewriting the story in a childrens book type of format. Two
of us are in charge of creating the actual book. I will be doing all the watercoloring and
designing of the book, plus helping with creating the pop ups. The other person in charge of art
will be doing the rest of the pop-ups, and I will watercolor those as well. Most of the work will be
done by the artists at home. I will be researching how to design novels, and watercoloring
techniques.