Concept/Topic to Teach: The value of keeping a promise
Standard Addressed: Health Literacy/Responsible Health Behavior/Standard 1: The Student Knows Health-Enhancing Behaviors
General Goal(s): For the students to better understand the value of a promise.
Specific Objectives: For the students to gain a better understanding of the value of a promise and how those who do not keep their promises receive no reward.
Required Materials: The promise paper, a writing utensil
Anticipatory Set (Lead-In): My lead in is on the promise papers which I have provided. It asks students to recall how they felt when someone promised them something and let them down. Chances are that they too have hurt someone by failing to live up to a promise as well. Now they have the chance to make up for it!
Step-by-Step Procedures: Students are instructed to choose a partner and make a promise to them that can be fulfilled by the end of the day. For example, the student may promise to say one nice thing to their classmate. After writing their promise down on the promise paper (located at the bottom of each worksheet) they are to give their paper to their partner and carry on with class as usual. At the end of the day they are to check back with their partner and see if they have kept their word. Those who do will receive a reward (candy!)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Timed Writing...
Over the course of the semester in Analytic and Persuasive writing we have devoted a great deal of time examining the components of a hero’s journey as presented by Joseph Campbell. These steps were clearly defined in Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Specifically, the hero’s journey can be divided into three steps: departure, initiation, and return. In his departure phase, the hero first undergoes a call to adventure. Here a blunder occurs by the merest chance and launches the hero into his journey. Initially, the hero may refuse the call. However, with the assistance of supernatural aid, the hero’s reluctance is often subdued. After crossing the first threshold, or the unknown, the hero is then faced with a road of trials in which he must accomplish a series of difficult tasks. Fortunately, the hero still has the supernatural aid on his side and is able to make it through. After a brief meeting with the goddess and atonement with the father, in which the hero comes to terms with his journey, he experiences an “aha” moment. This moment of clarity triggers the hero’s realization of the ultimate boon. He is now ready to take his newfound knowledge and share it with others. While the structure of the hero’s journey is presented in Campbell’s piece, it was necessary to explore works by other authors in order to perceive the journey in fiction.
In Zafron’s novel The Shadow of the Wind, for example, we were able to dissect each stage of the journey. In the novel, Daniel experiences a call to adventure when his father leads him to the cemetery of forgotten books and allowed his son to choose one novel out of thousands. After carefully choosing a work by Julian Carax, Daniel is immediately engaged in the story as soon as he begins to read its pages. Once he reads the entire novel from cover to cover, he wishes to know more about this mysterious author. However, no one seems to know anything about him, including Daniel’s father. The shady character Barcelo is the only one with knowledge on the author. Barcelo is the guardian of the threshold and Daniel must decide whether to enter into the unknown with him or not. The crossing of the first threshold is also a major aspect of the film “Titanic.” This occurs when Jack, Rose, and the rest of the characters cross the literal threshold onto the vessel. Tests, allies, and enemies are constantly being thrown at the heroes Jack and Rose as they become allies much to the dismay of their enemies. However, even outside of the world of fiction, the steps of a journey can be found in day to day life.
For example, I took a journey of my own in my creation of project three. The assignment itself was a call to adventure that I did not necessarily have the option of refusing. Professor Robinson served as my supernatural aid, however, in helping me through the trials that lay ahead of me. Since my topic was a bit too heavy for a class of fifth graders, I faced the trial of trying to create an activity that related to a theme of my topic. I reached my apotheosis when the idea stuck me to revolve my activity around the importance of keeping a promise. Needless to say, as humans we are constantly confronted with journeys, both in the real world and in the world of fiction. Although we are provided with Campbell’s aid related in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, it is up to us to decipher the meaning of each journey as well as how to proceed.
In Zafron’s novel The Shadow of the Wind, for example, we were able to dissect each stage of the journey. In the novel, Daniel experiences a call to adventure when his father leads him to the cemetery of forgotten books and allowed his son to choose one novel out of thousands. After carefully choosing a work by Julian Carax, Daniel is immediately engaged in the story as soon as he begins to read its pages. Once he reads the entire novel from cover to cover, he wishes to know more about this mysterious author. However, no one seems to know anything about him, including Daniel’s father. The shady character Barcelo is the only one with knowledge on the author. Barcelo is the guardian of the threshold and Daniel must decide whether to enter into the unknown with him or not. The crossing of the first threshold is also a major aspect of the film “Titanic.” This occurs when Jack, Rose, and the rest of the characters cross the literal threshold onto the vessel. Tests, allies, and enemies are constantly being thrown at the heroes Jack and Rose as they become allies much to the dismay of their enemies. However, even outside of the world of fiction, the steps of a journey can be found in day to day life.
For example, I took a journey of my own in my creation of project three. The assignment itself was a call to adventure that I did not necessarily have the option of refusing. Professor Robinson served as my supernatural aid, however, in helping me through the trials that lay ahead of me. Since my topic was a bit too heavy for a class of fifth graders, I faced the trial of trying to create an activity that related to a theme of my topic. I reached my apotheosis when the idea stuck me to revolve my activity around the importance of keeping a promise. Needless to say, as humans we are constantly confronted with journeys, both in the real world and in the world of fiction. Although we are provided with Campbell’s aid related in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, it is up to us to decipher the meaning of each journey as well as how to proceed.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Mission Complete!
Hello all!
So I'm pretty excited, I sent all three of my letters in the mail yesterday. I really hope they write back!
So I'm pretty excited, I sent all three of my letters in the mail yesterday. I really hope they write back!
Friday, April 25, 2008
My Letter to the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy:
Institute for Marriage and Public Policy
Attn: Maggie GallagherP.O. Box 1231
Manassas, VA 20108
April 25, 2008
Dear Ms. Gallagher:
I recently discovered the website for the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy. My interest was immediately sparked as I have spent the past several weeks researching divorce laws and statistics for my freshman research paper titled, Finding Fault with No-Fault Divorce.
Throughout the process, I have encountered statistics and read stories that make my stomach turn. With the divorce rate currently hovering between 43 to 50 percent, it is clear that the American family is in a state of crisis. Though I am aware that several factors can be attributed to the soaring rate of divorce, I agree with countless others that the no-fault divorce has had the largest amount of influence. Between 1960 and 1980, the divorce rate skyrocketed from 393,000 divorces and annulments to a staggering 1,189,000. Why is this? Because if a married man or woman wishes to divorce their spouse they are able to do just that, without any grounds for doing so.
With that being said, the current state of marriage is of serious concern to my generation as we are among the next to take the symbolic walk down the aisle. I cannot count the number of conversations that I have engaged in with my closest friends expressing how we do not want our marriages to end in yet another statistic.
However, after exploring your website at great length I feel a little less uneasy about the future. The fact that you have made it your goal to “[strengthen] marriage for a new generation” truly means a great deal. In addition, your frequent appearances on major television and radio networks can only assist in educating Americans on the importance of marriage.
It would truly be an honor to support the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy in any way that you deem effective. In a morally corrupt world, it is encouraging to come across organizations like yours trying to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Ashley White
Attn: Maggie GallagherP.O. Box 1231
Manassas, VA 20108
April 25, 2008
Dear Ms. Gallagher:
I recently discovered the website for the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy. My interest was immediately sparked as I have spent the past several weeks researching divorce laws and statistics for my freshman research paper titled, Finding Fault with No-Fault Divorce.
Throughout the process, I have encountered statistics and read stories that make my stomach turn. With the divorce rate currently hovering between 43 to 50 percent, it is clear that the American family is in a state of crisis. Though I am aware that several factors can be attributed to the soaring rate of divorce, I agree with countless others that the no-fault divorce has had the largest amount of influence. Between 1960 and 1980, the divorce rate skyrocketed from 393,000 divorces and annulments to a staggering 1,189,000. Why is this? Because if a married man or woman wishes to divorce their spouse they are able to do just that, without any grounds for doing so.
With that being said, the current state of marriage is of serious concern to my generation as we are among the next to take the symbolic walk down the aisle. I cannot count the number of conversations that I have engaged in with my closest friends expressing how we do not want our marriages to end in yet another statistic.
However, after exploring your website at great length I feel a little less uneasy about the future. The fact that you have made it your goal to “[strengthen] marriage for a new generation” truly means a great deal. In addition, your frequent appearances on major television and radio networks can only assist in educating Americans on the importance of marriage.
It would truly be an honor to support the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy in any way that you deem effective. In a morally corrupt world, it is encouraging to come across organizations like yours trying to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Ashley White
My Letter to Americans for Divorce Reform:
Americans for Divorce Reform
Attn: Colleen Fannin Arnold
1300 North Utah Street
Arlington, VA 22201
April 25, 2008
Dear Ms. Arnold:
I recently discovered the website for Americans for Divorce Reform. My interest was immediately sparked as I have spent the past several weeks researching divorce laws and statistics for my freshman research paper titled, Finding Fault with No-Fault Divorce.
Throughout the process, I have encountered statistics and read stories that make my stomach turn. With the divorce rate currently hovering between 43 to 50 percent, it is clear that the American family is in a state of crisis. Though I am aware that several factors can be attributed to the soaring rate of divorce, I agree with countless others that the no-fault divorce has had the largest amount of influence. Between 1960 and 1980, the divorce rate skyrocketed from 393,000 divorces and annulments to a staggering 1,189,000. Why is this? Because if a married man or woman wishes to divorce their spouse they are able to do just that, without any grounds for doing so.
With that being said, the current state of marriage is of serious concern to my generation as we are among the next to take the symbolic walk down the aisle. I cannot count the number of conversations that I have engaged in with my closest friends expressing how we do not want our marriages to end in yet another statistic.
However, after exploring your website, I realized that through your organization I can personally make a difference. After all, Americans for Divorce Reform, comprised of ordinary members of society, has set out to inform the public, law makers, and the media with what is wrong with divorce.
It would truly be an honor to support Americans for Divorce Reform in any way that you deem effective. In a morally corrupt world, it is encouraging to come across organizations like yours trying to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Ashley White
Attn: Colleen Fannin Arnold
1300 North Utah Street
Arlington, VA 22201
April 25, 2008
Dear Ms. Arnold:
I recently discovered the website for Americans for Divorce Reform. My interest was immediately sparked as I have spent the past several weeks researching divorce laws and statistics for my freshman research paper titled, Finding Fault with No-Fault Divorce.
Throughout the process, I have encountered statistics and read stories that make my stomach turn. With the divorce rate currently hovering between 43 to 50 percent, it is clear that the American family is in a state of crisis. Though I am aware that several factors can be attributed to the soaring rate of divorce, I agree with countless others that the no-fault divorce has had the largest amount of influence. Between 1960 and 1980, the divorce rate skyrocketed from 393,000 divorces and annulments to a staggering 1,189,000. Why is this? Because if a married man or woman wishes to divorce their spouse they are able to do just that, without any grounds for doing so.
With that being said, the current state of marriage is of serious concern to my generation as we are among the next to take the symbolic walk down the aisle. I cannot count the number of conversations that I have engaged in with my closest friends expressing how we do not want our marriages to end in yet another statistic.
However, after exploring your website, I realized that through your organization I can personally make a difference. After all, Americans for Divorce Reform, comprised of ordinary members of society, has set out to inform the public, law makers, and the media with what is wrong with divorce.
It would truly be an honor to support Americans for Divorce Reform in any way that you deem effective. In a morally corrupt world, it is encouraging to come across organizations like yours trying to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Ashley White
My Letter to Attorney Fetman:
Fetman, Garland, & Associates, LTD
Attn: Attorney Corri Fetman33 W. Jackson Street, Ste. 200
Chicago, IL 60604
April 25, 2008
Dear Attorney Fetman:
I recently came across an article published on the ABC news website regarding a certain controversial billboard which your law firm designed last year. My interest was immediately sparked as I have spent the past several weeks researching divorce laws and statistics for my freshman research paper titled, Finding Fault with No-Fault Divorce.
Throughout the process, I have encountered statistics and read stories that make my stomach turn. With the divorce rate currently hovering between 43 to 50 percent, it is clear that the American family is in a state of crisis. Though I am aware that several factors can be attributed to the soaring rate of divorce, I agree with countless others that the no-fault divorce has had the largest amount of influence. Between 1960 and 1980, the divorce rate skyrocketed from 393,000 divorces and annulments to a staggering 1,189,000. Why is this? Because if a married man or woman wishes to divorce their spouse they are able to do just that, without any grounds for doing so.
This is, where I believe, your billboard stepped in. The sign, which read “Life’s short. Get a divorce,” featured images of a lingerie-clad, large-breasted woman and a six pack sporting stud, and yet you comment that you “are absolutely not trivializing [marriage].” Well, I beg to differ. The advertisement, which you intended to be lighthearted, succeeded in turning such a heavy topic into a ball of fluff.
As a child, I watched my father walk out on my mother not once, but twice. While staring at the images on your billboard, I cannot help but imagine a younger version of myself clutching onto my father as he is leaving the house. Going out and scoring a sexy partner half your age, as your sign clearly suggested, did not make my father any happier, nor can it possibly serve as a magic elixir to anyone else contemplating divorce. There are no “trade ups” in marriage.
Yes, when the “for worse” arises in marriages, divorce is the popular solution before either mate parts. Such an attitude as your billboard projected adds fuel to this rapidly increasing fire. On the contrary, being encouraged to rekindle the spark that was once flaming in the relationship is what can make rich.
Sincerely,
Ashley White
Attn: Attorney Corri Fetman33 W. Jackson Street, Ste. 200
Chicago, IL 60604
April 25, 2008
Dear Attorney Fetman:
I recently came across an article published on the ABC news website regarding a certain controversial billboard which your law firm designed last year. My interest was immediately sparked as I have spent the past several weeks researching divorce laws and statistics for my freshman research paper titled, Finding Fault with No-Fault Divorce.
Throughout the process, I have encountered statistics and read stories that make my stomach turn. With the divorce rate currently hovering between 43 to 50 percent, it is clear that the American family is in a state of crisis. Though I am aware that several factors can be attributed to the soaring rate of divorce, I agree with countless others that the no-fault divorce has had the largest amount of influence. Between 1960 and 1980, the divorce rate skyrocketed from 393,000 divorces and annulments to a staggering 1,189,000. Why is this? Because if a married man or woman wishes to divorce their spouse they are able to do just that, without any grounds for doing so.
This is, where I believe, your billboard stepped in. The sign, which read “Life’s short. Get a divorce,” featured images of a lingerie-clad, large-breasted woman and a six pack sporting stud, and yet you comment that you “are absolutely not trivializing [marriage].” Well, I beg to differ. The advertisement, which you intended to be lighthearted, succeeded in turning such a heavy topic into a ball of fluff.
As a child, I watched my father walk out on my mother not once, but twice. While staring at the images on your billboard, I cannot help but imagine a younger version of myself clutching onto my father as he is leaving the house. Going out and scoring a sexy partner half your age, as your sign clearly suggested, did not make my father any happier, nor can it possibly serve as a magic elixir to anyone else contemplating divorce. There are no “trade ups” in marriage.
Yes, when the “for worse” arises in marriages, divorce is the popular solution before either mate parts. Such an attitude as your billboard projected adds fuel to this rapidly increasing fire. On the contrary, being encouraged to rekindle the spark that was once flaming in the relationship is what can make rich.
Sincerely,
Ashley White
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Annotated Bibliographies . . .
The following is my reaction to the three sources which I chose:
After reading the ABC news article “Billboard Jungle: Chicago Divorce Ad Comes Down,” I was appalled. As a professional, Attorney Corri Fetman should act as such. Her sign, which was “supposed to be lighthearted,” succeeded in turning such a heavy topic into fluff. As my parents split three years ago, I saw first hand just how devastating divorce is to the couple in question. Going out and scoring a sexy partner half your age, as the sign suggests, cannot possibly bring true happiness to the table. Being encouraged to rekindle the spark that was once flaming in the relationship is what makes rich. There are no “trade-ups” in marriage.
I feel that the Americans for Divorce Reform online brochure is extremely effective because it does not point fingers at anyone for the rising divorce rate. For example, the brochure states that when no-fault divorce was presented, no one had the slightest clue as to what it would do. However, now that society has seen the effects of no-fault divorce, the Americans for Divorce Reform invites those who are opposed to join their ranks and fight for a change in the law. It is their goal to inform the public, lawmakers, and media what is wrong with divorce through statistics, analysis, and drafting. Americans for Divorce Reform hope to reach enough people so as to make a difference in every state, with your help.
Maggie Gallagher, President of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, has a motto which reads, “strengthening marriage for a new generation.” As my generation is next in line to walk down the aisle, I can really appreciate Ms. Gallagher’s mission to strengthen marriage as a social institution. With the divorce rate so high, I am personally afraid to get married. I do not want my marriage to result in a divorce as my parent’s did. Thankfully, Ms. Gallagher and the rest of the members of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy are constantly in the media educating Americans on the importance of marriage.
After reading the ABC news article “Billboard Jungle: Chicago Divorce Ad Comes Down,” I was appalled. As a professional, Attorney Corri Fetman should act as such. Her sign, which was “supposed to be lighthearted,” succeeded in turning such a heavy topic into fluff. As my parents split three years ago, I saw first hand just how devastating divorce is to the couple in question. Going out and scoring a sexy partner half your age, as the sign suggests, cannot possibly bring true happiness to the table. Being encouraged to rekindle the spark that was once flaming in the relationship is what makes rich. There are no “trade-ups” in marriage.
I feel that the Americans for Divorce Reform online brochure is extremely effective because it does not point fingers at anyone for the rising divorce rate. For example, the brochure states that when no-fault divorce was presented, no one had the slightest clue as to what it would do. However, now that society has seen the effects of no-fault divorce, the Americans for Divorce Reform invites those who are opposed to join their ranks and fight for a change in the law. It is their goal to inform the public, lawmakers, and media what is wrong with divorce through statistics, analysis, and drafting. Americans for Divorce Reform hope to reach enough people so as to make a difference in every state, with your help.
Maggie Gallagher, President of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, has a motto which reads, “strengthening marriage for a new generation.” As my generation is next in line to walk down the aisle, I can really appreciate Ms. Gallagher’s mission to strengthen marriage as a social institution. With the divorce rate so high, I am personally afraid to get married. I do not want my marriage to result in a divorce as my parent’s did. Thankfully, Ms. Gallagher and the rest of the members of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy are constantly in the media educating Americans on the importance of marriage.
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