Poetry poster
Posts
Prompt: As the first semester comes to an end, take time to reflect on your learning and growth in this course. In a well-developed response, explain what you enjoyed most about the class, identify the project or assignment you found most engaging, and discuss which aspect of the course you connected with the most (such as poetry, fiction, writing, or discussion). Finally, reflect on one area where you feel you need additional support or improvement as we move into the spring semester.
This semester helped me grow as a reader and writer. I enjoyed class discussions the most because hearing different opinions pushed my thinking. The assignment I found most engaging was analyzing poems, especially connecting poems to real life or current issues. Poetry connected with me the most because short lines still carried strong meaning. One area I need to improve is learning vocabulary, especially understanding new words and using them correctly in writing. Improving my vocabulary will help my reading comprehension and make my writing stronger next semester. Summary: Today we presented and recited our poems. Reflection: I improved my presenting skills.
Prompt: Many holidays center around traditions. Describe one tradition that is important to you or your family and explain why it still matters (or why it no longer does).
One tradition that matters to my family is eating a big meal together on holidays. Everyone helps cook, even with small jobs like setting the table. We sit together with no phones and talk about school, sports, and plans. The tradition matters because time together feels rare during normal weeks. The meal reminds me that being present with family matters more than the food. Summary: I was absent Reflection: I was absent.
Prompt: How have the holidays changed as you have grown older? Compare your experiences of the holidays during childhood with how you experience them now, focusing on shifts in perspective, responsibilities, or emotional meaning.
When I were younger, the holidays felt simple and exciting. I focused on gifts, time off school, and being around family with no stress. Now the holidays feel different because I notice the work behind them, planning, money, and responsibilities. I care less about presents and more about time, rest, and who shows up. The holidays now feel quieter and more emotional, focused on meaning instead of excitement. Summary: We did more vocabulary work. Reflection: I learned 15 more vocab words.
Cultural Identity mask
This mask shows who I am by demonstrating all of my favorite things. I enjoyed this assignment because it really made me think about who I am. This was a very different assignment and I am very glad I was able to do it.
Write about something that you can't stop thinking about.
Something I can't stop thinking about is when high school baseball starts this year. We begin right after winter break. I can't wait for the season to start with all my friends and teammates. I also cant wait to be checked out early on days we play I I just cant wait for the fun we are going to have this year.
Prompt: Write about something you’ve outgrown but still miss.
I outgrew spending whole afternoons riding my bike around the neighborhood. My friends were always outside, and we would always ride to each other's houses and ask to hang out. We grew older, schedules filled, and those slow hours faded. I miss the freedom and the feeling that the day had no limits. Summary: Today we took our vocab test and an assignment. Reflection: I learned about a new poem
Prompt: Write about the best gift you have received.
Prompt: My best gift came from my mom when she gifted me a radar gun. I wanted a radar gun for months, so the moment felt strong for me. I used the radar the following week and saw quick progress. I still use the radar to this day, and it has been amazing. Summary: Today we got new vocab words and did an exercise with them. Reflection: Today I learned 15 new vocab words.
Prompt: After watching the short film Identity, write a blog post reflecting on how the masks in the film represent the pressure to fit in and the struggle to discover who you really are. Choose one moment from the film that stood out to you and explain why. Then, connect the film’s message to Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” and to the mask you are creating in class. What part of your identity do you want your mask to reveal?
In reflecting on this theme, my own "mask" would not be one of concealment, but rather of deliberate revelation. If I were to consciously choose what to display, my mask would reveal a key part of my identity that I want others to notice and acknowledge, such as my core values or the richness of my cultural heritage. Summary: Today we watched a short film and finished our masks. Reflection: I learned about the short film called Identity.
Prompt: In “I, Too,” the speaker expresses pride in his identity and his rightful place in America. Reflect on your own life: What aspect of your cultural identity are you most proud of, and why?
I feel tremendous pride in my family's Japanese and South African roots. The unique flavors of our cuisine. all combine to shape my distinct sense of home and cultural identity. I deeply value our family gatherings, where shared meals and long, meaningful conversations , be it around sushi or other topics, are vital for strengthening our bonds. This rich, dual heritage serves as a powerful guide for my choices and significantly fortifies my personal confidence. Summary: We read a new poem and did an activity. Reflection: I learned how to identify myself.
Prompt: Discuss something meaningful or memorable you experienced over the break, or reflect on what you felt most thankful for during that time.
During the recent break, the most meaningful aspect was the opportunity to deliberately slow down and dedicate quality time to my family. Given our usual busy schedules, marked by professional, academic, and extracurricular commitments, it was truly refreshing to relax without the constant pressure of rushing. I was particularly grateful for the few days of reprieve from assignments and deadlines, allowing me to be fully present and enjoy the moment. Whether through shared meals, watching movies, or simply conversing, the experience underscored the importance of appreciating the relationships with those closest to me. Summary: We got new vocab and did 4 exercises with them. Reflection: I learned 15 new vocab words.
In “We Real Cool,” the speakers make choices that seem exciting, bold, and rebellious, even though those choices lead to consequences. Write about a moment in your own life when you followed what looked cool or fun, only to realize afterwards that it wasn’t the smart or responsible path. What influenced your decision, and how did your perspective change later?
In seventh grade, I let peer pressure overrule my better judgment. My friends convinced me to ride a scooter down a steep ramp after school. The run looked exciting, but the urge to fit in was the strongest factor pushing me forward. I ended up crashing at the bottom and badly scraping my hands, which was a painful, immediate consequence of ignoring my own instincts. That day served as a critical turning point; since then, I have found it easier to make sound choices because I deliberately slow down, think things through, and prioritize trusting my own sense of risk. Summary: We analyzed a poem and did an assignment about it. Reflection: I learned about a new poem.