Parker's English Blog

 One time I had to work through obstacles was when I was working toward an important goal in sports. It was difficult because I had to practice a lot, deal with mistakes, and stay motivated when things were not going well. The journey was worth it because I improved and learned that hard work and patience can help me reach my goals. Today In class we did a worksheet where we anaylized a quote and filled in information about it. I learned how to better identify and disect quotes and look deeper into the text to understand the full meaning.

 One conversation that had a lasting impact on me was with a coach about not giving up when things get difficult. We talked about how mistakes and failures are part of getting better. After that conversation, I started trying harder and stopped getting as frustrated when things did not go my way. It changed my perspective because I learned that giving up will not help me improve. Today in class we started reading a new story and listened to the audio book of it. we annotated and made checkpoints throughout the story. I learned all about the new story and how to checkpoint throughout my readings to help me understand it better.

 Yes, I think creating a presentation helps me understand a story and its characters better than a traditional worksheet. It makes me look more closely at the character’s traits, choices, and motivations. I also think it is easier to remember the information when I put it into my own words and organize it on slides. Today in class we watched a short film on the book and started our powerpoint presentation. I learned how deep diving and analyzing a story can help you understand it and it's characters a lot better.

 One time I helped a friend who was having a hard time with something at school. I spent some time helping them understand the work instead of just giving them the answers. Helping them taught me that being patient and supportive can make a big difference for someone. It also made me feel good knowing that I could help someone when they needed it. Since then, I have tried to be more willing to help others instead of only focusing on myself. Today in class we had a sub however we listened to more of the book and completed our worksheet. I learned more about how the characters interact with each other and how their actions can affect others and themselves, as well as the plot of the story.

 Yes, I have had a first impression of someone that later turned out to be wrong. At first, I thought they were rude because they did not talk much, but after getting to know them, I realized they were actually nice and just quiet. Based on what I have read so far, my first impression of Mr. Shiflet is that he is serious and somewhat strange. The way he talks and acts makes him seem like someone who does not easily trust other people. However, I think there is more to his personality that I will understand as I continue reading. Today in class we started a worksheet on the new story we are reading about how this homeless tramp interacts and talks with this calm, kind old lady, and what seems to be her special needs daughter. I learned about "The Life You Save May be Your Own" and the characters physical and personality traits. 

 If someone looked through my trash can today, they might find a water bottle, which would show that I try to stay active and take care of myself. They might also find school papers, showing that school takes up a lot of my time and that I have assignments to work on. Finally, they might find food wrappers, which would show that I like snacks and sometimes grab something quick to eat. These three things would give someone a small idea of my daily life, including school, being active, and enjoying food. I was absent in class today therefore I cannot do the reflection. However, I learned and really took time to think about what people would find in my trash can that would best describe and give thoughts on me.

 If someone used the STEAL method to describe me, they would probably say I am hardworking, friendly, and easy to get along with. My speech shows that I like to joke around and make people laugh, but I also know when to be serious. My thoughts show that I care about doing well in school and reaching my goals. My actions show that I am willing to work hard, especially when I am playing sports or working on something important to me. My effect on others is that I try to make people feel comfortable and included. My looks show that I like to dress casually and comfortably, usually wearing a graphic T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. Overall, these things show that I am a hardworking person who likes having fun and being around others. Today in class we read more of the rock pile, answered questions, and did an assignment. I learned all about the rock pile and the full story/plot and how to analyze all the characters and their actions.

 Yes, I have felt like someone in my family was treated differently. Sometimes parents give one person more freedom because they are older or more responsible. I think it can be fair because everyone has different ages and responsibilities, but it can still feel unfair sometimes. I was absent so I do not know what we did in class, however, I learned that favoritism can often times ruin and prevent relationships and is not a healthy trait

 One time, I ignored a warning from my parents not to use my phone while walking down the stairs. I was distracted and almost tripped. I learned that warnings are there for a reason, and it is better to be careful than to risk getting hurt just because I was curious or distracted. today in class we listened to the rock pile story aswell as analyzing it. I learned how to analyze stories better and transfer it to reading comprehension.

  The COVID-19 pandemic helps me understand what Americans may have felt after 9/11. During COVID-19, everyday life changed quickly, and many people felt scared and uncertain about what would happen next. Schools, jobs, and social activities were affected. This helps me understand how 9/11 created fear and uncertainty while changing the way people lived their daily lives. Today in class we took our test on the story, "A Rose for Emily". I learned good test taking skills and glad we got to use the packet to help us answer the questions.

  So far, American Literature has been going well for me because I understand most of the readings and assignments. One challenge has been keeping up with all the work and remembering important details from the stories. Moving forward, I need to improve my time management so I can complete my assignments on time and do my best work. I was absent so I cannot do the reflection, however I have learned how to use my time more wisely so far, and get my work done.

  The phrase I use the most right now is “for real.” I use it when I agree with someone or when I really mean what I am saying. I usually say it when talking with my friends or reacting to something surprising. I think it shows that I am casual, honest, and expressive. I was absent so I cannot do my reflection, however I learned and thought more about what terms/phrases that I have been using a lot lately.

  One fear I have overcome is being afraid to speak in front of others. I used to feel nervous and worried about making mistakes. Over time, I became more confident by practicing and reminding myself that mistakes are okay. Now, I feel much more comfortable speaking in front of people. I was absent so I cannot write a reflection but what I did learn is to conquer your fears and that it is easier to face them rather than to run away from them in the long run.

  Growing up has reminded me that time moves quickly. It feels like just yesterday I was younger, but now I am getting older and experiencing new things. This has taught me to appreciate the time I have with family and friends and not take everyday moments for granted. for my reflection I was absent so I cant write anything, but I did learn how quickly time moves and how it feels like everything flies by such as life and its stages.

  A place that holds special memories for me is my grandparents’ house. It is a small, comfortable home filled with family pictures and familiar furniture. I remember spending time there with my family and feeling safe and happy. To me, the house represents family, love, and memories that I will always carry with me. Today in class we started reading this story about this women in an old town who's dad died and she cant move on. I learned how to decipher story's with hard wording and convert it to reading comprehension.

  Some people struggle with loss because they are afraid of being alone or moving on. Emily shows this by refusing to let go of Homer and going to an extreme to keep him with her. I have noticed that some people hold onto old relationships or memories because change can be scary. Emily’s story shows how difficult it can be to accept that some things cannot last forever. Today in class we worked on our writeable about the story and watched the story. I learned all about the story and how everything went and that some people cant accept change or move on.

 During a high school group project last semester, I felt a true sense of belonging as my classmates and I worked together to prepare a major presentation. Rather than just assigning tasks and working in isolation, we constantly shared ideas, listened to each other's perspectives, and built on everyone's individual strengths. That deep feeling of connection was created by mutual trust, shared goals, and the open environment where every contribution was genuinely valued. in class today we had a sub and worked on a common lit. I learned about the importance of belonging or feeling that feeling of belonging.