Online Journal Entry #9

For Mythology is the handmaid of literature; and literature is one of the best allies of virtue and promoters of happiness. ~Thomas Bulfinch
Finally, we have finished our unit on short fiction and are ready to move on to the wonderful world of Greek Mythology! This week, we are going to learn about the Ancient Greek's views of the creation of the world and all about the gods they worshipped as well as the purpose of these myths in their society. The gods and goddesses of Greek Mythology each had their own realm of dominion and highly individualized special abilities to influence the world as they each saw fit. Thinking about all of this made me wonder, if you had your own "super power" to influence the world, what would it be and how would you use it? Would you be so different from the stories we will be reading? I can't wait to find out! :)

Online Journal Entry #8

An article in the News-Leader recently caught my eye as controversy has divided an area high school over whether or not to remove certain books from the school library. As we will be covering a novel frequently banned later this school year, I thought I would ask your opinion about it. Please visit Mrs. Schreffler's blogsite http://schreffblog.blogspot.com/, read the entry entitled "Banning Books! Are You Crazy?!" Then post a comment here describing your opinion of book banning. BE SURE to come back here to post as I do not grade postings on Mrs. Schreffler's site! :)

The fact is that censorship always defeats its own purpose, for it creates, in the end, the kind of society that is incapable of exercising real discretion. ~Henry Steele Commager

Online Journal Entry #7

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. ~Mark Twain
Book Reviews. I haven't forgotten about them, we've just been busy, haven't we? I hope you have been remembering to READ though!! Maybe one day this week, we'll go over the guidelines; but for now, keep reading your book and look for those elements we've been discussing in class: plot development, conflict, figurative language, foreshadowing, and theme!! For this week's journal entry, I want you to tell me the name of the book you've chosen, its author, and a brief description of its exposition (what two things make up exposition again?). Also, tell why you chose this particular book and what you think of it so far!! Just give us a quick overview for now and then go back and read, Read, READ!! And don't forget about your homework there either! :)

Online Journal Entry #6

We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. --Mary Dunbar
What is ONE word that describes you, and why?

Online Journal Entry #5

It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life. ~P.D. James

Ah, autumn. The air is getting cool and crisp. The leaves are beginning to change. It's as if a whole new spirit is in the air. What is your favorite thing about this time of year? And what would you do, if you had a perfect fall day to spend however you wanted?