february 28

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Given what we've learned about the Bishop of Digne, Jean Valjean, and Fantine, it seems that Hugo believes that formative experiences are important influences on who we become in life.  So far, Cosette has had it kind of rough.  She was abandoned by her mother, she was treated poorly and differently from the other children in the house, and she is about to learn that her mother is dead.  What possible effects do you think this will have on Cosette?  Will she overcome a difficult beginning, in the way that Jean Valjean managed to become a decent person, or will she become bitter and resentful?  Explain your answer.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Les Mis: reading
3. Choices: lit circles, blogs, reading

POST:
What are the ingredients for a happy adulthood?  How much does this depend on one's childhood?  (title: RECIPE FOR A HAPPY LIFE)

self-evaluation

As we head into the first progress reporting window of the Spring semester, it's a good time to reflect.  Since I only see you for a few hours each week, and you spend 24/7 with yourself (including that oh-so-valuable time with your subconscious while you sleep), please answer the following questions as we begin to assess your performance.  Please write your answers in complete sentences-- you do not need to copy the questions-- on a piece of paper and turn in ASAP.  Please remember to write your name in the upper right hand corner.  Mahalo.

1. What do you do best in this course?  Where are you strongest, most confident?  What can you say you have actually accomplished or learned so far this semester?
2. Where do you need improvement?  Support?  What can you or the teacher do to help you?
3. On a scale from 1-10, how much effort are you putting into this course?  (*You can separate this out into categories; for example, if you put in a huge effort on your blog, but not so much on the reading or the journals or the lit circles, explain)
4. What letter grade do you believe you have earned at this point in the course?

february 27

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today the focus is on collaboration.  Think about the direction your masterpiece is headed, and ask yourself how talking about your work can refine your thinking and help identify additional skills, talents, & resources to help you?  What skills/talents/resources do you have that might help someone else?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Self-evaluation
3. Big Question: it takes a village (*find the others)

february 26

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Why do you feel tired so often?  Since I assume most people know how to address being tired (sleep, rest, reduce stress, eat better, etc.), what is preventing you from living in a way that sustains your positive energy throughout the day?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Les Mis: meet Cosette
3. Lit circles meeting (discuss/document Jean Valjean's decision, Javert's reaction, Fantine's death, and first impressions of Cosette)

RESEARCH/POST:
As we read, sometimes we reflect on the historical context of France during the time described in the book.  Do you realize that the French Revolution happened more than 25 years before the scenes described in the book?  It seems that we need to understand more.  When Bishop Digne talks with the old man about royals and regular people, or when citizens take offense at Napoleon Bonaparte being described as an Emperor, what are they talking about?  What do you know about France during the years (1815 - 1832) described in the book?  Have a look around online (Wikipedia is a fine place to start) and find three websites that help you understand the French factions that supported monarchy, and Bonaparte, and a government that served the people.  At minimum, make sure you explain the June Rebellion/Paris Uprising (spoiler: this is the background for some of the key action in the book).  Post this on your blog and/or your lit circle's Google Doc (title: FRENCH HISTORY & LES MIS).

february 25

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Describe the worst villain you've ever experienced in a story.  What made this villain so... VILLAINOUS?  Use an example to explain your answer.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Les Mis
3. Lit circles: have a conversation about whether or not you agree with Jean Valjean's decision.  If you were in his place, would you have done what he did?  Post your discussion notes to your Google Doc. 

february 22

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Imagine that you've accomplished all you set out to do. What would it take for you to risk it all, lose it, and move on without complaint?  (*Take a moment and let this really sink in before you begin to write.)

AGENDA:
1.  Journal
2. Les Mis begin Book 8
3. Lit circles

POST:
What do you predict will happen between Javert, Fantine, and Jean Valjean?  (title: TRIAD OF GOOD, EVIL, & JUSTICE)

february 21

JOURNAL TOPIC:
What makes something funny?  To explain your answer, use an example from real life.  Describe a time something happened, or someone told a joke that made you laugh out loud.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Les Mis

POST:
Why do you think Victor Hugo doesn't use more humor in Les Mis?  (title: LES MIS ISN'T FUNNY)

(Pro Tip: this is an excellent place to talk about how an author's tone can influence our understanding of the theme/s)