Final Reflection (Year End Blog)

1- What are the three most important things you learned this year?

The three important things I learned this year was to not let your expectations be your limits. I learned to not my goals be the only to shoot for in life. And I learned to not have my computer bag out on the floor, as it could be a fire hazard.

2- What is something we did this year that you think you will remember for the rest of your life?

To always take my grammar and vocabulary skills more seriously when it come sto writing or scribing something. When writing I must use the best words to create the emphasis. Along with how I build my sentences, it could make a huge impact to the output the readers get. That's why it is so important, and why I will always remember it.

3- What was the nicest thing someone in our class did for you this year?

They studied with me after school through social media and also gave me answers to the holocaust studies we did.

4- What is something you taught your teacher or classmates this year?

I taught many of my classmates that positivity and helping others can not only be helpful to those they help. But it can also be help to them as well.

5- In what area do you feel you made your biggest improvements? What is something you accomplished this year that you are proud of?

I think in my form of writing I made the biggest improvements. My writing and knowledge of literature were at a lower level. Now it is going to the writing of a high schooler, which is where I should be :D. I am proud that my skills in writing have come this far. It makes feel like I have potential not only in drawing, but in writing as well.

6- What was the most challenging part of this year for you?

Getting out of my habits that I usually follow was difficult for me.trying to spell words correctly and using the correct grammar was a challenge. I had to correct so much of my common errors that it seemed impossible. However, I were able to make it possible by showing perseverance.

7- What was the best piece of writing that you did this year? Why do you think it is your best?

I think the best piece of writing I did this year were my “This I believe” speech. I had used everything I learned in ELA to create this. It also took me a lot to get out comfort zone by sharing my past. So I think this was my most incredible piece of writing I made this year.

8- Of the books you read this year, which was your favorite? Why?

 I think possibly “Things Not Seen” and “The Giver” were my favorite books to read this year. These books truly got me back into the swing of reading non graphic novels. They had great characters that developed over time and had true beliefs. It really stuck out to me and made me love these books.

9- What advice would you give students who will be in this class next year?

Advice I would give to students next year is to manage time the best way you can so you remain up to speed with class. The class may seem impossible at some moments but that's the challenge that is being given. So you must exceed you limits and thrive to beat the challenge and improve.

"This I believe"

“Sunshine Always Blooms From the Storm”
By: Antwone Lee

All my life I've lived in conflict and struggle. I've lived in peace and in disaster. But I've never lived with resolve. The constant reminder that anger and hate never get you anywhere comes full force in my world. However, kindness and patience for perseverance can wash that aside.

Kindness can be the guide of life, creating paths and opportunities for yourself. And patience can be the support for for decisions made.

When I were coming of my teen years at the age of 12, I were going through homelessness. My mother were constantly in physical pain causing frustration. And my 4 sisters had all been causing my family disorder. My oldest sister had a son that she had to take care of, so she didn't have any time or money to spare. We would move place to place, person to person. Only for us to lose all ties with the people that would normally help us.

My mom would yell and scream in frustration. And I would have to bear witness. All I ever felt was pity for my mom but not for myself. My sisters told me that when you pity yourself, you below yourself. So instead of pitying our situation, I would appreciate everything we got. Even the times of peace we could would muster at times.

This made me want to always be helpful and not be a burden. I always wanted to not complain and prevent bring negativity. It would be hard keeping my emotions and frustrations to myself, but what motivated me was just thinking...can me being positive make us not be homeless? Or can it get my mom a job again? Or can it make our family whole once more?

Now at the age of 14, I have a home, my mom has a job, and almost all of my sisters are employed going to college. My family still isn't perfect, but it is better than i could ever imagine. It caused me to really believe that my kindness and patience can really come to effect. It made me feel like I can emote the good I always thrived for.

Literature Circle/Non-Fiction Article blog

Both my Book Things Not Seen and the article “Loneliness in Teens” both have the topic of loneliness in them. My EQ were asking, “Does this article have true loneliness coping mechanisms that relate to Bobby’s actions in the book?” After reading the article I did find some connections In the article I found two coping methods that relate to Bobby’s actions. One were, “Cyberpsychology.” Cyberpsychology is using the internet as a coping method,for the brain. Bobby slightly hints to this by his action on researching constantly to occupy himself. The second reason were that creating social interactions with people can help stop the loneliness. Bobby does a lot by talking to his parents for advice and talking to Alicia for help with things and as a friend to communicate with. Both of these methods are things Bobby did to occupy himself of isolation. Which is relating to the article and its information.

Both the author of Things Not Seen and the author of “ Loneliness in Teens” are both writing on the topic of loneliness. They both give it in the perspective of teenagers and going through change. However, the authors give their own POV’s the idea and change in their own idea. For instance, the author of “Loneliness in Teens”, he or she gave the ideas of the teen feeling unappreciated and not being understood. Also giving ways to prevent the feelings of isolation and being shunned. For example, the author gave a way to prevent the teen to not feel as unsocial by doing this, “Smile at others and make solid friendships, reminding your teen that one good friend is as valuable as several casual buddies. You can also talk to your teen when she's feeling lonely -- knowing that she has someone to talk to can make her feel less isolated from the world.” This is going in the position of helping your teen and rehabilitating them to being apart of society once more.

The author of Things Not Seen does not deeply go into the topic of loneliness as the author of the article does. Andrew Clements, the author of Things Not Seen implements the topic of loneliness but doesn't go as in depth. Bobby, the main character of Things Not Seen, has the feeling of isolation from society. He must stay home and talk to anyone in order to keep his invisibility a secret and to keep him safe. This caused him to feel trapped and feel lonely. However, later in the book he find a friend to be with and gets more parental guidance. Creating an end to him being alone. In summary, Bobby had only a slight situation of loneliness. Then, the author ended it soon.

Clements, Andrew. Things not seen. New York: Puffin , 2006. Print.

Ireland, Kay. "Loneliness In Teenagers." LIVESTRONG.COM. Leaf Group, 16 Aug. 2013. Web. 12 May 2017.

8th Grade Literature Circle Blog

The book my Literature Circle group is reading is “Things Not Seen” by Andrew Clements. Andrew Clements wrote a book about a high schooler who wakes up invisible. In the book, Bobby, the boy who became invisible, must remain away from society. While his parents protect him and help him find a way to make himself visible again. Bobby then sees the advantages to being invisible when walking around Chicago being invisible. He comes home and his parents leave out only to get into a crash. He meets them in the hospital and sees their ok. On his way back he runs into A blind girl that he soon meets again at the library. Before then, he avoids getting caught being seen invisible by his neighbor. He heads to the library to meet Alicia and introduce himself. They talk a little and we learn of how Alicia gotten blind. They then head home together until she finds out that he is invisible.Then we head into chapter 12.

Do you like what you're reading? Why or why not?

Yes, I enjoy the book so far. I enjoy the book because it is giving a great plot and great character development. The characters Bobby and Alicia are beginning to see each other as friends or even more because they both are seeing good in each other. This makes the story ten times better for me. Because it's a suspenseful plot with the question if Bobby will be visible again. And then there is the stakes of him being known to society. However, the romance between the two to is creating a bridge of good and bad.

How has your feeling changed as you've been reading?

My feelings for the book has changed from focusing on his return to visibility to his relationship with Alicia. My feelings changed toward this by Alicia and Bobbys friendship development. Due to Alicia having Bobby as a only friend and Bobby having Alicia as a source of joy, It creates a dynamic relationship.